north east usa road trip itinerary

Kate Abroad

The Ultimate 10 Day Northeast USA Itinerary (+ 1 and 2 week options)

Thinking of visiting the Northeastern Region of the USA? Look no further than this 10 day Northeastern USA travel itinerary.

The Northeast region of the United States is a beautiful and historically rich area that offers a ton of unique travel experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring bustling cities, enjoying the great outdoors, or soaking up some American history, there’s something for everyone in the Northeast.

With so many incredible destinations to choose from, planning the perfect itinerary can be overwhelming. But don’t stress, in this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of planning your Northeast USA travel itinerary. We’ll cover all the must-see destinations, the best times to visit, and plenty of tips to help you make the most of your trip.

From the stunning fall foliage in New England to the towering skyscrapers of New York City, the Northeast has it all. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoors enthusiast, the Northeast is sure to exceed your expectations. So block out your calendar and get ready to explore the very best that the Northeastern USA has to offer!

First a note: these itineraries all start in New York because for international travellers that’s typically the cheapest place to fly in and out of with the most airports and flight options. However, if you’re already in the USA or not concerned about flight costs, it would make sense to start at Boston (the northernmost point on the itinerary) and work your way south or vice versa.

How to get around the Northeastern USA

This itinerary is designed so that you can do it either as a 10 day Northeast USA road trip or travel by bus or train if you prefer not to drive. I’ve personally done it both ways and can tell you the trains are the easiest and most affordable way to get around in the Northeast.

All of the destinations on these itineraries (including the 1 and 2 week options) are along Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train route so you don’t even need to worry about train connections. Most trains stations in the Northeast are right in the center of each city, so you can walk straight off the train and start exploring.

The 10 Day Northeast USA road/train trip itinerary

Days 1-3: new york.

There’s no better place to start a USA road trip than the Big Apple, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of…. While you can (and I have) easily spend a week or more in NYC, 3 days is a good amount of time to see the highlights and get a taste.

It can be overwhelming to know where to start so to make it easy I recommend dedicating one day to each of Midtown and Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Day 1 – Midtown Manhattan: Start your day in Times Square, the bustling heart of Midtown Manhattan. There’s no better place to take in the bright lights and energy of the city. Here, you can shop at the many stores and boutiques (don’t miss the 3 storey M&Ms store) and grab breakfast or coffee at one of the many cafes.

From there, head to the  Empire State Building , where you can take in breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck. Next, visit the iconic Grand Central Terminal, one of the busiest train stations in the world and a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture.

End your day with a visit to Central Park, the iconic park that spans 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan. Here, you can have a picnic, go for a jog, rent a boat, or simply relax and people watch. It’s not advised to do a carriage ride as some horses may be mistreated.

Day 2 – Downtown Manhattan: Start your day in Battery Park, where you can catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You have the option of either the free Staten Island Ferry that goes past Liberty Island or the  paid Statue Cruises that lets you get off on Liberty Island, I’ve done both and the paid version is worth the money.

Afterward, take a stroll through the historic Financial District, where you can see the New York Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull statue, and the extremely moving 9/11 Memorial.

If you’re keen for more views you can head up the One World Trade Center Observatory, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

End your day with a stroll through the trendy neighborhoods of SoHo and Greenwich Village, where you can shop, dine, and people-watch to your heart’s content.

Day 3 – Brooklyn and Uptown: On the last day in NYC, make your way across the Brooklyn Bridge, walk around the waterfront with its panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, get your photos in DUMBO and eat your way through Time Out Market.

If you have extra time, explore the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or visit the Brooklyn Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

Then spend the afternoon taking in thousands of years of art at The Met and seeing how the other half live on the Upper East Side.

From there, take a subway ride up to Harlem, where you can explore the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage, visit the famous Apollo Theater, and grab dinner at one of the many soul food restaurants.

To help save money on attractions, try a  Go City pass . They have 2 and 3 day all-inclusive passes that would be perfect for this itinerary –  click here to see how you can save .

Finally, don’t forget to make time for plenty of pizza slices, bagels, pretzels and hot dogs!

• Luxury:  Kixby
• Mid-range:  Hotel Indigo Downtown
• Budget:  HI USA Hostel

Click here to compare NYC accommodation prices on Booking.com

Day 4-5: Boston

Drive: 220 miles – approx. 3.5 hours

Train: Amtrak Northeast Regional from Moynihan Train Hall – approx. 4 hours

After the craziness of New York, head up north to the relative calm of Boston, Massachusetts. Boston is a city steeped in history and culture but despite its historic nature the crazy number of universities in Boston means the city has a very young, fun vibe. With world-class museums, delicious food, and beautiful parks, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Start your trip with a walk along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route that takes you through some of Boston’s most important historic sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the USS Constitution Museum. Along the way, you’ll learn about the events leading up to the American Revolution and the role Boston played in shaping the country’s history.

There are plenty of  walking tours available  but I’d recommend just downloading an audio guide for the Freedom Trail and going at your own pace. And don’t miss the Boston Public Library, it might not be on the Freedom Trail but it was my favourite spot.

Next, head over to the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can explore over 450,000 works of art from around the world. The museum’s collections range from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, and there’s something for every taste and interest.

If you’re a sports fan, make sure to catch a game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. And if baseball isn’t your thing, try an ice hockey game, I can promise it will make for a memorable experience.

For foodies, Boston is a paradise with both fresh New England seafood and quality Italian cuisine on offer. Make sure to try the city’s signature clam chowder and lobster rolls as well as Boston cream pie (go to Omni Parker House for the original version), and cannoli from Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry in the North End.

Finally, take a stroll through the beautiful Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country. With over 50 acres of green space, the park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.

On your second day in Boston, head out to Cambridge to see the Harvard campus (students run  walking tours ) and try some of the fun student bars.

If you have extra time, you can take the train out to Salem to explore the witchy museums and filming locations. It’s only a short ride from North Station or you can take a  day tour from Boston . 

• Luxury:  The Liberty Hotel
• Mid-range:  Revolution Hotel
• Budget:  Found Boston Common

Click here to compare Boston accommodation prices on Booking.com

Day 6: Providence/Newport

Drive: 50 miles – approx. 1 hour

Train: Amtrak Northeast Regional from Back Bay or South Boston and local bus to Newport – approx. 2 hours total

Rhode Island, the smallest state in the USA, might not be on every Northeast itinerary but it’s very much worth a visit.  

Providence itself is quite a small town with a very compact city centre. There are a couple of decent things to do in Providence itself, including visiting the Rhode Island State Capitol – unlike the one in DC, here you’re allowed to just wander around at will and see all the rooms – and the Brown University campus.

However, the number one reason for coming to Providence is because it’s the gateway to Newport, which you’ll want to dedicate most of the day to seeing. 

Newport is a beautiful seaside town full of cute boutiques and restaurants, but its biggest draw is the Gilded Age mansions.  These homes are straight out of The Great Gatsby, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of America’s wealthiest families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These grand estates are designed to feel very like European palaces with grand ballrooms, ornate gardens, and stunning ocean views. You can tour these mansions and learn about the families who lived there, including the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans. I recommend picking 2-3 and using the audio tours which are included with your tickets and are super informative.

While you’re in Newport check out the Cliff Walk, a stunning (but windy) hike along the ocean. Warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate or some of the famous New England clam chowder.

• Luxury:  The Beatrice
• Mid-range:  Graduate Providence
• Budget:  Courtyard by Marriott Providence Downtown

Click here to compare Providence accommodation prices on Booking.com

Days 7-8: Philadelphia 

Drive: 300 miles – approx. 4.5 hours

Train: Amtrak Northeast Regional from Providence – approx. 5.5 hours

When in Philadelphia, the must-visit attraction is Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. To visit, you’ll need to book tickets through the National Parks website several weeks (ideally months) in advance of your trip as numbers are strictly limited and security is tight.

Even if you miss out on tickets to Independence Hall you can still line up to go see the Liberty Bell across the street and wander through the remains of George Washington’s house.

Next head across town to another of Philadelphia awesome free attractions, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This beautiful neoclassical building boasts works from van Gogh and Monet, among many many others.

Finish the day with a visit to the Eastern State Penitentiary, one of the most famous and haunted prisons in the world. The prison’s notable inmates, include Al Capone and the bank robber “Slick Willie”. If you’re brave enough, sign up for the night tour to discover the spookiest stories from the prison’s history.

Start your second day in Philadelphia with a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution , where you can learn about the events leading up to the American Revolution and the impact it had on the country and the world. The museum features interactive exhibits, including a replica of a colonial-era privateer ship and Goerge Washington’s tent. We enjoyed the short talks from the educators explaining the artefacts in each room.

If you’re a really dedicated fan of America history you can also head over to the Betsy Ross House, where the first American flag was allegedly sewn and take a guided tour of the house to learn about the life of Betsy Ross and the history of the flag.

For lunch head to the Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in the country. This is a food’es paradise and the place to go to try local dishes including Philly cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, and Amish donuts.

If you haven’t succumbed to a food coma then spend the rest of the day strolling through the historic district and waterfront, where you can see many other historic sites, including Franklin Court, site of Benjamin Franklin’s home.

• Luxury:  The Franklin on Rittenhouse
• Mid-range:  The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square
• Budget:  Apple Hostels of Philadelphia

Click here to compare Philly accommodation prices on Booking.com

Days 9-10: Washington DC

Drive: 150 miles – approx. 2.5 hours

Train: Amtrak Northeast Regional from Philadelphia 30 th  Street – approx. 2 hours

There’s no better place to wrap up your vacation in the Northeast United States than in the nation’s capital: Washington, D.C.

One of the best things about visiting D.C. is how much you can do for free. The city is home to countless museums, galleries, monuments, and historic buildings that are open to the public.

However, one important piece of advice: it’s essential to plan ahead and book your visits. Many places will book out months in advance, and even those that allow some walk-ins will often require you to spend a long time queuing outside which is no fun in the heat/wind/rain.

If you’re hoping to tour the White House, don’t expect it to be easy. The booking process requires US residents to apply through their local congressman process. The White House website suggests that foreigners can apply through their embassy, but we found that our embassies weren’t even taking bookings.

The Capitol, on the other hand, is much easier to get into, you do need to book but they can get large numbers of visitors through in a day so it’s not hard to get tickets. The Capitol is a must-do. You can’t see in the actual Senate or House chambers but the beautiful rotunda and National Statuary Hall are well worth it in themselves, we loved seeing the statues each state had chosen to donate.

Continuing on the must-see attractions in D.C., walking along the National Mall is a must. This beautiful parkland features the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and a variety of other monuments and memorials.

If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the National Gallery. This beautiful museum houses tons of amazing artworks including one by Leonardo Da Vinci. Whatever your interests, D.C. is sure to delight and inspire you with its wealth of cultural and historic offerings.

• Luxury:  Eaton DC
• Mid-range:  Lyle DC
• Budget:  Hotel Harrington

Click here to compare DC accommodation prices on Booking.com

Alternative: 1 week Northeast USA itinerary 

This shortened itinerary is very action-packed, suited to fast-paced travellers and those who want to see as much as possible in one trip. 

• Philadelphia
• Washington DC

Alternative: 2 week Northeast USA itinerary 

This extended itinerary fits even more in, while also allowing some extra time in the top destinations for those who prefer to take things at a slower pace. 

• Providence/Newport

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Northeastern USA

True to the name, the Northeast covers the area from the Canadian border in the North down to (depending on who you ask) Washington DC on the Virginia border and inland as far as the Ohio border including 11 states.

To avoid the summer crowds and the freezing Northeastern winters, the best time to visit is in late spring (May-June) and early fall (October-November), these are also good times to catch the cherry blossoms or the fall foliage respectively.

For a first-time visitor, 10 days is enough time to see the highlights of the American Northeast but if you can stay a full 2 weeks you’ll get to see even more.

In Short: 10 Days in the Northeastern USA

It’s hard to narrow down the best parts of the Northeast to a short itinerary as there’s so much to see and do and there’s no wrong way to see this part of the USA. Hopefully, these Northeast USA itineraries give you some inspiration to get started!

For more USA travel inspiration, check out these articles:

• East Coast Road Trip Itinerary
• One Week in Los Angeles Itinerary
• Best Midwest Holiday Destinations

Happy travelling!

USA Travel Resources

• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Find tickets for attractions and awesome day tours on Viator
• Save $$$ on attractions in NYC, LA, Miami and more with a Go City Pass
• Compare prices on cars and campervans at RentalCars.com
• Sort your US dollars with a Wise currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

Similar Posts

Unforgettable Florida Vacation Spots to Book in 2024

Are you looking for some of the best Florida vacation spots to start planning a trip this year? Welcome to the Sunshine State USA, where sandy beaches, thrilling attractions, and…

The Perfect 4 Days in Miami Itinerary for 2024

Wondering what to do with 4 days in Miami? There’s so much that could easily fill this time and more so this guide is here to help you get the…

Ultimate 4 Days in San Diego Itinerary for 2024

Are you wondering what to do with just 4 days in San Diego? This itinerary will hit all the highlights and ensure that you see the very best that San…

5 Days in San Francisco Itinerary for 2024

Wondering what to do with 5 days in San Francisco? This San Francisco 5 day itinerary has you covered and some. Spending nearly a week in an area is a…

Ultimate 3 Week East Coast USA Itinerary (+ 2 and 4 week options)

The USA is not a small country so if you’re planning a trip it’s best to focus on one region and this 3 week East Coast USA itinerary is a…

9 Best Beaches in Northeast Florida for 2024

While you’ll find plenty of beautiful vacation spots in the sunshine state the beaches in northeast Florida along the Atlantic coast are truly some of the best in the USA….

• Getting Your Car Ready
• Preparing for the Weather
• 8 Helpful Apps for a Road Trip
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Taking a Road Trip With Kids
• Planning a Solo Road Trip
• How to Plan a Camping Road Trip
• Planning a Stargazing Road Trip
• 10 Helpful Budget Tips
• Calculating the Cost of Gas
• Budget for a 3-Day Road Trip
• Best Road Trip Route By Interest
• Mississippi River Road Trip
• Atlantic Coast Road Trip
• Southern US Road Trip
• Northern US Road Trip
• Pacific Coast Road Trip
• US Route 12
• Northeastern US Routes
• Rocky Mountain Destinations
• Warm-Weather Road Trip
• The Longest Highway in the US
• Car Rental Companies
• Best Audio Books
• Must-Have Emergency Supplies
• Family Road Trip Toys and Games
• Car Bike Racks
• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Inspiration

10 Top Road Trip Routes in the Northeastern US

The United States abounds with scenic routes and picturesque drives , but the beauty of the Northeast offers landscapes you can't see anywhere else in the country. Chasing rivers and scaling mountains, they wind through the country's most adorable small towns and along its most storied coastline. As the East Coast is famous for its fiery autumn colors, many of these trips are especially striking during the fall . However, each season offers something uniquely enjoyable and you can enjoy these drives at any time of the year.

Read on to find inspiration for your next Northeast road trip.

Upper Delaware River Valley

If you've seen those car commercials that show a slick vehicle navigating a wildly undulating mountain road, there's a good chance it was State Route 97 in the Upper Delaware River Valley of Upstate New York. This twisting highway traces the Delaware River, which forms a natural border between New York State and Pennsylvania. The most famous part is a section known as the Hawk's Nest, which covers the 70 miles from Point Jervis to Hancock. It takes about an hour and a half to complete the route, so even though it isn't the fastest way to travel between the cities, it's undoubtedly the prettiest.

Apart from the stomach-churning turns and breathtaking views, travelers should also stop at landmarks along the route including the Minisink Battleground Park , which hosted a skirmish during the Revolutionary War, and Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct , a canal bridge and engineering marvel built in 1848.

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park in Upstate New York has been nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East" for its dramatic gorge that drops 600 feet into the Genesee River below. The best place to get into the park is at the southern entrance in the town of Portageville, which is just over an hour from either Rochester or Buffalo . You can drive the length of the entire park and come out at the north end, which isn't even 20 miles long. But factor in plenty of time for pulling over, taking pictures, and hiking around the gorge. You'll see plenty of waterfalls during your trip through Letchworth, but if they leave you wanting more, Niagara Falls is just an hour and a half away by car.

The Adirondacks

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

In the remote northeastern part of New York's Adirondack Park , there are 46 rounded peaks that soar roughly 4,000 feet or more toward the sky, but you don't need to hike them for glorious views. This scenic drive starts in North Creek, New York—about an hour and a half north of Albany. From North Creek, drive on Route 28N as it loops around through the forest and mountains. Once you reach Blue Mountain Lake, Route 28N turns into Route 28S, but continue weaving through the many charming lakes until you reach Old Forge. The entire route is nearly 90 miles and has plenty of opportunities for stopping the car and enjoying nature.

Along the way, allow time for a scenic Gondola Skyride at Gore Mountain. And don't miss the splendid Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake , a sprawling complex that brings to life the people who've explored, settled, and cherished this wilderness. It's one of the top things to do in New York State .

The Vermont Shore

Yes, Vermont has a coast: a freshwater one along Lake Champlain. And the town of Shelburne—just a few miles south of Burlington —is a picturesque spot to start a drive that affords fabulous views of the lake and its majestic backdrop, the Adirondack Mountains across the border in New York.

Start at ​ Shelburne Farms , a 1,400-acre working farm built on Lake Champlain as a model agricultural estate in the late 19th century. Pick up Route 7 South to Mount Philo State Park  in Charlotte, where you can drive to the summit for panoramic lake views. Continue on Route 7 South to Route 22A through Vergennes and out to Button Bay State Park . Once there, you can hike along a bluff overlooking Lake Champlain or even rent a boat and get out on the water. Not including time out of the car, the drive should take just about an hour.

The Mohawk Trail

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

A path blazed by five Native American tribes became New England's first official scenic route in 1914. Automobiles have come a long way since then, but the 63-mile Mohawk Trail—Route 2 between Williamstown and Athol in Western Massachusetts —still leads to bucolic scenes that seem little altered over the past century. Famous for its sharp Hairpin Turn, which looks out over the Hoosac Valley, it's a drive you'll particularly want to savor in the fall . Allow time to hike a portion of the Mahican-Mohawk Trail that runs through the Mohawk Trail State Forest in Charlemont. It follows the original footpath trod by New England's earliest inhabitants.

The Kancamagus Highway

New England's ultimate scenic route—especially in the fall—is the 34.5 miles of Route 112 between Conway and Lincoln, New Hampshire. Known by its Native American name, the Kancamagus Highway (pronounced kank-ah-MAU-gus but called "the Kanc" by locals) was completed in 1959, connecting these towns on the east and west sides of the 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest . There are overlooks, hiking opportunities, historic sites, and campgrounds along this famed roadway, but even if you just motor through (be prepared to ride your brakes when fall traffic peaks), you'll be thrilled by the views of densely forested mountains and the boulder-strewn Swift River.

Connecticut's National Scenic Byway

Think of this as your "serenity now" route. Connecticut's first National Scenic Byway—Route 169 from North Woodstock to Lisbon—is a supreme leaf-peeping route that glides for 30 miles past farmlands, stone walls, and nearly 200 homes built before the Civil War. Worthy stops on your trip include Historic New England's Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret for lore and hiking, and Martha's Herbary in Pomfret for aromatic gifts. Time your drive to coincide with the Brooklyn Fair , the oldest continuously-held agricultural fair in the U.S., which takes place in late August each year.

Narragansett Bay

Kim Knox Beckius

Set your GPS for 1460 Ocean Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island, and begin this road trip at one of New England's prettiest lighthouses: Point Judith Lighthouse . Although you can't venture inside, you can stroll the grounds of this still-active beacon built in 1857. From here, you'll follow Ocean Road north to Narragansett Town Beach , where surfers ride vigorous waves year-round. The Towers —all that remains of the Gilded Age Narragansett Pier Casino—provide an enchanting backdrop. Drive Route 1A North, and you'll pass Historic New England's Casey Farm , established in 1750 and still operating and open for tours.

From there, take Route 138 East across the Jamestown Bridge, exit onto Conanicut Island, and follow local roads south to Beavertail State Park on Beavertail Road. Here, you'll see the 1856 stone Beavertail Lighthouse and you can venture inside the museum in the assistant keeper's house. Look east, and you'll bring your lighthouse count up to three: Castle Hill Light is visible in the distance.

Massachusetts' Coastline

If you're a fan of fried clams, lobster, and fresh fish, this is the road trip for you. It starts in Gloucester, Massachusetts —the oldest seaport in the U.S.—and follows Route 127A to Route 127 along the coast north of Boston . It then turns inland toward Essex on Route 133 and north once again on Route 1 to Newburyport . Along the way, you'll see Gloucester's Good Harbor Beach, one of the prettiest in New England, and the petite fishing village of Rockport, where the art scene thrives.

You'll be distracted at practically every turn by seafood shacks, but you may want to save your appetite for Essex, where fried clams were invented by Chubby Woodman. His descendants still prepare them the same way at Woodman's of Essex , and some say the golden beauties at The Clam Box up the road in Ipswich are even better, so you'll want to try both. If you're still hungry when you reach Newburyport, finish with a scenic drive along Plum Island, stopping at the no-frills but delicious Bob Lobster on the way. The entire drive is about 45 miles.

Acadia's Park Loop Road

www.cfwphotography.com/Getty Images

The 27-mile Park Loop Road through Maine's Acadia National Park is as exhilarating a drive as you'll find anywhere. Even though it's not a long route, expect to spend at least three to four hours driving, including stops to get out and enjoy the scenery (it can be even longer during the busy summer months due to traffic). The Atlantic waves crashing against the forests make for a truly dramatic landscape, made all the better by the towering Cadillac Mountain—and you can drive to the summit. This national park does charge an entrance fee, but your admission is good for seven days of visits, so make the most of your visit by staying nearby or even camping in the park.

The Mohawk Trail Association. "More Than a Trail... A Journey." Accessed September 11, 2022.

Related Articles

More related articles.

The Ultimate New England Road Trip Itinerary for All 6 States ❤️

• Latest Posts

• 21 Family Vacations in New England for Every Season (2024) - February 26, 2024
• 15 Wonderful Weekend Getaways in Maine (2024) - February 3, 2024
• 33 Best Beach Towns in New England to Visit in 2024 🌊 - January 28, 2024

Are you planning the ultimate New England road trip? Let me help! After exploring New England for more than 20 years, I have put together this comprehensive guide to exploring the region. The best way to see New England is by car, and this 2-3 week itinerary offers a grand tour of New England, covering the best places to visit , especially for first-time visitors.

Spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, this itinerary shows you the best of New England, from quaint coastal towns to lush mountain landscapes. The itinerary is also well-paced to allow you to spend time seeing the sites, enjoy local activities, and cross items off your New England bucket list . And, the itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to your needs, interests, and desired trip length.

Whether you’re in for the full journey or seeking shorter road trip variations (I’ve included those, too!), this guide caters to your wanderlust, ensuring a memorable and personalized exploration of New England’s beauty. Let’s go!

PS: Pop this New England playlist on—it’s perfect for a road trip!

Table of Contents

New England Road Trip FAQ

When’s the best time of year to road trip new england.

New England is gorgeous in all seasons, but for the easiest driving (and best New England road tripping experiences), summer and fall are ideal.

If you want the fall foliage experience, late September and early October are the key weeks to plan for. Of course, these times of years are also peak tourist season, so expect more traffic and higher hotel prices.

(PS: If you want to do a shorter road trip or a route that’s perfect for fall, check out my 7 day New England Fall Road Trip itinerary!

One of my favorite times of the year in New England is mid to late May. The weather is beautiful, and the region’s roads and attractions are generally less busy. The budding greenery is especially gorgeous and fresh, too.

Early September can also be lovely, just after kids have returned to school and summer has ended. Expect crisp temperatures and leaves just beginning to change colors.

A winter road trip may be doable, but remember, New England can be quite snowy, so you’ll want to have a reliable vehicle outfitted with snow tires, and you’ll need to stay aware of changing weather conditions and road closures.

How many days do you need for a road trip to New England?

You need 2-3 weeks for a comprehensive road trip around New England. This is the ideal amount of time needed to cover the major highlights of all six New England states.

If you don’t have that much time, you can still pack a lot into a shorter trip. A minimum of 7 to 10 days is ideal for a thorough yet relaxed New England road trip. For a 7-10 day trip, consider my Southern or Northern New England itineraries, or do shorter segments of the full 2-3 week itinerary.

Where should I start my road trip through New England?

I’ve started this New England travel itinerary in Boston, as it’s the biggest city in New England and home to a major airport, Boston Logan International. This airport is easy to fly into and rent a vehicle. Boston is also a great destination on its own, so my itinerary includes a couple days exploring the city.

Ps: Ready to rent a car for your New England drive? Click here to find the best rates on rental cars !

The Perfect New England Road Trip Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: boston, massachusetts.

You’ll start your New England excursion from Boston, Massachusetts: an absolutely fantastic city.

Boston is a well-known place that’s filled to the brim with history. From famous historical events like the Boston Tea Party to its reputation as a modern-day sports town, you’ll never be bored here.

Some great things to do in Boston :

• Visit the North End and dine on amazing Italian food . Don’t miss grabbing cannoli from Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry.
• Stroll around quaint Beacon Hill
• Tempt your taste buds with a Boston Food Tour
• Go shopping on classy Newbury Street
• Follow the Freedom Trail to learn Boston’s revolutionary history
• Join an expert-led walking tour for a more in-depth experience of the city
• Check out one of the many great Boston museums, including the Museum of Science which I especially love
• Join a Boston Duck Tour and ride in one of the famous amphibious vehicles

Hotel Suggestion in Boston: Fairmont Copley Plaza

Need more guidance for Boston? Check out my post on The Top Things to Do in Boston for first timers , and I’ve also got some recommendations on where to grab coffee, breakfast , a beer, or a bite to eat in Boston , too !

PS: Looking for a shorter road trip from Boston? Check out my New England trip itinerary focusing on the journey from Boston to Acadia National Park .

Days 3 & 4: Newport, Rhode Island

On Day 3, drive from Boston to Newport. This is a straightforward route, with about 2 hours of drive time. Glitz and glamour. That’s what you’ll find in Newport, Rhode Island. This town is perhaps best known for its iconic Gilded Age mansions . These opulent buildings were once the summer cottages of America’s rich and famous families.

Today, many of them have been converted into museums that you can wander through and admire some of New England’s opulence past.

Some of my favorite things to do in Newport:

• Visit a mansion or two. I recommend The Breakers if you only have time for one of Newport’s mansions
• Hop on this fun Gilded Age Mansions Tour, which takes you around via trolley
• Stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk
• Dine at the White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest operating restaurant

Hotel Suggestion in Newport: Hotel Viking

For further Newport ideas : Click here to read more about the top things to do in Newport, including beaches, restaurants, hotels , and vacation rentals too!

READ NEXT   15 Festive Things to Do for Christmas in Newport RI

Day 5: Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic, Connecticut is a wonderful little seaside town that feels like a must-do on a New England adventure. It is one of my favorite places in New England, and there is plenty to do here: history, culture, art, sailing. And, for seafood lovers, Mystic’s coastal location offers a variety of delicious seafood dining options

Like pretty much every other scenic New England town, there’s a cute little downtown area with great shopping, dining, and activities.

A few terrific things to do in Mystic:

• Explore Mystic Seaport , a historic shipyard and museum destination you could spend hours touring
• Watch the Mystic drawbridge (the Mystic River Bascule Bridge) go up, especially while enjoying some Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream !
• See the adorable beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium
• Browse the epic shops in Olde Mystick Village including my personal favorite: Alice’s Haunted Little Bookshop

Hotel recommendation for Mystic: The Whaler’s Inn

Further reading on Mystic: Check out my tips for all the fun things to do , best restaurants to eat at , and the best places to stay in Mystic!

READ NEXT   25 Best Beach Towns in New England for Coastal Fun

Day 6: Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

As you roadtrip New England, your next destination is the enchanting Litchfield Hills . This is another easy drive day, as the distance from Mystic to the Litchfield region is a short 2 hours. And if you’re traveling in the fall, the Connecticut fall foliage along this route creates a magical backdrop. To me, this area in the northwest corner of the state is a hidden gem .

Here you’ll find all the classic New England pastimes you know and love. In particular, there is an abundance of outdoor activities (hiking, paddling, fishing) as well as exceptional antique shops.

The Litchfield Hills make up a large portion of this region, and include towns such as Torrington, Woodbury, Kent, Cornwall, and Washington (very English sounding names, aren’t they?)

A few excellent things to do in the Litchfield Hills:

• Live out your Gilmore Girls Dreams. This region is well known for being the inspiration for the iconic tv show that perfectly encapsulates New England small town charm .
• Grab ice cream from Arethusa Farm
• Go covered bridge chasing – Bulls Bridge in Kent has a worthwhile nearby hiking trail
• Hike to Campbell Falls, a beautiful waterfall (this trail technically takes you over the border into Massachusetts, too, so it’s a 2-for-1!)

Recommended hotel in the Litchfield Hills: The Mayflower Inn & Spa : legend has it that it was the inspiration for Lorelei Gilmore’s inn, the Dragonfly.

READ NEXT   18 Wonderful Weekend Getaways from Boston

Day 7: Lenox, Massachusetts

Continue on your New England road trip into the Berkshires of Massachusetts . Here you will encounter art, nature, and culture combined. This region has been very popular among vacationers for many years.  And the town of Lenox is the center of it all.

Best things to do in Lenox:

• Enjoy a concert at the famous Tanglewood (these are a staple in summer, and you can hear everything from leading symphonies to folk singers like James Taylor
• Take in a performance at Shakespeare & Company. This theatre produces excellent shows; I’ve been twice!
• Take a hike on one of the area’s many scenic trails
• Step back in time at the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, a 1890s home that’s open for tours.
• If you are interested in literature, you may also wish to stop by the Mount, Edith Wharton’s turn-of-the-century estate.

Where to stay in Lenox:

More resources for your trip to Lenox and the Berkshires: 🍁 Best Restaurants in Lenox 🍁 10 Charming Cabins in the Berkshires 🍁 Best Hikes in the Berkshires

Day 8: Manchester, Vermont

Finally, you’ve made it into the spectacular state of Vermont (my personal favorite, if you couldn’t tell). It’s a fairly easy drive from the Berkshires in Massachusetts up to Manchester in the southwestern corner of Vermont, only a couple of hours. And this is another route that is especially glorious if you opt to do a New England fall road trip .

Manchester is one of the most beautiful places in Vermont, marrying quaint village charm with touches of modern luxury. It’s no surprise that it’s very popular among travelers.

Some of my favorite things to do in Manchester:

• Tour Hildene , the beautiful Lincoln family home (Yes, some of Abraham Lincoln’s children lived here!)
• Drive to the top of Mt. Equinox on Skyline Drive (or consider hiking the trail up to the summit)
• In the fall, pick pumpkins from the patch at Equinox Valley Nursery (and don’t miss the cider donuts!)
• Shop til you drop at Manchester’s many outlet stores
• Dine at the stately Ye Olde Tavern
• Pop into Northshire Bookstore , one of the leading independent bookstores in New England

Hotel Recommendation for Manchester: Kimpton Taconic Hotel

More resources on Manchester: Read my entire Manchester VT travel guide for more of the top Manchester activities, as well as these articles on the best restaurants , breakfast spots , and hotels in Manchester .

READ NEXT   25 Best Hikes in New England: New England Hiking Options for Everyone

PS: If you’re very interested in exploring Vermont, a trip through Manchester, Burlington, and Stowe make the ideal Vermont road trip itinerary .

Day 9: Burlington, Vermont

Just around 2 hours north of Manchester (taking the beautiful and scenic Route 7) you’ll find yourself in Burlington: Vermont’s biggest city. It’s also often mislabeled as Vermont’s capital, but that honor goes to Montpelier. Still, you’re likely to run into Bernie Sanders in either town!

Burlington is where my husband and I lived for several years. It’s a fantastic town that is hip, artsy, and full of good, local food . Seriously, in Vermont, you need to eat. There’s so much delicious cheese, coffee, beer, maple syrup, and much, much more.

To get you started on your culinary adventures, check out this post on my favorite Burlington breweries and bars , and this one on my beloved coffee shops. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy brunch in BTV . We do breakfast here right.

The gem of Burlington is Lake Champlain, the sprawling, sparkling lake that the city overlooks. Here is the chance to go sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, or take a ferry across to New York state.

If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, visit one of the many beautiful parks and natural areas. Burlington is amazing for outdoor activities. If you want to get moving, the Burlington Bike Path stretches for miles, hugging the lake’s edge. This is ideal for running or cycling. You can even rent bikes right on the bike path.

More epic things to do in Burlington VT:

• Sail on Lake Champlain on the Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise
• Walk down Church Street for shopping, eats, people-watching, and more
• Hike Mt. Philo, a nearby easy hike with the payoff of a fantastic view

Hotel recommendation in Burlington: Hotel Vermont

Even more resources for your Burlington trip:  🍁 21 Hikes Near Burlington VT to Add to Your Bucket List  🍁 10 Can’t-Miss Free Things to do in Burlington VT  🍁 9 Incredible Day Trips from Burlington VT 🍁 Where to Stay in Burlington VT in 2023: Best Burlington Hotels

PS: Considering visiting Burlington in 2024? It’s one of the cities that the total solar eclipse will pass fully over on April 8, 2024, so start planning ASAP!

Days 10 & 11: Stowe, Vermont

From Burlington, head south on I89 to Exit 10. From there, you’ll take the scenic Route 100 past Waterbury and out to Stowe. When people think of the classic Vermont places, they’re likely thinking of Stowe.

It’s absolutely gorgeous: a charming town surrounded by mountains. The short Main Street and its side streets boast a white-steepled church, an old-timey general store, and a ski museum.

Simply put, Stowe is adorable. I have been to Stowe countless times and I highly recommend it as one of the premier New England road trip destinations!

Wonderful things to do in Stowe:

• Traverse the trails and property at the Trapp Family Lodge , and grab a beer afterwards at their European-style brewery and Bierhall
• Shop the adorable shops on Main Street
• Visit a haunted covered bridge if you dare (Emily’s Bridge)
• Spend a day skiing on one of the area’s fantastic ski mountains
• One of my number one tips: on your way to Stowe, stop by Cold Hollow Cider Mill for all things apple (a must-visit in the fall) and the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory tour .

Where to stay in Stowe: Field Guide Lodge , Topnotch Resort , or the Trapp Family Lodge

More on Stowe: I have an entire post dedicated to Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont, the best restaurants , the best breakfast , the best hikes , the best hotels , everything!

READ NEXT   15 Gorgeous VRBO & Airbnb Stowe VT Vacation Rentals (2023)

READ NEXT   Stowe Vermont in Summer: 11 Fun Things to do for All Ages

Days 12 & 13: The White Mountains, New Hampshire

No adventure in New England could be complete without some mountain time. And this is especially true if you’re planning a New England fall road trip .

New Hampshire’s White Mountains are impressive and exciting. They’re the tallest in New England (with Mount Washington tallest of all) and offer spectacular hiking and more. There are several places you could base yourself during this portion of the road trip, but I recommend North Conway, Lincoln, or North Woodstock, as they each offer lots of amenities and accommodations, and are a reasonable distance from the most popular attractions in the region.

Unmissable things to do in the White Mountains:

• Take in some of the coolest natural wonders of the White Mountains , such as the Basin, a granite “pothole” that is found at the base of a waterfall in Franconia Notch State Park
• Go hiking! This is the #1 item on any New Hampshire bucket list . And here is a guide to some of the best hikes in New Hampshire .
• Meander through Flume Gorge. This is a natural ravine that formed over many years and now a hiking trail with a boardwalk passes through it. This is a wonderful hike with some amazing scenery. Another spot that is extra special with the fall foliage
• Clark’s Trading Post in Lincoln, an old-fashioned New Hampshire classic
• A scenic drive along The Kancamangus Highway. This epic stretch of road runs 26 miles between Lincoln and Conway and is one of New Hampshire’s most scenic roads . There are many great spots to stop and explore further and this is undoubtedly one of the best places to see New England fall foliage.
• Shop in North Conway, and don’t miss Zeb’s General Store for a taste of pure nostalgia.
• Tube or paddle in the Saco River. On a friend’s recent bachelorette party trip, we used Saco River Tubing and had an absolute blast!
• Near Bartlett you can stop by Diana’s Baths, a beautiful area of cascading waterfalls and gentle pools. On a hot summer’s day, it’s the perfect place to cool off.

Where to Stay in the White Mountains: Lumen Nature Retreat

More White Mountains travel guides:  🍁  Best Things to Do in North Conway, NH  🍁  Best Things to Do in Lincoln, NH  🍁  Best Things to Do in Franconia, NH  🍁  15 Amazing Cabins in the White Mountains, NH

READ NEXT   Your Guide to Mt Washington NH: The Highest Peak in the Northeast!

Days 14 & 15: Portland, Maine

Finally, the last state on the great New England road trip. This is Maine, “the way life should be.”

Maine is massive so there’s no way to do the state justice in this itinerary; I’m essentially covering a few of the must-see areas. You could spend weeks on a road trip of Maine alone. (See also these  8 autumn scenic drives in Maine delivering up insane fall colors).

If you do wish to explore the rest of Maine (and you absolutely should) I recommend taking a look at my epic list of 50+ Fun Things to Do in Maine , as well as this guide to the top places to visit in Maine . But let’s continue with our amazing road trip!

Stop for a bit in Portland, a modern portside town that may surprise you. There’s a hip city right on the water in Portland, Maine, and this is a hot spot for restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, bakeries , and entertainment .

Fun things to do in Portland:

• Visit a brewery. Beer lovers will be happy to know that Portland has 18 breweries all its own .
• Check out one of several lighthouses in the area . There are 5 less than 20 minutes’ drive from Portland, including the iconic Portland Head Light.
• Grab some of that famous Maine lobster.
• Stuff your face with Maine potato donuts from local staple The Holy Donut
• Walk the pretty Old Port and patronize the eclectic shops and restaurants
• Don’t miss dining at Hot Suppa , a West End restaurant where I enjoyed the best breakfast of my life (and a spectacular maple latte)
• Traveling with kids? The Children’s Museum of Maine on Thompson’s Point is a total blast!

Portland hotel recommendation : Hotel Francis in the West End

Further resources for discovering Portland:  🍁 The Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine  🍁 Weekend in Portland Itinerary  🍁 7 Spots for the Best Breakfast in Portland Maine  🍁 14 Exceptional Airbnb Portland Maine Rentals 🍁 12 Best Hotels in Portland Maine

Days 16 & 17: Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine

Now we travel north to Bar Harbor. Admittedly, it looks like a far drive on the map. In reality, from Portland to Bar Harbor is just over a 3-hour drive. And trust me, visiting Mt. Desert Island is SO worth it.

Bar Harbor is the seaside town that will be your base for exploring Acadia National Park . You will be in awe over this beautiful part of Maine. Here is where rocky cliffs tumble into the sea, with iconic lighthouses at the top.

There’s abundant wildlife on land and in the sea, and countless opportunities for terrific hiking.

But the region is not just about the outdoors. Bar Harbor has lovely shops, restaurants, and extremely cozy inns . Truly, the region is ideal for travelers of all kinds. You’ll also find great camping, cabins , and vacation rentals in and near Acadia, too.

My top recommendations in Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor:

• Tackle the exhilarating Beehive Hike, that involves a bit of climbing and rewards you with unparalleled views
• Order popovers at the Jordan Pond House (delicious!)
• Take a whale watch or other wildlife tour from Bar Harbor
• Drive up Cadillac Mountain before dawn to catch the sunrise from the first place light touches in the Continental US
• Marvel at the natural wonder of Thunder Hole
• Bike the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor hotel recommendation: The Bar Harbor Inn

More on Acadia: Check out my 3 Day Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park Itinerary for an awesome trip!

Read Next :  10 Coastal Towns in Maine That are Hidden Gems

Day 18: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Your New England driving tour itinerary is nearing its end, but you’ve got a few more stops to make—-stops you won’t want to miss.

Portsmouth is first. We’re back in New Hampshire now! Between Maine and Massachusetts, New Hampshire is home to a very small strip of coastline. The hub of the Seacoast is Portsmouth, a small yet lively city with a great deal of history. You can see colonial architecture all over this beautiful city.

Taking a New England winter road trip? Portsmouth should definitely be on your list, as they do a month of celebrations and events with Vintage Christmas, one of the most magical New England Christmas celebrations !

Best things to do in Portsmouth:

• Strawbery Banke Museum: an outdoor living history museum.
• Dine at one of the many awesome restaurants: Portsmouth has become a major foodie destination in recent years
• Go shopping at the numerous boutiques around town. Some standouts: Gus & Ruby Letterpress , Pickwick’s Mercantile , and G. Williker’s Toy Shop
• Be surrounded by books and grab a tasty beverage at Book & Bar
• Wander the lovely Prescott Park
• Attend some award-winning theatre at Seacoast Repertory Theatre

Hotel suggestion in Portsmouth: The Hotel Portsmouth

Further Portsmouth NH travel resources for your trip : 🍁 The Best Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH 🍁 Top 10 Bars in Portsmouth NH

READ NEXT   18 Magical New England Christmas Towns that are Straight Out of a Hallmark Movie

Day 19: Salem, Massachusetts

Your final stop is the historically infamous Salem, Massachusetts. And though you’ll definitely want to spend time exploring its history with the Salem Witch Trials, there’s plenty to do in the area that isn’t witchy, too.

You can hit the highlights of Salem in one day, or extend for another 2-3.

If possible, you don’t necessarily want to plan your trip to Salem to coincide with Halloween. Although the town has a distinct, fun vibe this time of year, October is also its busiest and most crowded month.

No matter when you go, however, there are definitely some things not to be missed:

• Go to The Witch House, an atmospheric home you’ve definitely seen on Instagram, and a building that is one of the only Salem locations with direct ties to the witch trials. (One of the judges lived here).
• Get witchy in the magickal shops. Whether you want something more fun and touristy, or you’re after the real deal, Salem has a wide range of shops selling all kinds of goods.
• Tour the House of the Seven Gables
• Walk the neighborhoods around Federal Street and admire the stately historic homes
• Find the Hocus Pocus film locations! (Use my guide to take a DIY Hocus Pocus tour )
• Get spooked on a nighttime ghost tour ( top recommendations here !)
• Grab a photo with Samantha at the Bewitched Statue

Hotel recommendation for Salem : The Hawthorne Hotel or Hotel Salem (they have a great rooftop bar)

More on Salem: Check out its great restaurants , scope out some of its haunted history , and maybe even stay overnight in one of Salem’s classic New England inns or Airbnbs ! Nearby towns of Rockport, Gloucester , and Marblehead are worth visiting too if you’d like to explore more of this area of coastal New England.

READ NEXT   12 Fun and FREE Things to Do in Salem MA

Day 20 / End: – Boston, Massachusetts

You did it! You’ve completed an epic New England road trip! Congratulations! You’ve seen some of the prettiest places in the country, and you did it all by car!

Days 21+: Optional Add-Ons: Cape Cod/Nantucket/Martha’s Vineyard

You may be wondering why I didn’t include some of New England’s coastal gems on this New England road trip itinerary? I did this because destinations such as Cape Cod , Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard are harder to get to and don’t fit in well with the traditional road trip format. After all, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are islands, so they are not an easy destination to access without in-depth planning.

Not only are they more complicated to travel to, these Massachusetts coastal destinations are terrific and truly worthy of their own vacations . I highly recommend devoting a trip specifically to exploring New England’s amazing coast.

If you wish to add to your road trip, by all means, hop in the car and continue the drive to Cape Cod. From there you can easily take a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. And I hope these resources will help you as you plan:

More travel ideas here:

• 25 Things to Do on Cape Cod (Besides the Beach!)
• 13 Best Hotels on Cape Cod: Where to Stay on the Cape
• 10 Best Hotels on Nantucket: Where to Stay for a Nantucket Getaway
• 25+ Fun Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard

The Ultimate New England Road Trip Map (2-3 weeks)

The map below includes all of the destinations I’ve outlined above.

In need of some extra New England road trip ideas? If you’re limited on time, check out my Northern and Southern New England road trip itineraries. These are ideal for 5 day, 7 day, or 10 day New England road trips. Your own personal planning maps are below!

Northern New England Road Trip 7-10 Day Itinerary

• Woodstock, VT
• Waitsfield, VT
• Lincoln, NH
• Portland, ME

Here’s a great New England road trip route if you just don’t have time to go everywhere, but you want to see the highlights of northern New England. In any trip you’ll have to make some choices about what to see and what to miss, sadly, but with this road trip itinerary, you’ll definitely have a broad experience of Northern New England.

This one week New England itinerary contains many of the same stops you’ll find on the ultimate version (that covers all six states). But this one also has the addition of Woodstock, Vermont, which is a classic New England spot, really a ‘Currier and Ives town.’

Southern New England Road Trip 7-10 Day Itinerary

• Provincetown, MA
• Newport, RI
• Providence, RI
• Stonington, CT
• Litchfield Hills, CT
• Gloucester, MA

The Southern New England road trip route is ideal for those who really seek a coastal trip, or who aren’t quite as interested in exploring the mountains. This trip adds a whole bunch of extra stops so you can really dive into coastal New England.

It gives you a feel for the more outdoorsy areas of these southern New England states, too, as the itinerary brings you through the Berkshires, and through charming parts of Connecticut. Definitely an option for a lovely New England summer road trip itinerary.

Shorter Scenic Drives in New England

Are you just looking for a short scenic route that allows you to see dramatic coastal cliffs, mountainscapes, scenic countryside, and more of New England’s charm?

Whether you’re looking for fall scenic drives in New England, beautiful routes along the coast, or just a short yet pretty New England drive, you might just find what you’re looking for on this list of short, scenic drives in New England.

Scenic Drives in New Hampshire

The Coastal Byway (Route 1A)

Location: Portsmouth to Seabrook 

Distance: 18.5 miles 

Where to Stop:  

• Hampton Beach
• Surf Portsmouth , Portsmouth 
• Strawbery Banke Museum , Portsmouth

Robert Frost Scenic Byway

Location: Southern New Hampshire

Distance: 43 miles (The Old Stagecoach Byway and the Robert Frost Byway combined) 

Where to Stop: 

• Robert Frost Farm State Park , Derry 
• Civil War Memorial, Chester
• Matthew Thornton House, Derry 
• Town Beach, Hampstead

New Hampshire Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway)

Location: Conway to Bath

Distance: 56.39 miles 

• Sabbaday Falls 
• Albany Covered Bridge 
• Swift River Lower Falls  
• Russell-Colbath House 
• Sugar Hill Scenic Overlook

The Lake Winnipesaukee Loop

Location: The Lakes Region 

Distance: 97 miles

• George’s Diner , Meredith 
• Mt. Major Trail, Alton 
• Dewey’s Ice Cream Parlor and Cafe , Center Harbor 
• Cotton Valley Rail Trail , Wolfeboro 
• Abenakee Tower , Tuftonboro

Scenic Drives in Maine

• Moosehead Lake

Location: Kennebec and Moose River Valley

Distance: 59 miles

Where to Stop:

• Lily Bay State Park
• B52 Crash Site
• Mount Kineo
• Stress Free Moose Pub & Cafe

U.S. Coastal Route 1 

Location: Kennebunkport to Bar Harbor

Distance: 200 miles

• Goose Rocks Beach , Kennebunkport
• Portland Head Light , Cape Elizabeth
• Old Orchard Beach Boardwalk, Old Orchard Beach
• The Holy Donut, Portland
• Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland
• Jordan’s Restaurant , Bar Harbor

Acadia All American Road from Trenton to Acadia

Location: Trenton to Bar Harbor

Distance: 40 miles

• Thunder Hole
• Bar Harbor Inn & Spa

Scenic Drives in Vermont

Location: Wilmington to Jay 

Distance: 184 miles

• Molly Stark State Park, Wilmington
• Dot’s Restaurant , Wilmington
• The Vermont Country Store ,  Weston
• Green Mountain Sugar House ,  Ludlow
• Moss Glen Falls, Granville
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory , Waterbury
• Cold Hollow Cider Mill ,  Waterbury Center
• Trapp Family Lodge ,  Stowe

Route 9 – The Molly Stark Byway

Location: Brattleboro to Bennington 

Distance: 40.1 miles

• Vermont Country Deli , Brattleboro
• Creamery Bridge, Brattleboro
• Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, West Marlboro
• Hogback Mountain Scenic Lookout, Wilmington
• Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington
• The Apple Barn and Country Bakeshop – Bennington

Location: Bennington to Burlington 

Distance: 122 miles

• The Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington
• The Robert Frost Stone House Museum , Shaftsbury
• Cider donuts at the Equinox Valley Nursery , Manchester
• Downtown Murals, Rutland
• Woodchuck Cider , Middlebury
• The Burlington Waterfront – Burlington
• Church Street/Downtown – Burlington

Rhode Island Scenic Drives

Ocean drive.

Location: Fort Adams Park to Bellevue Ave

Distance: 10 Miles

• Castle Hill Lighthouse
• Brenton Point State Park
• Fort Adams Park
• The Breakers
• Marble House
• Rough Point
• The Red Parrot Restaurant

Scenic Drives in Connecticut

Connecticut state route 169.

Location: Norwich to Woodstock

Distance: 36 miles

• Lisbon Meadows Park, Lisbon
• Prudence Crandall Museum , Waterbury
• New England Center of Contemporary Art, Brooklyn
• Roseland Cottage , Woodstock

Connecticut Shoreline Drive

Location: New Haven to Stonington Borough

Distance: about 80 miles (depending on which routes you take!)

• Eat in Little Italy, New Haven
• Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
• Harvey’s Beach, Old Saybrook
• Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
• Mystic Aquarium, Mystic

Scenic Drives in Massachusetts

The berkshires.

Location: Stockbridge to Williamstown

Distance: 35 miles

• Norman Rockwell Museum , Stockbridge
• Berkshire Botanical Garden,  Stockbridge
• The Mount, Edith Wharton House , Lenox
• Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield
• Hancock Shaker Village, Hancock
• Mount Greylock , North Adams
• Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art , North Adams
• Williams College – Williamstown

Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

Location: Gloucester to Newburyport 

Distance: 24 miles

• Hammond Castle Museum, Gloucester
• Crane Wildlife Refuge, Essex
• Eat at the Clam Box , Ipswich MA
• Plum Island Beach, Newburyport
• Maudslay State Park, Newburyport

Wrapping Up this Northeast Road Trip

I hope this New England travel guide has given you all the information you need to help you plan a trip to the region’s most exciting and gorgeous places. With multi-day options to choose from and choices that are great for every season, I have aimed to cover all of the top places to road trip throughout these six amazing states.

Even more resources for your New England adventures: 🍁 25 Fantastic New England Day Trips 🍁 Hidden Gems in New England: 15 Secret Places to Visit 🍁 Best Fall Foliage New England Tours Worth Your Money

Pin this post to save for later!

7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary for Summer or Fall (With 5 & 10 Day Options)

Trying to plan a 7 day New England road trip itinerary that takes you across the best of the Northeast?

Our New England itinerary starts in Rhode Island and finishes off in the heart of Vermont, and includes a mix of city life, nature, active pursuits, and delicious food!

Throughout, you will find tips so you can customize it to a shorter 5-day trip or a longer 10-day trip.

Whether you are traveling with kids over the summer or doing a romantic New England fall foliage trip , this is filled to the brim with fun things to do on the East Coast.

Table of Contents

New England Itineray Summary

• Duration: 7 days
• Distance: Approximately 1,300 miles
• States Visited: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, plus Quebec and Montreal.

How We Set Up This New England Road Trip itinerary

New England is home to some of the most beautiful drives in the US. You could do multiple variations of a 7 day New England itinerary.

On this trip, we started and ended in Providence, Rhode Island.

We have also done New England Road trips from Boston to Cape Cod and Newport Rhode, Island, and a New England fall foliage road trip around Western Massachusetts.

On the 7 day New England Road Trip below, we have included two options for day one so you can start in Providence or Boston. Both are great choices.

If you only have 5 days in New England , you can drop the portion in Canada to save time.

If you are doing a New England Fall Road Trip , you will want to swap out Block Island and add more time in New Hampshire.

Finally, if you can do a 10-Day New England Road Trip Itinerary , you’ll be able to do it all!

We’ve tried to make it easy for you to pick and choose so that you can plan for the duration you want and the New England states you want to visit. Each day has hotel options and the best activities too.

7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary For Summer or Fall

This New England itinerary was designed to see the diverse landscapes, cities, and towns that this region has to offer. So, expect a mix of urban, countryside, coastal, and mountain experiences.

While this northeast road trip is done in a true road-tripping style where you spend one night in every place, you can cover less distance and spend more time getting to know each place.

Day 1: Arrive in Providence and Do a Block Island Day Trip (Drive time 1.5 hours plus ferry)

Starting from Providence Airport, head straight to the Block Island Ferry in Point Judith, a 45-minute drive. The fast Block Island ferry is an easy, 1-hour trip and it’s nice to get out on the water.

With gorgeous beaches, historic lighthouses, nature walks, and a cute downtown, Block Island, also known as New Shoreham, is one of the most charming places to visit during summer in Rhode Island.

It also happens to be the smallest town in the smallest state!

The best way to explore Block Island is by renting bikes. Island Moped and Bike Rental is right across from the ferry port. Then you can cycle around to see everything that Block Island has to offer.

Head to the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge for one of the most unique and beautiful places on the island or go sailing or kayaking on the Great Salt Pond for more adventure.

In reality, we spent one night and two days on Block Island. Here are the best 12 things to do on Block Island including where to eat and stay.

For the purposes of a 7-Day New England itinerary, you can do a Block Island day trip and spend the night back in Providence. If you have enough time, stay overnight and add an extra day to your trip.

• Hotel: Block Island Beach House  (8.3) or Atlantic Inn (9)
• Activities : Self-guided Island Bike Tour

READ NEXT: BEST THINGS TO DO FOR A DAY TRIP TO BLOCK ISLAND

Alternate Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts (Drive time 1 hour)

Another great place to start and end a one week New England itinerary is Boston. We’ve had a few great East Coast trips with the kids and highly recommend Boston as a great family destination.

Boston is a rather compact city packed full of history and things to do for families or couples. One of the best things to do in Boston is follow the Freedom Trail on your own or by booking a tour guide (highly recommended).

This trail goes to the most historic places in Boston, from the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was first read, to Paul Revere’s medieval-style house.

Have fun shopping on Newberry Street and at Faneuil Hall. Then visit Boston Public Garden where you can ride the historic swan boats. A Duck Boat City Tour was a huge hit with our kids and they loved the New England Aquarium .

• Hotel: The Verb Hotel  (9.3) or The Newbury Boston  (9)
• Activities : Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour or Boston Duck Boat City Tour with Charles River Cruise

Day 2: Portland, Maine (Drive time 1.75 hours)

Stop 1: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Leave Boston early and stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for breakfast at The Friendly Toast . Then walk around the cute downtown and Portsmouth Clock Tower square.

Stop 2: Kennebunkport, Maine

Another way to break up the drive is to stop in Kennebunkport . The highlight in Kennebunkport is the beach, and you can also catch a sneak peek of the Bush Compound .

Portland, Maine

When you arrive in Portland, take a Guided Portland City and Lighthouse Tour or visit Downton Portland on your own (don’t miss the Portland Museum of Art ), and drive out to see the Portland Head Light – one of the best lighthouses in Maine.

We opted to experience an extraordinarily beautiful day on the Casco Bay on the Lucky Catch Cruise , a highlight of our New England road trip.

In addition to learning everything there is to know about lobstering, we saw four lighthouses, including the Portland Head Light, the Casco Bay islands, and the historic Old Port district.

We had a seafood lunch at DiMillo’s On the Water. Since Portland has a great food scene, you might prefer to try one of the hot spots like Hot Suppa , Twelve , or Bar Futo .

• Hotel: The Press Hotel (9.1) or Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown (8.6)
• Activities : Portland City and Lighthouse Tour or Lucky Catch Cruise

Which reminds us, you have to try a lobster roll in Maine! We actually stayed in Freeport for the night, 20 minutes outside of Portland and had lobster Rolls for dinner at the Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company .

If you are driving with kids, stop at the LL Bean Store in Freeport. They have fun interactive displays, and the store is massive if you need any gear.

Day 3: Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

The drive from Portland to Bar Harbor takes 3 hours. Break it up with a stop for lunch in Camden. It takes 1.75 hours to get there and then 1.75 from Camden to Bar Harbor. If you stay in Freeport, knock 20 minutes off these times.

Stop 1: Camden, Maine

Camden is one of the loveliest seaside towns in New England. It has a laid-back feel and a super charming downtown with delectable restaurants and boutiques.

We had the famous blueberry pancakes at Marriner’s Restaurant for breakfast. For a delicious seafood lunch overlooking the bay, try The Waterfront . Then walk around and check out a few shops before heading to Bar Harbor.

If you want to stay overnight in Camden, there are fantastic restaurants for dinner like Franny’s Bistro or 40 Paper and you’ll have time for a Windjammer Classic Sail on Penobscot Bay or the Mount Battie hike in Camden Hills State Park .

Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor is the gateway to the mountains and cliffs of Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful places in New England and a must-see on a Boston to Maine road trip.

Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain is the top thing to do in Acadia National Park , when the weather cooperates. For us, it was rainy for sunrise but cleared up before noon, so we were able to enjoy the spectacular vistas.

This area is great for kids because the mountain is very gently sloping and they can run all over.

Make sure to stop at Jordan Pond House on the Park Loop Road. They have delicious popovers and a beautiful setting outside on the lawn overlooking a very scenic lake with small Maine wild blueberries growing everywhere.

Our final adventure of the day was rock climbing with Atlantic Climbing School at the Otter Cliffs . It was our first time and our guide helped all four of us successfully get to the top. It was a blast!

For dinner, Side Street Cafe has Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and of course lobster rolls. Then head to CJ’s Big Dipper for a blueberry and vanilla swirl soft serve ice cream. They have vegan options too.

• Hotel: Sand Bar Cottage Inn (9.3) or Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel  (7.7) for the big pool.
• Activities : Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, or Rock Climbing

Day 4: Kennebec River, Maine River Rafting (Drive time 2.75 hours)

As you leave the quaint streets of Bar Harbor, the next part of the journey takes you through the heart of small-town USA, where main streets are lined with historic buildings and mom-and-pop shops exude local charm.

We wanted to go to Quebec City, but the drive from Bar Harbor is 5.5 hours. With a little research, we found a hidden gem in the heart of Maine where the Kennebec River and Dead River meet. The area is called The Forks.

To get there, you will traverse the scenic route of Highway 201 through Maine’s countryside to reach The Forks, where adventure awaits, and you can experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River.

Kennebec River Rafting

We chose Crab Apple Whitewater for our rafting excursion. They were very professional. The Class III and IV rapids were much more vigorous than our other experiences, but super fun and fine with the kids.

The guides take you to the bottom of the Harris Station Dam where the daily water release provides a consistently thrilling ride on the Kennebec River. We all had smiles plastered on our faces for a full hour of non-stop action.

The second half of the trip was floating down a calmer part of the river and enjoying our magnificent surroundings on a perfect sun-filled day.

At the end of the rafting, the Crab Apple team made a delicious barbecue lunch followed by a highlight reel of the trip.

Since rafting is only a half-day excursion, the staff told us about a terrific hike to Moxie Falls , one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls. It’s an easy and beautiful hike.

What started as a way to break up a 5.5-hour drive turned out to be a highlight of our New England Road Trip! If you do this trip and don’t want to go to Canada, we still recommend Maine river rafting on the Kennebec.

• Hotel: Crab Apple Whitewater Lodge (you can book lodging when you book your rafting trip)
• Activities : Kennebec River Rafting, Hiking to Moxie Falls

Day 5: Quebec City, Canada (Drive time 2.5 hours)

With a very European feel, Quebec City has a charm to it that makes you feel like you could amble around the streets and sit in sidewalk cafes for hours.

We were only here for one day but ended up walking around for hours checking out the city. The highlights included Château Frontenac , Dufferin Terrace , Place Royale with the mural of Quebecers, and the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec.

From an adult point of view, we also loved the stunning interior of the Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec and the view of Rue du Petit Champlain from the Breakneck Steps.

The Old Port has a vibrant atmosphere with unique boutiques and lots of delectable restaurants. The delicious farm-to-table restaurant Chez Muffy is a must.

We also enjoyed Paillard’s coffee and pastries and the Beef and bacon poutine from La Souche Microbrasserie. Our kids were mesmerized by the display of candy at Bec et Bonbon.

• Hotel: Our Full Guide to the Best Quebec City Hotels
• Activities : Quebec City Walking Tour and a Half-Day Trip to Montmorency Falls if time allows

Day 6: Montreal to Burlington, Vermont (Drive time 4.5 hours)

We had to work one long drive day into our East Coast road trip route. It’s a 4-hour drive from Quebec City to Burlington, Vermont, so we broke up the drive with a pit stop for lunch in Montreal.

In Montreal, we only stayed long enough for a walk down the cobbled streets of  Old Montreal  and lunch at Jardin Nelson. If you have enough time, check out the trendy  Mile End  neighborhood and stay overnight at Hôtel William Gray .

From there, head for Burlington to begin the final stretch of your 7-day New England road trip itinerary. 

In Downtown Burlington, the big draws are  Lake Champlain  with Waterfront Park and the  Burlington Bike Path , and the  Church Street Marketplace , a pedestrian street with restaurants, shops, entertainment, and plenty of people watching.

We wanted to do the  Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour . Honestly, who wouldn’t want to drive hours out of your way for ice cream? We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, the flavor graveyard, and our free sample of Late Night Snack.

• Hotel: Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain (7.5)
• Activities : Old Montreal Walking Tour and Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour

Day 7: Vermont (Drive time 2.5 hours)

Vermont is one of the most scenic destinations for a New England road trip in fall, but it’s also stunning in summer and has so many options if you

We kicked the day off early at Shelburne Farms , an educational working farm in Vermont. We chased around chickens, milked a cow, saw the cheese-making process in action, and bought maple syrup.

Surprisingly, it was a hit for the whole family and I was worried because it seemed more like a little kid activity than something good for teens.

Then, we hit Dorset Marble Quarry , the oldes in the US from 1785, where my husband and the boys dared each other from one cliff jump to the next. There are cliffs at various heights that are great for all ages.

Hildene was next, where even history-averse kids are intrigued by the old Lincoln family artifacts and the sprawling gardens. Then the cool Chiselville Covered Bridge was Vermont picture perfect.

We wrapped up the day staying at Hill Farm Inn where they have animals you can feed, a swimming pool, big grassy lawns for a picnic or sitting by the fire, and a lounge area with a pool table.

• Hotel: Kimpton Taconic Hotel (8.8) or Hill Farm Inn – Manchester (9.2)
• Activities : Shelburne Farms, Dorset Marble Quarry, and Hildene

Day 8: Vermont to Providence or Boston (Drive time 2.5 hours)

The last day had a 3 hour drive back to the airport. It’s almost the same drive time whether you go to Boston or Providence. Since we knew we had a lot of car time, we had a last hurrah at Bromley Mountain Adventure Park .

We had a blast ziplining and riding the alpine slide. The kids also hit the waterslide, a bungee trampoline, and played a round of mini golf. It was the perfect way to let loose before a long drive..

You’d think all of this adventure would be enough, but the one thing we didn’t have time for was kayaking and tubing on the Battenkill River . We could have easily used an extra day in Vermont.

• Activities : Bromley Mountain Resort

How many Days do You Need for a New England Road Trip?

You will see that this New England tour can be tweaked to fit either a 5 day (more of a Boston to Maine road trip) or 10 day New England trip that adds more adventure and scenery – especially if you’re visiting in fall.

This entirely depends on how much time you have. Easily, you could spend a month driving around this region. But, this New England road trip for 7 days will take you to the best places and things to do in the region in just a week.

How to Make This a 10 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary

If you have more time for your trip, a 10-day New England itinerary will allow you to go at a slower pace or add on some amazing destinations like White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire – especially if it’s a fall road trip.

We did two separate one week New England road trips.

Our trip was in summer so we visited Newport, RI to do the famous Cliff Walks that combine ocean vistas and historic mansions into a 3.5 mile recreational walk. Then we spent 2 days on Block Island .

It’s really easy to scale up this exact itinerary by starting with an overnight in Block Island and adding Boston instead of doing one or the other. Then just add one more day wherever you want.

I personally would add an overnight in Montreal. An extra day in Vermont or the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where you can go hiking or ballooning, would be amazing too, especially for fall foliage.

How to Make This a 5 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary

If you don’t have time for a 7 day New England tour, a 5 day trip will still allow you to see plenty of nature sites, cities, and charming towns.

To do this as a 5-day New England road trip, skip Quebec and Montreal. You might also want to skip Acadia National Park because it’s a long drive, albeit worth the trip.

Here are two 5-Day New England Road Trip Itinerary Ideas:

Boston, Cape Cod, & Newport

• Day 1: Boston
• Day 2: Boston
• Day 3: Cape Cod
• Day 4: Newport, Rhode Island
• Day 5: Block Island

Boston, Maine, New Hampshire, & Vermont

• Day 2: Portland, Maine
• Day 3: New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Kancamagus Highway
• Day 4: Burlington
• Day 5: Green Mountains, Vermont

Best Time to Visit New England

May through October are the best months to visit New England. The warm days of summer, although humid, invite you to hike, swim along the coastline, take boat rides, and enjoy the outdoors.

Late spring is a great time to see wildflowers and the region bursting with a lively atmosphere while the weather isn’t too hot.

Fall road trips in New England are highly recommended to see stunning foliage. The northeast is home to some of the best fall views in the world.

Tips for a New England Road Trip with Kids

When we decided to take a trip to the East Coast, we thought a New England road trip would be a great way to sample all that the area has to offer.

The only issue was how to keep the kids to be happy in a car. That’s a tall order for children who say, “Are we there yet?” after only 30 minutes across town.

1. How to Get The Best Deal

When road-tripping with a full family, flying into a city that has good flights and rental car deals , AND good hotel prices , can save you a lot of money. Look at all three variables for the perfect starting point.

For this trip, we had a choice of multiple airports. Skyscanner is great for finding flight deals.

I wanted a small SUV since we would be in the car for so many days. Check prices on Discover Cars . We’ve gotten the best deals recently through them.

Providence had great hotel deals by the airport, which we needed because the flight we chose landed at 11:30 pm. So, we decided our New England tour would begin and end there.

2. Plan a manageable driving route.

Since we had time for a 10-day New England road trip and wanted to include Canada, we needed to change locations every day. My goal was to keep drives between 1-3 hours.

Knowing those were my parameters, I looked for things to do or places to stop that fit within those guidelines.

3. Know Your Audience

Fun New England activities were the key to keeping our travelers happy. Rock climbing, river rafting, and lobstering were great outlets for all their energy.

If you have kids that have a hard time sitting still, make stops where they can move their bodies. With kids who like a slower pace, a day at the beach might be more fun. For kids that love animals, stop at a farm.

4. Include Your Kids in the Planning Process

With group road trips, you’ve got to make compromises. Plan to see and do things that keep everyone interested, including YOU, instead of just focusing on the kids.

Our New England tour was 2 parents and two boys, 11 and 15 years old. Traveling with an 11-year old is easy as long as you don’t make them sit in the car too long and you do kid-oriented stuff.

15-year-olds can be hard to please and moody. It’s good to include them in the planning process because they are very capable of picking things that they would like to see or do.

5. Download audiobooks

I have never enjoyed being in a car so much! We took one of our son’s required summer reading books and killed two birds with one stone. You can download your first digital book for free on audible.com with a trial membership.

If not audiobooks, look for podcasts that fit a theme your family loves, whether it be science, history, pop culture, or travel. Or just make sure everyone has headphones and can do their own thing.

Final Thoughts About a 5, 7, or 10-Day New England Road Trip Itinerary

A combination of scenic beauty, tons of history, and lovely towns and cities – a 7-day New England itinerary takes you to all the top destinations and tucked-away gems that a northeast road trip can offer.

A 10-day itinerary allows you to cover a larger area or spend a few nights in each place. Finally, a 5-day New England Fall Road Trip is an ideal amount of time to see the beautiful landscapes and foliage.

Whether cruising the coast of Rhode Island, checking out lighthouses in Maine, or seeing the foliage of Vermont, eating tons of fresh seafood, cozy accommodations, and meeting friendly locals, a New England road trip is filled with fun.

Get ready for nature, history, and soaking in the laid-back vibes with this New England road trip itinerary, the ultimate getaway to unwind and explore.

Save this New England Itinerary for later? Pin it!

About Jenifer

You might also like....

60 Bucket List USA Trip Ideas: Best Places to Visit in the US (2024)

Best Block Island Day Trip: 12 Fun Things to Do on Block Island

The TWA Hotel: A Modern Ode to Mid-century Travel

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Copyright 2024 - The Evolista | All Rights Reserved | Disclosure

New England Wanderlust

Connecticut , Fall , Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Rhode Island , Vermont  ·  June 7, 2023

The PERFECT New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: 3, 5, 7, 10 & 12 Day Options! (2024)

There’s a reason why New England is world-famous for fall foliage, and if you’re looking to plan the most amazing New England fall road trip, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been traveling throughout this region for over 15 years, and have done so many fall foliage road trips and getaways in that time. It took me a while, but I’ve finally put together the perfect itinerary for you based on years of real experience.

This post details the best places to visit in New England during fall foliage season that are worth the hype (and your time), the best times to plan your road trip for peak foliage, and also, which places may not be worth your time. So, you can rest assured that you’re truly seeing the best of the best with my itinerary.

This itinerary is also geared toward first-timers and those looking to find the best foliage spots . If you’ve experienced New England in the fall season before, many of these locations and tips may already be familiar. However, I’ve also sprinkled in some insider tips, so it’s still definitely worth reading 😉

During this trip, prepare to see idyllic countryside landscapes, blazing fall color, beautiful covered bridges, charming towns, general stores, epic overlooks and hiking trails, and so much more. Basically, you’ll get your fill of New England charm right from the start, and it won’t stop until the trip is over. Sound good? Then let’s get started!

New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy .

What Is The Best Time To Visit New England For Fall Color?

In a nutshell, the first two weeks of October. However, it does vary depending on where you’re heading.

The first thing you need to know is that foliage will peak in the northern areas first, then peak in the southern areas later . For that reason, I recommend that you start in the north if you can, especially for a longer trip, but it’s not always necessary for shorter trips.

If you’re planning a bucket list 2 or 3-week adventure, starting in the north is a good call because peak foliage can begin to diminish quickly, depending on the season and climate patterns. However, if you’re traveling for closer to a week, this won’t be as important, as you can time your visit right for the areas you want to see.

Most people will choose to visit Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont during their New England fall road trip (and spoiler alert: I’ll be suggesting these places, too 😉), and the first two weeks of October work very well for these destinations.

The central part of Vermont will often peak right around Indigenous People’s weekend in October, and for a getaway to popular towns like Stowe and Woodstock, this is the perfect weekend to plan your trip.

The Berkshires in Massachusetts often peaks right around Indigenous People’s weekend as well, with southern MA peaking a week or so later.

Many parts of Maine, including Acadia National Park, and the Midcoast, will typically peak around the middle of October.

The greater Boston area, and Connecticut will peak mid-late October, depending on the year.

How Many Days Do You Need In New England In The Fall?

The great thing about New England in the fall is that you can easily do a weekend getaway and still pack a lot in, or you can plan an epic 2 or 3 week road trip for the ultimate adventure. And either way, it’s going to be incredibly memorable.

If you’re coming in from a distance, especially if you’re flying in, I would say 10 days is a great option, 12 days is even better, and 7 days is also wonderful. Of course, with 12 days, you’ll be able to see so much or plan extra time in some places. But even with 7 days, you’ll get to see quite a bit.

However, I always say more is always more when it comes to travel! So of course, three weeks to see all the fall foliage around New England is the ultimate goal, however, I know that’s not realistic for everyone, which is why I think 7-12 days is a great sweet spot.

If you’re local to New England, and don’t have 10 days, 7 days is again a nice amount of time. Five days will also work in this case. And, as mentioned, even a weekend away will allow you to experience some of the best this region has to offer in the fall season.

The great thing about the best places for fall foliage is that they’re located in some of the smallest states, so you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

Best Places To See On A New England Fall Road Trip

While every New England state has something special to offer during fall foliage season, for the purpose of seeing the absolute best, brightest, and most abundant colors, I recommend planning a trip to Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Vermont, and Connecticut (if you have the time). However, to narrow that down even further, New Hampshire and Vermont are definitely the best to visit if you’re short on time.

So, why these areas?

Because they offer the most spectacular displays of foliage, the most picturesque scenery, tons of things to do, and they’re all reasonably close to one another, allowing you to maximize your time.

If you don’t have a lot of time for your road trip, I usually suggest Connecticut is the first state to remove from your list, and the reason for that is because it’s so far west, and further from many of the other top destinations.

I also don’t recommend visiting places in Rhode Island during your fall foliage road trip simply because you won’t see the most amazing displays of color (I love Rhode Island, but it’s not really known for its epic fall foliage).

Some Things To Know About This Itinerary :

→ They all begin in Boston , assuming that’s where most people will fly into if visiting from a distance. If you fly into a different airport, or are driving in, you can easily adjust your plans as needed. However, Boston has its own cozy fall vibes that are in full swing mid to late October, so it’s truly the best place to start your fall foliage adventure.

→ They’re done in true road trip style , meaning there’s a lot of driving, and mostly 1-night stays. There are some places I recommend 2 nights in, but you can adjust this based on your preferences. If you want to stay longer in one place, definitely go for it!

→ I planned the order of the stops according to how fall foliage peaks , meaning you’ll be starting in the north, and working your way down. However, since there are so many areas to see, it’s not always possible to see very region right at peak, so you’ll be just a bit early, or late, for some places, depending on your exact dates. For example, if you want to see the White Mountains in New Hampshire at peak time, which is usually the first week in October, you likely won’t get to see Connecticut at peak, since that’s usually the third week of October – unless of course you can travel for three weeks, which is awesome!

→ I give you options! Of course, I stand by all my suggestions 😉 However, I know everyone has different travel styles and speeds, so I encourage you to to tailor this to what you think you’ll enjoy the most. I’ve given you suggestions on how to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences.

10 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary From Boston

Okay, let’s get into my PERFECT New England fall road trip itinerary options! We’re beginning with my suggestions for an incredible 10 day adventure.

10 Day Road Trip Overview :

Day 1 : Arrival In Boston, drive to the Franconia side of the White Mountains in New Hampshire Day 2 : Explore the White Mountains region, including The Kancamagus Highway Day 3 : Drive to Stowe, VT, and stay here or nearby for two nights Day 4: Explore central Vermont (I have great suggestions for you!) Day 5 : Drive to southern Vermont, and spend one night around the Manchester area Day 6 : Drive to The Berkshires for one night Day 7 : Drive to the Litchfield Hills region of CT, spend one night Day 8 : Drive to Salem, MA for one night Day 9 : See more of Salem or the North Shore in the morning, then drive to Boston for one night Day 10 : Spend the day exploring Boston.

The Day By Day Breakdown Of The 10 Day Itinerary – Let’s Go!

Days 1-2: arrival in boston & two nights in the white mountains, new hampshire.

Once you arrive in Boston, it’s time to hit the ground running and make the drive to the White Mountains in New Hampshire! Since this region is one of the earlier ones to peak, you’ll want to make this the first stop on your New England fall foliage road trip.

The drive from Boston to the White Mountains is about 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic getting out of the city, and where in the White Mountains you want to stay.

Where To Stay In The White Mountains : I have an entire guide on the best places to stay in the White Mountains , so that’s a good read to check out while planning your trip 😉 I would pick one place to stay for both nights, as some places have a two-night minimum in the fall season. This region is also small enough that you can see it all when staying in one place.

Here are some of my favorite hotels in the White Mountains: 🍁 Sugar Hill Inn – 15 mins from Franconia Notch Park, and is rated as the best B&B in New Hampshire! 🍁 Riverwalk Resort – 5-7 mins from the top attractions in Franconia. 🍁 Woodstock Inn & Brewery – Cozy inn with a brewery.

Best Things To Do In The White Mountains In The Fall:

→ Explore Franconia Notch State Park , which is home to quite a few things to do, which I’ll list out next for you. Even the drive through the park is going to offer you incredible foliage views!

→ Flume Gorge inside Franconia Notch State Park. This is a 2-mile trail that meanders over covered bridges in the woods, and through a natural gorge that’s such a cool thing to experience. You’ll also be treated to some stunning foliage views of the mountains along the way. I have a detailed post all about visiting Flume Gorge , if you’d like to take a peek. This will have everything you need to know about tickets, tips for planning your visit, and what to expect.

→ Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway , which is the first of its kind in North America! This ride takes you to the summit where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountain vistas. Fall is my favorite time of year to do this. I also have a detailed post on things to know about the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway , if you want to check that out.

→ Hike the Artist Bluff trail in Franconia. This is now a very popular trail in the area, and while the views are so worth it, I’d most definitely recommend you do this one at sunrise or sunset to avoid as many crowds as possible.

→ Drive the famous Kancamagus Highway , which is one of the most scenic fall foliage drives in the northeast! This highway is free to drive, and connects the towns of Lincoln and Conway along Route 112 through the White Mountains National Forest . During the drive, you’ll see amazing mountain views, and colorful trees dripping in fall color lining the side of the road, so you get the best of both words. See below for my tips and things you need to know about driving The Kanc (as the locals call it 😉).

→ Drive through Crawford Notch State Park to be rewarded with more stunning views of the mountains ablaze with foliage color!

→ Visit two of the most charming towns in the area: Littleton and North Conway . Littleton is widely regarded for having one of the best Main Streets in the U.S., and you’ll find a brewery, covered bridge, and quaint shops downtown. In North Conway, the main road runs through the town, but there are some gorgeous views to enjoy, great shops, and don’t miss Zeb’s General Store!

→ Take a ride on The Cog to the highest peak in New England – Mount Washington. This mountain railway is such a cool experience! While foliage will likely be gone toward the top of the mountain by early October, you’ll still get some nice foliage color on the way up, and enjoy incredible views from the top!

→ Drive to the Cathedral Ledge Lookout , which offers really awesome views, especially in the fall.

I have some more detailed posts on this region of New Hampshire you may find helpful:

• Fun Things To Do In Franconia, NH
• Fun Things To Do In Littleton, NH
• Fun Things To Do In Lincoln, NH
• Where To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall

Tips for driving The Kanc : ✓ There is no cell service, or gas stations along the drive, so be sure you’re prepared. You’ll want to offline maps to your phone before heading out, and while the drive is only about 34 miles long, just make sure you have enough gas to make the whole drive.

✓ There are some bathroom facilities at some of the parking areas, but not many. It may not be a good idea to fill up on coffee or water at the start of the drive.

✓ There are tons of places to pull over on the drive, including quick, but scenic overlooks, and parking lots for trailhead to hikes and such. Besides the overlooks, my favorite stops to make is the Lincoln Woods Trailhead, which after a very short walk from the parking area, has a really pretty bridge that makes for a great photo.

✓ You’ll need to pay a daily fee to park in any of the lots along the drive (these are separate from the designated overlooks). Be sure to find the kiosks when you park for the first time, and keep that ticket displayed on your dashboard the rest of the drive. You only need to pay once, and your ticket is good for the entire day. If you don’t plan to park in the lots along the drive, you don’t need to pay.

✓ On the Conway side of The Kanc, there’s a great little place called Cheese Louise just before the entrance to drive. This is an awesome place to grab some food before or after the drive! Especially on a chilly, fall day, a grilled cheese sandwich totally hits the spot, right?

🍁 Before hopping on The Kanc, consider downloading this great audio tour so you don’t miss the best stops to make – Click here to check out this audio tour

Days 3 & 4: Drive To Stowe, Spend Two Day Exploring Central Vermont

Next up is Vermont! The drive from the White Mountains to Stowe, VT is about 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on where in the White Mountains you came from. 

The central region of Vermont is one of the absolute best places for fall foliage in New England, and places like Stowe, Woodstock, and the surrounding countryside are going to give you all the postcard-worthy scenery you’ve been hoping for. I also love Vermont because it has more of a New England vibe than the White Mountains, so you’ll also get some of the charm the Northeast is known for. 

Where to stay in Central Vermont : I recommend that you stay in or around Stowe or Woodstock because both of these towns have lots to do in their own right, great hotels to choose from, wonderful dining options, and they’re only about 1.5 from one another. Both are charming towns, and you can’t go wrong with either. 

Where To Stay In Stowe: 🍁 The Green Mountain Inn . It’s located right on Main Street, so you can walk to a lot of places. 🍁 Spruce Peak Resort . Perfect for those wanting a resort feel, and it’s right off the scenic Smugglers Notch drive. There are rooms with gorgeous mountain views here, too.

Where To Stay In Woodstock: 🍁 506 Inn On The River . Located just outside of the village, this is a modern and cozy inn, well … right on the river 🍁 The Woodstock Inn & Resort . It’s referred to as Vermont’s most beautiful address, and it’s in the heart of Woodstock’s village. This is a luxury hotel that’s worth it!

Noteworthy stops to make on the way to Stowe : If you have the time, there are some absolutely beautiful places to check out in the countryside on this drive. Most of them require a little detour, but gosh, they’re so worth it! I’ve listed them down below for you:

→ Peachum, VT , which is a very small, rural community, but the foliage views around here are like literal postcards. 

→ Danville to do the Great Vermont Corn Maze , which is the largest in New England. It’s so big that you’ll need a couple of hours here, but it’s a very fun experience. Keep in mind that it’s only open until mid-October – be sure to check their website or Facebook page for updated info. 

→ The Owls Head Mountain Hike in Groton State Forest . This is a relatively easy hike that takes you to an incredible view overlooking Lake Groton and Kettle Pond – it’s even better in the fall season!

→ Bogie Farm in East Ryegate is a landscape that’s worthy of a postcard, and is especially beautiful in the fall. Please be respectful of the farm’s property, and enjoy the views from a respectful distance 😊

Best Things To Do In Stowe, VT In The Fall:

→ Drive Smugglers Notch , which is a short but scenic drive through mountains, and offers incredible opportunities to see fall color. 

→ Stop at the Stowe Gondola along the Smugglers Notch drive, and take a gondola ride to the top of the tallest peak in Vermont – Mount Mansfield.

→ Explore the charming downtown along Main Street , which has great shops, cafés, foliage views, and access to the Recreation Path.

→ Be sure to walk the Recreation Path , which is a paved pedestrian path that runs through town, and depending on how much of it you walk, you’ll cross pretty bridges (one of which is the Brookdale Covered Bridge!), and enjoy some more peaceful moments.

→ Visit Gold Brook Covered Bridge , which is also known as Emily’s Bridge. This bridge is said to be haunted, so it’s the perfect spooky season photo opp! Please just practice caution and respect while visiting, as it’s a bridge that’s still used by the locals – definitely don’t block traffic by standing in the middle of the road!

→ Take a drive to Waterbury , which is home to Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Ben & Jerry’s, and the Cabot Cheese Farmer’s Store (which has samples, yum!). 

→ Visit Stowe Cider , which is just perfect during the fall season.

Best Things To Do In Woodstock, VT In The Fall:

→ Walk around the charming village , which is lined with fall foliage trees, and awesome fall decorations. 

→ Snap a photo with Middle Covered Bridge , which is located right in the village.

→ Take a drive to Sugarbush Farms , which has amazing mountain views that are at their best in the fall season, and sample their maple syrup and cheeses! The drive out here is on a bumpy dirt road, so drive slowly. 

→ Visiting Billings Farm & Museum , which is a working dairy farm and museum, and is such a wonderful place to experience. 

→ Visit the town’s other two covered bridges : Taftsville and Lincoln.

→ Take a drive to nearby Quechee , which is home to the awesome Canopy Walk at VINS, Quechee Gorge, and the very cool and unique Quechee Village Shopping Center. 

→ Get a maple creemee around the village – this is Vermont’s version of soft serve ice cream, but it’s infused with local maple syrup, which is especially delightful in the fall season. 

Psst! I have detailed posts on both Stowe and Woodstock, if you want to check those out:

• Best Things To Do In Stowe, VT
• Best Things To Do In Woodstock, VT

Day 5: Drive To Southern Vermont, Spend One Night

Once you’ve explored Central Vermont, it’s time to head a bit further south. And the reason I recommend you split up your time in Vermont is because this region is so worth seeing in the fall, but it’s just far away enough where it makes sense to spend a night here. 

There are also quite a few hotels around the Manchester area, so you’ll have an easier time finding places to stay that don’t require a 2-night minimum, which is harder to do up in Stowe and Woodstock.

If you happen to visit Stock and Woodstock during peak foliage, it’s possible that you’ll hit this region just as peak is beginning, but it really depends on quickly it moves that year. Just know there’s a chance you’ll be a bit early, but keep in mind that even if you’re a tad early for peak foliage in Vermont, you’ll still see a good amount of color.

Southern Vermont is just as idyllic as the Stowe and Woodstock regions, and gosh, you’ll have a great time leaf-peeing here, too! I recommend you spend most of your time in the Manchester area, but there are a few places within a short drive that are perfect for spotting gorgeous foliage. 

Where to stay in Southern Vermont: There are lots of great places to stay in this region, including in Manchester, Bennington, and the more rural towns like Sunderland. I would pick which hotel you like the most, as all my recommended things to do are a short drive away from each of these places.

Hotels I Love In Southern Vermont: 🍁 Hill Farm Inn : Absolutely incredible property in the countryside, with on-site dining in a barn, cozy rooms, and mountain views from their porch. 🍁 Kimpton Taconic : Beautiful rooms and a boutique-style hotel, located in Manchester. 🍁 Four Chimneys : One of the best inns in Southern Vermont, located in Bennington.

Notable stops to make on the way to Southern Vermont:

→ I suggest taking the Route 100 option, which only adds a few minutes to the drive.

→ If you stayed in Stowe, and didn’t make it to Woodstock, this route will pass close by Woodstock, so you could stop here for a few hours on your way to Manchester.

→ The Plymouth Cheese Shop on the way is a fun place to stop for samples, and buy cheeses to take home! There’s also really pretty foliage around here.

→ Weston to stop at the Vermont Country Store, which is a huge general store with tons of awesome goodies.

Best Things To Do In The Manchester, VT Area In The Fall:

→ Drive the Mt. Equinox Skyline Road to the top of the mountain, which is the tallest in the Taconic Mountain range! The foliage views are incredible up this way (if you can time your visit right), and it’s such a fun experience. There is a fee to drive this road, so plan accordingly. 

→ Visit Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home . This historic estate is cool to see on its own, but the views of the mountains from the back gardens are what makes it extra special in the fall season. There are also walking trails and such on the grounds to enjoy.

→ Take a drive around Shaftsbury, including Shaftsbury Lake State Park. The back roads around this town have amazing fall color.

→ Visit Chiselville and Arlington Covered Bridges , as well as the covered bridges around Bennington.

→ Spend some time in Bennington , including the Bennington Battle Monument, the historic district, the Bennington Area Trails System, and the charming downtown. Also, be sure to head to the Apple Barn Café for cider donuts and amazing baked goods (I love their apple turnovers in the fall!).

→ Walk around downtown Manchester , which is broken into two sections: the historic area up by the Equinox Resort, and Manchester Center, which is home to lots more shops and eateries, as well as some outlet stores. 

→ Visit Shaftsbury Alpacas – get a chance to learn about these beautiful animals while also petting them!

Psst! I have some posts about Vermont that you may find helpful while you plan, including:

• Where To Find The Best Fall Foliage In Vermont
• Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands
• Awesome Things To Do In Vermont In The Fall
• Coziest Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall
• My Ultimate Covered Bridges Driving Tour Itinerary

Day 6 – Drive To The Berkshires For One Night

Next up, the beautiful Berkshires! 

Much like Vermont, the appeal of The Berkshires is all the rural and countryside scenery, surrounded by the mountains. And since this is probably the best place to experience fall foliage in Massachusetts, it’s a no-brainer to head here next. Plus, the start of The Berkshires is only about an hour from Manchester, VT.

However, if you’ve only got 10 days, I do recommend only one night here. There are lots of hotels to choose from, so you’ll be able to find a place to stay without a two-night minimum, and while there’s a lot you can see and enjoy, I think other areas on this list like Vermont and the White Mountains are more worth your time. The Berkshires is also a small region that you can drive around and see a lot with just a day. 

Where to stay in The Berkshires : I recommend staying in the southern park, around Lenox and Stockbridge, or even Great Barrington. This will cut down your driving time the next day to Connecticut, and you’ll have time to explore the northern parts of The Berkshires on your drive from Vermont.

Awesome Hotel Options In The Berkshires These places should allow one-night stays in the fall, too! 🍁 The Lenox Collection : A group of cozy, historic buildings-turned-inns in Lenox. 🍁 Inn at Silver Maple Farm : A homey, farmhouse-style B&B. 🍁 Red Lion Inn : A historic hotel right on Main Street in Stockbridge! It’s a very popular place to stay.

Best Things To Do In The Berkshires In The Fall:

For this part of your trip, I recommend planning your time here from north to south, and make stops along the way from Vermont, and stay somewhere closer to Lenox or Stockbridge. These recommendations are in that order so you can more easily plan:

→ Explore the cute college town of Williamstown , where there’s lots of fall foliage scenery to enjoy. The best way to experience the town is by doing the Field Farm Trail or the Sheep Hill Trail . Both are gorgeous in the fall!

→ Drive the auto road to the top of Mt. Greylock . You may just miss peak foliage at the top of the mountain, depending on when you visit, but the views from up here are incredible either way!

→ Drive Route 7 down through Pittsfield, and toward Lenox . Stop in Lenox for lots of beautiful fall foliage, and to see The Mount, Edith Wharton’s historic estate, and also walk the trails at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, if you have the time.

→ From Lenox, make a detour to Hilltop Orchards for cider donuts .

→ Head to Stockbridge , and walk the small but idyllic Main Street downtown, then visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, and swing by Olivia’s Overlook for beautiful foliage views. 

→ Head into downtown Great Barrington , which is still a small town, but more bustling, and has more dining and shopping options. 

Day 7 – Drive To The Litchfield Hills In Connecticut For One Night

Welcome to Connecticut! And guys, this is the region that inspired Amy Sherman-Palladino’s now iconic Stars Hollow town from Gilmore Girls , so you know you’re in for a real treat. Not sure what I’m talking about? Don’t worry! All I’m saying is that this area is filled with charming small towns that are extra cozy and beautiful in the fall season.

Where to stay in the Litchfield Hills : So, I’m not going to sugarcoat it for you, Connecticut is expensive , and the accommodations out this way are not budget-friendly. That said, I have some recommendations for you that allow 1-night stays in the fall season (at least, when I’ve looked for dates in October and booked stays for myself). I also recommend staying close to Litchfield since it’s furthest east. This will just make the most sense with your driving schedule the next day. However, there’s a good budget(ish) option in the western region, too, and both are totally fine!

Great Hotel Options In The Litchfield Hills: 🍁 Litchfield Inn : This is my personal favorite place to stay when visiting. 🍁 Rocky River Inn : A motel in New Milford that’s one of the most affordable place to stay at in this area.

Best Things To Do & Places To See In The Litchfield Hills In The Fall:

→ The best towns to see are New Milford, Kent, and Litchfield , and if you drive to all three in one day, it takes about an hour (plus any time you spend in each place). 

→ Washington Depot is rumored to be the actual town Amy Sherman-Palladino based Stars Hollow on , however, I actually find it to be the least charming of the towns in this area. However, Po Café and Hickory Stick Bookshop are worth the excursion over since it’s not far from New Milford!

→ In Kent, Kent Falls State Park, Bull’s Covered Bridge, and Main Street downtown are the best places to see with a short amount of time.

→ New Milford , the downtown area is so incredibly charming, and I also like to visit Lover’s Leap Bridge. 

→ Litchfield’s downtown is also rather idyllic, and a great place to walk around.

→ The drives between each destination are really pretty , and you’ll see lots of fall foliage and rural scenery during each portion of your drive around.

→ Mount Tom State Park is great for beautiful fall foliage!

→ Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates is a really fun stop to make, especially in the fall for their pumpkin chocolates. 

→ Averill Farm for cider donuts!

→ Hogan’s Cider Mill for Instagram-worthy fall drinks and the most fun fall vibes. 

Day 8 – Drive To Salem, MA For One Night

Optional Adjustment : You can also head straight to Boston for two nights, and just plan Salem as a day trip from Boston, which is very easy with the ferry option. 

Heading back into Massachusetts, you’re now on your way to one of the most iconic fall and Halloween destinations in the entire country – Salem. Known for many things, including the Salem Witch Trials, incredible history, and the home to some of the Hocus Pocus movie filming locations, there’s so much fall fun to have around Salem.

Salem’s fall foliage also peaks later in October, so it;s possible you’ll be a bit too early to see it at peak, however, it’s still very much worth a visit. 

Salem, while a city, is actually pretty small – or, at least, the area you’ll be visiting is. All the top attractions are walkable from one another (for the most part), so you can easily see it all as a day trip, which is why I’ve given you the option to also head straight to Boston, and do Salem as a separate day trip. 

Where to stay in Salem : If you choose to stay the night, most places will require a two-night stay, but I’ve found some options that are perfect for a one-night stay. If you’re up for commuting in, you can also look for places in surrounding areas like Peabody and Beverly (which usually have some chain hotels with cheaper rates!).

Hotel Options In Salem Allowing One-Night Stays In October: 🍁 Hawthorne Hotel 🍁 The Hotel Salem

Optional stops in the Sturbridge, MA area on your way:

→ Old Sturbridge Village , which is a living museum that replicates life in New England in the early 1800s. There’s lots of beautiful foliage here, a covered bridge, and overall, it’s so fun to walk around. Highly recommend! But this stop does require at least an hour or so. This stop is pretty much on your way to Salem, too!

→ Saw Dust Coffee House , which is right by Old Sturbridge Village. This is such a cool coffee shop that always has fun, seasonal drinks, and also delicious baked goods. A great place to stop for a fall drink and snack for the road.

→ Tree House Brewing in Charlton , which is just a few minutes from Sturbridge. This is easily the best brewery in New England, so it’s a great stop to make if you love craft beer. They also only sell their beer at their limited locations around New England, not in stores, which is why it’s worth a trip.

Best Things To Do In Salem In October:

→ Visit the Salem Witch Trial Memorial . This is a small little memorial by a cemetery, but it’s somehow still very powerful.

→ See The House of Seven Gables , which is the actual house that Nathanial Hawthorn wrote about in his book of the same name. 

→ Walk around the side streets around the House of Seven Gables – lots of beautiful, historic homes are found here!

→ Walk past the Witch House . I don’t think it’s necessary to go inside, but it’s one of the last-remaining buildings in Salem with direct ties to the Witch Trials, so you definitely want to at least see the outside.

→ Walk over to Chestnut Street , which is regarded as one of the most beautiful streets in the entire country. The houses over here are so stunning!

→ Have lunch at the Lobster Shanty , and if you’re up for it, get the lobster martini 😉

→ Walk up and down Essex Street , which is a pedestrian street filled with shops and such. 

→ Head to the Salem Martime National Historic Park , where you’ll find a small lighthouse you can walk to, the Friendship tall ship, and the very cool historic Sail Loft. 

→ Take a Hocus Pocus tour , which takes you to the filming locations around town! 🍁 Click here to check out the tour .

If you’re planning to stay in Boston instead, and taking a day trip to Salem, consider taking the Boston to Salem, MA ferry! Parking in and around Salem in October can be challenging, especially on weekends, and traffic getting in and out of the city can be tough, too. However, the ferry takes away all that potential stress. Driving there and back is still a good option, as the ferry prices can add up quickly, however, the ferry is a very, very convenient and fun options. Be sure to book both your outbound and return tickets, as they’re reserved in two separate transactions!

🛳️ Click here to check rates & availability for the Boston → Salem Ferry

Psst! I also have some posts you may find helpful while planning your time in Salem, including my Salem, MA day trip guide , and my guide on the best time to visit Salem, MA . 

Day 9 – Drive To Boston, Making Stops On The North Shore (optional)

Depending on your preferences, you can either head back to Boston on this day, or you can drive a bit further north to see some really beautiful foliage towns before heading into Boston. The choice is yours!

About 45 minutes north of Salem is the beautiful town of Newburyport, and it’s a bit of an under-the-radar destination for folks who aren’t local to the area. I always like to describe Newburyport as stepping onto the set of a Hallmark movie. It’s idyllic, waterfront, and packed with amazing shops and eateries. And, it’s entirely walkable. Every time I take somewhere for the first time, they can’t believe how gorgeous and cozy it is.

Newburyport is also my favorite North Shore town for fall foliage, and you’ll find tree-lined streets, and a waterfront park filled with colorful trees toward mid to late October. I absolutely think it’s worth the excursion to explore up this way. 

If you’re looking to see some of the North Shore while on your trip, but don’t want to venture all the way up to Newburyport, I also love to visit Manchester-By-The-Sea . This small town is packed with fall color around the same time (toward the end of October), and the waterfront scenery combined with historic buildings is lovely. It’s much smaller than Newburyport, and offers fewer things to do and see, but it makes for a lovely, quick stop. 

Just south of Salem is Marblehead , which is also a very cozy waterfront town to explore in the fall, and less out of the way than both Newburyport and Marblehead. I absolutely love Marblehead, and the historic district is a wonderful place to walk around for an hour or so. 

Best Things To Do In Newburyport:

→ Walk around Market Square , which is the main downtown area, and visit the shops.

→ Walk over to Tannery Marketplace to visit the shops there, and pop into Chococoa for a fall beverage, and one of their delicious homemade whoopie pies. 

→ Walk along the waterfront , and admire the fall foliage from the park. 

→ Take a drive over to Plum Island , if you have time, and explore the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which is beautiful, and has a lovely boardwalk trail through the salt marshes and along the coast.

Best Things To Do In Manchester By The Sea:

→ Park by Masconomo Park, and walk around the harbor. There’s tons of amazing foliage here if you can time your visit just right with peak. 

→ Walk up Beach Street from there, and visit the shops in town. 

→ In the opposite direction, you can also walk along Beach Street to get to Singing Beach , which is lovely. It’s named after the sound the sand makes when you cuff your feet in it just right. 

Best Things To Do In Marblehead:

→ Explore the charming historic area , which is close to the Harbor Light Inn.

→ Visit the shops in that same area , mostly along Washington Street.

→ Take a drive to Chandler Hovey Park to see the lighthouse.

→ Drive over to Castle Hill to take in amazing coastal views. If you’re comfortable with it, you can climb the giant rock, too!

At the end of this day, or late afternoon, head into Boston to spend the night! I have more detailed information on what to see in Boston in the fall in the next section. 

Psst! I have some more detailed posts on the best things to do in Newburyport, MA , and the best things to do in Marblehead, MA , if you’re interested in learning more about what they offer 😉

Day 10 – Explore Boston

The last destination on your New England fall foliage road trip, is Boston. As New England’s biggest city, it’s packed with incredible things to do, but honestly, the fall season here is magical. The city is so historic, and filled with cobblestone streets, so the cozy fall season is truly the best backdrop for all of it. 

I also saved Boston for last because of all the places mentioned in this itinerary, it’s the last to showcase peak foliage. If you want to see fall color around the city, it typically hits peak closer to the end of October, but you can usually see some fall color by mid-October, depending on the year.

While one night is definitely not enough to experience it all, you’ll definitely be able to see the highlights. And if you’re more of a city person, or you want a few nights in one place before flying back home, you can always skip the North Shore/Salem options, and head straight to Boston for a couple of days. 

Where to stay in Boston : I always recommend you stay in the downtown area, and ideally, in the Waterfront, Financial, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or North End neighborhoods. In these areas, you’ll be able to walk pretty much anywhere, unless you have mobility concerns. 

My hotel recommendations in Boston in the fall: 🍁 Boston Harbor Hotel 🍁 Revere Hotel Boston Common 🍁 The Godfrey

Best Things To Do In Boston In The Fall:

→ Walk around the Public Gardens, Charles River Esplanade, and Boston Common . The Gardens and Common are in the heart of the city, and close to each other near Beacon Hill. And the Esplanade is a bit of a further walk, but not bad at all (and totally worth it). These three areas have beautiful fall foliage, and lots of picture-worthy moments.

→ Explore the Beacon Hill neighborhood , which is close to the Public Garden. This is my favorite neighborhood in the city, and where you’ll find the most charm. 

→ Grab a fall drink and apple turnover from Tatte (pronounced like latte 😉). These cafés are so beautiful on the inside, and there are a few locations around the city. 

→ Take a spooky tour! There are so many ghost stories and lore that originate in Boston, and these ghost tours are especially fun in the fall season!

→ Walk the Freedom Trail . While this isn’t fall-specific, it’s one of the best things to do in the city. This trail winds through a big part of the city, and takes you to the most historically-significant places. 

Psst! I have some more detailed guides on Boston you may want to check out, including the best Boston food tours , and visiting Boston in the fall . 

12 Day Road Trip Itinerary Option

If you have 12 days (or more!), this is truly awesome. I would follow my 10 day itinerary, and then take one of these suggestions:

Option 1: Add an extra day to either the White Mountains or Litchfield Hills. There’s probably more actual sites to see in the White Mountains, but adding a day to either will allow you a more relaxed pace.

With an extra day in the White Mountains, you may also want to consider taking a drive to the Lake Winnepesaukee area. From the White Mountains, the drive from the eastern side (North Conway, Jackson, etc.), down Routes 113 and 25 are the best option. Some cool stops to check out on this drive are:

→ Chocorua Lake and Mountain (the Basin Lot Overlook is great!)

→ Sandwich to see Durgin Covered Bridge, Sandwich Creamery, and stop for some bites at The Foothills Cafe & Curio.

→ Moultonborough, to visit Castle in the Clouds for awesome views.

→ End in the charming town of Meredith on Lake Winnepesaukee, and be sure to drive to Cider Bellies for the best cider donuts I’ve ever had!

Option 2: Use both extra days to head up to Acadia National Park. I used to include this stop in this itinerary, but recently removed it. Why? Most of my readers have an average of 7-10 days for this road trip, and since it’s all about the best foliage, I thought other places around the region offered more in terms of fall color. Acadia is INCREDIBLE, and I recommend going out of your way on pretty much all of my other road trips, especially along the coast. So, this is an awesome option to consider. There’s some lovely foliage up in Acadia, but it’s not quite as abundant as places like VT and NH, simply because there are so many pine trees. Is it worth it, though? YES. Especially if you have 12 days or more. 

Option 3 : Add extra time to Central Vermont to see Burlington, Shelburne, and Lake Willoughby.

Burlington, Shelburne, & Lake Willoughby, VT things to check out:

→ First, the drive from both Stowe and Woodstock to Burlington on I-89 is beautiful in the fall. You’ll see lots of mountains ablaze with fall color.

→ If you want an especially scenic drive, drive from Stowe or Woodstock to Waitsfield, and cruise along the Appalachian Gap on your way to Burlington/Shelburne. This is a gorgeous drive through the mountains, and there’s an awesome overlook mid-way with an amazing view. This drive is just a bit out of the way, but worth it.

→ In Burlington, check out the waterfront area, and walk along Lake Champlain.

→ Burlington also has an awesome craft brewery scene, and Foam Brewers is especially great.

→ The American Flatbread restaurant in Burlington is a cozy place to stop for lunch.

→ Church Street Marketplace in Burlington is a must!

→ In Shelburne, you’ll want to spend most of your time walking around Shelburne Farms. This is a historic farm once owned by the Vanderbilt family, and has beautiful hiking trails, and you can also sample their homemade cheeses. Definitely do the Farm Trail, which takes you to an epic view of Lake Champlain.

→ Lake Willoughby is a gorgeous lake, and surrounded by mountainous foliage in the fall season. It peaks a bit before the Stowe region, but you may be able to see some epic fall color. Drive around the lake, and hike the Mount Pisgah trail for view of the foliage and lake from above.

More Places To Check Out near Stowe If You Have Time :

Some of these places are further north, and will likely be past peak when you visit, depending on your specific trip timing. However, if you add an extra day to this part of the itinerary, these are some more cool places to check out:

→ The covered bridges in Montgomery, including Montgomery covered bridge (which is actually in Waterville), and Longley Covered Bridge.

→ Barn Owl Bistro is a hidden gem nearby that’s a great little pitstop.

→ The Waitsfield area to see more covered bridges there, and beautiful scenery along the drive. 

1 Week (7 Day) New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

If you have 7 days, welcome to your itinerary! This option is the same as the 10 day option, with some minor adjustments.

7 Day Road Trip Overview :

Day 1 : Arrival In Boston, drive to the White Mountains Day 2 : Explore the White Mountains Day 3 : Drive to Stowe, VT Day 4: Explore this region of Vermont Day 5 : Drive down to The Berkshires for one night Day 6 : Drive to Litchfield Hills, or Salem, MA Day 7 : Return To Boston for one night

5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

With 5 days, you can go in a few different directions, and below, I break down my suggested options, and the benefits of each. This way, you can tailor it to your preferences.

Option 1: Spend two nights in Boston with a day trip to Salem, then spend 3 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT.

Option 1 is perfect if you prefer staying in one place longer . This itinerary will allow you to stay in the same hotel in Boston for 2 nights, and take an easy day trip to Salem for the perfect fall day of Halloween fun and history! Then you can pick up your rental car (if you haven’t already), and drive to Stowe or Woodstock, VT for 3 days to explore both towns.

With 3 days in Vermont, you can easily see both Stowe and Woodstock, and maybe even plan a day of driving around the back roads. See the 12-day itinerary option for my suggestions on driving the back roads around Vermont during foliage season .

Option 2 : Spend 1 night in Boston, stop in Salem on your way to Franconia and spend 2 nights in Franconia. Then spend 2 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT, and then drive back to Boston.

Option 2 is perfect for those who still want to see as much as possible in 5 days . You’ll get to see a bit of New Hampshire and Vermont, while making a stop in Salem.

Note: For this itinerary, I would drive from Salem to Conway, and the drive The Kancamagus Highway on your way to Franconia so you get to experience the fall foliage along this route. But this itinerary option eliminates the stay in Jackson, as there are more fall things to do in Franconia.

Option 3 : Spend 1 night in Boston, 1 night in Salem, 3 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT, and then back to Boston.

Option 3 is perfect for those who really want to spend some time in Salem . This itinerary allows you to spend a whole night in Salem to really enjoy all the Halloween festivities and tours, and then you can spend 3 beautiful days in Vermont.

I excluded New Hampshire from this option because I felt like it would be too much to cram in when adding 1 night in Salem. But if you were feeling adventurous (I’ve been there, I get it! 😂), you can drive to Franconia, NH for 1 night after Salem, and then do 2 nights in Vermont instead of 3.

3 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

3 days in New England is the perfect long weekend getaway!

With 3 days, I suggest you stay in one location , and add day trips . If you’re flying into Boston, you can stay 1 night in Boston if needed, and then drive to Vermont or New Hampshire for 2 nights. If you’re not flying in, you can spend all 3 nights in Vermont or New Hampshire.

Stowe is very close to New Hampshire, and it’s only about 1.5 hours from Franconia. You can easily do a day trip from Stowe to New Hampshire, or vice versa, for this type of itinerary.

It would also be easy to work in a stop in Salem, MA, either on your way in or out of Boston.

Weekend New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

For a weekend getaway in New England (essentially, 2 days), I would also recommend you stay in one place and take a day trip. For this itinerary, I almost always suggest Stowe or Woodstock. You can stay in either town, and spend 1 day exploring that town, and then the next day, exploring the other as a day trip.

What To Pack For A New England Fall Road Trip

I always start every New England packing guide with the same thing, and this post is no different: begin to check the weather reports 5 days out from your trip to get an idea of what the weather will be like . And keep checking it until the day before you leave .

This is because weather in New England can change quickly, especially in the fall season. It’s not quite as dramatic as say … Iceland 😉 But, it can change and vary a bit. Generally speaking, fall will be chilly and a bit rainy. However, you could also have warm and sunny days. For longer trips, you’ll want to pack for both scenarios.

Here are some things I recommend you consider when packing for a fall road trip through New England:

→ Waterproof hiking boots . If you plan to do any hiking, or even nature walks, you’ll want a pair of sturdy boots that are waterproof. Even some attractions like Flume Gorge and other waterfalls in New Hampshire are pretty wet, so this is a good idea to stay dry and comfortable. I really like the Eddie Bauer K-6 Hiking boots. Find the women’s version here and the men’s version here . They’re a much less expensive version of the famous Danner hiking boots featured in the movie Wild 😉

→ Good hiking socks to keep your feet dry . An awesome brand to support is Tarn Tough Socks , which is a Vermont-based company. They’re an investment, but they’re also the best, and come with a lifetime guarantee!

→ Waterproof rain jacket to stay dry if it rains . You won’t want to let the rain slow you down, especially if there’s a lot in the forecast! So definitely pack one that’s completely water proof ( not water-resistant).

→ Casual Layers . The best way to dress in the fall season is with layers. I usually wear jeans, a light t-shirt, and then a sweater or jacket over that. If it’s forecasted to be chillier than usual, I’ll add a scarf or a hat to keep me warm. New England is a pretty casual place, especially the destinations I’ve listed in this itinerary. No need to pack dresses and such.

→ Hiking clothing . For any hikes you want to do, pack whatever clothes you typically wear and feel comfortable in 🙂

→ Comfortable walking sneakers or boots . When it’s not raining, a good pair of comfortable sneakers or cute boots work perfectly, depending on your plans. Since I drive from New York, I don’t usually have to worry too much about weight limits on a suitcase, so I’ll throw a pair of sneakers, flat boots/booties, and my hiking boots into the car. This is usually all I ever need.

→ Reusable water bottle . You’ll need to stay hydrated while out exploring!

→ Day pack . If you plan to do any hiking, you’ll want to bring a day pack with you to carry your essentials. If you don’t plan to do any hikes, you can probably skip this, as you can keep most everything you need in your car or room.

My Tips For Planning A Trip To New England In The Fall

→ Book in advance . I can’t stress this enough. Hotels and accommodations book out well in advance for fall foliage season in prime areas, and these prime areas are where you’ll be heading! If possible, begin to book your hotels at least 6 months in advance, but even 8 months is better. For reference, while I began to plan my Vermont fall road trip for the 2023 season, my favorite place to stay in Stowe, VT was fully booked during peak foliage weeks – in FEBRUARY. Yep, February.

→ Offline Google Maps! I can’t tell you how important this is! Even as recent as a fall 2023 road trip, I barely had service through much of New Hampshire, Vermont and The Berkshires. I spent a lot of time just driving around hoping my service would come back, or asking people for directions the old-fashioned way. I usually offline maps, but totally forgot that trip, and it was a harsh reminder that this is a must-do.

→ Be respectful of private property . Popular places in foliage towns have begun to restrict tourist access to roads because too many people have trespassed to get the perfect photo. Always have an awareness of when you may be encroaching on people’s private homes and land, and follow all signage. Trust me when I say, there are so many places around this entire region that are postcard-worthy, and you don’t need to break any rules to get amazing photos!

→ Stay safe while taking photos. Similar to my previous tip, never put yourself or others in danger, to get a great photo. For example, if you see a spot along a road with no safe place to pull over, or the only place to pull over is private property, move on. You’ll drive by so many postcard-worthy scenes, but you can’t snap photos of them all 😉 Allow them to safely live in your memory, and only take the photos that are safe to do so.

→ New England’s highways charge tolls . Recently, many parts of this region have switched to electronic tolling, meaning you don’t stop when going through, and your license plate will be billed for the charges. If you’re renting a car, your rental company will go over how this all works, but they will likely just charge your card on file for any tolls you incur during your trip, which is very easy!

→ Lastly, prepare to pay . Yes, the sad truth is that peak foliage season in New England is expensive, and it won’t be your most budget-friendly trip ever. There are ways to keep costs down, and I’ll go more into that later in the post as well, but generally speaking, this is an expensive time to visit New England – at least, where the foliage is the best 😉

How Do To A New England Fall Trip On A Budget

So, first thing’s first, you’ll unfortunately have to rethink what “budget” means in New England, especially during peak season in the fall. It’s generally more expensive than other areas of the country regardless of the reason, so during prime foliage times, prices will go up significantly.

Especially in the past, I never had the money to spend on several nights at hotels during this time of the year, so I have learned to do it on more of a budget. Not necessarily cheap, but not as tough on the wallet 😉 Here are my tips:

→ Stay in motels. I love a good hotel splurge, and do it more now than I did in my 20s and early 30s. But for most of my road trips when the focus is exploring outdoors, I stay in motels with efficiency kitchens . You can find some really nice ones, and while they’re likely to be outdated, they’re usually clean and cozy.

→ Efficiency kitchens allow you to make some meals at home. For a road trip style trip, this may be more challenging, as it’s hard to bring perishable items with you to store in a fridge. But I usually try to make my own breakfasts to save money, and pack snacks to have for lunch.

→ Stay outside of town. If you’re really on a tight budget, you can stay outside of the towns you’re visiting. Places like Franconia, Stowe, and Woodstock charge premium rates for peak season, so you’re likely to find deals a town or two away.

→ Go camping! If you’re really adventurous, you can go camping! There are camp sites all over New England, and this will definitely be more affordable. One thing to keep in mind is the colder weather, and for this reason, some camp sites may close down after Indigenous People’s weekend in October. But many remain open, and offer Yurt-style camping, too.

New England Fall Road Trip – FAQ

Does it snow in new england in the fall.

Here’s the thing – it might if you’re up in the mountains. However, it doesn’t usually snow during peak foliage times. Usually, New England gets its first snow of the year later in October or early November. So, I wouldn’t worry about packing any snow gear or winter boots for your fall road trip. If it does snow, it likely won’t be a lot.

Are The Fall Colors As Bright In Person As They Are In Photos?

Honestly, yes, which is why it’s so amazing to see it in person. I know that some photographers like to amp up color saturation when they edit their photos, and for any that take it too far, you can usually tell because it looks borderline fake. But many of the photos you see online and on social media are accurate. When I edit my fall photos, I’m really careful to edit the color saturation to accurately reflect what I experienced in person.

Is Fall In New England Worth It?

A resounding yes! I truly believe this is such a magical time to visit – if not the most magical time. Despite the crowds and the cost, it’s more than worth it. Many of the landscapes you’ll see are actual stock photos and postcards, and since so many people equate the fall season to all things cozy, there’s really no cozier place to be than in New England during foliage season.

More posts you may enjoy:

• Fall In New England: The Best Things To See & Do
• Fall In New Hampshire: The Best Things To Do
• Fall In Massachusetts Ultimate Guide: All The Best Things To Do & Foliage Spots!
• The Best 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary For Any Season
• Best Stops To Make On A Boston To Stowe, VT Road Trip
• Vermont Vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
• Maine In October: Best Towns For Foliage & Things To Do!
• Best Time To Visit New England
• Best Time To Visit Vermont

That’s A Wrap On The Best New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

And there you have it! All my tips and expert advice on planning the most epic New England fall road trip during foliage season! This truly is such a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should do at least once, and hopefully, you’re now well on your way to planning your own foliage adventure through New England!

You might also enjoy

Subscribe To My Newsletter

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Disclosure Policy

10-Day New England Road Trip Itinerary

Whether you’re looking for a summertime family vacation, colorful fall foliage, or a romantic snowy winter getaway, the northeast corner of America makes for an ideal destination.

Being that most Americans only get two weeks of vacation time a year, we’ve planned this 10-day New England road trip strategically.

This itinerary includes the best places to visit in New England. You’ll get to experience everything from quaint villages to bustling cities and national parks, of course. Plus, there will be plenty of breathtaking scenery along the way!

So, grab your camera and get ready. It’s time to road trip New England and discover what this corner of America has to offer!

Where is New England?

New England is in the northeastern corner of the United States. It’s made up of six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The region is known for its rocky coastline, autumn foliage, and cold, snowy winters.

New England trip planning tips

Even before you begin planning your New England road trip, there’s one absolutely essential thing you need to know: Hotels fill up very quickly.

To avoid disappointment, be sure to book all your accommodation as soon as you know your travel dates! We’re not kidding. People book months in advance to secure a place to stay.

Same with New England tours. They are extremely popular , especially in the fall and winter months. And it’s not just for road trips. Bostonians book these spots as weekend getaways as well.

If you plan to rent a car, do it ahead of time. Not only does that guarantee you the lowest rates, they’ll reserve the type of car you prefer.

Also, check your data plan. Make sure you have a good mobile and Internet connection so you can instantly share your impressions and great pictures. You may want to get an eSIM and travel with no restrictions.

Now that you have everything reserved, let’s set out on your road trip!

Day 1: Salem, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine

Most people plan their driving vacations from Boston because it has the largest airport in New England. Arrive at Boston Logan International Airport in the morning, pick up your car, and head out of town.

Your first stop will be Salem, where you’ll explore the city’s infamous witch history. Start at the Salem Witch Museum to learn all about the famous Salem witch trials of 1692. Then, visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial near the water, and snap a selfie in front of the House of the Seven Gables, made famous by author Nathaniel Hawthorne.

For an in-depth look at the Witch Trials, book the Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem. A local historian will take you over a dozen locations in downtown Witch City and bring Salem’s history to life.

Now, continue your drive north to Portland, Maine’s largest city. Not counting stops, the journey takes about 90 minutes.

This lively city is full of great restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as plenty of art galleries and museums. If you’re interested in a guided tour from a local, the 2-hour Real Portland Tour has earned a Viator Badge of Excellence with over 1000 5-star reviews. (Book ASAP; it fills up quickly.)

Spend the rest of your afternoon strolling along the cobblestone streets of Portland’s Waterfront Old Port Historic District, touring the Portland Museum of Art, or visiting Victoria Mansion, a beautifully preserved 19th-century home.

End your day at the charming Old Port, where you can enjoy local history, food, & drinks.

Where to stay in Portland Maine

• Budget: The Black Elephant Hostel has air-conditioned accommodations, a shared kitchen, and a shared lounge, along with free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Some rooms at the property feature a balcony with a garden view.
• Mid-range: Hampton Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront   offers free airport and local shuttles, an indoor heated pool, and a fitness center.
• Luxury: The Francis Hotel is a historic landmark near Portland’s Art District. Museums, galleries, theaters, skating rinks, craft breweries, and boutiques are within a 0.9 mi radius of the property.

Day 2: Acadia National Park Maine

It may look quite far on the map, but in reality, it only takes about three hours to drive from Portland to Acadia National Park. So get an early start and hit the road!

Acadia National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maine, and for good reason. Located on Mount Desert Island, Maine’s largest island, this 47,000-acre park is home to towering mountains, pristine lakes, and miles of hiking trails.

Here, rocks erode into the ocean and iconic lighthouses stand high above them. Wildlife can be seen both in the water and on land, and there are numerous hiking trails to explore.

Today’s first stop will be Bar Harbor, a beach town that’s also the gateway to Acadia National Park. You can take a walking tour through Bar Harbor before checking into your hotel, and then head to the park after lunch.

There are plenty of things to do in Acadia National Park, but some of the most popular activities include hiking to the top of Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast), kayaking in Swan Lake, and biking or driving the Park Loop Road.

To end your day, enjoy a dinner of ocean-fresh fish in one of the many excellent restaurants on the island .

ⓘ TIP: This super-inexpensive Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour is a personal guide, audio tour, and map all rolled into one. Simply download the app and connect to the car speakers; it’s yours to keep. Less than $15 for a guided driving tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park? Yes, please!

Where to stay near Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor)

• Budget: Various campgrounds are available in the area.
• Mid-range: Acadia Inn is a family-friendly hotel 1.1 miles from the center of town. The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning, free wi-fi, air conditioning, a hot tub and outdoor pool, and an on-site trail that accesses the park. 
• Luxury: Chiltern Inn Featuring an indoor pool and sauna, this Bar Harbor bed and breakfast is located 1.6 mi from Acadia National Park. Rooms at the Chiltern Inn offer a wood-burning fireplace, free Wi-Fi, and a private bath.

Day 3: White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

After spending two days in Maine, it’s time to head into New Hampshire. You’ll spend the morning on the drive from Acadia National Park to White Mountain National Forest, and the vistas are so beautiful you’ll thoroughly enjoy the long drive!

White Mountain National Forest tops most New Hampshire itineraries, with unnumerable towering mountains, pristine lakes, and miles of hiking trails to explore.

• Springtime brings warmer weather and melting snow, making it the perfect time to go hiking and camping.
• In the summer, you can go hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing.
• In Autumn, you can explore the many covered bridges in the area and drive New Hampshire’s scenic Kancamagus Highway to see the famous New England fall foliage.
• And in winter, the mountains of New Hampshire turn into a playground for cold-weather sports enthusiasts, with numerous ski resorts and cross-country skiing trails.

No matter what time of year you visit, there are plenty of things to do in the National Forest. Some of the most popular activities are hiking to the top of Mount Washington (the highest point in the Northeastern U.S.), driving the scenic Kancamagus Scenic Byway, and photographing the many covered bridges in the area.

ⓘ TIP: Just like the driving tour in Maine, this self-guided Kancamagus Scenic Byway driving tour is the best way to ensure you don’t miss anything on the way. Directions, local tips, and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories play automatically, based on your location. The app runs offline using GPS; no cell service needed.

Where to spend the night in the White Mountains

North Conway is the perfect end to your day in New Hampshire, as it has a wide range of lodging options. You won’t have any problem finding a place to eat either, as it has many of New Hampshire’s best restaurants, shops, and attractions.

• Budget: Colonial Motel features an outdoor swimming pool and a picnic area. Some rooms feature a covered porch while others have a large spa bath.
• Mid-range: Cranmore Mountain Lodge Bed & Breakfast is a short walk from the Conway Scenic Railroad and Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center. It features uniquely decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi.
• Luxury: White Mountain Hotel and Resort Set within the natural beauty of Hale’s Location, this elegant North Conway resort features a year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the mountains. Daily full breakfast is included and high-speed internet access along with a restaurant and tavern are also provided.

Day 4: Vermont’s Green Mountains

Today is all about Vermont, the Green Mountain State. The state gets its name from two French words, vert (green) and mont (mountain). When you see these mountains, you’ll understand why!

This morning begins with a two-hour drive to Stowe, Vermont. Stowe is a popular ski resort town in Vermont, with a charming downtown and a famous ski resort run by the Trapp Family, of Sound of Music fame.

Beyond Stowe itself, you can go for a hike in the Green Mountain National Forest, enjoy a scenic drive on the Mountain Road, or join a day trip that includes visiting a cider mill and the Ben & Jerry’s Factory (complete with ice cream samples!).

Vermont produces some of the best maple syrup in the world. Be sure to visit one of the many sugarhouses in the area to see how this delicious treat is made!

After lunch in Stowe, this afternoon’s road trip itinerary is all about the scenery as you drive down the Route 100 Scenic Byway. Vermont’s longest highway takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Vermont. You’ll see covered bridges, mountain vistas, and quaint towns all along the way.

Keep your camera handy; the covered bridges of Vermont are some of the most beautiful in New England. Visit Vermont has a list of covered bridges along your drive.

Where to stay in Wilmington Vermont

Stop for the night in Wilmington, VT. Wilmington is a small town located in the southwest corner of the state, on the border with Massachusetts.

This quaint town is home to several art galleries, antique shops, and a variety of restaurants. It’s also the perfect place to relax after a long day of driving.

• Budget: Viking Motel offers free WiFi access, cable TV, and air conditioning in all rooms.
• Mid-range: The Nutmeg provides accommodations with a garden and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The inn features family rooms.
• Luxury: The Wilmington Inn provides accommodations with a bar, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Free WiFi and a concierge service are provided. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available for breakfast.

Day 5: Litchfield and Mystic, Connecticut

Your first stop today is the small town of Litchfield, located in the western part of Connecticut. The prettiest drive is down US-7 S, and it travels through Litchfield Hills, one of the nicest parts of Connecticut. This route takes roughly the same amount of time as I-91 (about 2.5 hours). You decide!

Litchfield is a charming New England town with a rich history. The town was founded in 1719 and has been home to many notable residents over the years, including writer Harriet Beecher Stowe and abolitionist John Brown.

Today, Litchfield is a popular tourist destination for its many antique shops, art galleries, and historic homes. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Litchfield, be sure to visit the Litchfield History Museum.

You can also take a self-guided walking tour of the town’s historic homes and buildings, such as the Oliver Wolcott House.

After lunch in Litchfield, your New England road trip continues east to Mystic, Connecticut. Mystic is a historic seaport located on the Mystic River in southeastern Connecticut.

Today, Mystic is a popular tourist destination, best known for its maritime history and as the setting of the 1988 film Mystic Pizza.

The top attraction is Mystic Seaport Museum, which is one of the largest maritime museums in the world. This fascinating museum features exhibits on the history of whaling, shipbuilding, and seafaring.

If you’re looking for other things to do in Mystic besides visiting the museum, one of the best family-friendly attractions is the Denison Homestead . It’s a 300-year-old family farm that offers a glimpse into early colonial farm life.

Mystic also has a nice aquarium, which is a nice attraction on rainy days.

For things to do outdoors, consider hiking in nearby Bluff Point State Park and kayaking or canoeing on the Mystic River. You can also take a boat ride or go for a walk along the pretty waterfront.

Where to stay in Mystic, CT

• Budget: Pet-friendly Days Inn Mystic is within walking distance to sights in downtown Mystic, and a short drive away from the Atlantic Ocean. Free breakfasts, Wi-Fi, and onsite parking is included.
• Mid-range: The Taber Inne is an 8-minute walk from the beach and 2,300 feet from Williams Beach Park. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy the indoor heated pool and free WiFi throughout the property.
• Luxury: Harbor View Landing  accommodations include cottages, free WiFi throughout the property, and free private parking for guests who drive. Featuring water sports facilities and a tennis court, the hotel is close to several noted attractions and only 1.8 miles from Mystic Seaport. The property has river views and a terrace.

Day 6: Newport, Rhode Island

Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S., is home to many historic towns. One of the most notable is Newport, which was once a summer retreat for the wealthy.

The seaside town of Newport is best known for its gorgeous mansions, which were built by some of America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age.

Start your visit with a tour of The Breakers, the grandest of all the Newport mansions, located on the elaborate estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Then, explore the grounds of Marble House, another one of Newport’s famous Gilded Age mansions. Be sure to also stroll along Bellevue Avenue to see all of the other lavish mansions that line this famous street.

ⓘ BUDGET TIP: When you take the Newport Scenic Trolley Tour , you’ll also get free admission to The Breakers mansion.

After lunch, you might visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, explore Fort Adams State Park, or relax on one of Newport’s many beaches. And, if you’d rather explore Newport itself, cobblestone streets, art galleries, museums, antique shops, and local restaurants await.

If you’re a water lover, consider taking a boat ride to Block Island, taking a scenic boat ride around Newport Harbor, or going for a sail on Narragansett Bay.

End your day with dinner at one of Newport’s great restaurants, and don’t forget to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee from one of the local cafes while you’re there!

Where to stay in Newport, Rhode Island

• Budget: Near Newport’s Memorial Park, Motel 6 Newport offers free basic WiFi and rooms that feature a seating area. The Newport Marina is 2 miles away.
• Mid-range: The Admiral Fitzroy Inn , a historic bed and breakfast, offers elegantly decorated guestrooms featuring antique sleigh beds and hand-painted walls. Guests staying at the inn can enjoy a free gourmet continental breakfast served in the sunny dining room overlooking Thames Street. The property also features a rooftop deck.
• Luxury: Hotel Viking opened in 1926. This historic Newport hotel is a 5-minute walk to Thames Street and less than 1 mile from the Cliff Walk to the city’s historic mansions. Guests staying at the Viking Hotel can enjoy an on-site spa, indoor pool, and fitness center. On-site dining at the One Bellevue restaurant is also available.

Day 7: Cape Cod

You’ll spend today on Cape Cod, a peninsula located in southeastern Massachusetts. With nearly 560 miles of pristine coastline, Cape Cod has long been a popular summer destination for the rich and famous, including the Kennedy family, who have a compound in nearby Hyannis Port.

But it’s a favorite East Coast vacation spot for families, couples, and singles as well, because of its many beaches and quaint small towns. New England beach vacations are extremely popular.

Depending on the weather and your energy level, you might want to begin with a Cape Cod self-guided driving tour. The audio app gives you a flexible and affordable way to see all of Cape Cod on your own terms.

Alternatively, start your morning at Cape Cod National Seashore. With 40 miles of coastline, the seashore features many pristine beaches, hiking and biking trails, and lighthouses to enjoy.

After a few hours at the seashore, drive to the charming town of Sandwich for lunch. This historic town is home to many beautiful old homes and buildings, including a glass museum and Hoxie House, the oldest home on Cape Cod. Heritage Museums and Gardens is also a wonderful destination.

In the afternoon, head to Provincetown, located at the very tip of Cape Cod. Provincetown is a popular summer destination for its nightlife and vibrant arts scene. It’s also a great place to enjoy some fresh seafood.

Many visitors take a boat ride to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. These two islands are both accessible by ferry from Cape Cod and offer a different vibe than the mainland. If that’s more your speed, consider this Martha’s Vineyard tour. It’s run by a local who’s lived his whole life on the island.

Other popular Cape Cod attractions include the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (Brewster, MA), the Whydah Pirate Museum (West Yarmouth), and the scenic Cape Cod Trail, a 22-mile paved pathway that winds through 6 towns on the Cape.

Where to stay in Cape Cod

You can either stay in Cape Cod for the night or return to the mainland in the evening and stay in Plymouth for two nights.

• Budget: Viking Shores Motor Lodge , located 2 mi from the beach, features an outdoor pool. It is also a part of the Cape Cod Rail Trail Bike Path.
• Mid-range: Sandbars Inn in North Truro has air-conditioned accommodations with views of the sea and free WiFi. Some of the units have cable TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer.
• Luxury: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club is a 2-minute walk from the beach. This West Harwich waterfront resort offers an 18-hole golf course, free Wi-Fi, and brightly colored rooms that offer a sitting area and plush bedding. Guests can enjoy waterfront dining, swim in the seasonal outdoor pool, or relax in the hot tub. A fitness center, children’s playground, and tennis court are also available.

Day 8: Plymouth, Massachusetts

The town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, began as a Puritan colony in 1620. Today, it’s best known as the site of the first Thanksgiving and home to Plymouth Rock, the famous landmark that marks the spot where the Pilgrims first landed.

Start your visit at Plimoth Patuxet (formerly known as Plymouth Plantation). This living history museum complex is a must-visit for families and history buffs. It includes a replica of the Mayflower ship and several original 17th-century buildings that you can visit.

After lunch, stop at Plymouth Rock for a photo, then continue to Plymouth’s historic downtown-harbor. The area contains several interesting historic buildings:

• Plymouth Courthouse (built in 1754),
• Jenney Grist Mill (built in 1636),
• Mayflower Society House (built in 1824), and
• Pilgrim Hall Museum, where you can learn all about the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth in 1620.

End your day with a walk along Plymouth’s historic waterfront. Don’t miss the Plymouth Cordage Company Historic District, a National Historic Landmark that includes several 19th-century rope-making factories.

End your day with dinner and a stroll along the Plymouth Waterfront to watch the sunset over Cape Cod Bay.

Where to stay in Plymouth:

• Budget: Best Western Plus Cold Spring  features an outdoor pool with panoramic views of Cape Cod and rooms with a 32-inch LCD TV. Historic Plymouth Rock is less than one mile from this hotel. Plymouth Waterfront and the Mayflower II are both within a 20-minute walk from this hotel. The Plimoth Plantation is just a 5-minute drive from the hotel.
• Mid-range: Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor  is located across the street from historic Plymouth Harbor. It features an indoor heated swimming pool.
• Luxury: Rooms at Harbourtown Suites on Plymouth Harbor include a seating area with a sofa bed, a kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking.
• Resort: Mirbeau Inn & Spa has a spa and wellness center, a restaurant, and a fitness center with Peloton® bikes. The accommodation includes a fireplace and free Wi-Fi access. Other facilities offered at the property include an onsite shop and free parking.

Days 9-10: Boston, Massachusetts

There’s no better place to cap off your 10-day New England road trip itinerary than in Boston, the capital of Massachusetts. This historic city is full of colonial character and charm. Plus, there are plenty of things to see and do, from exploring the Freedom Trail to watching a baseball game at Fenway Park.

Return your rental car before you do anything else. You won’t need it in the city, as you can navigate better by using Boston’s public transportation system and on foot. Besides, traffic in Boston is a hassle and parking is expensive.

While you can certainly use the T subway system to navigate Beantown, I should also mention Boston’s hop-on hop-off trolley tour . This is a favorite option for many travelers, including ourselves—we always try to squeeze in a “HOHO” tour whenever we visit a new city.

The one- or two-day ticket takes you to all the iconic sites and includes live commentary from an expert guide who knows the city inside and out. We think it’s perfect for getting a feel for the city’s layout and must-see sights—and hey, it’s also a fun way to get around!

ⓘ PRO TIP: If it’s too early to check into your room when you arrive, don’t worry. Most hotels will stash your bags in a secure location and then deliver them once your room is ready.

As one of America’s oldest cities, Boston, Massachusetts, is full of historic landmarks and sites. Start your Boston adventure by walking the Freedom Trail. Known as one of the top things to do in Boston, this 2.5-mile (4 km) trail passes 16 different sites that are all significant to American history. You can do it yourself or get the full experience with a guided walking tour.

If time permits this morning, take a leisurely stroll through Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country.

Head to the iconic Quincy Market shopping district for lunch, and don’t forget to try a famous Boston Cream Pie while you’re there!

In the afternoon, choose activities based on your interests:

• History lovers – visit some of Boston’s famous historical sites, such as the Boston Tea Party Ships, the USS Constitution Museum, and the Paul Revere House.
• Sports fans – Tour Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team
• Art lovers – stroll through the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts

In the evening, dine at one of Boston’s many great restaurants. For a truly unique experience, try a seafood dinner at one of the city’s many waterfront seafood shacks.

Be sure to end your day with a stroll along the waterfront to watch the sunset over Boston Harbor.

Where to stay in Boston:

• Budget: in the heart of Boston, HI Boston is 5 minutes away from Boston Common and public transport. All rooms include free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax with a pool table and TV in the game room. A shared kitchen, coffee bar, and vending machines offering snacks and drinks are on-site. Bike storage is available.
• Mid-range: The Oasis Guest House offers free WiFi, shared outdoor terraces, and concierge service. Northeastern University is an 8-minute walk. Some rooms include a private bathroom. All rooms are nonsmoking.
• Luxury: The Newbury Boston  features a restaurant, bar, shared lounge, and garden. This 5-star hotel has a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free WiFi. The hotel has family rooms, and breakfast includes vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Day 10 of your New England itinerary depends on when you plan to depart.

If you’re leaving in the afternoon or evening, you have time this morning for a little more sightseeing. You could spend a couple of hours cruising on Boston harbor or go wandering through one of Boston’s neighborhoods before heading to the airport.

If you have a second, full day in Boston—or better yet, 3 days in Boston, you might want to take part in an interactive museum tour and become a part of the Boston Tea Party , take an Italian food tour in Boston’s North End, or go whale watching off the coast of Boston in a catamaran. If you plan it right, you might even be able to catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park!

No matter when your flight departs, be sure to allow plenty of time to get to Logan Airport. Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour.

How to get to downtown Boston from Logan International Airport

The cheapest and easiest way to get to downtown Boston from Logan International Airport is by taking the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) Silver Line bus. The SL1 and SL2 buses both go to South Station, which is located in the heart of downtown Boston. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs $2.75 per person.

However, it’s not that easy because you’ll still need to get to your hotel. It’s best to take a cab or Uber from the station to avoid hassling with luggage on public transportation.

The most convenient option is to book a private shuttle from the airport to your hotel and let someone else handle the bags and traffic.

Final thoughts about this New England road trip itinerary

And that’s a wrap on your 10-day New England road trip itinerary! We hope you enjoyed this trip and that you’ll come back to explore more of this beautiful region in the future.

What are the best months for fall colors in New England?

The best time to visit for fall foliage in New England is typically September and October. However, the exact timing for peak color can vary from year to year depending on weather conditions.

Use this map to find up-to-date information on current New England fall foliage color.

5 tips for taking a road trip through New England

1. Get a map. You’ll be traveling through some remote areas with spotty or no cell signal. If you don’t want to risk taking a wrong turn, either buy a paper New England map or download the offline version of whatever New England road trip map application you use. And if you can, familiarize yourself with it before you depart.

2. Use apps to find cheap gas. Two popular ones are Gas Buddy and Waze . Fuel always ends up being one of the most surprising and costly expenses on a road trip.

3. Track the weather daily. New England weather can be finicky, and changing conditions can take you by surprise. Keep a raincoat and sweater handy.

4. Book a few experiences along the way. Walking tours, food tours, and boat tours are a lot of fun and create wonderful memories. There are tons of great tours on offer, allowing you to get the most of the vast history and beauty that New England has to offer.

5. Always carry loads of water and snacks in the car. It’s convenient to have what you need on hand. Plus, you won’t waste time and money buying stuff at a convenience store.

5 New England photography tips

1. Rural country roads offer a wealth of photo opportunities, from quaint farms to rolling hills. These areas are often more rural and less populated than urban areas, so you’ll have plenty of chances to snap some beautiful shots. And because rural country roads are usually less crowded than city streets, you won’t have to worry about getting in anyone’s way.

2. Look for elevated vantage points whenever possible. While you’re out exploring, keep your eyes peeled for elevated vantage points. hop on a rock or climb a tree to get a better view of your surroundings. You might just be surprised at what you find!

3. Remember to keep your camera charged. That way, you’ll never miss a moment. A fully charged hattery will let you capture all the special moments, so always keep it topped up.

4. Bring multiple spare batteries for your camera. Nothing is worse than seeing a great shot and discovering your camera is out of power. Extra batteries are the best backup plan.

5. Bring your drone, if you have one. You’ll be glad to know that aerial photography is permitted in many parts of New England.

Share this story with others

Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

You may also like...

10 Best Jersey Shore Beaches to Visit

9 Best Winter Getaways in New England

How to Spend a Weekend in Boston (Itinerary Ideas)

• Africa Africa
• Cambodia Cambodia
• Malaysia Malaysia
• Nepal Lifetime Experiences!
• Philippines
• Singapore Singapore
• Taiwan See our Taiwan destination page for more.
• Curacao Travel photos and articles
• Dominica Exhilarating adventures, breathtaking landscapes and fairy-tale coral reefs
• Jamaica Heartbeat of the World
• Sint Maarten/ St Martin The Friendly Island
• Belize Belize
• Panama Panama
• Andorra Andorra
• Austria Austria
• Belgium Where Benelux begins
• Croatia Croatia
• Czechia Czech Republic
• France France
• Germany Germany
• Greece Greece
• Hungary Hungary
• Ireland Ireland
• Italy Italy
• Montenegro Montenegro
• Netherlands Netherlands
• Slovakia Slovakia
• Spain Spain
• Switzerland Switzerland
• U.K. United Kingdom
• Vatican City Vatican City
• Israel + Palestine Land of Creation
• Saudi Arabia Hello World
• Türkiye You Will Want to Stay Forever
• United Arab Emirates Discover all that’s possible
• Mexico Mexico
• United States United States of America
• Australia There’s NOTHING like Australia.
• New Zealand New Zealand travel inspiration, articles, and tips for curious travelers
• Brazil Brasil – sensational!
• Colombia Colombia is magical realism
• Ecuador All you need is Ecuador
• Peru Land of the Incas
• 1-day itineraries
• Weekend Getaways
• 1- to 2-week itineraries
• food and drink
• Things to Do
• travel planning
• know before you go
• cruise ports
• cruise tips
• Viking Grand European Tour Daily journal entries from our Grand European Tour, a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, with activities, experiences and tips.
• photo gallery Travel photos by As We Saw It
• photo essays Photo Essays
• photography tips Photo Tips

7 Epic East Coast USA Road Trip Routes

Planning to take an east coast USA road trip but not sure where you want to go?

We adore taking road trips in the United States, and for as long as I can remember, road tripping the east coast has been my travel comfort zone.

As a child, I was shuttled from Orlando to North Carolina to visit family at least a couple of times a year for the better part of a decade, and a few years later, my family spent a couple of months taking an east coast road trip all the way from North Carolina to Maine.

In my early twenties, I made some truly special memories taking road trips throughout the south with my mom and Grammy.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Fast forward a few years, and Jeremy and I have put our dent in east coast USA road trips as well, touring both parts of New England and the south by car.

We haven’t been able to get everywhere (yet), though, so for this post, we’ve teamed up with several other travel bloggers to recommend some of the absolute best east coast USA road trip routes… and added a couple of new destinations to our bucket list in the process.

From the southernmost point in the continental USA to the rocky beaches of Maine, here’s where to go on your next USA road trip.

We have offered suggestions for the best hotels in each place but if you are doing this as a true road trip it is really cool to do it in an RV. You can rent incredible RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy, book here for your next road trip!

Table of Contents

Southeast USA Road Trip Routes

Mid-atlantic road trip routes, new england road trip routes.

Miami to Key West Road Trip

From Sarah of Travels of Sarah Fay

The best way to see the beauty of Florida is a drive from the art deco-clad roads of Miami, to the beaches of Key West. Also, there is something very satisfying about reaching the end of the Route 1 highway in Key West.

It is so iconic that it is popular to take a photo at the last highway marker for Route 1 in Key West. 

This iconic overseas highway crosses 42 bridges that take you to a few destinations not to be missed including Key Largo, Islamorada, Bahia Honda State Park, and the famous Key West, which is indisputably one of the best beach towns on the east coast .

Top things to do in Key Largo include taking a glass-bottom boat tour or snorkeling to see one of the world’s best reefs.

The John Pennekamp State Park offers snorkeling tours that will show you the colorful wonders of the reef.

Before making your way to Key West, stop at Robbie’s to not only eat but feed the Tarpon off the pier and maybe see a shark. Then as you make your way down south, why not stop at the Florida Keys Brewing Company in Islamorada.

Along this drive, you will find one of the best beaches in the world at Bahia Honda State Park located on Marathon Key. The endless expanse of pearly white sand and turquoise waters and a little hike on one of the original bridges constructed from Miami to Key West is the perfect way to relax before getting to the party in Key West.

Finally, in Key West, you can have a slice of the famous Key Lime Pie, take a picture at the southernmost point of the continental USA, and party on Duval Street because you have completed this epic east coast USA road trip.

If you are feeling really adventurous you could also try and check out the Everglades, which is just a short detour off of Route 1 when leaving Miami.  

Driving Distance

Recommended trip length.

You can drive from Miami to Key West in about 4 hours if you go straight through. With a couple of days to explore, you’ll be able to see plenty of sights along the way, making this an excellent weekend road trip!

St. Augustine to Charleston Road Trip

For a mix of relaxing coastal vibes and delightful southern charm, plan an east coast USA road trip leading from St. Augustine, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina !

This road trip has its fair share of beaches and natural beauty, while also covering some of the best East Coast cities to visit .

Start your trip in St. Augustine, which happens to be the oldest city in the USA: founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine is packed with history. 

Be sure not to miss visiting the Castillo de San Marcos for a rare chance to visit a castle in the USA, the Lightner Museum, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Once you’ve had your fill of history for the day, kick back and enjoy some of Florida’s legendary beaches.

From St. Augustine, head to Savannah to admire what is arguably the most beautiful city in the south.

Stroll through the 22 town squares, wander down famous Jones Street to peek at one of the most beautiful streets in the USA, visit Forsyth Park, tour some house museums, hit up City Market, and, if you’re up for a scare, head out on a ghost tour.

After visiting Savannah and possibly stopping at nearby Tybee Island for a little more beach time, make your way to Charleston for the final stop on this east coast USA road trip.

In Charleston, be sure to snap photos at the famous Rainbow Row and on Folly Beach, visit Fort Sumter, check out the Charleston City Market, and visit the stunning 1500-year-old Angel Tree.

Those interested in military history will also enjoy a visit to Patriot’s Point, and food lovers can’t go wrong with a food tour in order to taste some of the best Lowcountry food around.

We suggest spending at least 5 days on this east coast road trip, but by slowing down and potentially adding other side stops like Tybee Island or Hilton Head, you could easily make this into a 7-10 day vacation!

Blue Ridge Parkway

From Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Green Global Travel

One of America’s most iconic road trips, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs nearly 500 miles through North Carolina and Virginia, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks .

Construction of the route began back in 1935, and it has been the United States National Park System’s most visited attraction almost every year since the mid-1940s.

The route begins on U.S. Route 441 at Oconaluftee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cherokee, North Carolina. It ends at the southern entrance to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia at Rockfish Gap. 

Once you take this jaw-droppingly beautiful drive for yourself, you’ll see why. With stunning scenery, historic landmarks, and thousands of different wildlife species along the way (birds, bears, deer, and more), the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a taste of unspoiled Americana at its finest. 

There are way too many highlights of this route to adequately summarize here, but I’d definitely recommend spending a few days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and exploring the area in and around Asheville.

Heading north, there are great hiking and fishing in both the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests, as well as charming little mountain towns such as Boone and Blowing Rock, NC.

Virginia’s must-sees include Roanoke, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, and of course Shenandoah National Park. 

Our favorite time to explore this region is autumn. The crowds are smaller, the weather is cooler, and the stunning color of the leaves turn the Blue Ridge Mountain scenery into something magical.

We suggest exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway over 3-5 days.

The Adirondacks Road Trip

From Jim of Uncovering New York

The Adirondack Mountains of northern New York are one of the most beautiful and remote regions of the east coast of the United States. While there are faster routes between Lake George and Lake Placid, this road trip route will take you through some of the region’s most beautiful small towns and past some of its best attractions.

Start in Lake George. While here, consider taking a boat cruise on the Minne Ha Ha and touring Fort William Henry.

From here, head north out of town on Route 9 before picking up NY-28 south and then NY-8 south.

Route 8 passes along the southern reaches of the Adirondack Park and past many great waterfalls and hiking trails. One to make sure not to miss is the 70-foot Auger Falls. Shortly after Auger Falls, take NY-30 north, making sure not to miss the beautiful shores of Indian Lake and the hike to Ok Slip Falls.

In the town of Blue Mountain Lake, the  Adirondack Experience  is a can’t-miss museum that tells the story of the Adirondack Park and people that call it home. This is a truly fantastic museum and is worth saving a few hours to experience. While in town, you can also explore local art at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.

Continue on the journey enjoying the incredible scenery of the Adirondacks as you pass by spots like Long Lake and Tupper Lake. Veer off onto NY-3 east for your final stop for the evening in Saranac Lake, New York.

The next day, explore the history of this community at the Saranac Laboratory Museum and learn how the community was built by tuberculous patients. You can also visit the former home of author Robert Louis Stevenson.

Finally, take NY-86 the short distance to Lake Placid, home to two Winter Olympics. While in town, tour the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, High Falls Gorge, and enjoy shopping in this quaint town. End your weekend road trip with a climb up Cobble Hill for great views of Lake Placid.

While you certainly spend a full week or even longer exploring this route and the communities along it, this is a great two-day road trip that’s perfect for any nature lover.

New Hampshire Road Trip

From Micki of The Barefoot Nomad

New Hampshire’s fiery fall foliage, mountain passes, serene lakes, and rugged coastline make for a picturesque east coast USA road trip. The state is a dream destination for nature lovers, with ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking, swimming, and outdoor winter sports. 

One of the state’s highlights is the charming seaside town of Portsmouth, where you can enjoy craft ale and fresh seafood among jewel-box colonial buildings.

Odiorne State Park is a short 10-minute drive from downtown Portsmouth, and home to rugged coastal views, the educational Seacoast Science Center, and the remains of Fort Dearborn.

From Portsmouth, make your way to the Kancamagus Highway, which is rightly touted as one of the USA’s most scenic drives. The Kancamagus twists through the White Mountains and offers stunning views of fall foliage and plenty of hiking and camping.

From the Kancamagus, continue on to Franconia State Park to see the Flume Gorge, a natural gorge that runs for about 800 feet at the foot of Mount Liberty. The 1886 Pemigewasset covered bridge at Franconia Notch State Park is well worth a stop. 

From there, it’s a short 10-minute drive from the Flume Gorge to the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, an 80-passenger cable car that reaches the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain. There’s a short hiking trail at the summit that offers views of the mountains of New Hampshire , New York, Vermont, Maine and even the Canadian province of Quebec.

Next up, a stop at idyllic Lake Winnipesaukee offers a change from the mountains. While some areas around the lake (like Weirs Beach in Laconia) are packed with tourists in summer, Winnipesaukee’s 183 miles of coastline, and more than 300 islands means that secluded spots aren’t hard to find.

While you can take this trip in any season, many mountain passes, like the Kancamagus Highway, are closed during heavy snowfalls. However, winter is a great time to try snowshoeing or skiing at any of the state’s 19 ski resorts. In autumn, North Conway, Kancamagus Highway, and Franconia boast incredible fall foliage. 

Start and end this trip by flying into Boston, Massachusetts, heading north through Portsmouth, Odiorne State Park, Kancamagus Highway, Franconia State Park, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Lake Winnipesaukee, and ending your loop in Boston.

Four days is plenty for this drive, though you’ll have to limit your time in a few locations. You’ll be on the road for about 7 and a half hours during this east coast road trip.

Portland to Bar Harbor Road Trip

From Kaisa of Glam Granola Travel

The Maine stretch of US-1, also known as the Coastal Highway, is a classic New England-style east coast road trip. While you could drive this iconic seaside road in a day, there are so many things to do in Portland , Acadia, and everywhere in between, it’s best appreciated leisurely over several days. You can start at either end, but starting in Portland and heading north provides increasingly beautiful scenery. There are plenty of campsites and B&Bs along the way in Maine’s many state parks and harbor towns. 

Portland is famous for potato donuts, breweries, and quirky local charm. Allagash and Bissell Brothers are two award-winning breweries; the former often has food trucks, while the latter shares space with a great local café. The Old Port area near the water is full of cool shops, including one of the best Portland donut shops The Holy Donut. A picnic in the Eastern Promenade park overlooking the water is a particularly peaceful way to spend the afternoon. 

Heading north of Portland, one encounters more and more of what Maine does best—natural beauty and seafood. There are three unique state parks to choose from on this route, from south to north: Popham Beach State Park (Phippsburg), Camden Hills State Park (Cambden), and Moose Point State Park (Searsport).

Popham Beach State Park is known for its perfect sandy beach, rare along Maine’s rocky coastline, and picturesque lighthouses. Camden Hills’ main attraction is the panoramic view of Camden and the ocean from Mt. Megunticook, a moderate day hike. Moose Point has awesome tide pools, which are  so  much fun to explore and observe critters in.

In Wicasset, between Popham Beach and Camden Hills, Red’s Eats makes one of New England’s most delicious lobster rolls. For a state famous for its lobster rolls, being considered among the best is a massive accomplishment. 

Finally, end this east coast USA road trip in Acadia National Park.

Located next to Bar Harbor on Bar Island, it’s a true gem of the National Park system and there is no other park like it. Whale watching trips leave from Bar Harbor every day during the high season and are a definite must-see!

The hiking in Acadia is incredible, as well—don’t miss the Beehive, a short, thrilling (but still family-friendly) climb up rocky cliffs complete with metal bars and manmade bridges between the rocks. The view at the top, of the Atlantic Ocean, harbor, and endless lush hills, is New England at its finest.

While you can technically complete this US road trip route in a day, we suggest taking a couple of days to savor the sights along the way.

New England Road Trip Loop

From Danielle of Wanderlust While Working

Whether you’re looking for majestic mountains, breathtaking coastal views, photogenic lighthouses, or the excitement of a big city, New England has it all.

For the perfect northeast USA road trip, take an epic road trip through New England starting and ending in Boston.

Enjoy exploring Boston via the Freedom Trail and take in some of America’s oldest historical sites along the 3.5-mile route.

Next, drive southwest to the coast of Newport, RI, home of the extravagant Newport Mansions. After exploring Newport for a day, continue to follow the coast to the quaint seaside town of Mystic, CT, home of historic Mystic Seaport.

Next, cut across Western Massachusetts to the lush Green Mountains in Vermont with a stop in Burlington bordering the beautiful Lake Champlain. Spend the day wandering this cute college town and imbibing in one of the many breweries (Vermont has the largest number of breweries per capita of any state!).

From here, head east through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, home to Mount Washington, the tallest mountain on the East Coast. The last major stop of the loop is Maine’s Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, ME. See all Acadia has to offer whether it’s hiking, biking the famous carriage roads, or exploring the coast by boat for a few days before returning to Boston via Portland, ME.

While there is plenty to do in New England any time of year, visit in summer for the best weather and to enjoy the coastal beaches or in fall for a tour through New England’s famous fall foliage. Along the way don’t forget to try some of the food New England is famous for, including Maine lobsters and New England clam chowder!

1,100 miles

We recommend taking about 10 full days to road trip New England in depth.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

8 thoughts on “7 Epic East Coast USA Road Trip Routes”

In 2007 we drove part of one of your routes from Savannah (where we spent three nights) to Charleston (where we also spent a night). I had just read “Midnight In The garden of Good and Evil” (John Berendts) which brought extra meaning to Savannah’s sights. It was such a pretty city that allegedly in 1866 General Sherman refused to torch it as had been his custom in other towns.

On Tybee Island we had a dellicious crab meal at The Crab Shack. Hopefully it’s still there. I loved their novel idea of having a hole in the centre of the table where the food scraps are simply dropped where they fall into a bin.

On the way to Charleston, Beaufort is also a pleasant stop with a delicious chocolate shop and pretty houses.

The ferry to Fort Sumter IMO is a must for history buffs being where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired.

Love that part of the country! Savannah is one of our favorites, I’d like to keep going back forever.

Hi, Great blog packed with fantastic ideas for my as yet unplanned US road trips whenever we get back to a new normal for travelling. I’m thinking of combining my chosen road trips with some of the best rail journeys and thought about starting in New York across to San Francisco by Amtrak then drive to my next train and so on. Have you ever done this to get around the US or do you have you any route suggestions? Also, is interchanging between road and rail achievable? I’m looking at staying for no less than two months my idea being to cover many miles by train being far cheaper than renting a car for the whole time. Many thanks. Kev

Hi Kev! Honestly, traveling by rail in the US is, generally speaking, very expensive and very inefficient. You can technically do it, but it’s usually much more about the story of crossing the US by train than the fact that it’s a good way to see the country.

You can combine driving and trains, but again, it would be pricey to do so, especially if you’re consistently dropping your rental cars off at a different location than you pick them up at (many companies charge a fee for that).

That being said, 2 months exploring the US is an incredible trip and you can see a lot in that time!

Love all the pictures and descriptions of the places you have travelled! Truly gives great inspiration to see the World. Our little family tries to travel a couple of times per year but would love to take a first time RV trip from Eastern NC to destination unknown between Christmas and New Year Day. Wide open question, but any suggestions for a 5 day adventure?

That’s great to hear, thanks Brian! I’m actually typing this comment back to you from NC myself–we’re in town visiting my Mom and Grammy, who both live in the Raleigh area.

Five days from Eastern NC in an RV… the options are pretty limitless! My first thought is St. Augustine/Savannah/Charleston–a great trifecta with limited driving. The Outer Banks Scenic Byway, perhaps with a dip north into Virginia and the Chincoteague area (especially if any of your kids are horse fans) may feel close to home but could also be an amazing trip–no swimming, of course, but I have to say I love the wide open spaces of NC beaches in the winter (and parking will be much easier too–just be sure to check for seasonal ferry and RV park closures).

The mountains (GSMNP followed by Shenandoah, with a ride up the Blue Ridge Parkway along the way) is of course another great option, but I’d watch the weather carefully before committing to that one in December. If you do head that way, the Biltmore should still have its Christmas decor up!

With 5 days and it being your first time in an RV, I’d hesitate to include any of the large eastern seaboard cities or go much further afield, though of course you can if you’re determined to hit the ground running!

Love your ideas for putting together some touring routes. We need help – we will be arriving in Raleigh area for a wedding in August so expecting to do some travel prior in July. Looking for road trip ideas, my husband has very limited walking capacity and will not go near a city! Will we see much doing the Blue Ridge Parkway without hiking? Also the Shenandoah Forest? And I think Id like to see some American beaches!.

Some ideas to set us off would be great thankyou.

Thanks so much, Karen! My mom and Grammy both live in Raleigh and I’ve been visiting since I was a kid, so those are stomping grounds I’m very familiar with. :-)

American national parks are generally very well set-up from an accessibility standpoint, and that includes Great Smoky Mountain, Shenandoah, and Blue Ridge Parkway (not technically a national park in its own right, but mostly part of the system). Not all of the parks will be accessible, of course, but scenic drives in the US virtually always have plenty of easy spots to pull off on and appreciate the views. Skyline Drive will be a hit for you guys, I suspect!

Definitely stop by the visitor’s center in each park and pick up maps–they’ll have clear markings of pull-off spots and also how much walking is involved in them, with the answer sometimes being little to none, plus the difficulty level, distance, and accessibility access of any trails.

National parks also tend to have at least one short wheelchair accessible trail that is paved, often found near the visitor’s center.

Beach wise, you’ll be close to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, which are very popular and beautiful. Kitty Hawk (home of the Wright Brother’s first flight) and surrounding towns might be a great fit. Other options include the Crystal Coast (a bit further south and my stomping grounds), or heading north into Virginia and the Chincoteague area (as in Misty of Chincoteague, if you remember those books from childhood).

In all of those places, sandy/wild beaches with lots of waves, lighthouses, fishing piers, and (in some cases) wild horse spotting on the various islands they live on are all popular attractions.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Work With Me

Home » Blog » The ULTIMATE New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

The ULTIMATE New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

The Northeast USA is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the entire world during fall. For that reason you NEED to add a New England fall road trip to your bucket list!

Prior to this trip, exploring the northeast had been on my travel radar for the longest time. I am stoked to say that New England definitely lived up to the hype and I am excited to share this New England fall road trip itinerary with you all! (3 day, 5 day and 7 day itineraries)

Read on to find out all the must-see places for fall foliage, where to stay, what to pack, the top hikes to take, photography inspiration, and more! I even provide you with a handy map to use for planning and navigation. In my opinion this is the BEST New England fall road trip and I hope you get the chance to take it!

Disclaimer : This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Before we jump into it, I do want to add a disclaimer that this road trip was my own experience during the 2018 fall season . Every year is different, some more magical, and others less so.

I will do my best to help you plan the perfect New England fall road trip itinerary, but you will need to go in with an open mind! Honestly, some of the best trips I have ever taken have been when things haven’t gone to plan. Sometimes all the planning in the world cannot change the weather!

Okay, let’s jump into how to plan a fall New England road trip !

How to plan a New England fall road trip

There are generally two ways to approach planning for a New England fall road trip. The first is to meticulously plan everything in the attempt to not waste a moment, and the second (the option we went with) is to pretty much not plan at all. Sounds weird right? Why would you not plan and wouldn’t that potentially waste you time and money? Well, at this time of the year, it kind of works in the opposite way.

The reason for this is that fall colors gradually change from green, to yellow (or orange, red, purple) until they fall off. Not all trees in an area change at the exact same time. There’s a point in the fall transition where most trees are changed to their beautiful shades of yellow, orange or red prior to falling off and with minimal green trees. This is considered “peak fall foliage” or “peak fall color”.

Peak color doesn’t happen at the exact same time every year (usually varying a week or so either way). It can vary due to a variety of factors but this is mostly due to weather. By not booking hotels or camping prior to your Northeast fall road trip, this allows you to be flexible. You can go to the areas that are at “peak color” rather than spend time in a spot that isn’t yet fully changed or worse, the leaves have fallen.

When to start planning your New England fall road trip itinerary

Advantages and disadvantages come with this method of not planning. The major advantage of not booking all your accommodation in advance is flexibility . You won’t miss the colors because they happened to be a week late or earlier than expected. You can drive to wherever the colors happen to be best in that moment.

This comes with a downside though… accommodation prices and availability. Fall is extremely busy in this part of the country . Like you, many others choose to take East Coast fall road trips in the hope of seeing the incredible beauty that comes with the changing of seasons. This means hotels and vacation rentals can book out well in advance, leaving the remaining last-minute bookings quite expensive.

We ended up opting to mostly find accommodation as we went along, including some last-minute vacation rentals and hotels /motels. We tried to stay at a budget of around $80-150 USD per night, which did narrow down our search a little but overall the places were more than adequate, use Expedia to get price comparisons across multiple booking sites and save you time searching for a place to stay. A couple of times we did have to drive to places slightly further out of town to find a more affordable price but this was an okay compromise to have the extra flexibility.

If you need to rent a car, check out Kayak for price comparisons from rental agents. Or you could use this road trip to test out van life! Rent an RV or camper from Outdoorsy , and you won’t have to worry much about accommodations.

Another option is to bring camping gear .

Keep in mind though, at this time of the year some of the campgrounds are beginning to close. Some places we traveled through didn’t seem to have many tent camping options. In saying that, there was the possibility of sleeping in your car. I have a guide all about sleeping in your car on road trips – check it out!

If you are thinking of camping, you can check sites in the area on The Dyrt where you can see which are open and the facilities available as well as reviews from previous campers. Click here , or use my code reneeroaming for a free 30 day trial .

With all that being said, how you want to plan your Northeast fall road trip is up to you. Do you want to take the chance of potentially missing the peak colors and pre-book more affordable/convenient accommodation? Or do you want to pay slightly more for accommodation and make sure you are seeing the best of the colors? It’s up to you. Either way, we found this be the most accurate and up-to-date map of where the colors are peaking .

Mid-October is often the best time to take a New England road trip for leaf peepers, but it’s helpful if you can be flexible with your date. For reference, we took our fall New England road trip on October 8 – 12, 2018 . But don’t take those dates as a sure thing because peak color can change year to year! Just remember to pack your camera to capture those autumnal colors. You can see the equipment I use further down in the post.

Best New England fall road trip itinerary

Below I’m sharing a suggested itinerary for your New England fall road trip, based on our own adventure. First off, here is a map with all the best spots linked and pins for each day of the itinerary, see below.

Now let’s talk through the day-to-day itinerary…

Day 1 – Dixville Notch State Park

Fly into Boston , Massachusetts and pick up a rental car . From here, drive 4 hours north to Dixville Notch to begin your New England fall road trip. Dixville Notch is a very small area, but for what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty!

The main road that travels over Dixville Notch initially winds its way past some cute farmland surrounded by rolling hills. The drive then passes stunning Lake Gloriette , up over Dixville Notch and down the other side of the pass-through incredible fall foliage to a couple of serene picnic areas and walks.

Plan to do the stunning Table Rock trail which is a short one at only 1.5 miles round-trip, but a relatively steep 700 feet climb. This gives you epic 360-degree views over Dixville Notch from above, and the photos are beautiful! If you have timed it right, you might even be able to enjoy sunset from up there.

Unfortunately when we were there, the clouds were low and covering the views.

Instead, we parked at what is labeled Whittemore Family Cemetery on GoogleMaps and hiked a short trail that leaves from the parking lot. This is a great alternative if the weather is not cooperating.

This trail made its way through a vibrant forest that leads to a cute little bridge and stream. The hike would only take 10-15 minutes round-trip without stopping. It was a great way to stretch the legs and take a moment to snap some photos of our first glimpse of fall colors.

After finishing your hike at Table Rock, or the alternative trail, head back to nearby Colebrook for dinner and a good night’s rest in your hotel . You can also book into this great cottage on a farm or Tentrr’s Signature Site for luxury glamping.

Day 2 – Stowe

Wake up early, grab some breakfast at Mostly Muffins in Colebrook (so yummy!) and then drive west towards Stowe , Vermont. On the way, you will pass loads of beautiful fall foliage and small rural towns including the memorable Island Pond. The Great Vermont Corn Maze is also a fun stop if you’re into that sort of thing.

After a beautiful drive to Stowe, you can spend the rest of the day exploring its charm, cute gift stores, and scenic walks. We had lunch at the Green Goddess Cafe and it was amazing! We then took a quick walk along the bike path which leaves from behind the Stowe Community Church and runs along the river. You can also take a brewery tour in Stowe to sample locally made beer, spirits and ciders.

From this vantage, there are some great views of the church worth photographing. Finish the night off with a delicious pizza at Piecasso in town – we definitely recommend this restaurant! Stay the night in Stowe at The Green Mountain Inn or in The Loft at Hobble Inn .

Day 3 – Smugglers Notch & White Mountains

Day 3 of your Northwest fall road trip will be a busy one! Wake up early and head to Smugglers Notch . This area has a road that goes up and through a small gap between two mountains (referred to as a “notch”). It is quite similar to Dixville Notch, but in my opinion, Smugglers is even more spectacular.

This was one of the spots we were most looking forward to on our New England fall road trip, and it didn’t disappoint! The mountains on either side are HUGE, and there are so many beautiful twists and turns in the road to photograph and check out.

Definitely drive this to the other side and back before moving on to your next location. Another option is taking the Gondola SkyRide at the Stowe Mountain Resort, for beautiful aerial mountain views.

From Smuggler’s Notch, drive south to Pomfret, Vermont .

Taking Cloudland Road south from Pomfret to Woodstock will take you along cute dirt roads lined with fall colors, rolling hills, and quaint farms. A necessary stop along this route is the farm located opposite “Elm Grove Farm” on GoogleMaps, often referred to as “Sleepy Hollow Farm” . It’s a great little photography stop that captures one of the most photogenic farm properties you will ever see.

Sugarbush Farm is another local property you can visit, though we didn’t go there ourselves. I hear their maple syrup is delicious!

Now, time to head back to New Hampshire! Your scenic drive today will take you through Franconia Notch State Park. At the base of the White Mountains, the town of  Lincoln is a good place to end day 3 of your New England fall road trip. Stay at Woodwards White Mountain Resort or the Loon Mountain Apartment .

Day 4 – White Mountains

Your New England fall road trip would not be complete without a drive along the famous Kancamagus Highway . Leaving early on day 4 from Lincoln, there are a lot of epic road-side views on this stretch of road. A number of pull-outs also allow for some great photo opportunities. Continue east until you hit the Rocky Gorge Parking Lot. Here you can take a walk along the beautiful Swift River and get views of the beautiful Falls Pond . North Conway is a cute town on the east end of the Kancamagus Highway, and a great spot for lunch or a stroll around town.

From Rocky Gorge, we backtracked a short distance to drive up  Bear Notch Road . Bear Notch provides a scenic drive along a mountainside and more roadside pullouts for some gorgeous photo opportunities.

At the end of Bear Notch Road, drive north to Crawford Notch State Park . Here, you can explore the backroads and snap photos of all the beautiful fall colors. A side-trip option in this area is a hike up the Mount Willard trail . It’s a relatively steep, but short 3.2-mile round-trip hike to a clifftop overlooking Crawford Notch. The views from there are unreal! Again, unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating so we had to skip this one.

Next, continue north where you have the option of taking a short detour to the Mt Washington Cog Railway . Here, you can catch an old-school train up to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the northeastern US at 6,289 feet. Due to the bad weather, we kept driving, but if you are a fan of trains then this should not be missed!

To end your day, depending on availability you can stay in the nearby towns of Carroll, Franconia, Littleton, or Bethlehem.

We stayed in Franconia ourselves and chose to drive to Bethlehem to have dinner at the Cold Mountain Cafe . It if works out with timing, we highly recommend it as a delicious way to end a busy day.

There are great hotels to chose from, the Hampton Inn in Littleton and Stonybrook Motel & Lodge in Franconia are lovely options or you can opt for vacation rentals. On the Mountain Suite in Carroll, Rustic Log Cabin in Sugar Hill and Kilburn Place in Littleton are worth checking into.

Day 5 – White Mountains

Day 5 is the last day of your New England fall road trip, and what better way to start than with a sunrise hike up to Artist’s Bluff . This is a short 1.4-mile walk up to a stunning hilltop that overlooks Echo Lake , and the fall foliage here is insane! Unfortunately, it was raining when we drove past here (a common theme on our trip!) so we opted to skip the hike as the clouds were hiding most of the views.

We continued on to Flume Gorge which is a relatively easy 2-mile loop hike and one of our favorite stops of the trip. Multiple waterfalls, streams, and covered bridges keep the eyes entertained for the whole 2 miles. Do note that there is a $18 per person entry fee (I definitely recommend making advance reservations) but we felt it was very much worth it. In fact, we spent a couple of hours exploring this area and even in the rain it was absolutely gorgeous!

By now your Northeast fall road trip is coming to an end. It’s probably time to head back towards Boston to catch your flight… or onward to your next destination (see more below!)

7 day East Coast fall road trip

If you really want to take an incredible Northeast fall road trip and have some extra days ( 1 week total ), here is what I would recommend. Add a couple of days in between Stowe/Smuggler’s Notch and the White Mountains. It would be fun to spend a day in Burlington and walk along Lake Champlain, or check out Waterbury, Vermont. With these extra days, you can drive further into Upstate New York and the Adirondack Mountains , where the colors were absolutely incredible. There are also abundant hiking opportunities, and the beautiful town of Lake Placid to explore. Lake Placid has some amazing accommodation options and beautiful views so it is definitely worth spending a night there. Try the Crowne Plaza or this Rustic Room or search cabins in the area for larger groups.

As an alternative to the Adirondacks, you could scoot over to Maine and visit Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park . Acadia has some really unique scenery, boasting both coastal views and mountain tops! Bar Harbor has plenty of great vacation rentals available.

Check out my blog, How To Prepare for Hiking Trips , ahead of time to prepare!

As I know many of you will ask, we opted to take a sunset hike in the Adirondacks (see photo above), however I have been asked by locals to please not share the exact location. There are some concerns about the potential damage of increased trail traffic and it was pointed out to us that parking spots are also very limited.

I urge you to be responsible and always abide by Leave No Trace Principles when exploring the outdoors. You can read my blog, Hiking Trail Etiquette Rules You Should Know , to learn more and click here to read my in-depth guide on How To Follow Leave No Trace Principles.

3 day New England Road Trip

You could do this New England fall road trip in 3 days with some adventurous spirit! It would be kind of rushed, and you wouldn’t always be able to be in the best spots for sunrise or sunset. That being said, if it’s all you have, go for it! It’s definitely doable and would also be a blast. I hope you don’t mind missing out on some sleep though 😉

Some options to put together a shorter Northeast fall road trip itinerary would be to cut out the Pomfret / Sleepy Hollow Farm section, as that does add some driving hours. Another way to cut downtime would be to combine your visit to Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch into one day.

New England fall road trip packing guide

There are some essential items you should pack for your Northeast fall road trip to make it as enjoyable as possible! I hadn’t explored much of New England or Upstate New York before this trip and found the weather to be a little up and down. In fact, one minute it was sunny and the next freezing and rainy! You’ll definitely want to pack some additional layers for your leaf peeping adventures.

This packing guide is also tailored towards people who enjoy hiking. If you don’t plan to hit the trails, simply leave off the hiking-specific items when using the guide. For those choosing to camp, I have an entire guide and packing list for car camping essentials , so make sure to check that out!

Insulated jacket

Mid-layer :.

Perfect for chilly mornings and evenings. Opt for something lightweight like a fleece or pullover. Recommended mid-layer .

Insulated jacket :

It’s likely to get colder than you are expecting, especially if you plan to be out during sunrise and sunset hours. In fact, it even snowed in New Hampshire towards the end of our trip! So I would highly recommend packing a puffy jacket or a parka that has insulation. Recommended insulated jacket .

Rain jacket :

Do not attempt to take a Northeast fall road trip without a rain jacket/coat ! It rained at least once every day we were on the East Coast. Although it didn’t ruin our trip, it could have if we didn’t have adequate rain protection. Recommended rain jacket , recommended windbreaker .

Casual clothes :

Pack some casual and/or nicer outfits if you plan to eat out at restaurants. This is of course optional though! Check out my Favorites page on Backcountry for some recommendations.

Hiking shoes:

I was VERY happy that I packed waterproof boots for our East Coast fall adventure! We experienced wet, muddy, and cold conditions and waterproof boots made a huge difference. I suggest choosing a pair that can be worn both casually and also when hiking. If you prefer a more solid, supportive hiking boot the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots are a great choice. We also have a guide on all the best hiking shoes , so don’t forget to check that out when shopping for new hiking boots!

Merino wool socks :

Wool socks are the best for preventing blisters and also letting your feet breathe. Recommended hiking socks .

Hiking pants & Leggings:

Don’t stress too much about bottom layers, just make sure they are comfortable and practical for road tripping. I personally like wearing leggings, jeggings, or comfy jeans on road trips, as then I can transition from car, to around town, to hiking, and more. Choose whatever feels comfortable and practical for you! Recommended hiking pants ; hiking shorts ; hiking skort , hiking dress , hiking leggings .

Beanie & Gloves:

As I mentioned above, it even snowed during our New England fall road trip! I would highly suggest packing a beanie and some warm gloves .

Day pack/hiking backpack :

Choose something with hip and chest straps for optimal comfort and practicality. Recommended backpack . When taking short walks or exploring roadside stops I often prefer to opt for a small hip pack instead of a backpack. Just something to fit my phone, lip balm , sunglasses , and any other essentials.

Navigation :

When driving, have Google Maps or Maps.Me handy. We often lost phone service when driving in the mountains of New England and down back roads. For hiking, carry a physical map and a compass , and download offline maps onto your phone. I use Gaia GPS – click here to get 20% off a Premium membership!

Camera + batteries :

Optional but trust me, you will want a camera to capture the incredible fall foliage! Check out the camera gear I use to capture my travel photos and the camera bag I pack it all in!

Every road trip requires snacks! We found it challenging to find food between towns and also after hours. Bring whatever your favorite snacks like nuts, seeds, granola bars, dried fruit, etc. My go-to snacks . If you enjoy drinking coffee then it’s best to bring along a reusable mug or tumbler. Recommended mug ; insulated tumbler . Having your own travel utensils / cutlery is a great way to cut down on single-use plastics when ordering take-out food.

Road trip playlist + Podcasts:

Don’t forget to download some good tunes and podcasts for your road trip. For music, check out my playlists on Spotify . For podcasts, we have an entire guide on the best road trip podcasts !

Want more packing & gear tips?  Check out our guides on what to wear hiking , car camping gear essentials , how to plan a national parks trip , and the best hiking shoes .

I hope that helps you plan an incredible New England fall road trip! With a little flexibility you’re guaranteed to have an epic road trip, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate the whole time. Have an amazing time and feel free to leave a comment and let me know how you got on 😊

PIN for later planning!

Related Guides

8 Incredible Sedona Hikes To Add To Your Bucket List

How To Visit Katmai National Park – A Comprehensive Park Guide

Best Things To Do In White Sands National Park: Epic 1 Day Itinerary

Join our mailing list for exclusive resources, events, and more.

Thank you for subscribing!

29 comments

Thank you for sharing this detailed and inspiring New England fall road trip itinerary! Your insights and practical tips, especially about the flexibility needed to catch peak foliage, are beneficial and have piqued my interest in exploring this beautiful region during the fall.

Your thematic exploration is a true marvel, forging a narrative path that ventures into uncharted intellectual terrain, igniting a spark of curiosity that has yet to be kindled.

This New England fall road trip guide captures the essence of autumn’s beauty and adventure perfectly. It resonates with my love for exploring nature’s vibrant colors, much like the Kokoda Challenge encourages perseverance and teamwork in outdoor pursuits.

Greetings!What are your suggestions for including Salem MA in a 5 day trip? Thank you so much!

• Pingback: New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary - 4 days in New Hampshire & Vermont - Laura Peruchi | NYC

HELLO! Thank you for posting the perfect Fall road trip. I would love to take your advice and incorporate and extra two days to go up into the Adirondacks. Can you please suggest the best place to go and things to do with that two days? I need to book ASAP because we are going the last week of this September. If you could please get back to me quickly, it would be most appreciated. We are from Florida and know nothing of the area, so any advice would be very helpful. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Chris in Florida

• Pingback: 60 Fabulous Fall Aesthetic Photos » Lady Decluttered

Your blog is packed full of helpful information and absolutely beautiful photos!

I was curious if you could recommend an itinerary that would also include Niagara Falls?

I love your photos! Do you offer tours? Thanks!

Hi Renee, Love this post! My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon to the Adirondacks this fall, so I loved your suggestions and your photographs are beautiful! I was wondering if you knew where you got the grey hoodie you’re wearing in several of your pictures? It’s so cute and looks prefect for fall day hikes.

Hi! Thanks for the wonderful info! We’re just starting to plan a trip for next year. Question, is there nothing to see on the four hour drive from Boston to Dixville Notch? Again, we’re just starting on this, but it appears you’re going up the same way you’re coming back? Thank you so much for the help and this awesome site! 🙂

Gorgeous photos! I’ve spent time in New England in the fall its incredibly idyllic. (Lived in Maine and Massachusetts for 3 years) The White Mountains is truly one of God’s masterpieces. Excellent post!

Hey there!!! As far as the smugglers notch and Stowe area… is it redundant to do the gondola ride as well as take the drive up smugglers notch? Should we pick one or the other? Thanks!

• Pingback: New England Fall Road Trip: The ULTIMATE Leaf Peeping Itinerary - Renee Roaming - Fitness Sport und Gesundheit

Thank you for the Google Maps — so helpful!

Planning a trip for this October, but we have only 3 days! Trying to decide how to see the most of everything! lol any recommendations for “must sees” for only 3 days!?

I can’t wait to travel to the east coast this fall! (I live in California, and we don’t get much of a fall here). Thanks for sharing your itinerary, I’m planning on a road trip and didn’t know where to start! I was wondering where the second picture was taken? (Of you and the water in the background) Thanks!

Did you find out where that 2nd photo was taken? I also would like to go there this October.

I would like to know the shooting spot of the second photo (Stowe?)

This blog post is just amazing and the pictures so beautiful ! Thank you for sharing your experience. I love travelling and was looking for new ideas, this is definitely one 🙂

Wow, these fall colors looks awesome! Thank’s for this helpful post, Renee!

Thank you for reading Laura!

Thanks for sharing your stunning pictures! I totally agree with what you said about not planning in order to find the best colors. The fall we spent living in Upstate NY and hiking all over the NE contained many of my favorite days of my life so far, there truly isn’t a bad hike when it’s that colorful! It makes up for the 6 months of winter that follows. 🙂

What a magical time that must have been!

Thankyou for all this indepth info Renee. Should be super helpful when I plan my own fall trip. And of course stunning photos that I really enjoyed.

Thank you!!

Wow, the nature there looks amazing. And your Photos are loveley. Thank you both for this blogpost. Maybe, we can travel there one day. My wife and I live in the North of Germany. Last weekend we took our own Fall Roadtrip in the Harz National Park. The first blogpost of this trip is now online. It’s about the lovely oldtown in Quedlinburg 😉 best wishes Christian

Thanks Christian! That sounds like an amazing road trip, I’ll add it to my bucket list 😉

i’d love to see Christian’s blogpost about Quedlinburg (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). I was there last year and it was wonderful. My grandparents live in the Harz Mountains, Please share a link, Christian.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Follow Along on Instagram

• Destinations
• Coffee Shops
• Golf & Travel
• National Parks
• Travel Photos
• Advertising
• Travel Bloggers Network

Enjoy the Best Northeast USA Road Trips This Year

Published Date:

Last Updated:

Share post:

When it comes to exploring the very best of the United States, there is no better way to accomplish this than by taking an epic road trip. We LOVE packing our car with the essentials and then heading out on a long weekend road trip to enjoy new parts of the US. From the east coast to the west and everything in between, the US is the perfect location and epitomizes everything there is to love about road trips. If you read our post on the best east coast road trips , you will know that we are very fond of the New England corridor. What better way to celebrate this beautiful part of the country than by highlighting the very best northeast USA road trips.

We are grateful to a collection of our friends in the travel blogging world for contributing to this epic post. We have been fortunate to enjoy a couple of amazing road trips in northeast USA over recent years, but when it comes to putting together a post highlighting the “best of the best”, we figured it was appropriate to call in the experts. Let’s take a look at some of the best road trips you can experience this year and of course, in years to come.

Best Northeast USA Road Trips

Whether you are exploring the neighborhoods of Boston or heading along the coast to explore the iconic lighthouses near Portland, the New England area is the perfect spot to enjoy a spectacular road trip. Breathtaking fall foliage, picturesque wintry scenes, gorgeous national parks and much more typify why this part of the US is such a popular region for road tripping.

Here is a collection of road trips that we are going to highlight throughout the post but this is just a small sample of the myriad of endless opportunities that exist in the American northeast.

• Boston to Montreal – In 2014, we took a similar road trip from Boston to Quebec taking in all of the states in this part of the country before crossing the border into Canada.
• Providence to Newport (Rhode Island)
• Boston Figure of Eight – Cape Ann, Salem, Plymouth, Cape Code etc.
• Scenic Route 100 Byway (Vermont)

Boston to Portland

Portland to acadia national park, new york city to cape cod.

• Hudson River Valley – head a little further inland from the New England corridor and the state of New York offers a collection of amazing road trip options, including this epic journey.
• Finger Lakes (New York) – this is the “exception” to this list of New England road trips but it’s a short distance from this region offering spectacular scenery and so well worth including in this post.

Boston to Montreal

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip between Boston and Montreal

On your way to Montreal drive up to New Hampshire and into the white mountains. Pull off the road to enjoy the views, hikes, and waterfalls of New Hampshire. If you have kids along enjoy Santa’s Village or Storyland and the cute ski town of Lincoln. 

Take time to placate your sweet tooth with the world’s longest candy counter at Chutter’s in Littleton. Right before you reach the Canadian border you will find the Derby Line – you are halfway between the North Pole and the equator! You can even cross the border by walking through a library. This is the kind of kitschy stuff road trips are designed for. 

After visiting Montreal, head back to Boston through the artistic, rural state of Vermont. Take a tour at the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. Stop by the most charmingly New England town of Woodstock where you can shop, walk the town green and see its covered bridge. Also, stop by the nearby artists’ studios and farms; Hike the famous Quechee Gorge to see the best of fall’s colors. This drive will take about 10 hours and is the perfect way to experience New England.

Thanks to Jamie Italiane from The Daily Adventures of Me for sharing this awesome road trip. Read on for more details about this  road trip from Boston to Montreal .

Providence to Newport

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip between Providence and Newport, Rhode Island

New England is filled with history and great outdoors experiences, providing a plethora of travel opportunities to fit any nomad’s preference. But during the fall, the North Eastern coast of the United States erupts in beautiful hues of orange, brown, and every autumn shade imaginable. 

More specifically, Rhode Island acts as a perfect example of what the North East has to offer, and a short road trip from Providence to Newport allows you to take it all in. This is a short trip taking you through the more rural regions of Rhode Island and allowing you to take in all the foliage. 

Your destination in Newport is where the fun begins, with some of the best seafood and eateries that you’ll find in the U.S., such as the Red Parrot Restaurant. 

When you decide to eat is on you, but maybe you’d prefer to explore the mansions on the Newport shores first? Regardless, be sure to take in both no matter how you plan it, as nothing beats an autumn scenic drive ending in engorging seafood and amazing architecture!

Thanks to Casey LaClair from Viraflare for sharing her thoughts on this scenic road trip in Rhode Island.

Boston Figure of Eight

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip around the iconic locations in Massachusetts

Boston offers so many intriguing road trips that the best thing to do is to loop a few together in a figure of eight on a map. Start by heading north to Cape Ann, the quieter side of New England. Look for breezy promenades, squat light houses and the home of deep fried clams.

Return to Boston, stopping in at Salem to look at the witch trials that featured in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, then continue south. Stay overnight in Plymouth and grapple with the history of the Mayflower and the arrival of the pilgrims amid tranquil marinas and polished lawns.

From there continue into the hook of Cape Cod, her salty sand banks and calm waters. If time allows, take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, two different glimpses of life in America, each with their own charm.

Finally, return to Boston, with a quick detour to see the deep blood red of the cranberry bogs that lie along the side of the road. For further details on this journey, check out this road trip from Boston .

Thanks to Abigail King from Inside the Travel Lab for sharing this road trip featuring some of the best things to do in the state of Massachusetts.

Scenic Route 100 Byway

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip along Scenic Route 100 in Vermont

There are endless opportunities for road tripping in Vermont. The state has more dirt roads than paved and more cows than people. Route 100, which is Vermont’s longest state highway, runs 216.6 miles through the Green Mountains, from north to south. If you’re looking for a quintessential Vermont road trip, then Route 100 is the perfect place to start. 

Begin your journey in the small mountain town of Wilmington and head north through the Green Mountain National Forest. The road passes pristine mountain lakes, cascading waterfalls, secret swimming holes, and quite campgrounds. It is an awesome Vermont road trip for fall when you can take full advantage of the gorgeous fall colors and outdoor adventures in the mountains. 

Highlights of a Route 100 road trip include Jamaica State Park, where you can rent a cabin on the West River, the iconic Long Trail Brewing Company in Bridgewater Corners, and the beautiful mountain town of Stowe. Be sure to drive up the Mt. Mansfield Toll Road at Stowe Mountain Resort. At 4,395 feet, Mt. Mansfield is Vermont’s tallest peak, and the views from the top are incredible. 

After 216 miles of driving, Route 100 ends in the bustling little city of Newport, where you can take a sunset cruise on Lake Memphormagog, eat traditional Thai food at Dusit Thai Cuisine, and shop the local boutiques on Main Street.

Thanks to Tara Schatz from Back Road Ramblers for highlighting some of the lesser known spots worth exploring in the New England area in the state of Vermont .

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip along the New England coast between Boston and Portland

Many have heard of Salem, Massachusetts because of its’ haunted history of witchcraft hysteria in the 1690s and witch trials. With hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, there is no doubt that this is a must on your road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine.

With many haunted happenings no matter the time of year, the best time to visit Salem is in the fall for the biggest effect. No visit to Salem would be complete without visiting at least one of the following three attractions. The Witch History Museum is where to go to hear all the stories of witch trials and witch craft in Salem. 

Following your visit to the museum head to the Witch House, which is the only building in Salem still standing with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials. The house was owned by Judge Jonathan Corwin who was the judge of the Salem witchcraft trials. It is believed that some interrogations even took place here!

On a less spooky note, Salem is also home to Nathanial Hawthorne’s “The House of the Seven Gables” which offers tours and gives you a picture into what life was like in the 1800s. Salem is a culturally rich and haunted gem of the USA definitely worth your time. 

Thanks to Sarah Fay from Travels of Sarah Fay for highlighting why the iconic town of Salem is a must-see during your road trip from Boston to Portland. When you arrive in Portland, don’t forget to explore the historic Portland Head Light along with other lighthouses along this stretch of coastline.

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip from Portland to Acadia National Park along the coast of Maine

If there’s one thing Maine is definitely good for its road trips and after road-tripping the entire Maine coastline, I’d highly suggest driving from Portland, Maine to Acadia National Park in Maine. There are plenty of things to do along the way, plenty of sites to see, places to eat, and much more that you could spend weeks along this route and still not see it all. But, of course, there are always highlights. 

Starting in Portland, make sure to check out one of the most beautiful lighthouses, Portland Head Lighthouse, eat at Green Elephant in the city, grab donuts at Holy Donuts, and walk around Mackworth Island. 

Next stop is Damariscotta to grab a bit and check out the small town before heading to Pemaquid Lighthouse (make sure to go up in the lighthouse – it’s one of the few you can!). Then head to Marshall Point Lighthouse to see the lighthouse from Forrest Gump! 

Keep heading along the coast stopping in Rockland for cool street art, shopping and restaurants and then head up to Camden Hills State Park for beautiful, panorama views and hiking. The last leg of this road trip includes a stop in Deer Isle for a unique and off the beaten path vantage of Maine – drive around the entire island making leisurely stops along the way and soak up what feels like a step back in time – and a stop in Bangor to scope out all the cool Stephen King locations and a cool, sleepy New England town.

While in Acadia National Park, make sure to check out all the amazing hikes (I highly suggest the Wonderland and Ship Harbor Trail), take day trips to Bar Harbor to explore this adorable town and take a whale watching tour, and go kayaking around the many little islands. 

Thanks to Ashley Hubbard from Wild Hearted (also, Oddities and Curiosities) for sharing this amazing road trip along the Maine coastline.

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip along the coast of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts

A road trip from New York City along the coastline of Connecticut, Rhode Island and the Cape Cod section of Massachusetts in the autumn is a great idea because the weather is still pretty warm yet the crush of the summer tourist season is finished. Autumn color blooms along this route by mid-October as well. 

There are quite a few historical places to visit on this road trip. In Connecticut be sure to visit New Haven which is famous for Yale University (and Louis Lunch which is the reputed birthplace of the hamburger) and Mystic which has a renowned aquarium and living history museum. Mystic skyrocketed to fame in the 1980’s for the movie, Mystic Pizza, which was one of Julia Roberts’ first major hits. Mystic Pizza still exists and is totally worth a visit. 

In Rhode Island, be sure to stop off in Newport and visit the summer “cottages” of the super rich elite of the Gilded Age. Newport also has a charming harbour and is home to the International Museum of Tennis. 

In Cape Cod and the Islands ( Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket), you will find autumn is a great time for cycling, hiking, and fishing – pretty much every outdoor activity available during the more expensive summer months except for beach going.

Make sure not to miss the cranberry bogs in the area as well. Some of the local fall festivals include the famous Wellfleet Oyster Festival, Oktberfest in Chatham or the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival in Edgartown.

Thanks to Shobha George from Martha’s Vineyard Tourist for sharing this awesome road trip along the New England coastline.

Hudson River Valley

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip along the Hudson River Valley

When it comes to fall leaf-peeping destinations, New England tends to get all the attention. But as a native New Yorker, I promise the Empire State’s fall foliage is just as gorgeous. The best way to do a New York State fall road trip is to do a big loop, starting and ending in New York City.

Along the way, you should visit the cutest towns along the Hudson River. The best town for hiking and antiquing is Cold Spring. Before heading out on a hike, stop at Hudson Hill’s, famous for its chocolate french toast. 

Another great town is Beacon, where you can find Dia Beacon, a contemporary art museum as good as any in New York City. After the museum, eat at Brother’s Trattoria, a cozy Italian restaurant. If you feel like getting into the Halloween spirit, stop by Tarrytown. The author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving, lived here, so the town goes all out with pumpkins, skeletons, and headless horsemen every year. 

Finally, history buffs and foodies shouldn’t skip Poughkeepsie. Tour the home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and then dine at the Culinary Institute of America, where Anthony Bourdain studied cooking. The Hudson River Valley has something for everyone.

Thanks to Stella from Around The World in 24 Hours for sharing this awesome New York road trip. We have previously taken a day trip from New York City to Bear Mountain , in the heart of the Hudson Valley and can attest that the scenery here is breathtaking.

Finger Lakes, New York

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip around the Finger Lakes in New York

Western New York is especially beautiful in the fall. The weather gives way from hot summers to crisp mornings and evening and temperatures ready for jeans and t-shirts on a warm day or light sweaters in early fall. You can spend just about a week on a road trips to the Finger Lakes with two days in each of these these locations: 1) Corning, 2) Watkins Glen, 3) Chemung County. If you have time, add Hammondsport to your Finger Lakes itinerary.

The Corning Museum of Glass and Rockwell Museum are a must before leaving Corning to explore the beauty of the Finger Lakes region.

Watkins Glen

This is the perfect city in the Finger Lakes for a romantic weekend getaway . Their state park is a must see experience! It’s absolutely stunning and you can take an enjoyable, easy hike there. A sunset sailboat ride with Schooner Excursions around Seneca Lake is a great idea if it’s the right time in the season.

Chemung County

The National Soaring Museum is incredibly interesting and if you visit at the right time, you can take a hang glider ride from the same location in Elmira. This area is also deemed “Mark Twain Country,” where he spent many summers writing and enjoying the area.

He famously wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn at his study, which is available for the public to visit at Elmira College. For those of you that have visited Twain’s boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri , this will be a perfect place to visit to learn more about his iconic works.

Hammondsport

If you have time be sure to travel the short distance to nearby Hammondsport as well. Dr. Frank’s is a winery that offers tastings and a beautiful view of their vineyards in the area. We recommend taking a seaplane ride with Finger Lakes Seaplanes over Keuka Lake too. It’s especially splendid during fall! 

Thanks to Mikkel from Sometimes Home for sharing a part of New York that we are particularly excited about visiting in the near future.

Road tripping around the New England states offers a little bit of everything, with an eclectic blend of urban beauty mixed in with breathtaking rural bliss. Whether you are intrigued by the myriad of lighthouses along the coastline or perhaps want to learn all about the history of the Salem witches, planning a road trip around northeast USA is always going to offer plenty of opportunities for amazing experiences.

We think the above collection of road trips offers a diverse blend of experiences and we want to thank each and every travel blogger for contributing to this post. We look forward to adding other northeast USA road trips to this post in the future, so please feel free to share your favorite trips in the comments section below.

Share on Social...

• North America

POPULAR POSTS

Us national park annual pass – is it worth it, how to explore downtown nashville attractions in a day, 10 cool attractions on the new orleans garden district tour, a guide to exploring st louis off the beaten path, 6 things to see in yellowstone you need to know about, related articles, best coffee shops in clarksville, tn – local spots not to miss, enjoy a mother/daughter weekend getaway to gulf shores, 10 best things to do in clarksville, tn for a weekend getaway, 7 day europe itinerary – how to plan an epic trip.

Join us on our adventures and keep up with us on the road by following our social networks.

• Privacy Policy
• Advertising and PR

Latest Posts

Popular posts, how to enjoy the drive from salt lake city to yellowstone.

© 2023 A Brit & A Southerner

5 Scenic Routes for a Northeastern United States Road Trip

Last updated on July 18th, 2023 at 07:10 pm

Road trips are exciting and can create the best of memories while you experience scenic destinations and landmarks with people you care about. Whether you are going with a significant other or with a group, road trips can be therapeutic and build stronger relationships. When you’re on a road trip, you get to see the most beautiful coastlines and small towns.

The Northeastern United States is a popular place to take a road trip. This part of the US is also called New England and is composed of 10 states including:

• Connecticut
• Delaware – 8 Best Road Trips in Delaware
• Massachusetts –  8 Best Road Trips in Massachusetts
• Maryland –  10 Best Road Trips in Maryland
• New Hampshire – 8 Best Road Trips in New Hampshire
• New Jersey – 8 Best Road Trips in New Jersey
• New York – 7 Best Road Trips in New York State
• Vermont – 6 Best Road Trips in Vermont
• Pennsylvania and Rhode Island

Many people travel to these states to get a different side of American culture. The Northeast contains many attractions and scenery that is quite captivating to keep tourists and road trippers coming back for more. It is quite the opposite of the Southern part of the US given that there aren’t golden beaches and frequent warm weather like there are in Florida, per se.

If you are used to those bright beaches and climate, you can expect to have a new experience by taking a road trip through New England. Though there are precautions to taking a road trip , including checking your car is up to it, here are some of the best routes to take to experience the most scenic road trip in the Northeast. And why not make it a real road trip adventure by renting an RV through a company such as RVnGO !

1 – Route 25 through New York

Montauk Point lighthouse

This route takes you from New York to Long Island and offers a variety of scenic value and diversity. You go from the biggest city in America to the rural communities and farm towns. It is cool to see how areas can be right next door to each other and be exact opposites.

This is a great road trip for those looking to see the rural areas of the north and experience the farmlands, wineries, and farmstands. Take Route 25 (Main Road) if you want a rustic ambiance, from accommodations to dining.

You can stop for stargazing at midnight at the Custer Observatory or visit the Montauk Point lighthouse to highlight your road trip. You will get a taste of small towns, big cities, beautiful coasts, and villages on the over 100-mile long road.

2 – Route 100 to Vermont

Green Mountain National Forest

If you are looking to take a road trip during the fall, this route is one of the most popular due to its beautiful colors and forest views. Some people even visit Vermont for skiing trips and winter sports and activities. This route will give you wonderful forest views that are the epitome of the fall season image. This road goes from north to south Vermont and near the Canadian border.

You’ll start at the town of Newport and make your way down to where the road gets to Massachusetts. You’ll witness the great waterfalls and sights if you make a stop at the Green Mountain National Forest. If you want to experience the bodies of water near Vermont, take some time to visit the Mad River Valley and Lake Willoughby.

3 – Philadelphia to Pittsburgh

Strasburg Rail Road

If you’re wanting to go on a Philadelphia road trip to see the what this state and its capital, Pittsburgh, has to offer, take a short drive to its popular attractions. One attraction for this Northeastern state is the HersheyPark, which is home to the great theme park where you can find rides of all kinds and get a taste of the best candy brands. This would be a rather short road trip considering it is within one state and will offer amazing experiences along the way.

You can see the historical steam train operating system if you stop at the Strasburg Rail Road. Or take a visit to one of the oldest amusement parks in the US called Kennywood, to get the old-time historical feel.

4 – Baltimore to the Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park

The route to the Acadia National Park is a rather long one, so if you’re looking to have an extended road-trip with much to see, taking a drive from Baltimore to this natural attraction would be ideal. Spend a few days to cover the entire road or take your time and more days on the road. From bridges to iconic cities, the Northeast offers many sights to see.

You will get the chance to explore and experience the cities of New York, Boston, Portland, and Philadelphia while you are on this specific site. You’ll find all kind of authentic cuisine so if you are a food lover, choosing the Baltimore route will give you a taste of both what the city has to offer and what nature has to offer.

Once you have passed through these few cities, you’ll arrive at the Acadia National Park where you can witness the natural forests and Northeastern wildlife. Some people even enjoy camping here and other outdoor activities. If you want an extended trip, take some days out to spend time in the wilderness or go hiking. You can even take on some water activities if you want to go for a swim.

5 – Massachusett’s Coastline

Massachusett’s Coastline

Massachusetts, known for its historical factors and is the place where the Mayflower and pilgrims landed, and some of the best beaches and seafood. If you are a fan of seafood and anything that is associated with fish and shellfish, taking a road trip down Massachusett’s coasts line would be a great trip for you. The route begins in Gloucester where you can see the oldest seaport in the United States.

You’ll go down the coast of Boston and get to fishing villages. If you enjoy fishing as a sport or hobby, take time to relax and catch some fish. There will be seafood at every turn so you must bring your appetite along with you on this road trip. You’ll get to taste the popular fried clams all while experiencing artistic scenes on your way.    

Like this post? Please PIN it! 🙂

Related Posts

10 Best Things To Do In Miami

Is Richmond, VA Worth Visiting?

A Tacoma, WA Local Guide: Where To Go

New England States: Planning the Perfect Northeast Road trip

Sharing is caring!

6 states, 6 days, 700 miles, countless memories

It has been a goal of ours to road trip through New England for YEARS! Karen is obsessed with tracking all the states she has visited, and the Northeast seemed like a giant black hole in her progress. Somehow for the past few years, other travel got in the way and our New England plans got delayed. The New England states are Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Both of us have only visited Massachusetts prior to this road trip. We did quite a bit of planning in order to find the perfect route through the New England states, including the best places to visit in New England and the best FOOD! If you already live on the East coast, we hope this journey planner inspires you to take a New England day trip to one of your beautiful neighboring states.

When the American Lamb Association invited us to Portland, Maine for an event, we knew it was the perfect opportunity for us to plan the ultimate New England road trip! Due to timing, we started south, drove up the coast to make it to Maine, and then ventured West across New Hampshire to Vermont. Our route can be done in either direction. With it being Autumn, it actually might have made more sense to start in Vermont and road trip south to take better advantage of the changing foliage.

Connecticut

We started in Connecticut. Our rationalizations were twofold: Karen needed to check this state off of her list, and Hartford was a larger airport than Rhode Island which made travel cheaper and provided more flexible flight options. We’re sure Connecticut has a lot of offer as a state, but we literally just flew in and headed Southeast for the two-hour drive to Rhode Island.

Rhode Island

After the easy drive from the Hartford airport, we arrived in Westerly, Rhode Island. This is a quiet town with beautiful Nantucket-style homes, gorgeous coastal views, and a relaxing aura. During our stay, we spent time at both the Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn , which are historically charming resorts and only 15 minutes apart. These are partner resorts, meaning you can use the amenities of both properties, which is perfect as each property has a different personality. The Weekapaug Inn is a bit less formal and very cozy with lots of fireplaces. They offer birdwatching, adorable rental bikes, and walking trails. The Ocean House is much more grandiose with fine art adorning the walls and very extravagant suites. They also offer many complimentary activities including cooking demonstrations, a croquet field, and even a putting green in the front of the breathtaking property.

Both properties were elegant with accommodations that range from cozy rooms with claw foot bathtubs to expansive suites with massive verandas, outdoor kitchens, jacuzzi hot tubs, and gourmet kitchens where private chefs can create custom meals for your group. Both resorts also offer free luxury car rentals. Take a Mercedes out from the Ocean House or if you are more of a beemer fan, a BMW for a ride at the Weekapaug Inn.

We met with the food forger who sources all the resort ingredients from farms, forges nearby forests, and hosts guests for private and public cooking culinary demonstrations. Talk about a cool job! He provided us some gourmet cheddar to sample and discussed how the resort’s chefs took sourcing locally and seasonally so seriously. We really wished we had time to join his free Master Sauce class that afternoon!

We dined at the Ocean House for lunch and enjoyed the creamiest New England Clam Chowder. We also noshed on two lobster rolls: hot and cold. Gavin preferred the Connecticut hot lobster roll and Karen liked the cold New England-style lobster roll. Either way, they were the tastiest lobster rolls we’ve ever had!

Dinner at the Weekapaug was a full tour of the menu with wine pairings. Dinner started with their Fall Fashioned while seated in the lounge next to the fireplace: poached local cranberries muddled with whiskey. Highlights of the meal include the best oyster we’ve tasted (it can’t hurt that it was seriously local – from about 15 miles down the road) with a watermelon radish foam. The lamb ravioli was the perfect balance of comfort food without being too heavy. A new menu addition, the scallops over butternut squash risotto was a perfect plate to celebrate autumn.

Westerly, Rhode Island was the perfect place to unplug, relax, and let time slow down. From Rhode Island we ventured towards Cape Cod.

Massachusetts

Next, we headed to Cape Cod. The Cape is technically the entire 65-mile “arm” stretching out from Massachusetts with a number of towns along the way. We decided to stay at the very end of the cape, which was about a three-hour drive. If you choose to stay more inland, you would likely shave 30 minutes or more off of your drive time.

Provincetown is the last town at the tip of Cape Cod. This LGBT-friendly town is warm and social. Historic buildings (some of the oldest in America) are just steps away from the beach where you can experience whale watching or dune buggy tours. Head down Commercial street for cute shops, art galleries, and eateries. We found ourselves stopping into old-time candy shops for saltwater taffy, the new-age Fudge Factory for homemade peanut butter cups (they were pretty dang good!), and their Portuguese Bakery for egg tarts (which were a bit disappointing, but the Portuguese cinnamon bread was delish).

We popped into Strangers and Saints for a craft cocktail and upscale gastropub eats. The decor carried a hip vibe, which was a fun contrast to the vintage feel of the rest of the street. Nosh on their clam dip for a traditional New England treat – note, it can feed a crowd! Additionally, they served up Mediterranean fare like curry octopus and reinvented comfort food like deviled duck eggs.

We stayed at the Crowne Pointe Inn . This inn is recognized by the Historic Hotels of America and is super cozy. The driveways are comprised of tons of pieces of seashells instead of gravel, adding to the charm of the inn. The lobby and most rooms feature a warm fireplace which was perfect for when the night breeze came into Cape Cod. 

Dinner at The Pointe at the Crowne Pointe Inn featured fish and seafood that was pulled right from the bay down the street – talk about fresh!! We loved the lobster gnocchi with an irresistible lobster butter sauce. The halibut came on top of perfectly cooked risotto with a pea puree. The most impressive part of dinner, however, was the massive two-pound whole lobster! 

Traveling from Cape Cod to Portland, Maine was one of the more entertaining driving segments of the whole New England road trip. A few pit stops along the way gave us time to stretch our legs and experience additional aspects of New England history. About an hour from the Cape was Plymouth, MA, home of Plymouth Rock. While the stop was relatively quick (after all, it literally is just a rock, and much smaller than you’d expect) it was a fun part of American history to experience. If you have time, join a tour or visit the neighboring museums. We only hung out for about 10-15 minutes and then continued north.

In no time we were passing Boston. If we had more time we would have totally stopped in Boston for a day or two. Since we had to be in Portland by that evening, we targeted Salem, MA, for our next stop. Salem is only an hour drive north from the pit stop at Plymouth Rock. It just so happened that we were visiting a town known for their famous witch trials on Friday the 13th AND during the month of Halloween! CREEPY! While nothing paranormal happened to us, the town was bustling with lots of people, a street market, and lines outside of haunted houses, torture museums, and fortune tellers. We spent some time wandering through the Salem Witch Trials Memorial . You’ll see an old graveyard as well as Memorial stones for all 20 people who were executed during the months of the Salem Witch Trials.

About one block down from the memorial, we walked to the Notch Brewery for an Oktoberfest beer and a pretzel. It was a really cool spot right on the water. It would have been fun to have stayed the night on such a spooky day, in this spooky town, but we needed to head northbound for another hour and a half drive to Portland, Maine.

Portland, Maine is an adorable town with unique, old architecture and a pretty darn fantastic food scene. Our first dinner was at The Honey Paw and was part of our event with the American Lamb Association . We noshed on craft cocktails and ate Asian-Fusion dishes with an emphasis on lamb. It was spectacular! A few notable dishes were the lamb dumplings, lamb Khao Soi soup (we haven’t had Khao Soi since our journey to Chiang Mai! ), and the lamb Moo Shu. 

Prior to starting our farm adventure, we woke up early to head to The Holy Donut. This spot is voted as one of the top 10 donuts in all of the US. What makes them unique is that they make their donuts with MASHED POTATOES! We’re not sure how they do it, but their donuts are magical. Top picks are the apple, chai and sweet potato donuts.

After stuffing ourselves full of sugar, we hopped on a bus with 20 other food bloggers and journalists from across the country. We took a scenic tour of Maine and pulled up to the North Star Sheep Farm . The farm was picturesque with bright pastures and glowing trees that were changing colors with the season.

We started the morning with a lamb-inspired baaarunch where we noshed on sweet potato lamb hash, lamb sausages, sheep’s milk yogurt parfaits, and even lamb bacon! After stuffing ourselves, we visited with sheep, donkeys, rabbits, and horses as we explored the farm.

Later we were previewed to a full lamb butchery demonstration. Up until this event, our experience with lamb was typically centered around the traditional cuts. Being able to experience the different tastes, based on the cut, was so interesting. They all tasted different! The demonstration really opened our eyes to using new cuts of lamb to cook more adventurous dishes. We were inspired to braise lamb shank and cook it into a ragu as well as make lamb stock for hearty fall stews. We clinked our glasses filled with custom-made cocktails as we savored even more lamb dishes to wrap up our time on the farm.

Later that night we enjoyed small bites and cocktails with the lamb crew at The Press Hotel . The hotel was the perfect location for the blogger event as the entire hotel was themed around journalists. The wallpaper and carpet artistically displayed letters and typography and antique typewriters adorned the walls of the lobby. The rooms were modern and featured a gorgeous shower with floor to ceiling marble tiles.

Even though we technically ate at the hotel, we HAD to visit Eventide Oyster Co for some Maine seafood. This spot came highly recommended from a number of our foodie friends on Instagram . We got a dozen of some of the most delicious oysters in the US, the lobster stew, and the world-famous brown butter lobster roll. Although the lobster roll was relatively small, it seemed to just melt in your mouth. The bread was incredibly soft compared to crusty rolls you find elsewhere, which made this lobster roll extra unique.

The next morning, we went back to The Holy Donut to get our fix and then we hit the road towards New Hampshire and Vermont, the final leg of our New England journey.

New Hampshire

When driving from Maine to Vermont, there were a number of routes to take. Upon looking at the map, we thought that driving into the mountains logically seemed like a prettier drive. We chose right! The first half of the four-hour drive to Stowe, VT was pretty but didn’t have many pit stops. About halfway through, we were in the midst of the White Mountains and were overwhelmed by the Autumn colors. The mountains were orange, almost as if they were afire! We stopped at Crawford Notch State Park on Mount Washington as it had a nice roadside pull off. Gavin played around getting some gorgeous photography. Additionally, not even a mile down the road were a number of roadside waterfalls to see and snap photos.

While we didn’t have time to stay overnight in New Hampshire, we drove through the adorable town of North Conway. We’re sure there is a cute bed & breakfast available for you to rent. We passed the cutest historical train from 1847 chugging down the tracks, as guests looked out the windows at the fabulous fall foliage. You can book your ride through the Conway Scenic Railroad . Another lodging option in New Hampshire is the massive Mount Washington Resort that we passed on our route.

Vermont is the place to go for cozy romance and artisan foods. After driving through the breathtaking White Mountains in New Hampshire, our next pit stop was in Cabot, Vermont. This is only a slight detour from our route and brought us to The Cabot Cheese Factory . We tasted every type of cheese they produced and left with some goodies. Most notably was their Everything Bagel Cheddar, we’re obsessed! Overall, it took maybe took 10 minutes, but if you are interested in a factory tour you could absolutely spend more time there. Note, we found a lot of Cabot cheese being sold in Waterbury, so you can still get their cheddar in gift shops around town if you choose to skip this stop. 

Next up, we stopped at Bragg Farm Sugarhouse . This small sugar farm and gift shop was a peaceful spot to see the old-time equipment used to make and bottle maple syrup. We also tasted their four syrup varieties, picked a favorite (the Amber) and bought a bunch to bring home.

After getting back on the road we wandered to Waterbury. A lively town very close to our resort destination with a number of things to do: 

– Ben and Jerry’s Factory : Be prepared for long lines, then nosh on the famous ice cream overlooking the beautiful Vermont mountains.

– Cold Hollow Cider Mill : Free samples of their apple cider (score!), a peek at the antique equipment, and 75 cent apple cider donuts.

– Smugglers Notch Distillery: For a $3 tasting fee try their award-winning spirits including vodka, gin, whiskey, bourbon, rye, and even a maple rum! 

The city of Stowe was not far away, and that was the location of our lodging, The TopNotch Resort. On the way in, we stopped at Von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall and relaxed while enjoying a flight of their beers and a bratwurst. The Biergarten was large and the grounds had cornhole, picnic tables, and sweeping views.

Finally, we concluded the day’s road trip and arrived at the TopNotch . The resort offers indoor and outdoor pools, relaxing outdoor areas with firepits, a casual bar compete with shuffleboard (The Roost), spa, fitness classes, and an upscale dining restaurant (Flannel).

Our theme of Vermont was “Maple Everything” and that held true while dining at Flannel . We started with a Maple Manhattan cocktail that was so tasty, we ordered it all night. Another memorable dish was their fall pasta. Ribbons of homemade pappardelle, with butternut squash and slathered in a maple sage butter. It was the perfect balance of sweet and savory! Another thing we’ll miss is their smashed fingerlings. They were the side served with our perfectly cooked filet, but we were RAVING about how buttery and delicious they were.

The next morning, we were so relaxed that we decided to zen out even more at the spa. Due to tight timing, we opted to get a quick breakfast at Flannel once again. We continued our infatuation with maple by ordering their eggs Benedict (complete with a maple chive Benedict sauce), maple sausage, and pancakes with (you guessed it) more maple syrup. 

We don’t always make time for the spa when traveling but the TopNotch Resort was so relaxing, we decided this was the perfect place to continue to indulge ourselves. At the spa, we enjoyed services like the maple sugar body scrub, Swedish massage, and a pampering facial. The spa also has a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi for additional relaxation time, which made our spa time even more valuable.

The resort was so relaxing. We loved cozying up by the fire with a cup of coffee and seeing the beautiful fall foliage from the expansive windows in our room.

We were so sad when it was time for the 45-minute drive into Burlington for our flight home. Burlington has a number of really terrific breweries and cideries. We had every intention of getting to Burlington early enough to hit up a few. In reality, we liked the resort so much, we spent the morning relaxing. We were able to carve out about 40 extra minutes to have a bite and a brew prior to our flight. We chose Zero Gravity Brewery and were not disappointed. Vermont is the perfect romantic getaway to relax and connect with your loved one. 

We found this New England road trip to be incredibly romantic, especially because early to mid-October is the best time for fall foliage in New England. We truly think that this is one of the best road trips in the USA. It is perfect for foodies because of the varying regional specialties across each state, but this is also a great family road trip because the states are so close to each other, which really breaks up the drive. We hope that our road trip planner not only inspires your East coast road trip but potentially a road trip across America!

Be sure to pin this post to save this New England travel itinerary!

You Might Also Like...

What to do in Singapore (and where to eat!)

The Best Lake Tahoe Restaurants

The Ten Best Things to do in Lake Tahoe in Summer

18 comments.

Mary Reinsberg

Great job documenting your travels. I wanna go!

Karen Reinsberg

Thank you! The trip far exceeded our expectations, you need to try and go in Fall of 2018!

Wonder what it’d be like to go in mid April….

It would probably be a bit cooler but hopefully you could catch the spring flowers starting to pop up!

Hi Yin, mid April is not the best time in New England. The only flowers you’d see would be daffodils and forsythia. April is mostly mud season here. It might be nice & spring-like, or you could get a full-on blizzard. Most likely 50s & wet.

Hey Jane – Thanks so much for your insight! April in New England sounds a lot like April in MN, where Karen grew up. 🙂

Josie Lopez

We just both turned 71 and want to do this for our 50th wedding anniversary October 12th…we will be leaving around the 15th…will be flying into Boston….is this feasible for two active seniors who make road trips all the time…meaning driving and weather?…just like Karen, Josie, my wife, has always dreamed of visiting New England in the fall…

Absolutely! When we took this trip, Karen was one month out of ankle surgery and was actually in a wheelchair! The only area that was difficult for us was Cape Cod, as the historic buildings were not always handicap accessible. Additionally, Provincetown had some pretty steep hills. There are 15 cities that make up Cape Cod, so that might not be the case for other cities. The drive is pretty easy and the weather should be beautiful. Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful trip.

Marty Rowland

What an awesome itenerary! My hubby and I are planning a road trip in October. I have been looking at maps. Would you mind telling me what highways you took from Portland all the way to Stowe? I know there are different routes, but yours sounds like the perfect route to see what would interest me. Thanks! Marty

If you use google maps, choose the route that goes through the mountains, near Mt. Washington. It looks like it was I-93 to US-302 E.

Hi, what a wonderful wealth of information, thank you! Driving to a wedding in Brooklyn NY the weekend of July 4th…want to go up the coast through the NE states… feasible this time of year? Any suggestions are most welcome, thank you!

That is totally feasible! We bet New England will be very festive for the holiday.

What are the letters on the map? Are they tied to the places you stayed or visited? I couldn’t find a legend.

Those are the places we visited. We didn’t have a legend as we built the image as a way for people to see the general road trip path. That’s a great recommendation though! We will look to add that as an enhancement in the future. Happy travels. 🙂

Terry Butler

Coming from Columbus Ohio we have four days what would you recommend where to start and what airport to fly into and fly out of , will rent a car at the beginning Mostly wanting to see the coast line thank you

If you’re planning on spending more time on the coast, we’d recommend doing the leg of the trip from Westerly, Rhode Island to Cape Code to Portland, Maine (or vise-versa). Search on the calendar function in Google Flights to see if it is cheaper to start or end in Portland. Since you’re renting a car, consider flying into other nearby airports as well. We flew into Hartford to save a substantial amount on flights. Have a blast!

Where did you stay in Portland ? And how many days should we stay around there , Thank you

Wonderful article! Thank you so much for sharing this information. This is so helpful for me as I start to plan my trip to New England!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

(C) Copyright 2023 - Couple in the Kitchen LLC. All Rights Reserved. http://www.coupleinthekitchen.com/privacy

How to Plan a U.S. History Road Trip (and make it fun!)

Sometime around middle school, most students in the United States will study U.S. history. This is the perfect time to plan a U.S. History road trip through the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast to visit many of the main historic sites that are so relevant to the founding of our country.

We have found through our travels that seeing a place in real life and walking in the steps of our Founding Fathers works wonders to bring history to life. There is something about learning (or relearning) the history in those places that makes everything click into place, stick in the memory better, and allows kids to see the bigger picture.

Of course, there is so much history to cover across the country, but for this itinerary, I would stick to the destinations related to our Colonial History and Revolutionary War on this northeast road trip.

Later, you can tackle other themes like a Civil Rights road trip , Trail of Tears or Oklahoma road trip , Lewis & Clark, etc.

On this US History road trip itinerary, you can squeeze everything into about two weeks, but if you have extra time you can add in some side trips and some fun stops along the way.

Northeast Road Trip Itinerary

I have started this road trip in Virginia, to explore some very early Colonial History, and worked our way up to Boston, but you can certainly take this road trip in reverse. To save time, I would recommend flying into Norfolk International Airport (Breeze Airlines offers some affordable flights into this airport.)

However, if that is too cost prohibitive, you can start in Washington D.C. and take a slightly different route. But to minimize driving and backtracking, I would suggest the following order: Williamsburg/Jamestown, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

Map created with Google My Maps.

Williamsburg (2 days)

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

It is approximately one hour from the Norfolk International Airport to Williamsburg. Along the way, you could always stop in historic Hampton, VA and visit the Virginia Air & Space Center or the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. But if you have limited time and want to stay focused, head right to Williamsburg.

You can see Colonial Williamsburg in a day , but to fully enjoy it, you really want to give it two. There is so much to see and take in from troop parades to historic reenactments. You can also add on experiences like a carriage ride, ghost tour, or theater performance.

Side trip idea: If you have extra time, take a day to enjoy Busch Gardens amusement park or the Watercountry USA water park.

Where to Stay: I would recommend staying at the Woodlands Hotel & Suites in Colonial Williamsburg.

Jamestown & Yorktown (1-2 days)

Technically, if you want to follow history chronologically, you would visit Jamestown first, then Williamsburg, then Yorktown — but who needs to be fussy? Jamestown is about 15 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown is about 20 minutes in the other direction but if you are pressed for time, you could visit both in a day or spread them out and visit one a day, keeping your home base at the Woodlands in Williamsburg.

There are actually two sites to visit in Jamestown. There is Historic Jamestowne, which is the actual site of the original fort settled by Captain John Smith and some of the first European settlers. It is an actual archeological dig and while interesting, there is much more to see and do at Jamestown Settlement down the road. Confused? I was too so I wrote a post describing the differences between Historic Jamestowne vs. Jamestown Settlement .

Any Hamilton fan knows the importance of the Battle of Yorktown. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is a living history museum complete with galleries, films, and interactive exhibits. Here you can learn about the twilight of the Colonial period and the dawn of the United States. The Siege of Yorktown film tells the story of that decisive battle. Meanwhile, outdoor living history areas incorporate artillery demonstrations and drill reenactments.

It is easy to spend at least a half a day at each, so if you have the time, you may want to visit one a day and spend the afternoon relaxing.

Washington DC (3 days)

It is a two and one-half hour drive from Williamsburg up to Washington D.C.. After two family trips, we still have so much that we haven’t seen. Some of the must-dos for first-time visitors include: visiting the National Mall and Monuments (the Monuments are especially beautiful and peaceful to visit at night), Smithsonian National Museum of American History , National Museum of African American History and Culture (make sure you book tickets ahead), and the National Archives (to see the original Declaration of Independence.)

Other kid favorites include the National Air and Space Museum (and the excellent annex outside of D.C.), the Museum of Natural History (for those Night at the Museum fans), and the International Spy Museum .

Of course there is so much to see in the Capital that you could spend a week and still have more to see so don’t rush it, give yourselves at least three days in Washington D.C. Intersperse museums with bike tours through the Tidal Basin, walks through the monuments, and time playing on the National Mall.

Also keep in mind that if you want to visit the White House, you need to arrange it through your Congressman/woman at least a few months in advance and follow strict security clearances.

Where to Stay: There are many hotel options, with some of the affordable ones located just outside the city. Luckily the D.C. Metro is easy to use and an affordable way of getting around. If you do want to stay in walking distance to sites, we enjoyed our stay at The Darcy (a Curio by Hilton Property) and got a great deal!

Baltimore (1-2 days)

From Washington D.C., it is just an hour drive up to Baltimore. While there are not as many historic sites to see in Baltimore, I just love this city so much that I need to include a brief stay on this road trip itinerary. It can also make for a nice break from museums.

A visit to the National Aquarium is a must, but I’d recommend buying timed-entry tickets online in advance to save time waiting in line. You will still need at least half day at the Aquarium. Then there is so much else to do in the Inner Harbor from the Science Museum, to pedal boats, and historic ships.

You can also take a water taxi over to Fort McHenry.  The defense of Fort McHenry in the Battle of Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner .

If you have time, be sure to explore the African American history of Baltimore . Whatever you do, don’t miss breakfast at Miss Shirley’s.

Where to Stay: Twice we have stayed at the Hilton Baltimore and I love the location. It is within easy walking distance to the Inner Harbor and right behind the Camden Yards baseball park so you can hang out on the conference level floor and watch the game (or book a room overlooking the stadium.)

Philadelphia (2 days)

Every US History road trip has to include a trip to Philadelphia. What better place to soak in our early U.S. history than where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution was penned?

Start off at Independence Hall . Tour tickets should be booked in advance. Here you can be in the “room where it happened.”

I have some other tips for touring historical Philadelphia because there is so much to see and do in the City of Brotherly Love. We especially loved the National Constitution Center , which did a great job describing the challenges facing our early nation and the hard work it took to put the Constitution together. It helped explain some of the compromises the delegates made and how some decisions, like not abolishing slavery, impacted the country for decades to come (and the impacts are still felt today.)

Don’t miss the Liberty Bell, but the lines can be long in the morning, so you are better off visiting late in the day or just viewing it from outside the glass building where it is housed. Personally, I think the Betsy Ross House could be skipped, but we loved the National Museum of American Jewish History .

For lunch, walk over to the Reading Terminal Market, where you will have your choice of treats from cheesesteaks, to pretzels, and funnel cake.

Side trip ideas : If you have time, schedule a side trip to take a dip into Civil War history (which is a great follow up after visiting Philadelphia.) I would recommend a scenic drive through Pennsylvania Dutch Country and spending two of days in Gettysburg and then visit the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA. We were really blown away by how much we loved Gettysburg and how impactful it was.

But if the kids are getting antsy by this point, plan a day in Hershey , the “sweetest place on earth” and home to Hersheypark amusement park and Hershey’s Chocolate World. On the drive back east, you can stop at Valley Forge National Park and get a little more Revolutionary War history.

Where to Stay: Try to stay in the historic city center to make everything very accessible. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia is the perfect location. I’ve stayed here twice and really like this hotel and location.

New York (2 days)

It is only two hours from Philadelphia from New York City, not accounting for the inevitable traffic. The first choice is choosing which neighborhood to use as your home base. If you are focused on history, I would recommend staying in Lower Manhattan. Otherwise, Midtown or Times Square is a good central location.

New York can be overwhelming for visitors so I usually recommend knocking off just one or two neighborhoods per visit. From Lower Manhattan you can visit the 9/11 Memorial and enjoy some free time in Battery Park. It is also a good jumping off point for visits to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (if you want to learn some more recent U.S. history and trace the immigration routes of ancestors.)

However, for history buffs, the ultimate achievement in NYC would be to score tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway. Especially since we can credit this amazing show for getting so many kids interested in this period of history.

Even if you can’t get tickets (and I hope you can, it is such an amazing show!!), you can still take a Hamilton walking tour to see Alexander Hamilton’s New York. There is more history to explore in Lower Manhattan from the Federal Building to specialty attractions like the Tenement Museum.

If this is your first trip to Manhattan, you will likely also want to take the subway up to Times Square for some shopping or people watching. See my recommendations on the best things to do in NYC with kids .

With more time, you can venture into Upper Manhattan and Central Park. Two of my favorite museums are the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side.

Make sure you get a view of New York from above at the Freedom Tower, Empire State Building, or Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center. If you are visiting many of these attractions, be sure to invest in the New York CityPASS to save money on admission fees (and get to skip some lines too!)

Side trip idea: If you have time to spare along the way to the next stop, follow my New York to Boston road trip itinerary .

Where to Stay: On our weekends in NYC, we have enjoyed staying at the Millennium Downtown , right near the World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial.

Boston (2 days)

It is time to wrap up your trip with a four hour drive up to Boston. Along the way, you may want to plan a stop in Mystic, Connecticut . Still known for its Mystic Pizza, it is also the home of the Mystic Seaport. This maritime living history museum is a lot like Williamsburg, but from a slightly different era.

Once you arrive in Boston, I think making the waterfront area your home base is great for exploring. If you want to explore many of Boston’s top attractions, I’d recommend investing in a Boston CityPASS .

If you are interested in history, I would make the first stop a visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum . Here you will learn about the lead up to the Boston Tea Party to understand why the rebels threw all that tea into the sea. Then you can step aboard a replica ship and toss a bale over the side yourself! Afterwards, have tea in the tea room upstairs.

This is very close to both the Boston Children’s Museum and the New England Aquarium, which can balance out your visit. If the weather is nice, I also enjoy a harbor cruise (part of the Boston CityPASS) or you can take a ferry over to some of the harbor islands for a few hours.

Two other ways to explore the history of Boston (and the USA), would be on a walking tour of the Freedom Trail. You can do this self-guided, and spend time at different stops along the way, or taking a guided tour from a costumed docent to get the full story and significance behind each location.

The other fun way to explore is with a duck boat tour. These amphibian vehicles start off on land with a guided tour through the city and then splash into the Charles River for the “boat” portion of the tour. If you haven’t done one of these in another city, the novelty is super fun.

See more tips for visiting Boston with teens . SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave SaveSaveSaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSaveSaveSave SaveSave SaveSaveSaveSave SaveSave

Where to Stay: We love both the Boston Harbor Hotel and the Intercontinental Boston .

That concludes the U.S. History road trip through the Northeast! There is so much to see, even more to learn, and plenty of fun to be had along the way. I hope you feel inspired to take your kids on a history-filled road trip.

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

Find this useful? Share it!

Publish Date: May 23, 2024

2 thoughts on “How to Plan a U.S. History Road Trip (and make it fun!)”

I’m planning an educational/homeschool fieldtrip this summer and this is just what I was looking for! Thank you for all the information.

Good luck! Now is certainly the time to homeschool and fieldtrips/road schooling brings it all to life.

Comments are closed.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE A FAMILY VACATION PLANNING KIT!

We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [email protected] . By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Start typing and press enter to search

• [ June 3, 2024 ] MONGOLIA – Itinerary for a thrilling winter expedition through snow and time visiting UNESCO sites Itineraries
• [ January 14, 2024 ] EQUATORIAL GUINEA – Best 10 day itinerary with island marvels and mainland hidden gems Equatorial Guinea Travel Guide
• [ May 10, 2023 ] TOGO – Best 10-day itinerary for a road trip from south to north Itineraries
• [ November 20, 2022 ] DJIBOUTI – The best 1-week Djibouti roadtrip itinerary with a 4×4 landcruiser Djibouti Travel Guide
• [ November 18, 2022 ] YEMEN – Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout Itineraries
• [ January 21, 2022 ] TRINIDAD – Port of Spain city walk: Top 12 things to see and do Trinidad & Tobago Travel Guide
• [ January 18, 2022 ] TRINIDAD – Hyatt Regency hotel review: Best luxury place to stay in Port of Spain Hotel reviews

USA – Northeast

Usa – best night photography spots in new york city & washington dc including a tutorial.

Night photography is something I like to do occasionally especially if it’s an awesome place. It simply takes time and especially in the evening I also want to check out nightlife and sample craft beer. In both New York City and Washington DC I went [read more]

USA – Best city trip itinerary for 2 weeks: New York, Washington DC, Denver & Las Vegas

Three nights in four different cities in the United States, three domestic flights and an arrival and departure day make a perfect 2-week city trip itinerary in the USA. I recently visited New York, Washington DC, Denver, and Las Vegas I already visited last year. [read more]

USA – New York (2012.08.08 – 2012.08.16)

A trip to the US which was for business in Philladelphia, visiting a friend in Detroit area and a sightseeing trip in New York. Only the last part something in this blog. UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited: none (see all UNESCO sites here) Day 1 through [read more]

USA – Boston one day by foot and duck tour

Mainly a business trip with a one day off after business to check out Boston. Day 1 through 7 – Arrival & Business Arrival from Amsterdam by KLM and direct to business. Day 8 – Sightseeing in Boston After a week of business a short [read more]

All text, images, photos and videos are copyright © by Chris Travel Blog / CTB Global® 2009-2024, all rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Chris Travel Blog / CTB Global® with clear written note and link to the original content. Read the privacy statement to learn how personal data is collected and stored!

• About Emily
• About This Blog
• Personal Posts
• My Travel Stories
• Central America
• North America
• South America
• Tours and Activities
• Transport and Travel
• Packing Tips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Fashion and Beauty
• Work with me

East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

• Reviews , USA
• Last Updated 3 September 2024

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.

This post was originally written as a review of the Trek America Freedom Trail – a road trip of the East Cost of the USA. Sadly Trek America are no longer around, but the tour route is an ideal road trip itinerary so I’ve left the post as it is for now.

Welcome to the Trek America Freedom Trail – a road trip taking in the northeastern US states. This is the perfect East Coast USA tour for solo travellers, or for anyone who wants to connect with like-minded people in a fun, small-group setting whilst seeing all the very best that the USA has to offer!  

From Philly Cheesesteaks to Boston Lobster rolls, from a boat ride into Niagara Falls to a horse and buggy ride around Amish Country, from the monuments of Washington DC to the history of the Boston Freedom Trail… this is everything you could possibly want from a tour of East Coast USA, and it’s all packed into just one week! 

I took this tour through the northeast of the US with Trek America a couple of weeks ago, and absolutely loved it. Great company, fun evenings at the campsite, and some of the biggest highlights that the northern East Coast has to offer. Below is my review of the Trek America Freedom Trail, to help you decide if this trip is for you… 

East Coast USA Road Trip Route

Philadelphia, washington dc, amish country and lancaster, niagara falls, camping with trek america, costs, more info, and further reading.

The Trek America Freedom Trail is the perfect East Coast USA tour, especially if you don’t have a lot of time. It stops off at all the major highlights of the north-eastern states, taking in Philadelphia, Washington, Amish Country, the Niagara Falls, and Boston in a big loop that starts and ends in New York. Here’s a quick itinerary breakdown to give you an idea, but bear in mind that it can change slightly from tour to tour. 

Days 1-2: New York* – Philadelphia- Washington DC Day 3: Lancaster (Discovering Amish Country) Day 4: Niagara Falls Days 5-6: Boston Day 7: Boston – New York

*The tour actually started in New Jersey, from the Newark airport hotel, so there wasn’t a day exploring NYC.

I’d recommend booking a day or two in NYC itself, either before or after the Freedom Trail. After might be better, so that if any of your new tour friends are also staying on, you can make plans together. A few people on my trip did that – but I had to head straight off to California for my next adventure!

READ MORE: Coolest things to do in NYC !

Stops for Your East Coast USA Road Trip

On the first day of our East Coast USA tour, we drove from New Jersey to Washington, with an afternoon spent in Philadelphia along the way. It was brief, but we managed to see a few key highlights. The Rocky Steps, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the super funky South Street. 

But for me, the biggest highlight was trying my first Philly Cheesesteak. We headed to Jim’s South St , arriving just before the queue – which was already out the door – got really mental. This is considered one of the best places to get a Philly Cheesesteak so it’s crazy popular. It was also CRAZY good! I stuffed my face with an enormous, greasy, cheesy mess of a sandwich, looked like an absolute animal doing so, and have zero regrets. It was SO GOOD. 

Next stop was Washington DC. We camped for two nights just outside the city, so we had a full day there to sightsee on the second day of the Trek America Freedom Trail tour. It also just so happened to be Memorial Day, so there was a huge parade on in the afternoon which was a great little addition. 

We spent most of the day exploring the National Mall, which is where all those iconic Washington DC monuments are found. The National Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and – of course – the Capitol Building.

In DC they have a bike rental scheme like the Santander Cycles in London, Capital Bikeshare , which only costs $8 for a 24-hour pass. One of my absolute highlights was just cycling along the National Mall, taking in the sights (and enjoying a bit of breeze on my skin because it was ROASTING that day!). 

One of the more unusual stops on the Trek America Freedom Trail tour was Lancaster . We headed there on the third day to see a side of America I’d never seen before, and one that was totally different from the cities we’d just visited. 

Lancaster is Amish Country in Pennsylvania. This is America’s oldest Amish settlement, where thousands still live the traditional, “ Plain ” lifestyle they’ve been living for centuries. We stopped off in Intercourse PA (lot’s of giggles and posing with the sign) to take a traditional buggy ride through Amish Country – visiting a working dairy farm, eating some homemade cookies, and meeting the farm puppies! It was so different to the America I’m used to, and such an interesting glimpse of another culture and way of living. 

One unmissable stop on any East Coast USA tour is Niagara Falls, so of course it’s included on the Trek America Freedom Trail. On the fourth day, we headed to upstate New York for a full day at this stunning natural wonder. It’s been on my bucket list for ages so it was definitely the stop I was most excited for! 

Not only did we take a boat tour on the iconic Maid of the Mist , getting drenched as we cruised right up into the spray of the horseshoe fall, but we also had time to hop over the bridge into Canada! That’s right, you can enter Canada on foot for the day without a visa – as long as you know your US visa allows for re-entry (if you have an ESTA you’ll be fine). It was great to see the falls from the other side, whilst eating a quick poutine on Canadian soil. 

Another highlight that day was our campsite, on the shore of Lake Ontario. It was a really peaceful, beautiful spot! We watched the sunset from the edge of the lake, before ending the night with a campfire and s’mores… basically, the perfect camping experience!

Boston was probably my favourite city on our East Coast USA tour. It really took me by surprise – so much history and culture. This is one of the oldest cities in the USA, and it’s where the American Revolution was born, so there’s a lot to learn – but not in a boring way! 

We spent the day walking the Freedom Trail , a 2.5-mile path marked out with red brick through downtown Boston. It winds its way from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, taking in 16 locations that are tied to the history of the city and the American Revolution. I’ll be honest, I didn’t really know much about that chapter of history, so it was really fascinating to wander along, guidebook in hand, and delve into the story of each of the sites. 

We also found time to enjoy some of Boston’s more contemporary culture. Rooftop bars, lobster rolls from swanky Row 34, Quincy Market, and one last dinner with the group in Chinatown. Boston is also a great place from which to explore more of New England if I had more time. I’d love to visit Boston in the fall to see the famous New England colours!

From Boston, the last day of the Trek Amerca Freedom Trail is spent heading back to New York area, where many of the group went on to hang out in NYC. I had to head straight to Newark airport to fly down to California to start my next adventure , but in retrospect, I wish I’d had a couple of days exploring NYC as well! 

What’s the Accommodation Like?

Trek America have a few different trip styles, so what your accommodation is like depends on which tour style you choose. The Original Tours all feature either camping or budget lodging options (or a mix of both), while the Plus Tours are designed to be a bit more comfortable, with hotel accommodation. 

The budget lodging options can be anything, really. Motels, hotels, hostels, cabins, lodges, even ranches. You’ll have a real bed and a roof over your head, so if camping really isn’t your thing opt for a BLT (budget lodging tour). 

The Trek America Freedom Trail was a mix of both budget accommodation and camping. We stayed at some really nice campgrounds: the one in Washington had a pool and mini golf, and I’ve already mentioned how much I loved the one near Niagara Falls! We also spent one night in cabins at the Lancaster campground, which we paid $10 each to upgrade to because a storm hit. And on the last two nights, we stayed in a really nice hostel in downtown Boston; basic but clean, comfy, and WAY better than a lot of the hostels I’ve stayed in over the years. 

Camping is my favourite way to do a Trek trip, as it feels like a real adventure. Plus, everyone bands together to make camp. You all put up tents, cook, clean, and pack up together, so it’s a real bonding experience, and a great way to make friends fast. 

Trek provide the tents and camping equipment, so you only need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Or, you can buy both when you arrive and donate them to a thrift store or charity when the trip ends. It’s all decent quality camping stuff and makes for a really comfy camping experience, and the campgrounds Trek America chose are all fantastic. Great facilities with hot showers and decent bathrooms – even free WiFi at some! 

I travelled with road-trip specialist TrekAmerica on the seven-day Freedom Trail tour. The tour costs from £879 per person. This price includes four nights camping, including camping fees and equipment (excluding sleeping bag), two nights budget lodging, services of a TrekAmerica tour leader, and private transportation throughout with free WiFi.

Check out these awesome blog posts about other Trek America trips for more inspiration…

Trek America Mountie Tour in Canada

One Day in the Life of the Trek America Mountie Tour

Wanderlust Chloe’s Review of the California Callin’ Road Trip

Got any more questions about the Trek America Freedom Trail, my East Coast USA tour., or anything else? Scroll down to leave a comment and I’ll be happy to help! 

Related Posts

Is Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights Really That Scary?

• Last Updated 5 September 2024

How scary is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando? Here’s a wimp’s guide to the scariest event of the season!

Is Marella Cruises Good for Solo Travellers?

• Last Updated 27 August 2024

Wondering what travelling with Marella Cruises is like for solo travellers? After spending a week cruising solo, here’s my honest review…

Marella Explorer Review: Everything You Need to Know

• Europe , Reviews

An in-depth review of the Marella Explorer cruise ship from TUI, covering every aspect of the ship – with photos…

4 thoughts on “East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary”

You noted Boston for it’s history, but not Philadelphia? It’s got more historic sites than Boston does, and played a larger role in the American Revolution and creation of the country. You kind of have it backwards.

Interesting! This post was a write-up of the tour we did, and we didn’t have very much time in Philadelphia so there wasn’t time to see many historic sites. We had two days in Boston so happened to spend more time on the history there :) Next time I come back I’ll try to spend a bit more time in Philly and delve a bit deeper into the history there.

Don’t let Philadelphia poster bother you. Yes, Philadelphia had an important role in the revolution but Americans see Boston as the home of the revolution. Boston also did a better job preserving sites than many other cities.

Thanks Victoria! I’m sure both cities have a lot of history but yeah, that was just the way the tour with Trek America was shaped. We saw more contemporary stuff in Philly and more history in Boston. I think you’re right in saying that more of the sites were preserved in Boston than in other cities, there was a lot to see :)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

10 Ultimate Seattle To Vancouver Road Trip Itinerary

• Take a road trip from Seattle to Vancouver for stunning coastal vistas, outdoor adventure, and charming towns along the scenic route.
• Explore Olympic National Park's old-growth forests, tour the Boeing Factory in Everett, and relax on Whidbey Island's beautiful beaches.
• Don't miss Chuckanut Drive's breathtaking coastal views, Campbell Valley Regional Park for hiking, and the charming fishing village of Steveston.

Winding along Washington's rugged Pacific coastline and through scenic mountains and farmland, this 130-mile road trip between Seattle and Vancouver offers glimpses of the region's natural beauty and diverse attractions. It even includes many of the stops on the scenic Amtrak Cascades train route from Seattle to Vancouver .

Stops include hiking Olympic National Park's old-growth forests, touring the Boeing commercial jet factories, exploring the Lake Chelan shores in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and taking in Whidbey Island's laid-back charm. The cost to visit Vancouver ranges from budget-friendly to luxurious, depending on visitors’ travel style and preferences, but for budget-minded travelers, there are also plenty of cheap vacation spots in Vancouver , such as Granville Island, Gastown, and Chinatown.

Naturally, many travelers enjoy the route from Seattle to Vancouver, as it showcases some of the most beautiful scenery on the West Coast of the USA as tourists head up toward Canada. Outdoor adventure, coastal vistas, and charming towns await along this picturesque international route. Here is the ultimate road trip itinerary for Seattle to Vancouver road trippers, detailing the top stops along the way.

RELATED: 10 Surprisingly Free Things That You Can Do In Seattle

Olympic National Park

Located along Washington's rugged Pacific coastline, Olympic National Park is a highlight of any Seattle to Vancouver road trip.

Sprawling over 3.8 million acres , the area is filled with alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and over 60 miles of pristine beaches displaying the park's awe-inspiring ocean vistas and mountain scenery.

• Fee: $30 per vehicle , valid for 7 days
• Hurricane Ridge Road Operational Months: Late May to mid-October

Boeing Factory Tour

About an hour's drive north of Seattle lies the city of Everett, home of the world’s largest factory, The Boeing Everett Factory . Here, visitors can go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the commercial aircraft manufacturing facility. Visitors see firsthand where iconic planes like the 747, 767, 777, and 787 are constructed.

Those planning a trip to Vancouver who stop by the Boeing Factory Tour will have front-of-the-line access to aviation history and the construction of aircraft.

• Operating Days: Thursday through Monday,
• Admission Fees: $12 (Gallery & Sky Deck)

Tours for the Boeing Everett Factory, including the general admission tour, are $33

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Sprawling over 3.8 million acres of mountainous terrain, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers a variety of outdoor recreation along the northern section of the road trip route between Seattle and Vancouver.

Highlights include visiting the scenic Lake Wenatchee area, hiking trails around Leavenworth , and exploring the majestic landscape near Lake Chelan with swimming or kayaking.

• Entry is free

Seasonal wildfire hazards may temporarily restrict access to some trails

Whidbey Island

Accessed via a short ferry ride from Port Townsend across Puget Sound, Whidbey Island is another one of the best stops for a Seattle to Vancouver itinerary. It has a laid-back island charm with beautiful beaches, quaint towns, picturesque farmland, and shorelines.

History buffs can tour the historic naval station in Oak Harbor, the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), or visit the antique shops of Langley.

• Ferry fee: Varies on the date, transport method, and vehicle size

Weekends and summers are the busiest seasons for ferry travel. Also, Greenbank Farm is an educational spot for seeing heritage livestock.

RELATED: From The Space Needle To Pike Place: Exploring 10 Top Places To See In Seattle

Chuckanut Drive

North of Bellingham lies the scenic Chuckanut Drive , which is one of the best stops from Seattle to Vancouver on a road trip, as it's renowned for its breathtaking coastal vistas.

Winding for 22 miles along steep coastal bluffs above the shores of Samish Bay, this nationally recognized scenic byway weaves through verdant forest with periodic overlooks of the water and islands below. A relaxing morning leading to an afternoon drive to take in the area's natural beauty makes way for a peaceful journey.

Cyclists are often along the route, and there are periodic areas of narrow roads.

Campbell Valley Regional Park

Located east of Abbotsford, Campbell Valley Regional Park is another one of the best road trip stops from Seattle to Vancouver for an afternoon picnic. Its 1,444 acres offer extensive hiking trails that wind through forests and meadows, with the Cascade Mountains rising to the east.

The park's camping facilities and extensive recreational amenities make it an ideal nature explorers' base camp, found a little over halfway between Seattle and Vancouver.

• Operating Hours: September 26 to November 6: 7 am-7 pm​​​, November 7 to December 31: 7 am-5 pm​

Camping reservations are recommended during peak season, but be sure to book campsites early.

Edmonds is found between Seattle and Everett along Puget Sound’s shoreline. It charms visitors with its historic downtown waterfront and the pier walking trails that give views of sailboats and frequent whale sightings.

Things to do in Vancouver after the trip include hiking in Stanley Park, visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, and taking a ferry to Granville Island.

• Seattle/Edmonds Whale Watching Tours Tickets: Adults $145, Children from 2 to 10 $105

Many local restaurants serve fresh fish here, with shoreline dining available.

RELATED: Book These 10 Vancouver Hotels That Are Closest To The Airport For a Convenient Stay

Mount Vernon

The oldest city of Skagit County ’s river towns, Mount Vernon is known for its tulip fields that attract thousands of visitors each spring. Though the tulip festival spans just a few weeks each April, it's still worthwhile visiting the surrounding Skagit Valley anytime to take in the pastoral farmland scenery.

Drives through the countryside dotted with barn murals and bulb farms leave room for much more to explore.

• Tulip Town Park: free
• Best Time for Tulip Views: Mid-April

Bellingham And Fairhaven

Surrounded by mountains and waterways, Bellingham is the ideal spot to spend a night near the end of the Seattle to Vancouver road trip route. Its international airport also makes timely connections convenient if one needs to cut the trip short. One of the best places to visit in Bellingham is Whatcom Falls Park, which is superb for a stroll and picnic.

Also, another spot near Bellingham is Fairhaven ; an afternoon spent here reveals its bookstores, cafés, and marina.

• Whatcom Falls Park : Entry is free

For those continuing onward from Bellingham into Canada, the charming fishing village of Steveston on the South Arm of the Fraser River near Richmond provides relaxing scenery with a fresh outdoor atmosphere. The boardwalk runs along the waterfront lined with restaurants, shops, and fishing boats.

A stroll through the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site educates visitors about its fully restored 1930s-era salmon cannery .

• Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site Fees: $12.50 for adults

On weekends and busy times, expect limited availability for parking downtown

• Twitter / X
• Readers' Choice
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

USA TODAY 10Best

Homeschool mom shares how to turn a road trip into an epic field trip

September 5, 2024 // By Jessica Cole

By Jessica Cole September 5, 2024

As a homeschool mom, one thing I enjoy about homeschooling my kid s is the flexibility to travel at almost any time of the year. This past spring, our family took advantage of this by traveling to Austin, Texas, to view the most recent total solar eclipse.

Rather than pay airfare for seven family members, we chose to drive to Texas from our home near Raleigh, North Carolina. Facing 20-plus hours in the car, I decided to make our drive part of the experience, transforming our family road trip into one giant field trip!

We stopped at fun and educational places — museums, tourist attractions, and the like. I learned many lessons along the way. If you're planning a family road trip, here's how to turn it into a memorable field trip.

Advertisement Advertisement

Choose a road trip route that offers variety

Once you identify your ultimate destination (we spent three days in Austin), you'll need to decide on your route to get there. For us, there were three recommended routes with a few hours' difference among them. We decided not to take the most direct route. Instead, we went slightly north to North Carolina and then through Tennessee and Arkansas before arriving in Texas. On the way back, we passed through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. This way, we were able to stop at more attractions and experience a greater variety of environments — in climate, landscape, wildlife, and culture.

Tie planned stops to family and educational interests

Once I had the general route mapped out, I began searching for things to do and see in each state. First, I considered which attractions hit on areas of interest for members of our family or tied in with something the kids were learning in school. Next, I looked at how far out of the way we would have to drive to reach those points of interest. As a final measure, I considered how long a typical visit would take and made sure the attraction would be open at our desired date and time.

Read several reviews before booking hotels

I booked our hotels through a popular travel site, heavily relying on their star-rating system. As it turns out, I probably should have checked the reviews in more detail and maybe checked reviews from a few different sources. Most of the hotels were a hit, but one turned out to be a real miss.

Consider waiting to make reservations at attractions

While it was helpful to reserve hotels in advance, I didn't reserve tickets to most of the museums and other attractions until the day of our visit. This allowed us some flexibility to trade one stop for an alternative at the last minute.

On the other hand, we would've never gotten into one particular museum if I hadn't made an earlier reservation, so it's important to check each destination for any likelihood of selling out.

Figure out parking ahead of time

Parking in big cities can be challenging, but modern technology makes things easier. Besides looking on a location's website for parking suggestions, you can check your map app for nearby lots. I found Google Maps street view to be especially helpful in determining which lots would work best for us. Some attractions and even cities (street parking) will allow you to reserve parking spots in advance online.

Consider renting a van for your road trip

With five growing kids, my husband and I had been toying with the idea of trading in our minivan for a 12-passenger. Partly with this trip in mind, we took the plunge. The gas mileage isn't great, but the extra room for packing and spreading out is amazing!

Of course, buying a van isn't necessary for most, but it might be worth your money to rent one for a longer road trip.

Pack a suitcase for each day, not each person

When stopping at multiple hotels, packing hacks can simplify the process. Rather than dragging out seven individual suitcases every night, the kids and I pre-picked and packed our outfits into one suitcase for each day, rather than for each person. We then packed bathroom supplies and an extra outfit or two in the kids' backpacks. It made loading and unloading so much easier.

Also, it wouldn't hurt to bring a few dollars' worth of quarters for coin-operated laundry, as I learned when my preschooler accidentally dirtied his favorite blanket!

Factor in time zone changes when planning your road trip

If crossing several states on a fairly tight itinerary, don't forget that you may cross time zones. Overlooking this fact worked in our favor on our way westward, but it led to one late arrival time on a planned activity as we headed back east.

Pack food and save money on dining out

We have several food sensitivities in our family and we rarely eat out, so we packed a ton of food. We bought a good quality cooler and brought a second, more basic one for backup. We refreshed the ice regularly and made sure to stay at hotels with refrigerators/freezers. Although we supplemented with food at a few convenience stops, we managed to avoid dining out at restaurants and saved quite a bit of money.

In the end, we visited some amazing destinations, including the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; the Space Center in Houston, and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The only thing I regret is that we didn't have more time to explore some of these places. But, of course, there's always next year!

About Jessica Cole

Jessica is a homeschool graduate and homeschooling mother who contributes to the Home School Legal Defense Association blog. Besides writing, her favorite activities include singing at church, teaching literature and theater at homeschool co-op, and planning escapades that push her routine-oriented husband outside his comfort zone. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.

Read more about Jessica Cole here.

Connect with Jessica via: Website