Unveiling the 11 Best Summer Towns in Charming New England
The best time to explore New England is either during the summer months or in the fall. The charming coastal towns in New England make for a great summer getaway. Warmer months bring out all the best outdoor activities including walks on the beautiful beaches and having a lobster roll seaside. This summer season you should have one of these 11 best summer towns in New England on your list: unveiling the charm!
Although Europe is a popular destination in the summer, the east coast of New England is the perfect alternative. Take scenic drives through the coast or enjoy live music in a small town, these charming spots will leave you filled with joy. Nothing is quite like New England summers!
Unveiling the 11 Best Summer Towns in Charming New England
Bar harbor, maine
Bar Harbor, Maine is a town neighboring Acadia National Park making it a perfect coastal town. It boasts views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains. Also, Bar Harbor has many options for outdoor adventures including kayaking, biking, canoeing, hiking, and so much more! In 2021-2022 the US News & World ranked Bar Harbor as the #16 US place to visit.
Newport, Rhode Island
I have been going to Newport, Rhode Island ever since I was a young girl. In the summer, it is the place to visit. It holds amazing sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and antique shops. This is the place to visit if you are looking for a Main Street that has a lot of restaurants, bars, and shopping. Check out my blog post on Newport for the Ultimate Weekend Guide to this stunning town.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and the third largest in New England. Plus, it is located at the foothills of the White Mountains making it a gorgeous lake with beautiful mountain scenery. This lake is a family-friendly destination that offers water sports, ice scream shops, scenic cruises, and drive-in movies.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is one of the most popular weekend getaways in the summer. It is a little island off the coast of Cape Cod and the only way to access it is either on a ferry or boat or by air. Martha’s Vineyard is a picturesque town that encompasses harbor towns, lighthouses, and beautiful beaches.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont is located on the northern tip of Vermont next to the shores of Lake Champlain. Burlington is a great place to visit in the summer because it is freezing in the winter! The downtown area of Burlington has an amazing art-influenced scene with wonderful breweries, great dining, and fun nightlife. Located only about an hour away from the Green Mountains, it is a great spot for adventurous souls. Check out my blog post on the 10 best things to do in Burlington.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport, Maine is a town located on the coast of Maine. It is highly known for its beautiful beaches including Goose Rocks Beach. The charm and history are real when experiencing this downtown area. Kennebunkport is one the most historic towns in New England. You will find plenty of historic landmarks, historic homes, and historic mansions as it is the oldest European-settled town in Maine.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a seaside town that is quite larger than the rest. This town is known for its nightlife, cuisine, live music, and entertainment. Plus Portsmouth is known for its outdoor activities including whale watching, hiking, biking, and plenty of boat cruises.
Block Island, Rhode Island
I have been going to Block Island since I was younger and have always loved it. It is a small island off the coast of mainland Rhode Island. It is home to sandy and rocky beaches, cliffs at the Mohegan Bluffs, and the iconic red-brick Southeast Lighthouse. My suggestion here would be to rent mopeds and explore the entire island. You can get to this island by ferry as they have many daily schedules.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown is located at the northern tip of Cape Cod. This historic seaside town was the site of the Mayflowers landing in 1620. Also known as P-Town, it is home to many artists, galleries, nightclubs, and wonderful dining spots. All these are located on and around the main Commercial Street.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic, Connecticut has been ranked in 2023 by USA Today as the fourth best summer travel destination. This is a great place to bring kids because there is plenty to do like the Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport Museum, and the largest Maritime Museums. Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Mystic, Connecticut.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is a small island off the coast of Cape Cod. It is known for its dune-backed beaches. The best part of Nantucket is that there is a strong Land Conservancy that protects a lot of the island. This is a place you can go for a day trip because of how close together the town is. It is a hit summer destination but people do live there year-round.
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