Why not take a New England road trip?

Imagine driving through a landscape ablaze in crimson and orange. Where crisp air carries the scent of saltwater, apples and pine, and charming towns dot the route between historic cities and jagged coastlines. This is New England.

A region where every scenic drive reveals covered bridges, clam shacks, and quaint towns. From Boston’s Freedom Trail to Acadia National Park’s rugged appeal, a New England road trip takes you on a nostalgic journey through snow-dusted mountains, fishing villages, and past hidden coves and swathes of sandy beaches. Combine with rural wilderness and big-hitters like Boston and Portland, and a New England road trip should be on every traveller’s USA hit list.

Planning a New England road trip

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

To make the most of New England and to see as much as possible, you’ll want to stay for at least 10-14 days; that way, you won’t feel rushed. If you’ve only got a week, don’t worry, you’ll still cover the main highlights, but two weeks will let you explore much more of this incredible destination.

What is the best month to go to New England?

October stands out as the single best month for a New England road trip. Peak fall foliage typically starts in mid-October, creating spectacular burnt-orange displays. The weather is comfortable. Think sunglasses and light jacket season – with temperatures reaching average highs of around 16°C. Do bear in mind that this is peak New England season, so it will be busier.

Meanwhile, September offers excellent weather with early autumn colours and fewer crowds. June provides warm temperatures perfect for the beach, while May offers the best value with pleasant weather and minimal tourists.

Not to miss in New England

Massachusetts

Boston serves as the perfect starting point for any New England road trip. Walk the Freedom Trail through downtown Boston, taking in 16 historic sites that shaped American independence, including Granary Burying Ground and Bunker Hill Monument. Explore Boston Common, America’s oldest public park, then wander the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill with its elegant brownstone homes.

Cape Cod beckons with pristine beaches and wooden-fronted shops in quaint coastal towns. From whale watching to art galleries galore, this peninsula has something for everyone.  Don’t leave without trying fresh seafood – the local speciality lobster rolls and oysters are legendary.

Western Massachusetts surprises visitors with cultural attractions like the Norman Rockwell Museum and the living history museum of Hancock Shaker Village. The region’s scenic drives wind through the Appalachian Trail corridor, offering glimpses of rural New England at its finest.

Vermont

Plucked from a photograph, Vermont embodies New England charm. Here you’ll find covered bridges, local maple syrup producers, and the dramatic Green Mountains. A classic New England town, Stowe offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and village atmosphere. In Southern Vermont, including Manchester, historic buildings house galleries and coffee shops, while the Green Mountain National Forest has hundreds of scenic hiking trails.

New Hampshire

Prepared to be blown away. The White Mountains offer some of New England’s most spectacular landscapes. Mount Washington, the Northeast’s highest peak, offers sweeping panoramic views across multiple states on clear days. The Kancamagus Highway ranks among America’s most scenic drives, particularly during fall.

Maine

Maine’s coast epitomises New England’s maritime heritage. Bar Harbor serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park – one of America’s most visited – where Cadillac Mountain offers the first sunrise views in the USA from October-March.

Portland combines a working waterfront with a lively food scene. Sit down with Maine oysters and a craft beer to end a day of exploring. The city’s historic downtown also features the most photographed lighthouse, Portland Headlight, in New England.

Rhode Island

Despite being America’s smallest state, compact Rhode Island packs a punch. Newport’s Gilded Age mansions showcase America’s most opulent period, where the likes of Carnegie and Rockefeller made their fortunes. While in Providence, you can wander prestigious Brown University’s attractive campus.

Connecticut

Connecticut bridges New England and New York, offering sophisticated attractions and charming towns. Mystic Seaport preserves maritime history, while the state’s western regions feature rolling hills and historic villages. Kent Falls State Park showcases Connecticut’s natural beauty with cascading waterfalls, particularly impressive after spring rains or during autumn’s peak colours.

What is the prettiest place in New England?

We’d say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Stowe, Vermont, consistently ranks among the most beautiful, particularly when amber autumn leaves frame the village’s white church steeples against Green Mountain backdrops.

Bar Harbor, Maine offers stunning coastal beauty where mountains meet the sea in Acadia National Park. The town itself charms visitors with its Victorian architecture and working waterfront atmosphere.

The White Mountains of New Hampshire has dramatic mountain scenery. The Presidential Range, anchored by Mount Washington, creates an alpine landscape that is simply breathtaking.

Cape Cod’s outer beaches showcase a different type of beauty – endless dunes, crashing surf, and historic lighthouses that have stood for centuries.

What is the prettiest New England state in the fall?

Vermont takes the crown for fall foliage beauty, though each state offers spectacular displays. Vermont’s combination of rolling hills, covered bridges, and dense maple forests creates the quintessential autumn landscape. The state’s relatively small size means you’re never far from a scenic viewing spot or charming town.

Pick a season to suit you

Spring in New England

Late spring offers excellent value and fewer crowds, though the weather remains unpredictable. Many tourist attractions have limited hours or remain closed until Memorial Day, so check operating schedules in advance.

Mud season (March-April) can make some rural roads impassable and hiking trails unpleasant, though main tourist routes remain accessible year-round.

Summer peak season

Summer provides the most reliable weather and longest daylight hours for sightseeing. All attractions operate full schedules, though popular destinations become crowded.

Coastal areas offer the most comfortable temperatures, while inland regions can become hot and humid. Air conditioning becomes important for rental cars during July and August.

Autumn glory

Autumn is New England’s most spectacular season – where landscapes are painted in crimson, gold, and amber. Temperatures in September through October are perfect for scenic drives and hiking.

Northern regions peak earlier – Vermont and New Hampshire show their best colours in late September, while southern areas reach peak foliage in mid-October.

Winter wonderland

Winter transforms New England into a snow-dusted paradise, perfect for skiing and winter sports. Many scenic drives become treacherous or close entirely, limiting sightseeing options.

Ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing provide unique winter experiences, though most visitors prefer spring through fall for general touring.

New England road trip FAQs

New England food you have to try

New England’s culinary heritage runs deep. Start with the region’s most famous export – lobster rolls, served either warm with butter or cold with mayo. Clam chowder (the creamy white version) remains a coastal staple, best enjoyed with oyster crackers.

Maine blueberries appear in everything from waffles to pies, while Vermont’s maple syrup is the good stuff – perfect drizzled over pancakes! Don’t miss Boston cream pie (actually a cake), New England clam bake featuring steamers, corn on the cob, and fresh lobster, or a proper fish and chips from a seaside shack.

New England is also home to some incredible craft breweries. Sample local beer from Vermont’s Hill Farmstead or Maine’s Allagash. For something stronger, try wine from Cape Cod’s cranberry bogs.

What to pack for a New England road trip

Pack layers. New England weather changes quickly, especially in spring and autumn. Even summer evenings can turn cool near the coast.

Essential items include a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and hiking trails, and warmer clothing for mountain areas. Sunglasses and sun protection are essential, too, particularly near water and snow.

Pack a light day pack for hiking in places like Acadia National Park or the White Mountains. And don’t forget insect repellent for summer visits, particularly in Maine and New Hampshire’s forests.

Tips for driving around New England

Toll roads are common, particularly around Boston and on major highways. Most accept cash or electronic payment through E-ZPass, which works across all New England states.

City driving, especially in Boston, can be challenging. The city’s layout follows old cow paths rather than logical grid systems. Give yourself extra time and consider parking outside downtown and using public transport.

Rural roads can be narrow and winding. Exercise caution during autumn when leaf-peepers create traffic congestion on scenic routes like the Kancamagus Highway.

Winter driving requires snow tires or chains – check rental car policies if travelling November through March.

How easy is it to park in New England?

Parking varies dramatically by location. Small Vermont villages and coastal Maine towns typically offer free street parking or small lots.

Boston presents the biggest challenge – street parking is limited and expensive. Use hotel parking or park-and-ride facilities outside the city centre. Most hotels charge additional fees for parking.

Popular destinations like Bar Harbor, Stowe, and Newport can fill up during peak season. Arrive early in the day or book accommodation that includes parking.

Do you tip in New England?

Yes, tipping follows standard US practices. Restaurant servers expect 18-20% of the pre-tax bill, while hotel housekeeping typically receives $2-5 per night.

Tip taxi drivers 15-20%, and tour guides $5-10 per person for half-day trips, more for full-day experiences.

At lobster shacks and casual dining spots with counter service, tipping remains optional but appreciated for good service. Some restaurants automatically add gratuity for larger groups.

Where to stay in New England

Journeyscape handpicks exceptional hotels throughout New England, ensuring comfort and location for every stage of your road trip.

In Boston, the Westin Copley Place offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Back Bay, within walking distance of the Freedom Trail and Boston Common. The hotel’s central location makes it perfect for exploring the city without needing your rental car.

For Maine’s coast, the Inn on Mount Desert provides intimate charm near Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. This boutique property combines New England hospitality with easy access to the region’s natural attractions.

Our hotel selection spans from historic inns to waterfront properties, each chosen for their unique character and location along popular road trip routes.

Ready to explore New England’s incredible diversity of landscapes, history, and culture? We have a 10-day New England road trip itinerary, and longer. Contact our experts today to begin planning your unforgettable New England road trip adventure.