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Idyllic countryside surrounding the AM Foster Covered Bridge in Cabot, Vermont
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Discover New England

Idyllic countryside surrounding the AM Foster Covered Bridge in Cabot, Vermont

Alice Wack
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Taking in autumn views from Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire
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Discover New England

Taking in autumn views from Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire

Flying a kite at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut
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Discover New England

Flying a kite at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut

Connecticut Office of Tourism
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The Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth near Portland, Maine
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Discover New England

The Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth near Portland, Maine

The Boston, Massachusetts, skyline along the Charles River
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Discover New England

The Boston, Massachusetts, skyline along the Charles River

The Cliff Walk, where historic estates meet the rugged coastline, in Newport, Rhode Island
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Discover New England

The Cliff Walk, where historic estates meet the rugged coastline, in Newport, Rhode Island

Explore 6 states bursting with rich history, colorful culture and iconic landscapes

In the northeastern USA, you’ll find a region bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and verdant mountains on another. And in between, you’ll find important historical sites, cultural attractions, fascinating cities, scenic villages and outdoor adventures at every turn.

Discover New England encompasses six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Here, the scenery ranges from white-sand beaches and rocky cliffs to brilliant fall foliage, tranquil blue lakes and snowy mountain views. These landscapes are prime locations for outdoor exploration, including hiking, biking, whitewater rafting and endless winter sports, as well as wildlife spotting. After your adventures, refuel with New England’s culinary staples such as real maple syrup, wild blueberries, cranberries, fresh lobster, clams (especially in clam chowder!), oysters and craft beer.

New England is truly a four-season destination. Many visitors come for classic summer fun on the beach or in the mountains, or to gaze at spectacular fall foliage. Winter welcomes with ski resorts and city sightseeing as the landscape shifts to a snowy wonderland. Late spring is a wonderful time for traveling among fewer crowds while the countryside comes back to life. No matter the time of year, small towns offer shops, galleries, restaurants and outfitters who can equip you with bikes, kayaks, canoes, tours and more.

Driving through a rainbow of fall colors in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
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Explore New England States

A boat docked on the Connecticut River in Essex
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State

Connecticut

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Culture and history with New England charm

Rugged coastlines at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol, Maine
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State

Maine

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Maine: great outdoors, culture and cuisine

The serene Philbin Beach on the island of Martha’s Vineyard
State

Massachusetts

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From the ocean to the mountains, Massachusetts offers extraordinarily rich experiences in cities and nature all year-round.

Bridge in the White Mountains amid fall foliage
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State

New Hampshire

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The ultimate outdoor-lover’s destination

 Sandy beach at the base of Mohegan Bluffs on the southern shore of Block Island
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State

Rhode Island

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A tapestry of nature, culture and history by the sea

Blazing autumn colors surrounding a winding road in Marlboro
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State

Vermont

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In Vermont, nature sets the stage

Must-see New England Destinations

The Boston Public Garden in Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts

The primary gateway to New England, Boston is a city that blends the best of old and new. It’s a bustling metropolis with quaint neighborhoods and rich culture. Here, cobblestone streets lined with local shops and trendy restaurants meet historic landmarks on the Freedom Trail. You’ll also find the excitement of sports, the beauty of the city’s waterfronts and the prestige of world-renowned universities.

The pastoral landscape of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

In western Massachusetts, The Berkshires is an irresistibly idyllic region made up of rolling hills, dense woodlands and forested mountains dotted with shimmering lakes. This landscape makes for an ideal place to enjoy outdoor recreation year-round, but you can also tour historic countryside estates and discover world-class art in welcoming small towns.

Family hike in Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains are an epic destination for hiking, rock climbing, skiing and just soaking in natural beauty. They’re home to Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeastern USA, that welcomes adventurers to drive, hike or ride the cog railway to its dramatic peak. In addition to natural wonders, an array of charming small towns offer dining, shopping and accommodations.

Strolling the downtown streets of historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

A quintessential colonial town set on the banks of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth’s historic district has buildings dating back to the 1700s. Explore the popular Strawberry Banke Museum to wander among the architecture, then stroll Market Square to pop in and out of shops and restaurants. Nearby, explore the lush gardens and scenic riverfront of Prescott Park. Plan enough time to explore the city’s coastal islands to enjoy kayaking, beachgoing and more among dramatic scenery.

The Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Portland, Maine

Start your visit to hip and artsy Portland, Maine, at the city’s historic working waterfront. Enjoy an outdoor meal while watching for fishermen hauling in the day’s catch, or get out on the water. Catch the ferry to nearby Peaks Island or find sailing or lobster boat tours. Near the waterfront, downtown is a hot spot for art galleries, museums, restaurants and breweries. No visit is complete without a photo of the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse in nearby Cape Elizabeth.

A rocky shoreline in Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park, Maine

Perched on the Atlantic Ocean coast on Mount Desert Island near the quaint coastal town of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park is renowned not just for its rocky shore, but also its towering mountains, lush forests and wildlife. Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard, or relax with a bike ride along the park’s historic carriage roads.

View of the Mystic Seaport Museum from the Mystic River in Connecticut

Mystic, Connecticut

You may have heard of Mystic, thanks to the 1988 film, “Mystic Pizza.” You can still eat in the Main Street pizza spot joint that inspired the film today, but don’t stop there. From the eatery, it’s a short walk to seafood restaurants, shops and sightseeing, including a unique bascule bridge crossing the Mystic River. Nearby is the Mystic Seaport Museum, which offers insight into the city’s rich maritime history via a recreated 19th century village and authentic whaling ships.

The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford, Connecticut

The capital of Connecticut, Hartford balances historic with hip and scenic with urban. It’s home to the USA’s oldest public art museum (Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art) and one of the country’s oldest parks (Bushnell Park), but also thriving live music and culinary scenes. Book lovers can visit the Mark Twain House & Museum, where the writer and his family lived in the late 1800s, or the Harriett Beecher Stowe Center, the former home of the abolitionist and author.

The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is famous for its Cliff Walk, a waterfront pathway that meanders past a stunning array of Gilded Age mansions, some of which are open for tours. In this sailing capital, you must get out on the water at least once; tour options include an authentic lobster boat, a rum-running yacht and classic sailboats. For shopping and dining, check out historic Bannister’s Wharf and Bowen’s Wharf. Enjoy a day on the sand at Easton’s Beach or Sachuest Beach.

A fountain in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island

An artsy and innovative foil to Newport’s nautical charm, Providence is a riverfront city full of colorful neighborhoods waiting to be explored. It’s home to both Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and the youthful spirit of these campuses inspires the city’s hip vibe. Plan to tour the RISD Museum for a variety of art and design exhibits, or visit during popular events like WaterFire and PVDFest.

Holiday decorations adorning Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, plus four-season outdoor pursuits. Fountains and historic buildings provide the backdrop for Church Street Marketplace, a brick-paved pedestrian mall housing specialty shops, national retailers, restaurants and cultural venues. Outdoor cafes, street vendors and entertainers keep it lively long after sundown. At Burlington Waterfront Park, take a ferry or boat tour across Lake Champlain, and walk or bike the 20-kilometer path, which connects to the Lake Champlain Islands via bike ferry in summer.

Scenic summertime views at Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont

Stowe, Vermont

A popular ski destination for winter sports enthusiasts, Stowe is a mountainous, four-season haven for nature lovers with scenic spots including Smugglers Notch and Mount Mansfield. Meander the Stowe Recreation Path along the West Branch River and Mountain Road at Stowe Village to enjoy some beautiful scenery via foot or pedal. A quintessential New England village, Stowe’s vibrant mix of arts and cultural events, shops and restaurants give it unique, small-town charm that adds to its outdoor thrills.

Exploring Cutler, Maine, by bike on an autumn day
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Discover New England Experiences

Experience

New England: Exploring the Birthplace of America

Discover why visitors travel back to these five New England states again and again.

A peaceful afternoon fly fishing in Maine
Experience

Maine: Must-Do Adventures On and Near the Water

In addition to quaint New England charm, visitors to the northeastern USA state of Maine are in store for grand outdoor adventures.

Providence Performing Arts Center
Experience

Musical Roots: Providence, Rhode Island

Jeff Prystowsky, founding member of the Indie folk band The Low Anthem in Providence, Rhode Island, says what makes his city unique is its wall-to-wall culture—and a creative community whose influence extends far beyond the region.

Experience

New Hampshire’s North Country: Grand Adventures for Family Fun

Easy access to forests, lakes, rivers and the White Mountains is the hallmark of New Hampshire’s Grand North Region.

Experience

4 Fresh Experiences for Foodies in Massachusetts

Four ways to experience the farm-fresh food of Massachusetts

Experience

East Rock Park

This clifftop lookout is a local landmark in New Haven, Connecticut.

Experience

Boston, Massachusetts: Beautiful Views, Walking Tours and Green Spaces

Maybe it’s the beautiful brick architecture, the deep American history or the cultural activities – wherever you go in Boston, you will be surrounded by a special charm.

Enjoy the Best of Vermont With a Fall Foliage Trip
Experience

Exploring Vermont in Autumn

Exploring Vermont in Autumn

All Discover New England Experiences

Discover a diverse range of unique experiences throughout New England.