Whether you're looking for a summertime family vacation, colorful fall foliage, or a romantic snowy winter getaway, we've created the ultimate 10-day New England road trip itinerary for you to drive. Our road trip plan will take you through some of the most beautiful areas in the region.
You'll get to experience everything from quaint villages to bustling cities and national parks, and of course, you'll get plenty of breathtaking scenery along the way. So get your camera ready and pack your bags-it's time to explore all this New England road trip has to offer!
New England road trip itinerary
Before we begin our New England road trip, there's one absolutely essential thing you need to do: Make sure to book all your hotels/inns/B&Bs just as soon as you know your travel dates!
New England is a very popular tourist destination, especially in the fall, and accommodations can fill up very quickly!
Now, let's get started.
ⓘ TIP: We've added links for and tours throughout, to make your trip planning easy and efficient.
Day 1: Salem, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine
If you are going to rent a car, plan for a morning arrival at Boston's Logan Airport. Book a rental car pickup at the airport and head out of town.
Your first stop will be Salem, where you can 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.
Or, you can book a 90-minute History & Witchcraft tour with a licensed and professional guide who will bring Salem's history alive.
Pop in at Red's Sandwich Shop or Deli House for lunch. You can dine in or order takeout and eat on the road, as you wish.
Next, continue your drive north to Portland, Maine's largest city. This lively city is full of great restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as plenty of art galleries and museums.
Spend 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 with a schooner tall ship cruise on Casco Bay, and sample some of the delicious food for which Portland is known.
Where to stay in Portland Maine
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 inexpensive self-guided driving tour is a personal guide, audio tour, and map all rolled into one. It takes you around Bar Harbor and into Acadia National Park, where you'll enjoy a scenic drive around Park Loop Road, and finally begin driving up to the top of Acadia's most famous peak: Cadillac Mountain.
Where to stay near Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor)
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!
This is a beautiful part of New Hampshire to explore, with towering mountains, pristine lakes, and miles of hiking trails.
- 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 include hiking to the top of Mount Washington (the highest point in the Northeastern U.S.), driving the scenic Kancamagus Highway, and photographing the many covered bridges in the area.
ⓘ TIP: This audio tour will enhance your Kankamangus road trip. All audios play automatically based on location. Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms. Your tour begins in Woodstock and ends at a ranger station near Conway.
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.
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, and it's also home to some of the best maple syrup in the state. Be sure to visit one of the many sugarhouses in the area to see how this delicious treat is made!
You can also explore Stowe's charming downtown, ski at Trapp Family Lodge, go for a hike in the Green Mountain National Forest, or take a scenic drive on the Mountain Road.
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. To find ones on our road trip itinerary route, click here.
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, right 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.
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 most popular family attractions is the Denison Homestead, a 300-year-old family farm that offers a glimpse into early colonial farm life. Mystic also has a nice aquarium, which is a popular attraction on rainy days.
Outdoor options include 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
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: You can get free admission to the Breakers mansion with the Newport Scenic Trolley tour.
In the afternoon, visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, explore Fort Adams State Park, or relax on one of Newport's many beaches. If you'd prefer to 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
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.
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.
Or, you could 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 by a local who has 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.
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 Patuxent (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.
After lunch, stop at Plymouth Rock for a photo and continue to Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth's historic downtown-harbor area, where you can learn all about the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth in 1620.
The town's downtown-harbor area contains several historic buildings, including the Plymouth Courthouse (built in 1754), the Jenney Grist Mill (built in 1636), and the Mayflower Society House (built in 1824).
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 5 minutes' 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: Harbourtown Suites on Plymouth Harbor
- Resort: Mirbeau Inn & Spa offers a spa and wellness center, a restaurant, and a fitness center with Peloton® bikes. The accommodations include a fireplace and free WiFi access. Other facilities offered at the property include an onshop (on site) 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.
Before you do anything else, you'll need to return your rental car back to Boston airport. You won't need it in the city, as you can navigate better by using Boston's public transportation system and on foot. (You'll find details on how to get to Boston from the airport at the end of this article.)
ⓘ TIP: If you get into town and it's too early to check into your room, 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:
- Hostel: HI Boston Hostel, in the heart of Boston, is within a 5 minute walk to Boston Common and public transportation. All rooms include free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax in the game room complete with a pool table and TV. A shared kitchen, coffee bar and vending machines offering snacks and drinks are on-site. Bike storage is available.
- Mid-range: Oasis Guest House offers shared outdoor terraces, concierge service, and free WiFi. Northeastern University is an 8 minute walk. Select rooms include an private bathroom. All rooms are nonsmoking.
- Luxury: The Newbury Boston features a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Boston. This 5-star hotel offers 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 touring Boston on a duck tour or go wandering through one of Boston's neighborhoods before heading to the airport.
If you have a second, full day 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!
Final thoughts about this New England road trip
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.
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.
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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.
For the most up-to-date information on where to find peak color, check out the New England Fall Foliage map.
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 photography tips for New England road trips
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. When 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 bhttattery will let you capture all the special moments, so make sure to 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. If you have a drone, you'll be happy to know that aerial photography is permitted in many parts of New England.
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.
That said, unless your hotel is next to the South Station terminal, you'll probably want to take a cab or Uber from there to your final destination to avoid hassling with luggage.
Alternatively, you can book a private shuttle from the airport to your hotel and let someone else handle the bags and traffic.
Check Rome2Rio for other transportation options.
