10 Things To Do In New England This Weekend
Spend a weekend in New England emerging yourself amongst rich history, gorgeous architecture, bustling harbors and rolling hills. New England, consisting of the states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, is one of the oldest regions in the country. It’s famous for its natural beauty, rich culture, history, beautiful beaches, state parks, national forests, art galleries, museums and so much more. It has become a favorite weekend getaway destination for both locals and foreigners.
Summer is a magical time to visit New England. Whether you’re a native New Englander or are planning a trip, here are some fun things to do this weekend. If you’re planning a trip with your girlfriends, check out this itinerary for an All Girls Weekend In New England and The Best Places to Visit In New England This Summer.
10 Things To Do In New England This Weekend
Fun Things To Do In New England This Weekend
Acadia National Park
Known as the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast” Acadia National Park is Maine’s most treasured historic park. Acadia should be at the top of your places to visit in New England list. With everything from hiking, biking, climbing, camping, swimming, boating and more– Acadia is an adventurer’s playground, just waiting to be explored! The beautiful rocky ocean cliffs set against dense forests and pristine trails make Acadia one of the most spectacular National Parks to visit. Take a look at their website and plan your adventure before you arrive. Be sure to prepare accordingly for the weather and busier peak months. Acadia is a popular destination and you will want to make bookings in advance to ensure you can make the most out of your adventure.
Whale Watch
Whales are known to pass through New England waters May through October. Humpback, finback, right and minke whales are amongst those you will see on a whale watching tour in New England. Some hotspots for whale watching include: Cape Cod and the Islands of Massachusetts, Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor, Maine and Newport, Rhode Island.
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut is the countries leading maritime museum. Mystic Seaport is the perfect place to visit in honor of maritimes past with everything from a recreated coastal New England village, a working shipyard, exhibit halls, and artifact storage facilities. For a deep dive into colonial New England’s relationship and deep history with the sea, head to Mystic Seaport to be transported back in time!
Block Island, Rhode Island
Rhode Islanders know, Block Island is the perfect summer New England getaway. Jump on the ferry from Point Judith and enjoy the weekend away from it all! Block Island is just small enough that you can fully explore and enjoy a weekend away without feeling overwhelmed by too many things to see or do. Enjoy delicious seafood, scenic hikes, shopping in the quaint downtown and sipping on cocktails while watching the sunset over the ocean. Does a New England summer get any better than that?
Tour The Newport Mansions
Take a step back in history at the Newport Mansions in Rhode Island. These 250 year old Gilded Age Mansions tell the story of another time and are set amongst the backdrop of the beautiful Cliff Walk. Witness the beautiful architecture, design, and stories of the families that lived along these cliffs hundreds of years ago.
Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park
Find your way to quaint and beautiful Woodstock, Vermont to explore the outdoors at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. You can hike through the trails in the park and reach an epic view of the village from the peak, visit Billings Farm & Museum to pet the cows and taste the cheese, and explore the shops and restaurants in the village.
Fenway Park
One of the most famous baseball stadiums in the country, Fenway Park, is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Fenway Park has been home to Boston’s own American League baseball team, The Boston Red Sox, since 1953. Watching a baseball game is a great American pastime and a classic New England activity. Head to “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” and catch the Boston Red Sox in action this weekend! If the Sox aren’t playing while you’re in town see what else is on or go for a tour of this historic stadium!
Cranberry Bogs
Not sure what all the hype is about cranberry bogs? See it for yourself at one of the cranberry bogs in Massachusetts! Located in Harwich, Massachusetts is the largest cranberry bog in the state, Cranberry Bog Tours. Tours cost $20 per person and be sure to book your tour in advance as they book up quickly. Call 508-432-0790 to book your tour now!
Free Things To Do In New England This Weekend
Lake Champlain
One of Vermont’s most significant features is beautiful Lake Champlain located in Northern Vermont, New York and crossing into Canada. The largest lake in Vermont, Lake Champlain is home to the Champlain Islands and the largest known dinosaur fossil in the world, some even still believe in a lake monster named, Champ! Be sure to ask the locals about their own Champ sightings. Lake Champlain is a wonderful place to go boating, sailing, fishing, hiking and camping. The outdoor adventures on the lake are endless. Not to mention, an incredible bike path, The Burlington Greenway, that begins along the Burlington waterfront and leads all the way to Winooski River where you can take a bike ferry to continue your bike route into the Champlain Islands. Be sure to check the Greenway website for construction updates to be sure your trip isn’t affected.
The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path that runs through Boston highlighting 17 of the most historical locations in the city. Beginning at the Boston Common in downtown Boston, the Freedom Trail weaves through the Old North Church in the North End and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. For history buffs, the Freedom Trail is one you won’t want to miss and is open to the public! Witnessing history up close and envisioning these prominent days in our countries history is a powerful way to honor all the freedoms we have thanks to those who came before us and the history that is yet to be made. If you head to the Freedom Trail website you will see the different tours available. You can book your tour in advance or explore the trail on your own.
White Mountains
The White Mountains are located in New Hampshire and provide a beautiful escape or weekend getaway. With everything from waterfall walks, hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, mountain climbing, swimming and more. Not to mention, the White Mountains make a great destination not only for solo travelers, friends or couples but there are also some great family-friendly options too! If you are towing kids along on your adventure, try out one of the amusement parks: Story Land or Clark’s Bears or family-friendly hikes and bike rides for the older kiddos.
Portland, Maine
One of our favorite cities in New England is Portland, Maine. It runs along the harbor for the most epic views and sunsets during the summer. Get your fill of seafood, fun bars and restaurants, shopping, concerts and events all year long! There is always something fun happening in Portland and it makes an excellent getaway! Other notable attractions include: Portland Head Light, Portland Art Museum and the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine.
The Cliff Walk in Newport
The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island is a popular tourist attraction known for its scenic beauty and historic significance. It is a 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) public walkway that winds along the eastern shore of Newport, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, mansions, and the Atlantic Ocean. The best part, it’s totally free! A great way to spend a day during a summer weekend.
There is always something exciting happening in New England! Explore this beautiful part of the United States this weekend and you’ll have fun no matter what!
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I believe Fenway Park has been the home ballpark for the Red Sox since 1912 (not 1953).
Hope you guys are ok in Woodstock with the flooding. Areas know well in VT like Middlebury and Montpelier have warnings. Hope you are safe 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I really like Mystic Seaport Museum, It’s a place where the past comes to life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of seafaring history.