Planning a New England summer road trip is a must for anyone seeking a diverse and unforgettable adventure, from exploring historic cities like Boston to soaking in the scenic beauty of coastal gems like Cape Cod and Acadia National Park.
👉🏼New England Road Trip Itinerary 10 Days (Best of New England)
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New England Summer Road Trip Itinerary – New England In The Summer
Here’s a detailed New England summer road trip itinerary covering some of the region’s most picturesque spots, activities, and accommodations:
Day 1 Of New England Itinerary 7 Days: Boston, Massachusetts
Starting your New England road trip from Boston in the summer season provides the perfect introduction to the region’s rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere.
- Start your trip in Boston, Massachusetts, a city rich in history and culture.
- Visit the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking route that takes you past 16 historically significant sites.
- Explore the bustling Faneuil Hall Marketplace for shopping and dining.
- Take a stroll along the scenic Boston Harborwalk.
Overnight stayat the Midtown Hotel, a mid-budget hotel in the heart of Boston.
Boston’s central location makes Boston an ideal hub for exploring nearby coastal towns, scenic drives, and iconic attractions, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey through New England’s diverse landscapes.
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Day 2: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Including Cape Cod in your New England road trip during the summer season offers the opportunity to experience picturesque beaches, charming coastal towns, and scenic landscapes that epitomize the region’s quintessential summertime charm.
- Drive fromBoston to Cape Cod (about 70 miles, 1.5-2 hours).
- Visit Cape Cod National Seashore for stunning beaches, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.
- Explore the charming towns of Provincetown, Chatham, and Hyannis.
- Book a whale-watching tour to see humpback whales and other marine life.
Overnight stayat theChatham Wayside Inn, a mid-budget hotel known for its quaint charm and excellent location.
Whether you’re whale watching, exploring historic lighthouses, or indulging in fresh local food, Cape Cod provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for travelers seeking a quintessential New England coastal experience.
Day 3: Newport, Rhode Island
Including Newport, Rhode Island, in your New England road trip during the summer season allows you to immerse yourself in the opulent Gilded Age mansions, stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk, and enjoy the vibrant waterfront atmosphere. This place offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and seaside charm that epitomizes the essence of New England summers.
- Drive fromCape Cod to Newport, Rhode Island (about 80 miles, 1.5-2 hours).
- Tour The Breakers, amagnificent Vanderbilt mansionoverlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
- Explore theCliff Walkfor breathtaking views of the coastline and historic mansions.
- Visit theInternational Tennis Hall of Fameto glimpse the sport’s rich history.
Overnight stayat theNewport Harbor Hotel and Marina,offering comfortable accommodations and scenic waterfront views.
Whether exploring historic landmarks, relaxing on pristine beaches, or indulging in fresh local cuisine, Newport offers diverse experiences that appeal to every traveler’s interests.
Day 4: Mystic, Connecticut
Including Mystic, Connecticut, in your New England road trip during the summer season offers a charming blend of maritime history, picturesque scenery, and family-friendly attractions such as the Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium.
- Drive fromNewport to Mystic, Connecticut (about 50 miles, 1 hour).
- Explore Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the United States.
- Visit Mystic Aquarium to see various marine animals, including beluga whales and penguins.
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Mystic River.
Overnight stayat theWhaler’s Inn, a charming mid-budget hotel in downtown Mystic’s heart.
Whether exploring historic ships, enjoying scenic boat rides along the Mystic River, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, Mystic provides a quintessential New England experience that captivates visitors of all ages.
Day 5: Portland, Maine
Including Portland, Maine, in your New England road trip during the summer, you can explore a vibrant coastal city renowned for its delicious local cuisine, thriving arts scene, and picturesque waterfront views.
- Drive fromMystic to Portland, Maine (about 175 miles, 3-4 hours).
- ExplorePortland’s Old Port districtfor boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
- VisitPortland Head Light,Maine’s oldest lighthouse in nearby Cape Elizabeth.
- Take ascenic cruise of Casco Bayto see picturesque islands and lighthouses.
Stay overnightat thePortland Regency Hotel & Spa,which offers elegant accommodations and a convenient location in the heart of Portland’s Old Port.
Whether you’re visiting art galleries in the Old Port district or taking scenic cruises around Casco Bay, Portland offers a delightful mix of culinary delights and cultural experiences embodying New England summers’ quintessential charm.
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Day 6: Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park in Maine tops the list for a New England road trip during the summer season due to its breathtaking coastal landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and panoramic views from Cadillac Mountain. It offers outdoor enthusiasts unparalleled opportunities for adventure and exploration.
- Drive fromPortland to Acadia National Park (about 160 miles, 3-4 hours).
- Explore Acadia’s scenic wonders, includingCadillac Mountain,Jordan Pond,andSand Beach.
- Take a hike along the park’s many trails, such as the famousPrecipice TrailorOcean Path.
- Enjoy a scenic drive along thePark Loop Road,stopping at overlooks and points of interest.
Stay overnightat theBar Harbor Grand Hotel, a mid-budget hotel just minutes from Acadia National Park.
Whether exploring rocky coastlines, enjoying picturesque sunsets, or spotting wildlife in its natural habitat, Acadia National Park epitomizes New England summers’ natural beauty and splendor, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Day 7 Of 7-day New England Summer Road Trip: Return To Boston
- Drive back to Boston (about 280 miles, 5-6 hours).
- Optional: Stop at quaint coastal towns like Camden or Rockland.
- Return your rental car and depart from Boston, or extend your trip to explore more of New England.
Weather – New England In The Summer
In the summer, New England typically experiences warm temperatures ranging from the70s to 80s Fahrenheit (20s to 30s Celsius),with occasional humidity. This makes it an ideal season for outdoor activities like hiking, beach-going, and sightseeing. While generally pleasant, summers in New England can also bring occasional rain showers and thunderstorms, so it’s advisable to pack accordingly and be ready for changing weather conditions.
New England Summer Festivals – Summer Events
New England hosts a variety of unique summer festivals and events that are must-attend for visitors.
- Newport Folk Festival (Newport, Rhode Island): Held annually in July, this iconic music festival features folk, indie, and alternative artists performing against the stunning backdrop of Newport Harbor.
- Boston Harborfest (Boston, Massachusetts): Celebrated around the Fourth of July, this festival showcases Boston’s maritime heritage with harbor cruises, historical reenactments, concerts, and fireworks.
- Vermont Quilt Festival (Essex Junction, Vermont): This annual event in June showcases the artistry of quilting with exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, and vendors selling quilting supplies.
- Gloucester Waterfront Festival (Gloucester, Massachusetts): Held in August, this festival features arts and crafts vendors, live music, delicious food, and a classic car show, all set against the scenic backdrop of Gloucester Harbor.
- International Sand Sculpting Festival (Revere Beach, Massachusetts): This festival, which takes place in July, gathers world-renowned sand sculptors who create intricate and impressive sand sculptures along Revere Beach.
- Yankee Homecoming (Newburyport, Massachusetts): This week-long celebration in late July includes parades, concerts, fireworks, a craft fair, and various family-friendly activities in the historic seaside town of Newburyport.
Tolls & Freeways On New England Summer Road Trip
Tolls:
- Many highways and bridges in New England are tolled, especially in densely populated areas and along major thoroughfares. Toll rates vary depending on the location and type of vehicle.
- Standard toll collection methods include cash booths, electronic tolling with E-ZPass, and pay-by-plate systems. For convenient payment, it’s advisable to have cash or an electronic toll transponder like E-ZPass.
Freeways/Highways:
- Interstate highways (I-), U.S. highways (U.S.-), and state routes (M.A.-, R.I.-, C.T.-, M.E.-, V.T.-, N.H.-) form the backbone of New England’s road network, connecting major cities and attractions.
- Interstate 95 (I-95)is the main north-south route along the East Coast, passing through all six New England states and providing access to major cities like Boston, Providence, and Portland.
- Interstate 90 (I-90), the Massachusetts Turnpike, is a major east-west route connecting Boston with Worcester, Springfield, and the New York border.
- Other notable highways includeRoute 1 (US-1), which runs along the coast from Maine to Connecticut, offering scenic views and access to coastal towns.
Toll Roads and Bridges:
Some of the notable toll roads and bridges in New England include:
- Massachusetts:Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), Tobin Bridge, Ted Williams Tunnel
- Rhode Island:Newport Pell Bridge, Claiborne Pell Bridge (Newport Bridge)
- Maine:Maine Turnpike (I-95), York Toll Plaza
- New Hampshire:Everett Turnpike (I-93), Spaulding Turnpike (NH-16)
- Connecticut: Connecticut Turnpike (I-95), Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15)
- Vermont:There are no toll roads or bridges in Vermont.
With its charming towns, stunning landscapes, and various outdoor activities, a New England summer road trip promises an enriching journey filled with cultural immersion, natural wonders, and cherished memories for years to come.
This New England summer road trip itinerary offers a mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and seaside charm, making it ideal for experiencing the best of New England in the summer.
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