One of the most asked questions I get in DM’s, comments, and emails is about travel to New England. Right now, I’m fielding a lot of questions about summer destinations–what are my favorite beach towns? what are my favorite vacation spots? where should I stay?…and the list goes on. So, today I thought I’d address all those queries in a post, so it’s all in one place.
Here’s my favorite summer destinations in New England, and details on each location…
Nantucket
Nantucket
Nantucket is hands-down my favorite New England summer destination. This tiny island 30 miles out to sea has beaches all along the coastline. From the first time we rounded Brant Point Light on the ferry, we felt this was a special place. Its beauty in late June through mid-July is unmatched in my opinion with all the rose-covered cottages and hydrangeas around every corner.
It has the best restaurant scene, some great shopping, and fun activities. I love that you can come here, and do as much or as little as you want. It’s become our favorite part of our summers here in New England, and our family’s annual tradition.
It’s so easy for us to travel to from Connecticut. We actually prefer to take the ferry than fly, because its part of the experience for us.
*This year, I’ll be sharing a new luxury hotel experience on Nantucket, and more from our annual trip.
See my full Nantucket Guide here
Read my article on Yankee Magazine’s newengland.com
Set Sail with Endeavor Sailing Nantucket
See my Nantucket Photo Gallery
Coastal Maine
Coastal Maine
The reason I’m saying Coastal Maine is because I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you only visited one part of the Maine coastline. It’s so beautiful in summer, but I also enjoy it in the fall too. A trip up the Maine coast is dotted with quaint fishing towns, lighthouses, antique shops, and amazing beauty. I love Ogunquit, York, and Kennebunkport on the southern coast. As you travel up, stop in Portland, Freeport (hello, L.L. Bean), and Boothbay Harbor. Then, head to Rockland, Camden, and Bar Harbor.
Why I love it so much? I think, it’s because it reminds me to slow down. A lot of these fishing towns feel frozen in time, especially the farther up the coast you travel. Even the more popular beach spots have an old time, nostalgic feel. It’s all Americana vibes and good clean fun. The Maine coast has an unspoiled beauty.
Once you work your way up the coast, the rocky, pine filled coastlines produce a symphony of waves that leave you feeling small and amazed at the same time. It really is a breath-taking spectacle, and a visit to Acadia National Park is well worth the drive. Also, some of the best lobster I’ve ever had is along the coast of Maine.
*this summer I’ll be spotlighting an amazing new hotel in the Northeast Harbor, Acadia, and Bar Harbor.
A Stay at the Dunes on the Waterfront in Ogunquit, Maine
Kennebunkport, Maine Travel Guide
The Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
A Stay at the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine
The Village of Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport, Maine
A Stay at the Cape Arundel Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine
Spruce Point Inn in Boothbay, Maine
Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine
Newport
Newport
Newport is one of my husband’s favorite summer destinations. It’s very popular and for good reason. I prefer it in late August and early September, when all the big summer crowds have vacated for the season. There tends to be a lot of bachelor & bachelorette parties in the height of summer. So, I like the end of summer when it’s a bit less party, party, party. My husband loves to have his birthday celebration in Newport every year, so we end up there at least once during the busy tourist season.
If you are looking for the New England experience, this is a great place to visit. The historic downtown is full of nautical vibes, great restaurants, and shopping. There a several beautiful beaches to visit. Personally, I love a visit to the Castle Hill Lawn for drinks after a day in town. Our boys have loved visiting The Newport Mansions on school field trips over the years too. It’s fantastic to get out on the water here sailing or on an antique yacht. There are plenty of private charters to choose from. I’d highly suggest some time on the water while you are here.
A Summer Stay at The Brenton Hotel
Sailing with Classic Cruises of Newport
Watch Hill & Mystic Country
Watch Hill & Mystic Country
My personal favorite beach spot is Watch Hill, Rhode Island. The soft, white sand and beautiful waves are always a summer favorite for me. Also, a visit to the famous Ocean House is worth it just for that. They have fabulous restaurants on-site, and their beach is gorgeous. The town is darling with shops and restaurants steps from the beach. It’s a true beach town.
Just a ten minute drive across the stateline, in neighboring Connecticut is Mystic Country. Since this is so close to where we live, it’s easy to pop in for a meal or a little summer fun on the water. I’d recommend visiting Mystic, Stonington Borough, and Noank for some great restaurants too. There are some fun on the water lobster shacks to enjoy. Mystic has become such a foodie town over the years.
With the seaport museum and aquarium, its a favorite destination for families too.
The Whaler’s Inn in Mystic, Connecticut
Shelter Harbor Inn in Watch Hill
Behind the Scenes of an Ocean House Shoot
Summer in Stonington Borough, Connecticut
Our 5 Favorite Lobster Rolls in Connecticut
These are my personal summer favorites. There are so many places that I could have listed here. I think Martha’s Vineyard gets an honorable mention for sure. One joke we have here in Connecticut is “Are you are a Nantucket or Martha’s person?” I’ve vacationed on both islands and the results are in…I’m more of a Nantucket person…but Martha’s Vineyard is lovely. It’s a larger island, and has all the summer beauty you’d want from a coastal New England destination.
Other destinations, that are personal favorites of mine, I put into more seasonal categories. Some places I prefer in the spring or fall more than summer, and that’s why they are not on this list.