Best places to travel to in the Summer…New England/East Coast edition
I wanted to write a quick post about summer travel and some of my favorite places to visit for anyone who is looking for a quick day or weekend trip! Isn’t summer in New England is a magical time? I think so! With its scenic coastal towns, lush green mountains, and historic landmarks there’s something for everyone! Continue reading for my favorite places to visit in the summer that you can easily reach from New England for a perfect summer getaway. Each destination offers unique attractions, activities for kids, and fantastic dining options.
Chatham, Massachusetts is a picturesque coastal town perfect for a summer visit. Top attractions include Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Atwood House Museum, Chatham Fish Pier, and Chatham Railroad Museum. For dining, don’t miss Impudent Oyster, Chatham Squire, and Bluefins Sushi & Sake Bar. Kids will love the seal watching tours, Chatham Shark Center, and Chatham Candy Manor.
Nantucket, Massachusetts offers a charming island retreat with sites such as Brant Point Lighthouse, the Whaling Museum, Cisco Brewers, Nantucket Atheneum, and Jetties Beach. Enjoy meals at The Nautilus, Galley Beach, and Cru Oyster Bar. Activities for kids include the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, Children’s Beach, and Nantucket Aquarium.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts is famous for its Aquinnah Cliffs, Edgartown Lighthouse, Oak Bluffs Campground, Martha’s Vineyard Museum, and Menemsha Beach. The Seafood Shanty, L'etoile, and Artcliff Diner offer excellent dining options. Family-friendly activities include the Flying Horses Carousel, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, and Island Alpaca Company.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire boasts historic and cultural sites like the Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Market Square, and USS Albacore Museum. Black Trumpet, Row 34, and Flatbread Company are top restaurants. The Children's Museum of New Hampshire, Water Country, and Seacoast Science Center are perfect for kids.
Woodstock, Vermont is a charming village with attractions like Billings Farm & Museum, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock Town Crier, Taftsville Covered Bridge, and Mount Tom. For dining, try Worthy Kitchen, Mon Vert Cafe, and The Prince and the Pauper. VINS Nature Center, Sugarbush Farm, and Vermont Toy Museum are great for kids.
Newport, Rhode Island offers the grand Newport Mansions, Cliff Walk, Fort Adams State Park, and Bowen's Wharf. Enjoy dining at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, Brick Alley Pub, and Belle's Cafe. Activities for kids include the Newport Butterfly Zoo, International Tennis Hall of Fame, and Easton’s Beach.
Ogunquit, Maine features beautiful Ogunquit Beach, the scenic Marginal Way, Perkins Cove, Ogunquit Museum of American Art, and Ogunquit Playhouse. MC Perkins Cove, The Front Porch, and Barnacle Billy’s provide excellent dining options. Wonder Mountain Fun Park, the Ogunquit Trolley, and Footbridge Beach are fun for families.
Acadia National Park-Bar Harbor, Maine is a nature lover’s paradise with Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Schoodic Peninsula. Dining options include Jordan Pond House, Geddy’s, and Side Street Cafe. Kids will enjoy Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater, Acadia’s Wonderland, and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire is a beautiful lakeside retreat with Weirs Beach, Mount Washington Cruises, Funspot, Castle in the Clouds, and Wolfeboro. Town Docks, The Lyons' Den Restaurant and Tavern, and Lago offer great meals. Family activities include Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, Monkey Trunks, and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts is known for Tanglewood, The Norman Rockwell Museum, Hancock Shaker Village, Mount Greylock, and MASS MoCA. Dining options include The Red Lion Inn, Prairie Whale, and Nudel Restaurant. The Berkshire Museum, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, and Ioka Valley Farm provide fun for kids.
Long Island, New York features the Montauk Point Lighthouse, Long Island Aquarium, The Hamptons, Fire Island National Seashore, and Old Westbury Gardens. Top restaurants are The Frisky Oyster, The Lobster Roll Restaurant, and Prime. Kids will love Splish Splash Water Park, Long Island Game Farm, and Adventureland.
Ocean City, Maryland is a lively destination with the Ocean City Boardwalk, Assateague Island National Seashore, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Northside Park, and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Enjoy Thrasher's French Fries, Fish Tales, and The Shark on the Harbor. Trimper's Rides and Amusement Park, Frontier Town, and Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum are great for children.
Each of these destinations offers a unique blend of attractions, dining, and kid-friendly activities, making them perfect for a summer trip from New England. Pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions! I hope you enjoy these spots as much as I do! If you visit any of them, I’d love to hear about your experience, please email me at saralegaultwellness@gmail.com!
xo,
Sara
