Every summer, tourists from around the country flock to New England for its quaint small towns. From Newport to Nantucket, these villages boast everything from mountainous backdrops for hiking and relaxation to stunning shorelines complete with vibrant boardwalks and colonial houses.
These are the small towns in New England actually worth visiting this summer:
1. Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Hidden in an inlet between Maine’s many peninsulas, Boothbay Harbor is a classic seaside town. An hour north of Portland, the hillside town is all about boats—don’t leave without going on at least one tour.
One of the town’s most worthwhile attractions is Boothbay Lobster Wharf. You can dine on super fresh seafood as lobster fisherman unload their daily catch at the working lobster dock.
2. Nantucket, Massachusetts
It almost feels wrong to call the legendary New England summer destination Nantucket a small town. A luxurious island for celebrities, the political elite, and well-heeled tourists to summer, Nantucket is, at heart, a beloved small town, despite its high price tag.
30 miles off the shore of Cape Cod, Nantucket has no shortage of fabulous seafood restaurants and cute bed and breakfasts. The island also has three iconic lighthouses, Brant Point being the most visited. At 26 feet tall, it’s the shortest lighthouse in New England.
3. Ogunquit, Maine
Beaches in New England aren’t exactly competition to those in Florida or Hawaii, but those in Ogunquit might be the exception. The small town in Maine offers soft, white sand beaches with incredible sunrises. If it’s any proof, Ogunquit translates into “beautiful place by the sea” in the Algonquit dialect of Ojibwa.
Take out a boat for the day to explore at sea or visit Lobster Point Lighthouse. If you’re visiting Kennebunkport, Ogunquit is only a 20-minute drive south.
4. Block Island, Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s favorite—erm—island is Block Island, a small stretch of land just south of the state’s mainland. With its sandy beaches, tourists crowd up the island each summer ironically because it lacks the touristy feel that many other beach destinations in New England do.
Block Island has just one town: New Shoreham. The best way to explore the island’s coastal cliffs, nature reserves, boutiques, and laidback eateries is by bicycle.
5. Rockport, Massachusetts
Visiting Rockport doesn’t require driving three to four hours from the nearest major airport, like some of the towns on this list. Instead, the idyllic town is just an hour north of Boston. The seaside town offers tourists a colonial feel, shopping at boutiques filled with local crafts, local galleries to browse art, beaches, and lots of fresh lobster.
While you’re visiting, wake up early to catch the sunrise at the Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse and Thacher Island’s Twin Lighthouses.
6. Woodstock, Vermont
Named one of the “most beautiful small towns in America” by Condé Nast Traveler, Woodstock is a favorite New England destination in nearly all seasons. It’s easy to see why—surrounded by the Green Mountains, the town is absolutely picturesque.
Swim in the Ottaquechee River or hike Mount Tom, then stop at Woodstock Scoops for ice cream, summer’s favorite treat, when you’re done. For a quintessentially Vermont souvenir, go to F.H. Gillingham & Sons to pick up a bottle of local maple syrup.
7. Lenox, Massachusetts
In the heart of The Berkshires, Lenox is a manicured small town not far from much larger Pittsfield. During the summer, the town becomes a cultural hub thanks to Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which also hosts performances by the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and the Boston Ballet until Labor Day.
8. Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is a display of small-town quirk at its finest. Tourists overtake the New England town in the summer, laying out at Goose Rocks Beach, taking in views of the Goat Island Lighthouse, and heading out to sea for whale watching and sailing.
Dining is all about fresh Maine seafood—specifically lobster. For some of the best, head to Alisson’s Restaurant for lobster bisque and lobster rolls, a Kennebunkport favorite since 1973.
9. Newport, Rhode Island
Locals in the Northeast know that Rhode Island is one of the country’s most overlooked states—and Newport proves it. The harborside town is best known for hosting the America’s Cup, a sailing regatta, and the Gilded Age mansions that line Bellevue Avenue.
Go shopping on Thames Street or hit Belle’s Cafe for a view of the harbor. Then again, the best views of Newport might be those seen on a charter boat tour, which aren’t as expensive as they sound.
10. Camden, Maine
Neighboring Rockport is Camden, a small town on Penobscot Bay in the Midcoast region of Maine. Embark on trains at Camden Hills State Park for one of the best views of the harbor, or talk a walk amongst 19th-century homes.
11. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Is Martha’s Vineyard worth the hype? We think so. Edgartown, one of the island’s most popular towns, has long attracted everyone from young families looking for classic New England prep to A-list celebrities with extravagant vacation homes.
Even if you’re staying somewhere less touristy on the island, like Chilmark, Edgartown should be visited at least once for its enchanting boutiques and elegant seafood spots.
12. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a small town with a big-city feel. The city along the Piscatasqua River offers a strollable farmer’s market and plenty of dining options—plus a few breweries—in addition to 17th- and 18th-century houses.
To soak up the sun, head to one of Portsmouth’s nearby beaches such as Long Sands Beach, Great Island Common, and Jenness State Beach.
13. North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway isn’t the most enchanting small town on this list, but it is one of the best for exploring the White Mountains, a breathtaking mountain range in New Hampshire.
In the summer, hike through the White Mountains, go swimming at a hole along the Saco River, rock climb at Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges, or hunt for antiques in town. Bargain shoppers will love that North Conway boasts over 100 outlet stores at Settlers Green.
14. Mystic, Connecticut
You probably remember Mystic, Connecticut from Julia Roberts’ 1988 flick, Mystic Pizza. Over 35 years later, the blissful spirit of the village is still alive and well—though it may attract a few more tourists now than it did before.
Book yourself into a seaside resort and take your time exploring the town’s maritime history at the Mystic Seaport Museum. After, head to Kenzie’s Fudge and Chocolate Shop for old-fashioned treats.
15. Bar Harbor, Maine
Labeled as the “gateway to Acadia National Park,” Bar Harbor is the ideal weekend trip this summer for outdoor enthusiasts. The heart of the tiny town is only a 28-minute walk from the park’s border.
There’s no shortage of things to do in and around the town and national park: hike up the mountains, paddle a canoe, or test your balance on a stand-up paddle board. After, dine at a hotel overlooking the water. At night, you can pitch a tent and camp under the stars or relax with creature comforts at an inn or hotel in the town.
16. Stowe, Vermont
For most living in the Northeast, Stowe is a fall and winter destination for its vibrant colors and premier ski resort on Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. Winter tourists are missing out—the town’s weather in the summer is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
17. Manchester, Vermont
Hugged by the Green and Taconic Mountains, Manchester, Vermont is a popular leaf-peeping locale in New England that shouldn’t be overlooked in the summer. For some serious scenery, drive to the peak of 3,848 Mount Equinox (that’s right, no hiking required).
Later, see classic Vermont woodworking in action at Manchester Woodcraft, whose factory and retail shop allows visitors to observe carvers in action and shop for a few well-priced souvenirs.
18. Woodstock, Connecticut
Woodstock’s calm demeanor makes sense when you realize that the small town is part of Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner,” a region of Northeastern Connecticut known for its slower pace of life and its isolation from the state’s larger cities, such as Hartford.
One of the very best times to visit Woodstock is over Labor Day weekend, when the town hosts the Woodstock Fair, one of the oldest and largest agricultural fairs in New England. The four-day event is filled with food stalls, livestock shows, live performances, and amusement rides.
19. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is the biggest city in Vermont, but you wouldn’t know it by visiting. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, the liberal “big little town” is known for its many farm-to-table restaurants, walkability, distinct artisans, and breathtaking natural attractions nearby.
To explore more of Vermont’s charming small towns, drive the 132-mile-long trip down Route 89 from Burlington to Woodstock, filled with places to stop for delicacies like local cheese, maple syrup, foraged mushrooms, cider, and craft beer.
The US is full of incredible weekend trips
Don’t limit yourself to New England—if you’re looking to get away for a few days, there are plenty of incredible two- or three-day trips to discover in the United States.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
