New England Travel Guide
New England refers to the region of the original colonies where the British first settled in America. Known for its legendary autumn colors, charming coastal towns, delicious food, and rich U.S. history, New England is a must-visit travel destination.
There’s an unmistakable charm to New England.
You’ll experience the best display of fall colors in the country on a road trip through Vermont or New Hampshire. Enjoy a quintessential New England experience with lighthouses and lobster rolls on the coast of Maine. Charming small towns await you in Connecticut, while Rhode Island boasts impressive oceanfront mansions. And history buffs will definitely want to head to Massachusetts where they’ll discover some of the most critical sites of the American Revolution and the country’s colonial past.
Destinations
New England Basics
States: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island
Timezone: Eastern Standard & Eastern Daylight
Climate: Humid Continental (four distinct seasons marked by warm summers and cold, snowy winters)
Major Airports:
Boston Logan (BOS) – Boston, Massachusetts
Portland (PWM) – Portland, Maine
Bradley (BDL) – Hartford, Connecticut
Burlington (BTV) – Burlington, Vermont
Best Time to Visit
SUMMER
New England is filled with excellent summer vacation destinations! This is an extremely popular time to visit coastal areas, and with comfortable temperatures and fresh seafood, it’s easy to understand why. Summer is peak tourist season, so expect crowds, traffic, and to pay a premium for lodging.
AUTUMN
There’s just nothing quite like New England in the fall. The weather is pleasant, and fall colors throughout New England are the best in the country. This is another peak time for tourists, but a visit in early September before the leaves turn can help you avoid the crowds.
WINTER
The majority of New England experiences cold winters and heavy snowfall. This is a great time to go skiing in places like Vermont or New Hampshire. The southern regions of Rhode Island and Connecticut have milder winters, but temperatures still get chilly.
SPRING
The spring season in New England is short but very sweet. Predicting exactly when this period of pleasant weather will hit is a bit of a gamble, but it’ll pay off if you get it right. Spring is a slow tourist season, so this is a great time to visit for lower prices and to beat the crowds.