Best vacation in northeast usa
Looking for the best vacation destinations in northeast usa? You came to the right place; this post will save you hours of research. You’ll discover the most visit places and resources for your next trip to northeast usa. Let’s roll!
The northeast is a beautiful part of the country, why not visit some of its most renowned landmarks? Here’s a brief guide to the best vacation spots in the area.
New York, Chicago, Boston — what could be better than vacationing in these cities? I’m going to break down the best spots for each city. I’m also going to tell you what I miss about living in New York and the worst part of living in Boston. Let’s get started.
If you’re looking for a vacation in the northeast, you’re in luck. This region of the United States is full of great destinations to explore and enjoy!
The state of Maine is home to some of the most beautiful coastlines and scenic views in all of North America. If you want to experience something truly unique, stop by Acadia National Park and check out Cadillac Mountain—the highest point on the Atlantic seaboard.
If you’re looking for a more urban experience, head over to Boston or New York City. Both cities offer plenty of art museums, historical monuments, and other attractions that are sure to please any traveler seeking an exciting city break.
The northeast of the United States is a place of lush forests and rolling hills. The mountains are some of the most beautiful in the country, making it an ideal place for hiking and camping.
The northeast is also home to some of the most amazing cities in the country. New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world, but there are many other places that offer just as much excitement. Philadelphia offers some great historical sites, including Independence Hall and Valley Forge National Park. Boston has many attractions like Fenway Park where you can watch baseball games or visit Harvard University.
There are many things to do on vacation in this part of America: visit museums, explore nature preserves and parks, try new foods at local restaurants (don’t forget dessert!), or spend time shopping at malls or outlet stores where you can find bargains on designer clothes and accessories at great prices!
1. New York City, NY
Visitors can go to New York City a hundred times and never see the same thing twice. This is the appeal of the City that Never Sleeps–there is something for everyone.
If arts and culture is what you desire, take in a Broadway play or head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Take a stroll through Central Park , which is an attraction of its own with more than 843 acres of nature, a lake, ice-skating rink, and cultural icons like Strawberry Fields and the Chess and Checkers House.
One World Trade Center is a moving memorial to 9/11 and a must see for all who visit. At the top, you’ll find the One World Observatory, which offers an unbeatable view of the city from above.
Getting to New York City is easy with three airports (Laguardia, Newark, and JFK) serving this hub. There are also many regional rails and Amtrak.
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, The Westin New York Grand Central is a reliable brand that represents good value in New York. For another midtown location with a more boutique feel, Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection is a great choice.
2. Boston
Boston is a great walking city, made up of historic, quirky, and charming neighborhoods, each with its own personality and offerings.
With the perfect blend of old and new, visitors will find a rich selection of activities for just about any interest. For those wanting to take a walk through the American Revolution, try the Freedom Trail. This two-and-a-half-mile promenade will take you through 16 historical sites, like the Paul Revere House and the Boston Commons. If arts and culture are what you crave, be sure to explore the Museum of Fine Art and the Boston Public Gardens.
Finally, depending on the season, no trip is complete without a stop at either a baseball, hockey, basketball, or football game. Boston fans are legendary, and a sporting event in the city is one not to be missed.
Copley Square is a central spot right in the middle of the city. In this location, enjoy Boston’s only rooftop pool at the Colonnade Hotel. For a waterfront stay, the Seaport Boston Hotel is excellent and only a short walk from Boston’s famous Italian North End, where a visit will transport you back to old time Italy.
Accommodation: Best Hotels in Boston
- Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Boston
3. Cape Cod, MA
A favorite weekend getaway destination in the Northeast, Cape Cod has been a popular vacation spot for decades, especially during summer. This section of Massachusetts is filled with maritime charm, world-class restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops sprinkled throughout the area. Separated from the mainland by the Cape Cod Canal, the entire landscape is edged with miles of beautiful coastline.
Although the main draw is the Cape Cod National Seashore and its impeccable beaches, there are many additional options for fun things to do in Cape Cod. Galleries filled with the work of local artists dot the adorable small towns.
You can step back in time and take in a movie at the Wellfleet Drive In, one of the last remaining drive in movie theaters in the US. Theater buffs rave about the summer performances at the Cape Playhouse, the oldest professional summer theater.
If you’re looking for an eccentric experience filled with the best Cape Cod has to offer (i.e. shopping, beaches, art galleries, and a funky main street), head to Provincetown. When hunger pangs hit, it’s time to dive into one of the main reasons people visit Cape Cod: its excellent fresh seafood.
While less than a two-hour drive from Boston, summer traffic can be heavy, so get an early start. Hyannis airport offers additional travel options.
One of the prettiest spots to stay on the Cape is Chatham. Chatham Bars Inn, Resort and Spa is a large property with a well-known restaurant. For a great pool and morning muffins, try the Eagle Wing Inn.
Accommodation: Best Hotels on Cape Cod
4. Acadia National Park, ME
There are few spots on the Northeast coast that have the magical allure of Acadia National Park. New England’s only national park, this natural wonderland spans over 47,000 acres of Maine’s most majestic scenery. Featuring rocky headlands (the highest on the Atlantic coast), sparkling ponds, and verdant forests, this is the perfect place for nature lovers to enjoy a weekend getaway in the Northeast.
Strap on your hiking shoes to enjoy over 158 miles of hiking trails, or tour around 27 miles of the historic roads within the park. Another 45 miles of carriage roads also transport visitors from one incredible section to the next. Hike, bike, walk, lounge on the beach, or enjoy a dip in a pond – there’s no end to the outdoor fun to be had in this iconic gem.
You won’t have to look far to find a great place to stay. The park is home to multiple campsites, so you can zip in for the night after enjoying s’mores around a campfire.
Not a big fan of roughing it? The Bayview Hotel in nearby Bar Harbor – an adorable and highly romantic town you won’t want to miss – offers guests a waterfront view easily enjoyed from a private balcony along with a made-to-order breakfast and free cookies. You had us at cookies!
5. Newport, RI
Travel back in time to the Gilded Age with a trip to Newport, Rhode Island. This town is filled with opulent hillside mansions, rugged shores, and eclectic shops. Make sure not to miss the Cliff Walk, an easy stroll along the coastal edge past the grand mansions and wealth of yesteryear. You’ll want your camera to capture the beauty of this spot!
Newport also has a rich sailing history, evident in the bustling marina. The waterfront area is filled with an unusual selection of shops, restaurants, and many special events. Tickets are available for tours of many of the elegant mansions, like The Breakers, summer “cottage” to the Vanderbilts or Rosecliff, modeled after the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat of French royalty at Versailles. Getting there is a short drive from T.F. Green Airport in Providence or a two-hour drive from Boston.
An elegant stay reflecting the Gilded Age can be found steps from the Cliff Walk at The Chanler at Cliff Walk. For a fabulous stay across a small inlet near the harbor, select Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina. The in-house restaurant has some of the best views in town.
6. Mystic, Connecticut
Oozing charm from every corner, Mystic is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Connecticut. A romantic maritime gem, this historic town has everything you look for in a quiet weekend getaway in the Northeast. Charming shops line the quaint streets, tasty restaurants tempt your taste buds, and world-class museums will intrigue your inner historian.
Life seems to slow down in Mystic, giving visitors a chance to soak up the nautical scenery while wandering around the town’s downtown core. Don’t miss a visit to the Mystic Seaport, an incredibly impressive look into the town’s seafaring past, complete with a 19th-century village and the Charles W. Morgan wooden whaling ship.
The Mystic Aquarium is another must-visit locale chock-full of fun that kids of all ages (from 1 to 100) will enjoy. Virtually across the street, you’ll find Olde Mistick Village, a charming area boasting unique shops (don’t miss the fudge or popcorn samples) and restaurants.
Speaking of food, Mystic Pizza (made famous by the movie that launched Julia Roberts’ career) is just across the bridge. Why not head over for a slice (or four) of pie?
Mystic is easily accessible from New York City and Boston by car. If you’re looking for a good-value place to stay, the Hampton Inn & Suites Mystic is centrally located. At the other end of the spectrum, the beautifully appointed Spicer Mansion represents top-notch luxury in a boutique setting.
Read More: Top-Rated Things to do in Mystic, CT
7. White Mountains, NH
The White Mountains in New Hampshire are the perfect place to rest, relax, and reconnect with nature. It’s also great for travelers with a penchant for adventure. Head to the Alpine Adventures zipline course for a treetop view or take the family to Clark’s Trading Post for the water raft ride, The Anaconda Escape.
If you are looking for something less exciting, take a leisurely ride on one of the area’s trains. Check out the Hobo Railroad, Conway Scenic Railroad, or the Mount Washington Cog Railway. The views are spectacular.
Perhaps the biggest (literally) draw to this area is Mount Washington. The rugged and unpredictable landscape lures adventurers. Not a fan of mountain climbing? Get in your car and take a thrilling drive to the top. If you make the drive, be sure to grab and proudly display one of the iconic “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” stickers. It’s a badge of honor!
Although many people choose to make this a road-trip destination, you can also fly in to Mount Washington Regional Airport.
Look for stunning mountain views in a central North Conway location at The White Mountain Hotel & Resort, and the Hampton Inn & Suites North Conway is a great-value family favorite with an indoor waterpark.
8. Martha’s Vineyard, MA
No weekend getaway in the Northeast is complete without a trip to the famed Martha’s Vineyard. A top day trip destination from Boston, this is a haven for celebs, weekend warriors, and members of the upper echelons of society.
To truly fit in, you may want to pack a pair of critter shorts and a golf shirt (don’t forget a sweater to tie around your shoulders to complete the look). Joking aside, this posh getaway is a wonderful place for couples and families alike to spend a relaxing weekend by the water.
Everything here is laid-back and quaint. There are no chain stores, restaurants, or cheesy motels on offer. Instead, you’ll find adorable inns, farm-to-table eateries, and appealing attractions. A transit bus will take you to hot spots like Gay Head Lighthouse, Aquinnah Cliffs, the shops and galleries of Edgartown, and the sweet cottages at Oak Bluffs.
The Winnetu Oceanside Resort is a stellar spot to spend a weekend getaway in Martha’s Vineyard. Voted one of the top 25 New England Resorts, this luxurious beauty sits on the shores of 11 acres of South Beach, in Edgartown.
Mansion House is another fab accommodation, this time set in Vineyard Haven. Bursting with elegant seaside charm, this romantic hotel is utterly charming.
Read More: From Boston to Martha’s Vineyard: 6 Best Ways to Get There
9. Nantucket, MA
Nantucket is a dream destination for summer sun worshippers from across the eastern seaboard, especially those looking to escape big city hubs like Boston and New York for a weekend getaway in the Northeast.
Home to sparkling waters and a variety of gorgeous beaches, Nantucket appeals to travelers of all types. Whether you’re looking for a secluded and romantic weekend getaway packed with charming inns and quaint towns or an action-packed, family-friendly beach getaway, you’re in for a treat in Nantucket.
A stunning island set over 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Nantucket is a breeding ground for those with too much money to count. The well-to-do crowds flock to its pristine shores and sprawl their Gucci towels upon the sugar soft sand during the day, dining on five-star entrées at the area’s top restaurants at night.
Don’t let this dissuade you. Those of us without gold-rimmed pockets can enjoy a very enjoyable weekend getaway in this glitzy yet laid-back locale, exploring it’s best tourist attractions like the Great Point Lighthouse, Whaling Museum, and Sanform Farm & Ram Pasture.
The Nantucket Hotel & Resort is a luxurious, AAA Four-Diamond Award winner with five-star service, glamorous suites, and deluxe cottages on offer. Those hoping for a less shocking price tag will enjoy a stay at the Nantucket Resort Collection. Serene, clean, and steps from the beach, this pretty spot is both charming and luxurious.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nantucket: Best Areas & Hotels
10. Stowe, VT
It’s hard to think of Vermont without picturing its iconic weekend getaway, Stowe. This top-rated small town in Vermont is highlighted by the towering spire of a whitewashed church, rugged mountains, and a quaint town peppered with boutique shops and fine restaurants.
Stowe is most popular as a winter ski destination–Mt. Mansfield is the state’s highest peak and home to Stowe Mountain Resort. In winter, guests can zip down its ski trails while the gondola will take sightseers high above the trees to enjoy fall foliage and summer flowers.
The most stellar place to stay here is the Trapp Family Lodge. Once lived in by the family made famous in The Sound of Music, you’ll find a lovely inn as well as a farm and outdoor center with fabulous cross-country ski trails.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a must for those looking for a ski-in, ski-out luxury resort. Located at the base of Mount Mansfield, this glamorous spot boasts a golf course, pool, and fitness center as well as ski rentals.
The sweet and quaint Edson Hill hotel is about as romantic as they get, and filled with rustic charm. Picturesque views, wood-paneled walls, and fireplaces help set the mood.