The best things to do in New England: History, mountains, and local flavor

Walking through America’s founding story

New England is where American independence was born—and the places where it happened are still standing, walkable, and more vivid in person than any history book can convey. From the cobblestone streets of Boston’s North End to the fields of Lexington, where the first shots of the Revolution were fired, the region’s historic sites make for some of the most genuinely moving sightseeing in the country. When you join our brand-new Canada & New England: Quebec, Vermont & Boston tour, your expert local guides help bring these stories from the past to life.

Must-visit New England attractions

• Boston’s Freedom Trail: A 2.5-mile path connecting 16 Revolutionary-era sites, offering a self-guided way to explore American independence.
• Old North Church: Boston’s oldest church and the source of the famous “one if by land, two if by sea” signal that aided Paul Revere’s midnight ride.
• USS Constitution: The world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel, docked at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. Free tours are available year-round.
• Lexington and Concord: This is where the Revolution began in 1775. Our new Canada & New England: Quebec, Vermont & Boston tour stops at the North Bridge in Concord, where the “shot heard round the world” was fired.

Seek out Vermont and New Hampshire’s year-round natural beauty

Vermont and New Hampshire are two of the finest New England fall destinations, but the mountains are worth visiting in every season. Spring wildflowers, summer hiking, and winter snowscapes each offer their own magic, and experiences like riding the Mount Washington Cog Railway make it easy to take in the views without needing to be an expert outdoorsperson. You’ll explore many of these landscapes on our New England tours, where the scenery is just as memorable as the stops along the way.

Top mountain experiences and scenic destinations

• Mount Washington Cog Railway: Ride the world’s first mountain-climbing railway, established in 1869, for sweeping mountain views—no hiking required.
• Stowe, Vermont: This is a postcard-perfect mountain town with trails, some of the world’s best foliage, and small-town charm year-round.
• Von Trapp Family Lodge: Visit “The Sound of Music” family’s Austrian-style retreat, which is home to mountain views, Highland cows, and the family’s cemetery. You’ll spend two nights here on our new Canada & New England: Quebec, Vermont & Boston tour.
• White Mountains, New Hampshire: This rugged range is known for dramatic peaks, scenic winding byways, and sweeping overlooks. Whether you’re visiting during peak foliage or summer hiking season, it’s one of the most striking natural New England attractions.
• Boston Public Garden: America’s first public botanical garden boasts tree-lined paths and seasonal blooms right in the heart of the city. It’s worth spending a free morning here during your time in Boston, or you can join the Wang Theatre & Boston Common Walking Tour excursion on our tour.

Exploring New England’s most picturesque communities

New England’s small towns are some of the most rewarding places to visit in the region. They’re compact, walkable, and full of the kind of local character that larger cities can’t replicate. From waterfront communities in Maine to mountain villages in Vermont, many of the best places to visit in New England aren’t the ones with the biggest names. Our new Canada & New England: Quebec, Vermont & Boston tour spends meaningful time in several of them.

Towns worth visiting

• Portland, Maine: Stop here to visit a working waterfront, eat top-tier seafood, and explore a walkable Old Port full of shops and galleries. Visit on the extension of our Canada & New England: Quebec, Vermont & Boston tour.
• Stowe, Vermont: This spot is home to independent shops, farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, and a mountain backdrop that makes even an afternoon trip feel like a European vacation.
• Kennebunkport, Maine: This relaxed seaside town is home to sea captains’ mansions, seafood shacks, and a rugged, salt-sprayed coastline.

Taste your way through New England’s local flavors

New England’s food culture is deeply rooted in what the region grows and catches: lobster from the cold waters off Maine, maple syrup from Vermont’s sugar maples, apples from hillside orchards, and oysters from estuaries that have been harvested for centuries. Eating your way through the region is one of the most genuinely enjoyable things to do in New England, and we’ve built several of the best tastings into our Canada & New England: Quebec, Vermont & Boston tour.

Must-try foods and experiences

• Maine lobster rolls: This bite is all about fresh, sweet lobster served chilled with mayo or warm with butter, always on a toasted, split-top bun. Enjoy it by the water for a quintessential New England experience.
• Vermont maple syrup: Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other U.S. state, and a visit to a sugar house means seeing how sap becomes syrup—and sampling it fresh.
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory: Tour the iconic Vermont ice cream factory and taste flavors at the source. The Flavor Graveyard alone is worth the visit.
• Cold Hollow Cider Mill: This is a classic Vermont stop where you can watch fresh apple cider being pressed, sample warm cider donuts, and browse shelves of small-batch apple butters, syrups, and seasonal treats.
• New England clam chowder: A creamy, hearty soup rooted in the region’s maritime traditions. It’s found in every coastal town from Connecticut to Maine, and is among our favorite local fare in Boston.
• Craft breweries and cideries: New England’s craft beverage scene is booming, from hazy IPAs in Vermont to crisp pilsners at coastal Maine breweries. Tasting rooms offer a laid-back way to sample local flavors and meet the makers behind them.

New England experiences four true seasons, and the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Whether you want fiery fall foliage, coastal summer drives, maple season in the spring, or wintery mountain views, each season puts a different set of New England attractions front and center. Plus, 2026 gives travelers an additional reason to plan a visit: The USA’s 250th anniversary celebrations will be centered in the very cities where the fight for independence began. Browse our U.S. tours to find the right time for your trip.

Seasonal highlights and special events

• Fall (September–October): Peak foliage sweeping from Vermont to Massachusetts, apple picking, and cider season make New England one of the best places to travel to in the fall.
• Spring (April–May): Maple sugaring peaks in early spring, wildflowers arrive in May, and crowds thin significantly. Spring is the best time to visit New England if you prefer landmarks without summer lines.
• Summer (June–August): Warm weather, beach days, and outdoor festivals mean there’s plenty to do in New England in the summer. The Mount Washington Cog Railway runs full schedule, and Portland’s harbor is at its liveliest.
• USA 250th Anniversary (2026): New England, where the Revolution was planned and fought, is one of the most meaningful places to mark America’s 250th birthday. You’ll find special events, exhibits, and celebrations across Boston and at historic Revolutionary sites.