Ultimate New England Summer Road Trip Itinerary – Best Things To Do, Day wise Activities & Useful Tips

Planning a New England summer road trip is a must for anyone seeking a diverse and unforgettable adventure, from exploring historic cities like Boston to soaking in the scenic beauty of coastal gems like Cape Cod and Acadia National Park. 

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Here’s a detailed New England summer road trip itinerary covering some of the region’s most picturesque spots, activities, and accommodations.

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Day 1 Of New England Itinerary 7 Days: Boston, Massachusetts

Starting your New England road trip from Boston in the summer season provides the perfect introduction to the region’s rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere. 

• Start your trip in Boston, Massachusetts, a city rich in history and culture.
• Visit the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking route that takes you past 16 historically significant sites.
• Explore the bustling Faneuil Hall Marketplace for shopping and dining.
• Take a stroll along the scenic Boston Harborwalk.

Overnight stay at the Midtown Hotel, a mid-budget hotel in the heart of Boston.

Boston’s central location makes Boston an ideal hub for exploring nearby coastal towns, scenic drives, and iconic attractions, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey through New England’s diverse landscapes.

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Day 2: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Including Cape Cod in your New England road trip during the summer season offers the opportunity to experience picturesque beaches, charming coastal towns, and scenic landscapes that epitomize the region’s quintessential summertime charm.

• Drive from Boston to Cape Cod (about 70 miles, 1.5-2 hours).
• Visit Cape Cod National Seashore for stunning beaches, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.
• Explore the charming towns of Provincetown, Chatham, and Hyannis.
• Book a whale-watching tour to see humpback whales and other marine life.

Overnight stay at the Chatham Wayside Inn, a mid-budget hotel known for its quaint charm and excellent location.

Whether you’re whale watching, exploring historic lighthouses, or indulging in fresh local food, Cape Cod provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for travelers seeking a quintessential New England coastal experience.

Day 3: Newport, Rhode Island

Including Newport, Rhode Island, in your New England road trip during the summer season allows you to immerse yourself in the opulent Gilded Age mansions, stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk, and enjoy the vibrant waterfront atmosphere. This place offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and seaside charm that epitomizes the essence of New England summers. 

• Drive from Cape Cod to Newport, Rhode Island (about 80 miles, 1.5-2 hours).
• Tour The Breakers, a magnificent Vanderbilt mansion overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
• Explore the Cliff Walk for breathtaking views of the coastline and historic mansions.
• Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame to glimpse the sport’s rich history.

Overnight stay at the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina, offering comfortable accommodations and scenic waterfront views.

Whether exploring historic landmarks, relaxing on pristine beaches, or indulging in fresh local cuisine, Newport offers diverse experiences that appeal to every traveler’s interests.

Day 4: Mystic, Connecticut

Including Mystic, Connecticut, in your New England road trip during the summer season offers a charming blend of maritime history, picturesque scenery, and family-friendly attractions such as the Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium.

• Drive from Newport to Mystic, Connecticut (about 50 miles, 1 hour).
• Explore Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the United States.
• Visit Mystic Aquarium to see various marine animals, including beluga whales and penguins.
• Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Mystic River.

Overnight stay at the Whaler’s Inn, a charming mid-budget hotel in downtown Mystic’s heart.

Whether exploring historic ships, enjoying scenic boat rides along the Mystic River, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, Mystic provides a quintessential New England experience that captivates visitors of all ages.

Day 5: Portland, Maine

Including Portland, Maine, in your New England road trip during the summer, you can explore a vibrant coastal city renowned for its delicious local cuisine, thriving arts scene, and picturesque waterfront views.

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• Drive from Mystic to Portland, Maine (about 175 miles, 3-4 hours).
• Explore Portland’s Old Port district for boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
• Visit Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse in nearby Cape Elizabeth.
• Take a scenic cruise of Casco Bay to see picturesque islands and lighthouses.

Stay overnight at the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa, which offers elegant accommodations and a convenient location in the heart of Portland’s Old Port.

Whether you’re visiting art galleries in the Old Port district or taking scenic cruises around Casco Bay, Portland offers a delightful mix of culinary delights and cultural experiences embodying New England summers’ quintessential charm.

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Day 6: Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park in Maine tops the list for a New England road trip during the summer season due to its breathtaking coastal landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and panoramic views from Cadillac Mountain. It offers outdoor enthusiasts unparalleled opportunities for adventure and exploration. 

• Drive from Portland to Acadia National Park (about 160 miles, 3-4 hours).
• Explore Acadia’s scenic wonders, including Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and Sand Beach.
• Take a hike along the park’s many trails, such as the famous Precipice Trail or Ocean Path.
• Enjoy a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road, stopping at overlooks and points of interest.

Stay overnight at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, a mid-budget hotel just minutes from Acadia National Park.

Whether exploring rocky coastlines, enjoying picturesque sunsets, or spotting wildlife in its natural habitat, Acadia National Park epitomizes New England summers’ natural beauty and splendor, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Day 7 Of 7-day New England Summer Road Trip: Return To Boston

• Drive back to Boston (about 280 miles, 5-6 hours).
• Optional: Stop at quaint coastal towns like Camden or Rockland.
• Return your rental car and depart from Boston, or extend your trip to explore more of New England.

Weather – New England In The Summer

In the summer, New England typically experiences warm temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit (20s to 30s Celsius), with occasional humidity. This makes it an ideal season for outdoor activities like hiking, beach-going, and sightseeing. While generally pleasant, summers in New England can also bring occasional rain showers and thunderstorms, so it’s advisable to pack accordingly and be ready for changing weather conditions.

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New England Summer Festivals – Summer Events

New England hosts a variety of unique summer festivals and events that are must-attend for visitors.

1. Newport Folk Festival (Newport, Rhode Island): Held annually in July, this iconic music festival features folk, indie, and alternative artists performing against the stunning backdrop of Newport Harbor.
2. Boston Harborfest (Boston, Massachusetts): Celebrated around the Fourth of July, this festival showcases Boston’s maritime heritage with harbor cruises, historical reenactments, concerts, and fireworks.
3. Vermont Quilt Festival (Essex Junction, Vermont): This annual event in June showcases the artistry of quilting with exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, and vendors selling quilting supplies.
4. Gloucester Waterfront Festival (Gloucester, Massachusetts): Held in August, this festival features arts and crafts vendors, live music, delicious food, and a classic car show, all set against the scenic backdrop of Gloucester Harbor.
5. International Sand Sculpting Festival (Revere Beach, Massachusetts): This festival, which takes place in July, gathers world-renowned sand sculptors who create intricate and impressive sand sculptures along Revere Beach.
6. Yankee Homecoming (Newburyport, Massachusetts): This week-long celebration in late July includes parades, concerts, fireworks, a craft fair, and various family-friendly activities in the historic seaside town of Newburyport.

Tolls & Freeways On New England Summer Road Trip

Tolls:

• Many highways and bridges in New England are tolled, especially in densely populated areas and along major thoroughfares. Toll rates vary depending on the location and type of vehicle.
• Standard toll collection methods include cash booths, electronic tolling with E-ZPass, and pay-by-plate systems. For convenient payment, it’s advisable to have cash or an electronic toll transponder like E-ZPass.

Freeways/Highways:

• Interstate highways (I-), U.S. highways (U.S.-), and state routes (M.A.-, R.I.-, C.T.-, M.E.-, V.T.-, N.H.-) form the backbone of New England’s road network, connecting major cities and attractions.
• Interstate 95 (I-95) is the main north-south route along the East Coast, passing through all six New England states and providing access to major cities like Boston, Providence, and Portland.
• Interstate 90 (I-90), the Massachusetts Turnpike, is a major east-west route connecting Boston with Worcester, Springfield, and the New York border.
• Other notable highways include Route 1 (US-1), which runs along the coast from Maine to Connecticut, offering scenic views and access to coastal towns.

Toll Roads and Bridges:

Some of the notable toll roads and bridges in New England include:

• Massachusetts: Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), Tobin Bridge, Ted Williams Tunnel
• Rhode Island: Newport Pell Bridge, Claiborne Pell Bridge (Newport Bridge)
• Maine: Maine Turnpike (I-95), York Toll Plaza
• New Hampshire: Everett Turnpike (I-93), Spaulding Turnpike (NH-16)
• Connecticut: Connecticut Turnpike (I-95), Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15)
• Vermont: There are no toll roads or bridges in Vermont.

With its charming towns, stunning landscapes, and various outdoor activities, a New England summer road trip promises an enriching journey filled with cultural immersion, natural wonders, and cherished memories for years to come.

This New England summer road trip itinerary offers a mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and seaside charm, making it ideal for experiencing the best of New England in the summer. 

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