Things to Do in New England

Travel Themes

• Interests (rated ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★★★/ ★★★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation-holidays ★/ ★★.

Nature and Adventure

New England is a nature lover’s paradise. With the exception of Boston and its heavily urbanized southern surroundings, the region is all wild coastline, peaceful countryside, mountains, and—above all—endless forests, since New England is 70% wooded. In short, nature is very much present, even if it isn’t always as "spectacular" as in other parts of the country.

That said, outdoor enthusiasts will easily find plenty to do here, from skiing in winter to rafting, canoeing, fishing, and, of course, hiking—starting with the 3,500 km of trails in the Appalachian Trail, which extend far beyond New England. Among the region’s six states, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont (the northern states) are the most appealing for nature and adventure.

Culture

Paradoxically, this part of the U.S. has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites, yet it’s where (post-Columbian) American history began. Here, you’ll find some of the country’s oldest cities and villages (Plymouth, Providence, Portsmouth...), key sites from the Revolutionary War (like the Minute Man National Historical Park), as well as places that have preserved their heritage (Mystic and the sea, New Bedford and its whaling history, Salem and its witches), not to mention Boston with its architecture, universities, and numerous museums.

Relaxation and Holidays

Apart from skiing, the region isn’t particularly known for relaxation or holiday getaways in the traditional sense. While there are beaches and seaside resorts, and the countryside is undeniably pleasant, the cool water and air can limit the appeal—though the Boston area does have well-regarded spots like Cape Cod.

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

Water Activities

Sea fishing:

Diving:

Water sports:

Sailing:

Hiking

Hiking on Foot

With its vast forests, countryside, and wild coastline, New England is a favorite destination for hikers. As long as you steer clear of Boston and its heavily urbanized outskirts, you’ll have no trouble finding great spots for walks—whether short strolls or multi-day treks.

The Appalachian Trail (see the official site) is one of the most famous hiking trails, spanning 3,500 km across 14 eastern U.S. states. Starting in Georgia, it ends in Maine and is one of the eleven "National Scenic Trails" in the country, offering protected landscapes and beautiful scenery. Another shorter trail (220 km), the New England National Scenic Trail (see the official site), is also part of this network.

Beyond that, many other spots in the region are perfect for trekking: the Berkshire Hills (Connecticut and Massachusetts), Acadia National Park, Mount Washington, and the White Mountains (Maine and/or New Hampshire), as well as the area around Lake Champlain and Green Mountain National Forest (Vermont). In short, plenty of options for all tastes and skill levels...

Cycling

Horseback Riding

Winter Sports

Outdoor and Nature Sports

Golf

River Fishing and Hunting

Whitewater Activities

Other Activities

Climbing:

Paragliding and Aerial Sports:

Caving:

Cultural Life and Activities

Nightlife and Going Out