New England is road trip perfection. Compact enough to cover in a week or two, but rich enough to keep you coming back for years. I've driven through all six states multiple times now, and every trip reveals something new.
The Route
Start in Connecticut and work your way north. Hit the coastal towns, then curve inland through the mountains, and finish on the rocky shores of Maine.
Connecticut → Rhode Island → Massachusetts → Vermont → New Hampshire → Maine
Highlights by State
Connecticut - Mystic Seaport and the charming downtown - The best New Haven-style pizza at Frank Pepe's
Rhode Island - Newport's Cliff Walk — mansions on one side, ocean on the other - Providence's Federal Hill for Italian food
Massachusetts - Boston's Freedom Trail - Cape Cod's dune beaches - Salem in October (if you dare)
Vermont - Stowe for mountain views and craft beer - The covered bridges are straight out of a painting - Burlington's Church Street for shopping and lake views
New Hampshire - The Kancamagus Highway (especially in fall) - Franconia Notch State Park
Maine - Portland's food scene (holy seafood) - Acadia National Park — sunrise at Cadillac Mountain - Lobster rolls at every stop
Best Time to Go
September to mid-October for fall foliage. It's the most beautiful time, but book accommodations early — everyone knows this secret.
Budget Tips
- Stay at roadside motels and B&Bs instead of chains
- Eat at lobster shacks, not sit-down restaurants
- Many state parks have free or low-cost entry
- Pack a cooler for road snacks
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