5 weekend getaways in New England

New England is home to more expanses of natural beauty than you can visit in one trip, from Maine’s Acadia National Park to The Berkshires in Massachusetts. The region also offers activities suitable for all seasons—you can hike a mountain in the summertime and snowboard down the same one come winter (like at Mount Washington in New Hampshire).

Domestically, there are few areas more picturesque offering an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby metropolitans like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City. Here are five New England destinations to bookmark for your next weekend getaway.

A beautiful seaside town near the uppermost point of New England, Bar Harbor is a short drive from Mount Desert Island. It’s also home to Acadia National Park, where you can see the first sunrise in the United States atop Cadillac Mountain. The stunning national park features numerous hiking trails catering to all skill levels, from the wheelchair-accessible Jessup Path and the beginner-friendly Jordon Pond Trail to the more challenging Precipice Trail. Also in Bar Harbor, travelers can indulge in seafood at The Travelin Lobster, a local favorite and Travelers’ Choice Award winner. (Hundreds of Tripadvisor reviewers recommend the lobster roll.) Or, browse the town’s many antiques shops like Albert Meadow Antiques in downtown Bar Harbor.

The Cape Cod National Seashore offers laid-back vibes, pretty beaches, and some of the best seafood on the East Coast, including Skipper Chowder House in Yarmouth and Lobster Pot in Provincetown. Learn all about the region at the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, which dives into the Kennedy family’s affinity for the Cape during JFK’s presidency. When you’re ready for some sun, check out the best beaches on Cape Cod, including Chatham Lighthouse Beach and the Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach in Provincetown. Look out for marine life like dolphins, seals, sharks, and whales—especially if you embark on a boating or fishing expedition.

Love the 1988 romantic comedy Mystic Pizza? Well, you can visit the real pizza parlor that inspired the film in Historic Downtown Mystic (named—you guessed it—Mystic Pizza). The cozy neighborhood has many shops, restaurants, and great views of the Mystic River Bascule Bridge. Couples will enjoy date night at Red 36, a waterfront seafood restaurant serving delicious oysters and lobster rolls, followed by dessert at the iconic Sift Bake Shop. Other must-see attractions include the Mystic Seaport Museum and Olde Mistick Village, where travelers are instantly transported back in time. The coastal town is just two hours from Boston and three from New York City by car.

Newport is an idyllic New England destination that offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. The coastal town has great beaches, charter cruises, massive historic mansions, and incredible seafood restaurants. Take a tour of The Breakers, the former summer home of the Vanderbilt family. Afterward, stroll along the scenic 3.5-mile Cliff Walk to see some of the area’s other spectacular mansions. From Newport, take a day trip to the beautiful Block Island, which is accessible via ferry. Since the island does not permit cars, get around by walking or cycling. Some top sights you will not want to miss: the Mohegan Buffs, Abrams Animal Farm, and the Southeast Lighthouse.

As the unofficial ski capital of the East, it comes as no surprise that Stowe is ranked among the most popular cold weather destinations in New England. Imbued with small-town charm, downtown Stowe looks like it was taken right out of a Hallmark Christmas movie set. We suggest staying in the Stowe Mountain Resort, where you can ski, snowboard, ice skate, and sip on hot toddies all day long. That said, Stowe is equally as magical in the summertime, especially when you hiked to Moss Glen Falls or Mount Mansfield. No matter the season, ice cream fans will want to take the 15-minute drive from Stowe to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in the nearby Waterbury Village Historic District. Factory tours get you on the floor of the production room and include plenty of samples.