Can you really know New England without visiting these 10 towns?

New England’s coastline is all about charm and peace. For travelers seeking a blend of culinary scenes, rugged maritime history, and the kind of quiet beauty found only on a foggy pier, these ten towns represent the pinnacle of the coastal New England experience. Which of these escapes fits your ideal vacation?

Portsmouth sits gracefully on the Piscataqua River, serving as a sophisticated gateway to the Maine border. It is a scenic stop with a deep-water port boasting a history dating back to 1623.

Portsmouth manages to feel both ancient and incredibly modern. For example, the Strawberry Banke Museum is the town's crown jewel, offering a ten-acre outdoor history museum that preserves four centuries of domestic life. So, in this town you can spend the morning walking through 17th-century gardens and the evening in a high-end tapas bar.

Located at the tip of Cape Ann, Rockport is the quintessential New England fishing village. It is famous for Motif No. 1, a red fishing shack that is arguably the most painted and photographed building in the United States. The town’s light has drawn artists for over a century, leading to the creation of the Rockport Art Association. You can also walk down Bearskin Neck, a narrow stretch of land packed with galleries, boutiques, and ice cream shops.

Fun fact: Rockport was a dry town for over 150 years—from 1856 to 2005—following a revolt led by a local woman who destroyed the town’s liquor barrels with a hatchet.

The Abenaki word Ogunquit translates literally to "beautiful place by the sea," and the town lives up to its name. Ogunquit’s primary attraction is Marginal Way, a mile-long paved cliff walk that offers breathtaking views of the Maine shoreline and the Atlantic.

If you’d like to spend some time on the beach, this beautiful town is one of the few places in the state where you can find soft, white sand rather than just the rocks characteristic of the Maine coast.

Did you know? The Pilgrim Monument towers over Provincetown, marking the spot where the Mayflower actually first landed before moving to Plymouth.

"P-Town", as it is affectionately known, sits at the extreme northern tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It is a place of contrasts, where wild sand dunes meet a vibrant, eclectic downtown. The town has a long history as a sanctuary for the arts and LGBTQ communities, giving it a bohemian energy. In fact, it’s the oldest continuous arts colony in the United States.

Mystic, Connecticut, has nothing to do with the divine. In fact, its name derives from the Pequot word Missituk, referring to a "great tidal river". The thing is, this town’s relationship with the water is paramount. The Mystic Seaport Museum is the largest maritime museum in the world, featuring the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship in existence. After visiting the museum, grab a slice or a pie at Mystic Pizza, a parlor that inspired the 1988 romantic comedy starring a young Julia Roberts.

Newport is the sailing capital of the world and was a longtime home of the America’s Cup (from 1930 to 1983). It is most famous for the Newport Mansions, the summer cottages of the Vanderbilt and Astor families that represent the peak of Gilded Age opulence. For a sneak peek at these grand residences, you can take the Cliff Walk, a path that provides a front-row seat to both the ocean and the back of the mansions’ lawns.

Fun fact: Did you know Newport is home to the Touro Synagogue, the oldest Jewish synagogue building still standing in the United States, dedicated in 1763?

While many visitors know Kittery only for its outlet malls, the town’s real charm lies in Kittery Point. As the oldest incorporated town in Maine (founded in 1647), it boasts historic forts and quiet, winding roads that feel a world away from the shopping craze. To start, you can visit Fort McClary State Historic Site, which provides a look at 19th-century coastal defense and offers stunning views of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.

Bar Harbor is the ultimate destination for the outdoors-oriented traveler. For instance, it is one of the best places in the world for whale watching and eating fresh lobster directly on a pier. It also serves as the entrance to Acadia National Park, where mountains meet the sea. Visitors flock here to drive or hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard. If you visit from October to March, it is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise.

Thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod lies Nantucket, an island that feels preserved in the mid-1800s. Its strict architectural codes mean you won’t see a single neon sign or chain store; instead, you’ll find cedar-shingled houses and cobblestone streets.

Did you know that in the 1840s, Nantucket was once the whaling capital of the world, a status that inspired Herman Melville to write Moby-Dick? To learn more, you can visit the Whaling Museum at New Bedford—a ferry ride away—, which tells the story of how this tiny island once lit the world with whale oil.

Portland was the original capital of Maine before it was moved to Augusta in 1832. It is the largest city in this list, but its Old Port district feels like a small town. Cobblestone streets are lined with 19th-century brick buildings that house some of the best restaurants in the country. In fact, Portland consistently ranks as one of the top foodie cities in the U.S. One thing not to miss: Portland Head Light, to some, the most iconic and beautiful lighthouse in New England.

Travel ready

Be always travel-ready with these 10 tips from seasoned travelers!

All seasoned travelers agree on one thing: comfort can make or break your trip. Long flights, busy airports, unfamiliar beds, and hours on the road can quickly turn an exciting vacation into an exhausting chore. Experienced wanderers learn early that a few carefully chosen items will dramatically improve any trip, helping you reach your destination relaxed instead of worn out. And now, with this list, you can share in their knowledge!

One uncomfortable flight too many is all you'll need to know that having a supportive, high-quality neck pillow can do wonders for your travel comfort. Experts recommend skipping those flimsy inflatable versions and instead choosing memory foam and ergonomic designs that properly support your head and neck.

Whether traveling by plane, train, or enduring a road trip with long stretches of sitting, proper support will help you prevent stiffness and soreness that will endure long after arrival. A good neck pillow that you can easily compress into a carry-on bag is an investment that you won't regret.

Not the most exciting item on this list at first glance, but experienced travelers swear by them. Especially on longer journeys, sitting for long periods of time can cause swelling and fatigue that will take a toll on your travelling experience. Compression socks improve circulation and help legs feel lighter when you finally stand up.

Investing in a good pair of compression socks, as prosaic as it may seem, will make you arrive at your destination more energized, feeling less sore, and ready to enjoy the first days of your trip.

Noise is one of the most mentioned pain points reported by frequent travelers. Loud conversations, overhead announcements, the hum of engines, etc., can make resting nearly impossible and are one of the biggest sources of travel fatigue.

For light packers, a simple pair of earplugs can easily and effectively do the trick, but for those who require an extra layer of isolation, noise-cancelling headphones work wonders. They create a quiet space that allows travelers to relax, listen to music, or nap more easily and comfortably.

Dehydration is a hidden enemy when on the road, as seasoned travelers know all too well. Waiting times and long stretches without drinking water can quickly leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and unrested. A refillable water bottle keeps hydration easy and avoids constant purchases at kiosks. Many travelers choose insulated versions that keep drinks cool throughout long travel days.

If you are flying, just remember that your bottle should be completely empty before you pass through the Transportation Security Administration, or you will be asked to pour it out. At most airports, you will be able to refill your bottle at a water station once you've cleared the security checkpoint.

Having a nice pair of slip-on shoes for travel days is not only comfortable: this easy-to-overlook travel tip will save you time and headaches at the airport. Slip-on shoes simplify security checkpoints and allow travelers the opportunity to relax their feet during long flights.

Supportive shoes also reduce fatigue when walking through terminals or while exploring new cities. Seasoned travelers recommend packing at least one reliable pair that works both during transit and at the destination.

Next to loud noise, stray light is one of the most frequently reported sources of travel fatigue. Whether it's bright cabin lamps or an early sunrise leaking through hotel curtains, a soft eye mask will help you create the darkness you need for your mind and body to fall asleep.

Frequent travelers often choose padded masks that do not press hard against the eyes. Even small naps benefit from completely blocking out the light, and you will rise feeling more refreshed and energized.

Temperatures change constantly during travel, from cold airplanes to warm destinations to air-conditioned interiors and so forth. A lightweight zip-up jacket will allow you to adjust quickly without unpacking luggage.

Experienced travelers always keep a lightweight jacket within reach rather than packed away: some models can be folded to fit within a pocket! Even if you are not wearing it, a jacket can easily double up as a pillow or comfort blanket in a pinch during long waits.

Getting food while on the road is not always convenient or affordable, and rarely healthy. Packing familiar, healthy snacks will help you keep your energy levels steady while avoiding long waits and overspending.

Nuts, protein bars, or simple homemade snacks will keep hunger at bay and prevent the trip from feeling more stressful than it needs to be. If you are flying, solid foods are usually allowed, but you can always check the TSA website for updated information.

There's nothing more stressful than having your phone die out on you when you need it the most. Especially nowadays, when boarding passes, reservations, and navigation all depend on it. Frequent travelers have learned the hard way that a compact power bank is less of a gadget and more of a travel necessity.

When flying, it's important to remember that the TSA prohibits portable charges in checked luggage for safety reasons. However, they are allowed in the cabin, so you can take your power bank with you in your carry-on bag.

When you are far from home, even minor discomforts can quickly become major annoyances. Having your essentials on hand avoids late-night pharmacy searches and allows you to handle small problems immediately, keeping your trip running smoothly.

Seasoned travelers always carry a small kit with bandages, wipes, and basic medications. If you need to fly with liquid or aerosol medications, you will need to declare them to TSA officers if they exceed the 3.4 oz limitation.