There’s something timeless and cinematic about a New England road trip — winding coastal highways, maple-scented mountain towns, and ferries to islands that seem lost in time. Whether you’re chasing lighthouses or fall foliage, these itinerary ideas feel straight out of a movie reel.
1. Coastal Classic: Boston to Bar Harbor
Start with seafood along Boston’s harbor, pass through charming port towns like Portsmouth, ME, and end in Acadia National Park. Think misty mornings, lobster shacks, and endless ocean views.
2. Vermont’s Green Mountain Loop
From Burlington’s craft scene to Stowe’s alpine trails, this route is an ode to simple pleasures — maple syrup stops, covered bridges, and crisp summit hikes.
3. Mystic to Newport Coastal Drive
Connect two maritime gems: historic Mystic, CT and yacht-loving Newport, RI. Detour to Watch Hill for a secret seaside escape.
4. White Mountains Adventure
Follow New Hampshire’s scenic byways through Franconia Notch and the Kancamagus Highway. Ideal for summer waterfalls or fiery fall foliage drives.
5. Cape Cod & the Islands
Cycle the Cape Cod Rail Trail, hop a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, and linger over sunset dunes in Provincetown — your perfect mix of salt and serenity.
6. The Berkshires Art & Nature Circuit
Massachusetts’ western hills blend art museums, farm-to-table dining, and forest hideaways. Each winding road feels painted with nostalgia.
7. The Maine Lighthouse Trail
From Portland to Lubec, follow the beacons guiding seafarers for centuries. Each stop reveals a fresh slice of coastal charm.
8. Connecticut Wine & River Road
Drift along the Connecticut River Valley with vineyard visits, small-town antiquing, and pastel sunsets over the water.
9. Rhode Island’s Secret Ocean Drive
Skip the crowds and explore Jamestown’s quiet coves, surf breaks, and the kind of ocean roads that demand the windows down.
10. The Ultimate Fall Foliage Trail
Wind from the Adirondack edges through Vermont and into northern New Hampshire. Golden forests, farm stands, and small-town diners frame a picture-perfect finale.
Whatever your route, New England’s roads promise a story worth telling — one curve, one lighthouse, one maple grove at a time.
