7 Days New England, USA Itinerary
This 7-day New England itinerary explores the region's highlights, starting in Boston and venturing into the picturesque states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Experience historical landmarks, scenic drives, delicious seafood, and charming small towns while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700 - $1400
Best Time
New England offers distinct experiences across its four seasons
Activities
37
Daily Avg
$150/day
Pace
Fast
New England offers a captivating blend of history, stunning natural landscapes, and charming towns. From the bustling city of Boston to the serene mountains of Vermont and the rugged coastline of Maine, there's something for everyone. The region's rich history and vibrant culture make it a truly unique destination.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 12 must-have experiences
Iconic Seaport Town
e.g., Newport, RI, Mystic Seaport Museum, CT
Classic Lobster Roll Experience
Day 6: Dinner at Stewman's Lobster Pound
Stunning Fall Foliage Viewpoint
Day 4: Drive the Kancamagus Highway
Historic Ivy League Campus
Day 2: Harvard University Tour
New England Lighthouse
e.g., Portland Head Light (Cape Elizabeth, ME), Bass Harbor Head Light (Mount Desert Island, ME)
Premier Art or History Museum
Day 1: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Mountain Hike or Ski Adventure
Day 5: Acadia National Park - Park Loop Road
Craft Brewery or Distillery Tour
Day 2: Harvard University Tour
Whale Watching Excursion
e.g., Boston Harbor Cruises (MA), Cape Ann Whale Watch (Gloucester, MA)
Charming Village Green Walk
Day 1: Freedom Trail Walk
Historic Salem Witchcraft Experience
e.g., The Witch House (Salem, MA), Old Burying Point Cemetery (Salem, MA)
Scenic Coastal Drive
Day 3: Drive along Route 100
New England's cuisine is heavily influenced by its coastal location, offering fresh seafood and hearty, comforting dishes. From classic clam chowder to sweet maple syrup treats, the region boasts a diverse culinary landscape. Expect a blend of traditional American fare with international influences, especially in larger cities.
Must-Try Dishes
A creamy, rich soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon. The best versions are thick and flavorful, a true taste of the coast.
📍 Seafood restaurants, casual eateries, coastal towns
Chunks of fresh lobster meat tossed in mayonnaise or butter and served in a grilled hot dog bun. A quintessential New England experience.
📍 Seafood shacks, lobster pounds, coastal restaurants
Pure maple syrup tapped from local maple trees. Try it on pancakes, waffles, or even in savory dishes.
📍 Farm stands, country stores, breakfast restaurants
A yellow butter cake filled with custard and topped with chocolate glaze. Despite its name, it's actually a cake, not a pie!
📍 Bakeries, cafes, restaurants throughout Boston
Food Neighborhoods
Italian cuisine
Authentic Chinese food
Craft breweries and innovative restaurants
Italian-American restaurants
Vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially in larger cities. Vegan options are less common but can be found with some research. Gluten-free options are also becoming more prevalent. Always check menus and ask about ingredients to accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions. Kosher and Halal options are limited, primarily in Boston.
Tipping is customary in New England restaurants, typically 15-20% of the bill. It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Dress codes are generally casual, but nicer restaurants may prefer business casual attire.
Newport Folk Festival
JulyMusic festival in Newport, Rhode Island, attracts large crowds.
Maine Lobster Festival
AugustCelebration of Maine's lobster industry in Rockland, Maine.
Head of the Charles Regatta
OctoberRowing race in Boston, attracts large crowds and impacts traffic.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From hotel in Downtown, walk or take the T (subway) to Boston Common.FREE
9:00 AM - Freedom Trail Walk
Begin at Boston Common and follow the red-brick path past 16 historical sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, and Faneuil Hall. Wear comfortable shoes!
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Boston Common to Quincy Market (approx. 5 minutes).$15
12:00 PM - Lunch at Quincy Market
Enjoy a variety of food vendors offering everything from clam chowder to lobster rolls. It can get crowded, so be prepared to wait in line.
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- 🚶Walk from Quincy Market to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (approx. 15 minutes).$30
2:00 PM - Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Relive the historic event with interactive exhibits and replica ships. Purchase tickets in advance online to save time.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take the T (subway) or walk from the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum to Beacon Hill.FREE
5:00 PM - Explore Beacon Hill
Wander through the charming cobblestone streets and admire the historic architecture of this upscale neighborhood. Acorn Street is particularly picturesque.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk or take the T (subway) from Beacon Hill to the North End.$25
7:00 PM - Dinner in the North End
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in Boston's oldest residential neighborhood. Try Trattoria Il Panino for delicious pasta.
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Downtown/Financial District
Central location, close to many attractions and public transportation.
📅 Best Time to Visit
New England offers distinct experiences across its four seasons. Fall (late September-October) is the most popular for stunning fall foliage, bringing crisp weather but also high crowds and prices. Summer (June-August) is ideal for coastal activities, hiking, and exploring, with warm temperatures but also humidity and busy beaches. Spring (April-May) offers blooming landscapes and fewer crowds, though weather can be unpredictable. Winter (November-March) is perfect for skiing, cozy cabin stays, and charming holiday markets, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall inland.
Summer in New England is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, especially along the coast. Expect occasional thunderstorms. The days are long and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities.
Summer is a popular time to visit New England due to warm weather and numerous outdoor activities.
July 4th (Independence Day) is a major holiday in July, expect crowds and celebrations.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$150-300 (gas, tolls, bus/train tickets)Accommodation
$350-700 (hostels, budget hotels, Airbnb)Food
$175-350Activities
$25-50Stay in smaller towns adjacent to popular destinations, utilize accommodations with kitchenettes (e.g., Airbnb) to cook some meals, and pack picnic lunches for scenic drives to significantly cut down on food costs.
Indulge in a classic New England lobster dinner right by the water, consider a scenic harbor cruise or a historic train ride through the mountains, or experience a night at a luxurious, historic inn or resort.
Take advantage of the numerous free activities: explore charming downtowns, hike well-maintained trails in state parks (often requiring minimal parking fees), visit public beaches, and check local community calendars for free festivals and events.
Travel during the shoulder seasons (late spring/early summer or late fall) for better deals on accommodations and fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed and budget-friendly experience.
For an unforgettable experience, consider a 'leaf peeping' hot air balloon or helicopter ride during peak fall foliage for unparalleled panoramic views of the vibrant landscape.
Seek out local farmers' markets for fresh, seasonal produce, baked goods, and unique artisan crafts. Many small towns also have BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) restaurants, which can save on drink costs.
- A rental car is highly recommended for exploring New England beyond its major cities, as public transportation options are limited outside of Boston.
- Tipping is customary in the USA: expect to tip 15-20% for good service at restaurants, bars, and for services like taxis or hotel porters.
- Sales tax varies by state within New England (e.g., New Hampshire has no sales tax, while Massachusetts has 6.25%). Be mindful of this when shopping.
- New England weather can change rapidly; always pack layers and check forecasts, especially if you plan to be outdoors or travel between different regions.
- Book popular accommodations, tours (e.g., whale watching), and high-demand restaurant reservations well in advance, particularly during peak seasons (fall foliage, summer holidays).
- Respect private property rights, especially when hiking or exploring. Stick to marked trails and be mindful of 'No Trespassing' signs.
- Many small towns and scenic routes have limited cell service, so download important information, maps, and entertainment beforehand.
- Carry some small bills for cash-only establishments, local markets, or parking meters, though credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere.
- 1Layered clothing (e.g., t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, light jackets) for varying temperatures throughout the day and seasons.
- 2Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, as much of New England is best explored on foot or via trails.
- 3Rain jacket and/or umbrella, as sudden showers are common year-round, particularly in spring and fall.
- 4Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste; tap water is generally safe to drink.
- 5Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, essential for protection in summer and against snow glare in winter.
- 6Insect repellent, especially critical for summer and early fall, particularly in wooded or lakeside areas.
- 7Swimsuit if visiting in summer for beaches, lakes, or hotel pools.
- 8Warm hat, gloves, and a scarf for colder evenings in autumn and essential for winter travel.
- 9Portable power bank/charger for electronic devices, vital for long days exploring or in areas with limited outlets.
- 10Camera to capture the diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to historic cityscapes and vibrant foliage.
Rental Car
Book 2-4 months in advance, especially for summer and fall foliage trips, as demand is high and prices can escalate quickly. Ensure you have appropriate insurance.
Accommodations (Hotels, B&Bs, Airbnbs)
Book 3-6 months ahead for peak seasons (summer coastal towns, fall foliage destinations) as charming inns and popular spots fill up fast.
Flights to major hubs (e.g., Boston Logan - BOS)
Purchase 3-6 months in advance for the best prices, particularly if traveling during holidays or peak tourist seasons.
Popular Tours (e.g., Whale Watching, Historic City Tours)
Reserve 1-2 months ahead, especially for weekend slots or specific times during peak season, as they can sell out.
Dining Reservations for highly-rated restaurants
For fine dining or popular spots, book 2-4 weeks in advance, particularly for weekend evenings.
eSIM/Physical SIM Card
Arrange purchase and activation before or immediately upon arrival to ensure seamless connectivity from the start of your trip.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 T-Mobile stores or authorized retailers
📍 AT&T stores or authorized retailers
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and many public areas, particularly in urban centers. Libraries and some parks also offer free WiFi. However, rural areas may have limited or unreliable WiFi access.
Useful Apps
Download offline maps before traveling to areas with potentially spotty cell service. Consider purchasing a portable WiFi hotspot if you need reliable internet access in remote locations. Check your international roaming plan with your current provider before departing to avoid unexpected charges. Consider using a VPN for secure internet access on public WiFi networks.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
New England is generally a safe region for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Fall is popular for foliage, summer for coastal activities, spring for fewer crowds, and winter for skiing. Each season offers unique experiences.
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