26 places to go in New England in 2026

Massachusetts

Boston

It will be a “momentous” year for the city of Boston, according to Meet Boston, with events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the arrival of the Tall Ships, and more. What’s more, the city’s inaugural Frostival will bring a Ferris Wheel to the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and Boston recently became a Michelin Guide city.

Foxborough

Foxborough will be “at the center of the soccer universe in 2026,” according to the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT), when seven World Cup games, including a quarter final, are played between June 13 and July 9. Teams from England, France, Ghana, Haiti, Morocco, Norway, and Scotland are scheduled to compete.

Great Barrington

This Berkshires town is where the commemoration of the Henry Knox Noble Trail of Artillery kicks off on Jan. 10, part of the celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial, noted MOTT.  While there, visitors can explore the shops and restaurants downtown, walk the Housatonic River Walk, and check out the new W.E.B. Du Bois sculpture.

Nantucket

Author Elin Hildebrand’s novel “The Five Star Weekend,” set on the island, is shining a spotlight on Nantucket this year as a limited series of the same name staring Jennifer Garner drops, noted MOTT. What’s more, visitors can shop and dine on the island’s historic Main Street and check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum, Museum of African American History, Nantucket Historical Society, and more.

Provincetown

This seaside town on the northern tip of Cape Cod is “a purely magical place,” according to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. It’s known for its natural beauty, restaurants, art galleries, nightlife, and LGBTQ community. Relax on one of two Cape Cod National Seashore beaches — Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach — or climb the 116 steps to the top of the Pilgrim Monument.

Salem

Everyone knows this city hosts a world-renowned Halloween festival every October, and this year it will also celebrate its quadricentennial. The city will commemorate more than 400 years of history while acknowledging the preexisting indigenous community, according to MOTT, and events will include a Heritage Days Parade this summer.

New Hampshire

Charlestown

For deep Revolutionary War history, head to Charlestown along the Connecticut River, according to the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD), and don’t miss The Fort No. 4, an open-air living history museum. It’s also worth checking out Morningslide Flight Park, where visitors can go zip lining, hang gliding, paragliding, and more.

Dover

New Hampshire’s fastest growing city offers walkability, great dining, and lots of history, according to DTTD. Visitors can explore a revitalized downtown, check out a thriving arts scene, and enjoy waterfront access on the Cocheco River.

Exeter

As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s a great time to visit the American Independence Museum in Exeter, according to DTTD. Exeter has a rich colonial history and a picturesque downtown with restaurants and shops along the Squamscott River.

Littleton

The mountain-town vibe is strong here in this White Mountains location, according to DTTD, and the town’s lively Main Street is billed as “NH’s most iconic Main Street.” Visitors can also go hiking, biking, and explore the Littleton Riverwalk.

Maine

Bath

Bath, a designated national Main Street community, is known for its heritage of shipbuilding and historic downtown full of shops, restaurants and galleries, according to the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT). Visitors can also check out the Maine Maritime Museum, with its life-sized sculpture of the ‘Wyoming,’ the largest sailing ship built in North America.

Boothbay Harbor

There’s much to enjoy in this picturesque seaside town, including the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (complete with five hidden trolls), Cap’n Fish’s Cruises, and the annual Windjammer Days festival, according to MOT. Don’t forget to check out the Boothbay Harbor Region Sculpture Trail, a year-round, walkable public art exhibit.

Greenville

This town on Moosehead Lake, the state’s largest lake, offers plenty of outdoor adventures, according to MOT. Visitors can ride the last remaining steamboat in Maine, The Katahdin (which is exactly like it was in 1914), hike up Mount Kineo, go on a moose safari; explore Lily Bay State Park; and more.

Waterville

A spot known for its small-town charm, vibrant arts scene, and growing food culture, Waterville is a destination for art lovers, history buffs, and foodies, according to MOT. Visitors can explore its downtown, as well as the Colby College Museum of Art and Quarry Road Trails.

Vermont

Manchester

This town, at the foot of Mount Equinox, has a rich U.S. history and a people-powered arts scene, according to the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing (VDTM). An expansion at the Southern Vermont Arts Center in 2026 will include an exhibition space, more patio dining, a two-story architectural work of art, and more.

Newport

Newport, in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, is on the shores of Lake Memphremagog and near the Canadian border. Visitors can cruise the lake on the Northern Star, bike the Beebe Spur Rail Trail, and check out the town’s annual Kingdom Swim, according to VDTM.

Windsor

Visitors in Windsor are treated to the historic Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, the longest two-span covered bridge in the U.S, says VDTM. Also, Artisans Park offers local shops, brewers, restaurants, and a labyrinth and sculpture garden set on 14 acres.

Winooski

Attention foodies: this northern Vermont city on the Winooski River (also known as the Onion River) has lots of dining choices in a small walkable area and is known as a foodie haven, according to VDTM. A new hotel downtown, the 115-room Sugar House Hotel, will open in 2026 and feature a restaurant and rooftop bar.

Rhode Island

Block Island

This summer getaway is the epitome of timeless coastal charm, according to Visit Rhode Island, and offers historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, and charming village shops. Visitors can take pictures of the Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Lighthouse, eat at beachy seafood shacks, and stay in boutique hotels.

Chepachet Village

The quaint village in Glocester, the first in Rhode Island on the National Register of Historic Places, has a walkable main street with antique shops and preserved architecture. After exploring the historic sites and scenic river trails, visitors can settle in at Tavern on Main, which Visit Rhode Island calls a beloved spot known for its classic comfort food and welcoming atmosphere.

Providence

The state’s capital is full of vibrant neighborhoods, historic architecture, and year-round events, according to Visit Rhode Island. Spots worth checking out include the RISD Museum, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and the free downtown public art installation WaterFire.

Westerly

This destination is perfect for beach days, birding, and small-town exploration, according to Visit Rhode Island, and visitors will find some of the state’s most beautiful coastal scenery here. Eat at The Café or River Bar while shopping downtown and explore the Napatree Point Conservation Area before settling in at the 5-star Weekapaug Inn or the centrally located Margin Street Inn.

Connecticut

Litchfield Hills

These picturesque towns in the northwest corner of the state make for a perfect getaway, according to the Connecticut Office of Tourism (COT). Visit the West Cornwall Covered Bridge, stroll the quaint streets of the Litchfield Historic District, explore the waterfalls at Kent Falls State Park, and more.

Mystic

Spend time in Connecticut’s “staple seaside summer destination,” according to COT, where there’s plenty to do year round. Visit the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum, wander Olde Mistick Village, and grab a slice at Mystic Pizza (the same that inspired the 1988 movie of the same name).

New Haven

This vibrant city on the shores of Long Island Sound blends history, culture, and culinary excellence, according to COT. Visitors can check out the legendary coal‑fired “apizza” spots Modern Apizza and Frank Pepe’s, eat at at Gioia Café & Bar, and stay at The Study at Yale and Hotel Marcel.

West Hartford

Located five miles west of downtown Hartford, West Hartford has much to offer, including busy West Hartford Center full of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, and Blue Back Square, which has luxury shopping, cinemas, and lively nightlife, according to COT.

Kristi Palma

Travel writer

 

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.