3 New England destinations not to be missed

New England is famous for many things, including Maine Lobsters, Vermont maple syrup, clam chowder, and friendly locals. It’s the region of the United States with the most history, since it is home to several of the 13 original colonies. The northeastern area consists of six states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.  

Every type of traveler can find something to love here, from rolling mountain ranges, to breathtaking beaches, buzzing urban centers, and delicious cuisine. The region is particularly great for a family vacation, as it is brimming with family-friendly events and activities year round. If you’re looking for fun New England events to enjoy during your next getaway to the northeast, be sure to read this article until the end!

How often do people typically get the chance to watch the largest animal on the planet freely swimming and roaming around in its natural habitat? For most of us, the answer is usually once in a lifetime, and that’s only if we’re lucky. Whale watching is a majestic experience, and the best part is that you can experience it in many different spots up and down the New England coastline. You’ll have the chance to spot a variety of whale species, including humpbacks, finbacks, North Atlantic rights, and minke whales, among other rarer species as well. There’s not a better way to bond and create unforgettable memories alongside your kids and loved ones than by seeing these phenomenal creatures up-close in the ocean.

If you’ll be traveling to New England anytime between May through October, you’re in luck because this is prime whale-watching season. During the summer months, the whales migrate up north, and then return south when the weather starts to get cold again.  

Depending on who you ask, there are many “best” spots in New England to see these incredible creatures in the water, but Massachusetts often holds the number one spot on the list. Both Boston and Cape Cod are excellent destinations for whale-watching, offering an entirely different experience between the two. If you want an urban getaway with a whale-watching day-trip added on, go to Boston for the experience. If you want a relaxing beach vacation while you spot whales, Cape Cod is the best choice. If you’re lucky enough to have plenty of time on your hands, try to see them both for the most well-rounded whale-watching experience in New England!

Morning is the best time of the day to whale watch. It’s highly recommended to do this experience as a part of a guided whale watching boat tour, since these are led by professionals who know exactly where to go to find and see the whales. Trying to spot whales from the shore is always a hit or miss experience. Whale watching boat tours also include other animal sightings, including dolphins, seabirds, and more. You can easily search for and find nearby whale watching tours offered in whichever part of the New England region you plan to visit.

It’s an excellent family-friendly activity, offering equal enjoyment for kids and adults alike! If you’re looking for events in New England this weekend, and it’s sometime between May and October, don’t hesitate to book a whale watching tour.

Want to experience some of the greatest natural wonders of New England? Head to Acadia National Park in Maine for breathtaking nature year-round. Located just 160 miles from the popular city of Portland in Maine, the park is easily accessible by car and is the only national park in New England.

The park is filled with spectacular attractions, including hiking trails, coastal paths, stunning rock formations, dense forests, wildlife, and stunning overlook points. Here you can find the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast of the USA. It’s an excellent place to go for scenic drives, a variety of hikes, bike rides, and to seek out beautiful viewpoints.

No matter what time of the year you want to come, the park has something different and beautiful to offer during all seasons. Acadia National Park is known for its stunning fall foliage between the months of September and October, offering a beautiful backdrop for scenic drives and comfortably crisp hiking weather. If you’ll be visiting during winter, you can enjoy stunning snow-capped mountain views and beautiful snow-covered treetops. In the summer months, go for swims in the turquoise waters of the many sandy coastal beaches or in Jordan Pond. The spring months offer pretty pops of color and flower blossoms all over the park.

While you’re at the park, be sure to try some of the most popular activities. Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain for sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and forests. Walk along the coastal path, Bass Harbor Head Light Station trail, to visit a 19th-century cliffside lighthouse. Swim at Sand Beach. Hike to Thunder Hole for spectacular coastal views. Spot a large number of wildlife species, such as bears, moose, whales, seabirds, and more!

The nearby town of Bar Harbor is located within the park grounds. It’s the perfect place to base yourself during visits to Acadia National Park. The town boasts wonderful shopping and dining options, and it’s a great place to experience the famed Maine Lobster dishes. Spend an afternoon exploring Main Street, browsing the unique shops for souvenirs, and eating at the delicious local restaurants.  

A trip to Acadia National Park is the perfect option for families of all ages, offering endless ways to spend time outdoors exploring nature together during all seasons. Put this activity at the top of your list of New England events!

Covering a whopping 25% of the state of New Hampshire, the White Mountains are a natural wonder not to be missed by any nature lover visiting New England. The sprawling mountain range is home to numerous trails, overlook points, small towns, and unique points of interest. Whether you’ll be visiting in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy. If you’d like to visit the White Mountains, be sure to put the following activity suggestions on your travel itinerary.  

If you’ll be visiting during the fall months, one of the top things to do in the White Mountains is a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway. Enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain vistas and colorful fall foliage as you drive. It’s a wonderfully romantic activity option for couples, families, or groups of friends to do together.

Visiting the White Mountains during the spring or summer? Families with kids won’t want to miss out on a visit to Clark’s Bears, where you can see live bear shows led by professional trainers. Watch a live circus, go on a scenic train ride, and ride the segway. Also, during the summer months, hiking is the top way to explore the White Mountains. For a moderate to easy hike, try Mount Williard or Lonesome Lake trails. For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try the zipline at Alpine Adventures in Lincoln, NH where you can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains from the tree tops.

If you’re a winter sports lover, you’ll find plenty of downhill ski options in the White Mountains. Wildcat Mountain is home to 49 different ski trails, as well as a 4,000-foot summit. Cranmore Mountain and Loon Mountain are two other popular winter sports resorts for families, couples, and groups of friends.

For some year-round fun, animal and nature lovers of all ages won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to visit Living Shores Aquarium next door to Story Land in Glen, New Hampshire. Located in the heart of the White Mountains, the 32,000 square foot indoor walk-through aquarium is the ultimate place in New Hampshire to discover the wonders of the ocean during all seasons!  

At the aquarium, you can enjoy a range of activities and aquatic experiences. Children can visit interactive tide pools where they’ll have the opportunity to touch, feed, and learn about various sea creatures. Browse the Critter Wall, where you can see a variety of animals, from insects, to snakes, and more. Watch different fish species swim about, and learn fascinating facts about them from one of the education ambassadors. There are a variety of different sea life exhibits which display different underwater creatures. There’s even a vibrant animated sandbox where children can create, learn, and use their imaginations.

Be sure to check out the Presentation schedule to see what talks and shows are scheduled during your visit. Learn about various sea creatures from experts, watch live feedings, and see how lovingly cared for all the animals are.

There’s not a better place to enjoy an afternoon filled with learning, nature, and fun all in one! Create unforgettable memories alongside your loved ones while exploring the varied exhibits and activities at the aquarium.  

Living Shores Aquarium is one of the top New England attractions for couples, families, and groups of friends. Browse the ticket options to find the best one for your visit and start planning your trip today!