11 Ideal New England Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025
New England broadly covers the northeastern United States, and formally includes the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. As a region of the U.S. spanning multiple states, there is no shortage of places to visit, with destinations offering views of the Atlantic Ocean or the lakes and forests further inland. If you are looking for a place to spend a three-day weekend, one of these towns may be the ideal place to visit.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a destination for those who love life along the water. Located on Mount Desert Island, on Frenchman Bay, visitors to the island often stay at the Bar Harbor Inn. In operation in various forms since 1887, the current inn offers easy access to ocean air and stunning bay views.
Visitors may want to head out onto the water with Acadian Boat Tours, which sails along the coastline, providing views of the area's natural wonders and unique sights, such as Egg Rock Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself first began operation in 1875 and can still be seen today by boat tour or during whale-watching expeditions. Those remaining on land may want to visit Acadia National Park, home to the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast of the U.S. Called the "Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast," the park covers 50,000 acres with views of the water, surrounding forest, and historic sites such as the Carroll Homestead, home to three generations for about 92 years.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Yet another small coastal town in Maine, Kennebunkport is distinguished by its many historic destinations. Goat Island Lighthouse was first established in 1833 and has served as a beacon for boats to this day. Still, guests can visit by boat and may even be able to tour if the lighthouse keepers are available.
Inland, the Melville Walker House provides an insight into the town's history. Walker, a sea captain, built his Italianate home in 1860 on land gifted by his father. The architecture reflects an early period of the town's history. Today, the house is surrounded by small cottages and is known as the Maine Stay Inn and Cottages. This bed and breakfast sits within walking distance of the Kennebunkport Historic District. Nearby dining and shopping are easily accessible along the Kennebunk River.
Woodstock, Vermont
The town of Woodstock is a destination for history and culture lovers. The Green, considered the town’s community center, is surrounded by landmarks and hosts townwide events. The Green sits at the center of the Woodstock Village Historic District, where visitors will find the nearby Historic Ebenezer Fitch House. This 1827 residence is within the National Register-listed Woodstock Village Historic District. It is not only a historic destination but a place where visitors to the area can stay while they are in town.
Nearby on The Green, guests may want to stop by the Market on the Green, where local vendors sell a variety of items, including cheese, ice cream, pottery, and crafts. Shopping continues while live music plays, creating a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of town. Another popular event is the Woodstock Art Festival, where local artists sell paintings, photography, and other handmade items popular with visitors. And visitors staying around the Green will find themselves in a perfect position to dine or go shopping while walking by the historic homes of the area.
Stowe, Vermont
East of Lake Champlain sits Stowe, a town near the trails and ski slopes of Mount Mansfield. Unsurprisingly, the Stowe Mountain Resort is a popular choice for those visiting the area. Upon Vermont's highest peak, guests will find a resort where they can ski, watch winter events, and enjoy Gondola SkyRide during their stay.
Those heading into town will enjoy a stroll through downtown, where stores and restaurants are within walking distance of one another. Shaw’s General Store is a good stop for those looking for souvenirs or local goods. Just a short walk away, Stowe Recreation Path winds its way through Lintilhac Park and along Little River. The path, an internationally recognized greenway, runs over five miles through mountain scenery and offers sweeping views of the valley.
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Wolfeboro is a highly popular destination, often referred to as "America's Oldest Summer Resort." Nestled along Lake Winnipesaukee, guests in the area enjoy stays not far from its shores. Pickering House Inn is particularly notable since it was once the homestead of John Pickering and later his brother Daniel Pickering, who went on to own most of the surrounding area and helped grow the town. From the inn, it is not far to Millie B Vintage Boat Rides. Boat tours aboard restored mahogany ‘woodies’ offer scenic views of the lake.
Those staying on shore can visit the Wolfeboro Town Docks, the town’s historic center. Not only can you set out on the lake from the dock, but scenic views are available along the shore, while dining and shopping options are within walking distance. Those who truly want to enjoy a day outdoors can head to Wentworth State Park, where guests can eat along the shores, cast a line into the waters, or go swimming or kayaking.
North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is a small village in New Hampshire that offers far different outdoor sights than the state's coastal towns. Those arriving in town will want to spend their time at the Cranmore Mountain Resort, a skiing area during winter and the home of an adventure park during the summer. Zip rides, giant swings, snow tubing, and more await at the resort.
Those heading into town will enjoy the Conway Scenic Railroad, a heritage railroad that offers scenic tours of the surrounding countryside, with dining offered on select trains. Not far away, gorgeous views are on display at Echo Lake State Park, a 118-acre park with trails that loop around Echo Lake. For a change of pace, the New England Ski Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of skiing in the region. The lives of skiing pioneers are on display, along with exhibits of equipment used in the past when New Hampshire first became a hub for skiing in the 1930s.
Salem, Massachusetts
History lovers will know historic Salem for the 1692 Witch Trials, which is actually a major reason people visit the area. Visitors often come to the Salem Witch Museum to learn about the trials, view life-size stage sets, and explore their European origins. Nearby, visitors to the area can visit The Witch House, which has stood since at least the 17th century. Originally known as the Corwin House, it is directly tied to the trials since the Corwin family was involved during the witch hunt.
More tales of these unique times and the town's broader 400-year history can be found on the Bewitched Historical Tour, where historians guide guests through downtown, providing historical context and stories about the town’s past. After a day out, visitors can retire to The Coach House, a former mansion constructed in 1879 that is now within walking distance of some of Salem's most popular destinations.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown is a small seaside town on the tip of Cape Cod, along Cape Cod Bay. Many hotels, such as The Anchor Inn Beach House, offer stunning seaside views and easy access to activities like guided dune tours or whale watching. Tours can be arranged through Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch, and they include both scenic coastal tours and excursions to spot pods of whales as they migrate through the area.
The town is also a state-designated Massachusetts Cultural District, boasting a thriving art scene. Destinations such as Alden Gallery are popular among those who want to enjoy rotating galleries of artists. You might also want to visit during the Provincetown Food and Wine Festival, which features wine tastings, local art displays, and live performances across town.
Jamestown, Rhode Island
Jamestown is a small island town that sits within Narragansett Bay. Unsurprisingly, the Club Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn is popular for the wonderful views it provides of the nearby waters. A common way for people to visit Jamestown is from nearby Newport, accessible via the Newport Ferry, which takes visitors along the sights of Newport Harbor.
Either as part of a trip to Jamestown or an individual tour, the same ferry can deposit you on Rose Island, where visitors can tour the lighthouse museum. The entire establishment has been restored to reflect its original days of operation, and guests can then explore the beach and surrounding gardens. Back in Jamestown, guests will want to walk Narragansett Avenue and enjoy its many shops. Shops such as The Wickford Collection and Blossom Artisan Boutique feature coastal home goods and locally made jewelry.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic offers waterfront views and accommodations such as Harbor View Landing along the Mystic River. This luxury hotel is situated along the Mystic River and features luxurious cottages with stunning views of the waterfront. Towns along the New England coast have a long history with the ocean, and guests might want to learn more about seafaring during the Great Age of Sail at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Guests can meet artisans who built ships in the 19th century and learn how voyages were charted.
Visitors to the region can then set sail via Argia Mystic Cruises. Schooners launch from nearby Steamboat Wharf on two-hour cruises that offer clear views of the coast and information about local maritime history. And those interested in the surrounding region will want to visit Enders Island, where unique ocean views accompany St. Edmund's Retreat, a destination for those seeking peaceful moments of reflection.
Kent, Connecticut
Kent is quite unlike Mystic. This landlocked town is known for its rural scenery and many outdoor destinations. The Firefly Inn, located in the center of town, provides convenient access to nearby restaurants and shops. Nearby, spots such as the antiques store RT Facts or the gallery at Carol Corey Fine Art attract those seeking to buy a new sculpture for their home or enjoy a stroll along lines of exquisite paintings. Yet Kent is best known for its outdoor views, and Kent Falls State Park is among the most popular destinations in the area. It is home to one of Connecticut's tallest waterfalls and includes walking loops that can be enjoyed during a lovely New England Fall. Whether exploring downtown or the surrounding woods, Kent offers peaceful walks through classic New England scenery.
A Region for Every Kind of Traveler
The joy of New England is that there is so much to see, do, and learn. Nature lovers can enjoy walks by the Atlantic Ocean or the lakes further inland, while history lovers can learn about the unique history of Salem. Boats are available for heading out onto the lake, while scenic tours are also accessible by train. If you are looking for the perfect place to spend a three-day weekend, then New England should be your top choice.
