There’s something magical about a New England summer. From charming harbor towns and sandy beaches to fresh seafood, scenic waterfront walks, and historic landmarks, the coastline offers countless opportunities for memorable day trips.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon by the water, a family-friendly adventure, or a weekend escape close to home, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite coastal destinations across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine.
And for our Metrowest readers, be sure to check out the Bonus Summer Day Trips from Metrowest section at the end of this guide, featuring local favorites that are perfect for a summer outing closer to home.
Pack a beach bag, grab your camera, and hit the road. These New England gems are waiting to be explored.
Massachusetts Coastal Getaways
Rockport, MA
Why Visit: Art galleries, harbor views, fresh seafood, and classic New England charm.
Don’t Miss: Bearskin Neck, Motif No. 1, Halibut Point State Park, and Rockport Harbor.
Gloucester, MA
Why Visit: America’s oldest seaport with a vibrant waterfront and beautiful beaches.
Don’t Miss: Good Harbor Beach, Fisherman’s Memorial, Rocky Neck Art Colony, and harbor cruises.
Newburyport, MA
Why Visit: Historic waterfront, boutique shopping, and Merrimack River views.
Don’t Miss: Waterfront Boardwalk, Market Square, harbor cruises, and Plum Island.
Salem, MA
Why Visit: Rich history, waterfront dining, and coastal charm beyond Halloween season.
Don’t Miss: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Pickering Wharf, Derby Wharf Lighthouse, and downtown Salem.
Hingham, MA
Why Visit: Historic waterfront, shopping, dining, and harbor views.
Don’t Miss: Hingham Harbor, Hingham Shipyard, World’s End Reservation, and downtown Hingham.
Duxbury, MA
Why Visit: Beautiful beaches and classic South Shore scenery.
Don’t Miss: Duxbury Beach, Powder Point Bridge, historic downtown, and waterfront dining.
Plymouth, MA
Why Visit: Historic attractions combined with a lively harbor district.
Don’t Miss: Plymouth Waterfront, Plymouth Harbor, Pilgrim Memorial State Park, and local seafood spots.
Falmouth, MA
Why Visit: Cape Cod charm, beaches, biking, and ferries to Martha’s Vineyard.
Don’t Miss: Shining Sea Bikeway, Woods Hole, Main Street, and Falmouth Heights Beach.
Woods Hole, MA
Why Visit: A picturesque waterfront village known for science, boating, and island ferries.
Don’t Miss: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Martha’s Vineyard ferry terminal, waterfront walking paths, and aquarium exhibits.
Sandwich, MA
Why Visit: Cape Cod’s oldest town, known for history, gardens, beaches, and coastal beauty.
Don’t Miss: Sandwich Boardwalk, Heritage Museums & Gardens, the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, and downtown Sandwich.
Hyannis, MA
Why Visit: The heart of Cape Cod with harbor activity, shopping, dining, and ferry access.
Don’t Miss: Hyannis Harbor, Main Street shops and restaurants, the JFK Hyannis Museum, and ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Harwich Port, MA
Why Visit: A charming Cape village with beaches, boutiques, seafood spots, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Don’t Miss: Bank Street Beach, Harwich Port village center, local seafood restaurants, and harbor views.
Chatham, MA
Why Visit: One of Cape Cod’s most picturesque seaside towns.
Don’t Miss: Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Main Street shopping, seal watching, and the Fish Pier.
Provincetown, MA
Why Visit: Beaches, art galleries, whale watching, and a vibrant waterfront.
Don’t Miss: Commercial Street, Race Point Beach, Pilgrim Monument, and whale watching tours.
Connecticut Coastal Gems
Mystic, CT
Why Visit: Historic maritime village, waterfront dining, shopping, and family-friendly attractions.
Don’t Miss: Mystic Seaport Museum, Olde Mistick Village, the downtown drawbridge, and Mystic River views.
Essex, CT
Why Visit: A quintessential Connecticut River town filled with charm and history.
Don’t Miss: Essex Steam Train, Connecticut River Museum, Main Street shops, and waterfront dining.
Rhode Island Escapes
Newport, RI
Why Visit: Mansions, ocean views, sailing culture, and cliffside walks.
Don’t Miss: Cliff Walk, The Breakers, Ocean Drive, and Bowen’s Wharf.
Bristol, RI
Why Visit: Coastal beauty, history, and a charming waterfront downtown.
Don’t Miss: Bristol Harbor, Colt State Park, Independence Park, and historic downtown.
New Hampshire & Maine Adventures
Portsmouth, NH
Why Visit: Historic downtown, harbor views, restaurants, and shopping.
Don’t Miss: Prescott Park, Market Square, Strawbery Banke Museum, and harbor cruises.
Ogunquit, ME
Why Visit: Beautiful beaches, scenic walks, and classic Maine coastal charm.
Don’t Miss: Marginal Way, Perkins Cove, Ogunquit Beach, and fresh seafood.
Bonus Summer Day Trips from Metrowest
Not every summer adventure has to lead to the coast. For our Metrowest readers, these local favorites offer gardens, trails, animals, history, swimming, and scenic places to explore close to home.
Walden Pond, Concord: Swimming, hiking, kayaking, and literary history.
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Fruitlands Museum, Harvard: Art, history, walking trails, and stunning views.
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New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston: Beautiful gardens, seasonal exhibits, and scenic walking paths.
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Southwick’s Zoo, Mendon: A family-friendly destination featuring animals, rides, and attractions.
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Hopkinton State Park: Swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking.
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Purgatory Chasm, Sutton: Unique rock formations and hiking trails.
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The Butterfly Place, Westford: An indoor butterfly conservatory perfect for families.
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Davis Farmland, Sterling: A summer favorite for families with young children.
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Nashoba Valley Winery, Bolton: Wine tastings, orchard views, and outdoor dining.
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Garden in the Woods, Framingham: A beautiful native plant garden and peaceful nature escape.
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Make This Summer One to Remember
One of the best parts of living in New England is having so many incredible destinations just a short drive away. Whether you’re exploring a seaside village, enjoying fresh seafood on the water, relaxing on the beach, or discovering a hidden gem closer to home, these day trips offer the perfect way to make the most of summer.
Wherever the season takes you, we hope this guide inspires your next New England adventure.