5 Best things to do in New England this Summer
When it comes to the 5 best things to do in New England, you can imagine what may fill the list.
From hunting down the best lobster roll (hot and buttered of course), spending a weekend by the lake, or taking in an epic view of a nearby lighthouse; summertime in New England simply can’t be beat.
And while there’s a lot to see and do here all year round, if you’re visiting during the Summer months, there are a few essential things to put on your list. And to make this list extra special, every suggestion you’re about to read came right from a local, so you’ll be sure to have the best experience.
So let’s get to it! Here are the 5 Best things to do in New England this Summer.
Eat at the Clam Shack & Picnic at Salem Willows (Salem, Massachusetts)
Fresh popcorn, classic arcade games, and ocean views are just some of what you’ll find while visiting Salem Willows. “The Willows” has plenty of space to set up for the perfect Summer day on your trip to New England.
One of the highlights of any visit is eating at the Clam Shack, which is worth the wait in line — trust me! Known for its fresh seafood, lunch or dinner there is a must. Locals specifically recommend the fried haddock, lobster roll, and of course, the fried clams.
Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy your meal overlooking the ocean. Do be mindful of the seagulls though because they love a french fry.
On your way out, be sure to grab a bag of homemade popcorn from E.W. Hobbs. Your Salem Willows experience won’t be complete without that.
Spend a weekend at Lake Winnipesaukee (Meredith, New Hampshire)
The lakes region of New Hampshire, sitting at the foothills of the White Mountains, offers spectacular views and is the perfect place to plan a weekend getaway. When booking you’ll have your choice of hotels, campgrounds, resorts, and home rentals. Planning ahead is key for a weekend at Lake Winni, as many places fill up for the summer by May.
As the largest lake in New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee stretches over 21 miles. Surrounded by charming towns, there’s something for everyone.
Zipline from the summit to base at the Gunstock Mountain Resort while taking in the incredible views. Take a stroll around the maze of shops at Mills Falls Marketplace in Meredith, NH. Relax at Weirs beach in Laconia for the day, or head back at night for their drive-in movie experience.
Kayak at Sunset (Beverly, Massachusetts)
Looking for a relaxing way to end your day with an amazing view? Give a sunset kayak a try!
Held on various dates throughout the summer, Coast to Coast paddle welcomes both beginners and advanced kayakers to the best of what summer in New England has to offer.
From your kayak you can expect a classic New England landscape, complete with beaches, beautiful sea-weathered homes, and rocky coastlines. Or, opt for a tour along a local river, where you can take in forests, wetlands, and wildlife.
For more fun, Coast to Coast also offers SUP (standup paddle) yoga classes with the ocean as your studio, and even a Paddle and Pints tour with stand up paddleboarding followed by a stop at a local brewery.
So whether you want to take a sunset cruise around the coast, or to bring your workout routine to the water, Coast to Coast Paddle has you covered.
Tour a Lighthouse (York Beach, Maine)
We couldn’t continue this list of the 10 best things to do in New England this summer without a lighthouse, could we? Located near the popular York Beach, Maine’s Nubble lighthouse offers that classic oceanfront charm in spades.
As the most photographed lighthouse in New England, Nubble stands on its own island surrounded by a rocky coastline, beaming in a classic white and red. As a visitor to this iconic site, you’ll find parking at Sohier Park, and a viewpoint for the lighthouse from the shore.
After taking in the lighthouse, relax at the nearby LongShore Beach. Do some local shopping in the quaint shops, or make a visit to the Wiggly Bridge Distillery for small batch selections of whiskeys, bourbons, vodkas, and rums.
Do the Cliff Walk (Newport, Rhode Island)
Known for its 19th Century mansions nestled on the coast, Newport, RI is a must stop on any trip to New England. On the Eastern shore of Newport, you’ll find the Cliff Walk: a public walking path with stunning views from end to end.
The Cliff Walk can be done in sections, or in its entirety of 3.5 miles. Some areas of the path offer easy walking conditions, while others are rugged. So it’s best to plan out what part of the walk you want to do, and wear the right shoes if you plan to venture on the tougher terrain. Be sure to make a stop at The 40 Steps for the best photo and more unobstructed ocean views.
Take in the incredible mansions along the path, built during America’s Gilded age. Make a mental note to come back during the Christmas season, as all the mansions are beautifully adorned for the holidays.
From the best food to the most amazing views, these 5 best things to do in New England this summer will be sure to make any trip a memorable one.
Which one of these will you do this summer? Share in the comments sections below
