Things to do in New England Coast
Discover the best attractions and experiences New England Coast has to offer
Historic Monuments
Discover enduring traces of New England’s past along its coast, from colonial houses to grand coastal forts.
Paul Revere House
A preserved 17th-century house in Boston, once home to the midnight rider and a symbol of colonial Boston.
The Breakers
Gilded-age mansion in Newport with grand architecture and ocean views.
Fort Adams State Park
Historic coastal fort in Newport that played key roles in maritime defense and military history.
Museums
Explore maritime and art collections that celebrate New England’s coastal culture.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
One of the country's largest art museums with a diverse collection spanning ancient to contemporary works.
Mystic Seaport Museum
America’s leading maritime museum in Mystic, offering ship restorations, exhibits, and a living village.
Portland Museum of Art
Coastal Maine museum notable for American and European art and a strong contemporary program.
Religious Monuments
Explore iconic churches and synagogues that reflect the region’s diverse faith heritage by the sea.
Old North Church
Historic Boston church famed for the signal 'one if by land, two if by sea' during the American Revolution.
Trinity Church
Iconic church by Copley Square with Gothic Revival architecture and coastal city history.
Touro Synagogue (Newport)
Oldest standing synagogue in the United States, a symbol of Newport’s diverse religious history.
National & Theme Parks
A range of national parks and seashores showcase New England’s rugged coastline and scenic beauty.
Acadia National Park
Maine’s famous coastal park with mountains, rugged shores, and Cadillac Mountain views.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Protects miles of beaches, salt marshes, and dunes along Massachusetts’ cape.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
A chain of islands offering urban-seaside escapes with trails, beaches, and picnic spots.
Neighborhoods
Historic districts and waterfront quarters where cobblestones, seafood shacks, and skyline silhouettes collide.
The North End (Boston)
Historic Italian neighborhood known for narrow streets, bakeries, and waterfront views.
Back Bay (Boston)
Stylish Victorian architecture and shops along the Charles River and Commonwealth Avenue.
Old Port (Portland, Maine)
Quaint waterfront district with cobblestone streets, seafood shacks, and harbor views.
Free Things to Do
Take in the coast without spending a dime—strolls, trails, and public viewpoints abound.
Freedom Trail (Boston)
A 2.5-mile red-brick route linking 16 historic sites around downtown Boston.
Newport Cliff Walk
Public walkway along Newport’s shoreline offering dramatic ocean vistas.
Portland Head Light viewpoint
Picture-perfect lighthouse setting in Cape Elizabeth; prime for sunsets and photos.
Gastronomy
Seafood staples and regional specialties define a coastal culinary journey.
Maine lobster roll
Fresh lobster tucked into a buttered bun, a Maine seaside classic.
New England clam chowder
Creamy, hearty soup with potatoes and clams, a regional staple.
Rhode Island clam cakes
Crispy fried cakes made from sea-clam batter, often served with tartar sauce.
Nightlife
Coastal towns glow after dark with bars, live music, and harborfront venues.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Boston)
Bustling downtown venue with bars, live music, and riverfront energy.
Old Port nightlife (Portland, ME)
Eclectic bars and live music scenes along Portland’s harborfront.
Newport waterfront venues
Seasonal bars and seaside lounges with ocean views and summer vibes.
Entertainment
The coastal circuit hosts top performances—from theaters to summer festivals.
Ogunquit Playhouse
Historic summer stock theatre offering acclaimed Broadway-caliber productions.
Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall
World-class symphony performances in a grand Boston concert hall.
Newport Jazz Festival
Iconic summer festival presenting top jazz artists on the Rhode Island coast.
Sports
Catch a game or take in local athletic events with a salty breeze.
Fenway Park (Boston)
Home of the Boston Red Sox, an iconic baseball experience along the riverfront.
TD Garden (Boston)
Venue for Celtics and Bruins games with a lively indoor atmosphere.
Portland Sea Dogs (Hadlock Field, Portland)
Minor league baseball featuring family-friendly games by the harbor.
Off the Track
Dive deeper with lighthouse tours, whale watching, and scenic rail trails.
Lighthouse tours (Portland Head Light, Nubble Light)
Explore iconic lighthouses along the coast and learn their stories.
Gloucester whale watching
Coastal whale watching trips from Gloucester to glimpse humpbacks and fin whales.
Cape Cod Rail Trail cycling
Scenic bike route that runs through towns along Cape Cod’s coastline.