6 of The Most Overlooked Towns in New England

Home to some of the nation's hottest zip codes, New England is an enviable place to live and a revered destination in the US for worldwide tourists. Take a break from gravitating towards well-known destinations and look to the Northeast Harbor, the southern gateway to Acadia National Park. This must-visit national treasure must be seen at least once in a lifetime! There is nothing like turning post-adventures into a welcoming embrace of familiarity for locals and reliability for tourists. The overlooked towns boast a distinct advantage of pristine nature and low crowds, which delivers the most authentic New England experience, starting with Block Island, a largely undeveloped and overlooked paradise for tourists.

Block Island, Rhode Island

Hidden by nature, Block Island is a migratory stop for vast bird species, and Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Bill Clinton fell in love with its picturesque ocean views. Exuding quaintness from every pore, it inspires a release from urbanity for those who stumble upon the island. Stay president-style at the historic Atlantic Inn, nearby sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and crystal-clear Sachem Pond of the 46-acre National Wildlife Refuge. The low-key vibes extend into the sparsely populated downtown, with notable inns and waterfront restaurants along boutique-lined streets and views of the spectacular cliffs.

Block Island feels as unspoiled as your childhood vacation, free from noise and distractions—just the quaintness of the pristine white-sand beaches and uncrowded nature trails like those from Rodman’s Hollow. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this 230-acre glacial outwash basin, rich with fauna and flora, is a full-day hiking activity. Discover history at the 120-acre Lewis-Dickens Farm Wildlife Refuge or stroll along the coastal meadows with raptors and falcons overhead in their habitat. Families can meet camels, llamas, and lemurs at the nearby 1661 Farm & Gardens, with thirty miles of hiking trails around, or explore Mohegan Bluffs and take 141 steps down to a beautiful, secluded beach.

Jonesport, Maine

Often overlooked, Jonesport is the perfect alternative to Maine's famous bunch of towns known worldwide. Cute as button, this classic New England gem mixes the all-American vibes with attractions for families and Atlantic Ocean views without the crowds. From its beautiful beach with schooners, adventurers can enjoy a choice of water sports or set off on a relaxing three-hour boat sail with Coastal Cruises that will keep you anything but zoned out. Have your eyes peeled and cameras ready for the maneuvering journey along some remote coves, as if a hand-reach away, and pretty angles of the town with attractions.

Don't miss the opportunity for a close and personal experience at the historic, operating Moose Peak Lighthouse on Mistake Island, where the adorable seals basking on exposed rocks add a lively vibe and birds like the great blue herons overhead. Home to only 1,259 residents, this town sees a handful of summertime tourists for all the coastal Maine vibes in a more relaxed environment to enjoy natural and cultural landmarks like Beals Island and the interesting Maine Coast Sardine History Museum. Enjoy a leisurely round at one of the two nearby golf courses, and find your perfect stay at the most popular Blueberry Patch Motel & Cabins.

Keene, New Hampshire

Keene is hidden within the heart of New Hampshire, with nature on all sides, which makes it easily overlooked away from the bustling crowds. From the waterfront Greater Goose Pond Forest to a lush golf course and Wheelock Park with colorful playground equipment, Otter Brook Lake could be the most serene sight you have seen in a long time. Additionally, the countryside outdoor recreation and lakeside lounging are all within minutes of access. Monadnock Region is just a drive away from extensive hiking trails, scenic drives, and more adventures.

Keene, a convenient escape that is the last thing from a tourist trap, will keep your whole family busy and entertained on a memorable stay. Don't miss its historic touchstone, built in 1806, the Horatio Colony House Museum, which reveals the town's unique history, and seek some evening entertainment at the Historic Colonial Theatre over a renowned live performance, concert, or an occasional film. For unique treasures, keepsakes, souvenirs, and oddities for your house decor or rare finds collection, the historic downtown is a trove of shops and antiquing, particularly through its famous Hannah Grimes Marketplace.

Marblehead, Massachusetts

Just a quick drive south from the "Witch capital" of Massachusetts, Marblehead takes Salem's gimmick and raises it with a spectacular peninsular location, prevailing with a calm atmosphere. Once just a small fishing town on the North Shore, it is a magnificent escape for boaters, knees-deep in every aspect of the sailing craft and the claim to the birthplace of the American Navy. From the beaches and town greens to the sprawling Steer Swamp Conservation Area to the north, don't miss the fantastic pier and playground near Stramski's Beach on the west shore or the old Fort Sewall landmark right across along the west coast.

Marblehead's narrow, winding streets have a time-warp vibe with historic buildings and access to the water on three sides. Accessible via Ocean Ave across the "Neck" right from the town's most popular Devereux Beach, Castle Rock Park, and Chandler Hovey Park, take your getaway to the next level, including panoramic views of the rocky shores and Marblehead Light. Back on the mainland, the Landing serves literally on the water and what is fresh from the water; hit Maddie's Sail Loft for more seafood and drinks, while Driftwood is a great breakfast spot for the next morning.

Northeast Harbor, Maine

This town on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island offers a slower and more relaxed vibe than Bar Harbor, which often tops the list as the most popular small towns to visit in the entire state. Just south of Acadia National Park, the island town is the best idea for anyone seeking a base with a less crowded feel, even in the high summer season. Northeast Harbor reveals its Maine coastal appeal, where you get thrown into a sense of "understated class,” or the next best thing after the renowned natural attractions of the island. Visitors can take advantage of the low traffic and rent a bike in town to paddle through "old" New England, which feels locked in time with a concentration of mom-and-pop stores and antique shops.

Appreciate the quiet streets and easy-going locals, with welcoming spots to browse, like attractive boutiques and some great galleries, cafes, and restaurants on Main Street. At the same time, Sea Street leads to the photogenic harbor with yachts. Even the one-time residents like Rockefellers and Astors enjoyed these stunning harbor views. Since then, the town has not lost its allure but has added attractions like the popular Sea Princess Cruises and the Docksider, a restaurant with a great seafood selection, including fantastic chowder. Don't miss Colonel's Restaurant for everything from a solid breakfast to fill up before adventures through the national park venture to a quick lobster roll in between shopping and its donuts to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Putney, Vermont

Unique and postcard-perfect, with natural beauty and authentic New England appeal that can rival any other, Putney remains an under-the-radar Vermont town. With a few surprises up its sleeve, it is a fun alternative, perfect for families to get away without crowds or lineups at some notable attractions. Everyone, one way or another, by word of mouth or previously heard-of spot, winds up at the must-visit Putney General Store, the oldest in Vermont, from 1796. From picnic supplies to miscellaneous, it is an indulgent foodie destination for fresh-baked pastries and specialty sandwiches, but also homemade burritos, pizzas, and salads.

Home to only 450, this truly year-round community, where life slows down and time rewinds, welcomes families with historical appeal and leisurely pursuits like browsing for novelty gifts and outdoor activities along the by-flowing Connecticut River and Green Mountain Orchards within the city proper. Don't miss the delightful Putney Mountain Winery for wine and spirits. At the same time, culture fans enjoy visiting the Yellow Barn, a live music venue, and the Next Stage Arts Project, among other attractions like Harlow's Sugar House and Santa's Land.

With painstaking natural splendor without the overbearing crowds, this handful of undiscovered gems shines through the eyes of the locals, the curious, and the adventurous. Whether seeking historical reminiscence, cultural immersion, or outdoor adventures, these towns deliver unique and memorable experiences with a less crowded and undiscovered edge over the more famous destinations. Find these "hidden" destinations right in your own backyard and enjoy Marblehead's rocky shores with a lighthouse just south of Salem or take a trip to Keene, with its historic allure and oddities to browse, right in the heart of New Hampshire!