6 of the Most Walkable Towns in New England
New England is located in the Northeastern United States and is a region rich in history and diverse geography. Comprising six states - Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut - it’s best best-known for its scenic landscapes, ranging from rugged coastlines and picturesque villages to dense forests and rolling hills. One of the corners of the continent to be settled by Europeans, the region played a pivotal role in early American history, from the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts to its influential participation in the American Revolution.
New England has managed to retain much of its historical charm, particularly in its many attractive small towns, most of which are perfect for exploring on foot. From charming Newport, Rhode Island, renowned for its historic mansion and scenic waterfront, to Portsmouth in New Hampshire, famous for its well-preserved colonial, each of these six most walkable towns in New England is waiting to be wandered.
Newport, Rhode Island
The seaside town of Newport is not only charming, it’s of great historical significance. Established in the 17th century and boasting a very walkable downtown area, it’s here visitors will find the Newport Mansions, a collection of 11 elegant Gilded Age estates managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Three of them - The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff - are open for tours and are within easy walking distance of one another. For stunning views not only of these homes but out over the Atlantic Ocean, take a stroll along the 3.5-mile-long Cliff Walk from Belmont Beach.
Newport's downtown area, centered around Thames Street, is also fun to explore on foot. Make a beeline for Bowen's Wharf and Bannister's Wharf, two popular spots for shopping and dining. The town is also known as the "Sailing Capital of the World" and Newport Harbor hosts numerous sailing events, including the prestigious Newport-Bermuda Race. Visitors can take sailing tours, go on harbor cruises, or simply spend time enjoying the bustling waterfront of this immensely walkable town.
Mystic, Connecticut
The picturesque coastal town of Mystic in Connecticut offers a walkable environment filled with attractions that draw visitors year-round. The Mystic Seaport Museum is a great place to start and features a recreated 19th-century coastal village complete with historic ships, including the 1841 whaling ship the Charles W. Morgan, and interactive exhibits that bring America's seafaring past to life.
From here it’s just a 25-minute walk to the Mystic Aquarium with its extensive collection of marine life, including beluga whales, sea lions, and African penguins, as well as interactive exhibits including fun touch tanks and animal encounters. Mystic's downtown area with its quaint shops, restaurants, and historic buildings is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Be sure to include the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, a working drawbridge built in 1922 that’s still in use today.
Brattleboro, Vermont
Brattleboro’s location along the Connecticut River makes this Vermont town especially fun to wander on foot. One of Brattleboro's standout attractions is the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC). Located in a historic train station, BMAC features contemporary art exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs and also showcases the work of both local and international artists. Interested in performing arts? Check out the schedule at the Latchis Theatre, a historic Art Deco venue built in 1938 that hosts a variety of performances from live music to Broadway shows and film screenings.
Include a Main Street stroll on your Brattleboro itinerary, with must-visits including Brattleboro Common, a pleasant green space with a charming gazebo. For a workout of a walk, hit the trails from the downtown area through the historic Brattleboro Retreat Cemetery to the hilltop Retreat Tower, part of a former asylum that was built in 1887.
Bar Harbor Maine
Visitors will also want to take their best walking shoes to Bar Harbor. This island town in Maine serves as a jumping-off point for explorations of Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. This area of outstanding natural beauty offers plenty of outdoor fun including hiking and biking, as well as scenic drives. Popular trails such as the Precipice Trail and Cadillac Mountain Summit (the highest point on the East Coast) provide superb views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic.
Bar Harbor’s downtown and waterfront areas are also fun for a wander. Downtown Bar Harbor is charming and walkable, with highlights including the village green and the Abbe Museum with its exhibits relating to the history and culture of the Wabanaki people, the indigenous tribes of the area. Keep those walking shoes on and head along the scenic Shore Path which begins near the town pier and provides stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands.
Burlington Vermont
Burlington is a great spot to visit for those wanting to explore Vermont’s beautiful Lake Champlain region. Fun things to do on foot here include wandering the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only area in downtown Burlington that’s busy with street performers and festivals. Burlington Waterfront Park is another highlight. Located along the shores of Lake Champlain, it features walking and biking paths, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains. The Burlington Bike Path, which runs through the park, is a favorite for both locals and visitors and offers a scenic route along the lake.
For those interested in the arts, the Flynn Center is a must-visit. This historic theater hosts a wide range of performances including concerts, theater productions, and dance performances, while just a short stroll away, the Burlington City Arts Center (BCA) showcases contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events. Burlington Farmers Market, held every Saturday in City Hall Park, is also fun for a stroll.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The historic town of Portsmouth in New Hampshire is popular for its well-preserved colonial architecture as well as its picturesque waterfront along the Piscataqua River. Market Square is the heart of downtown Portsmouth and is a great place to begin a walkabout. It’s also often busy with events, street performers, and farmers' markets. For art and culture enthusiasts, the Music Hall is a must-visit. Dating back to 1878, it continues to host concerts and theatrical performances.
Prescott Park, located along the waterfront, offers beautifully landscaped gardens, picnic areas, and stunning views of the river. The park is also home to the Prescott Park Arts Festival, which features outdoor theater productions, concerts, and other cultural events throughout the summer. Another must-visit is the Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum that spans 10 acres and features restored historic homes, gardens, and costumed interpreters who bring over 300 years of New England history to life.
The Final Word
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Northeastern USA, New England is a treasure trove of extremely walkable small towns to explore. From Newport to Mystic, Brattleboro to Bar Harbour, and Burlington to Portsmouth, these picturesque communities offer adventurous travelers plenty of history and stunning scenery to discover. So put on those walking shoes and explore these six most walkable towns in New England.
