8 Adorable Small Towns in New England to Visit in 2024
From the Mayflower landing to the Salem Witch Trials, New England is rightfully famous for its fascinating and colorful past. Paired with a spirited coastal culture and vibrant landscapes in every season, it is no wonder so many of the region’s states welcome millions of visitors each and every year.
Whether planning ahead for a winter of skiing at a mountainside inn or opting for a more spontaneous beach day, this diverse region has something for every traveler’s needs. And while New England has some truly glorious cities, the 8 small towns on this list are so adorable that they may just inspire you to add more New England towns to your travel bucket list in the near future.
Newport, Rhode Island
Once called “America’s First Resort,” the Aquidneck Island town of Newport, Rhode Island has been a charming retreat for nearly 400 years. Situated in Narragansett Bay, the town is a vision of elegance and natural splendor, famous for its Gilded Age mansions and pristine outdoors. And while it once welcomed a more affluent summer crowd, today it has transformed to a gorgeous getaway for all.
For stunning views right from your car, a ride down Ocean Drive is the perfect way to set the scene for your stay. With 10 miles of stunning coastline, the journey is both a tranquil entry and departure from Newport. For a more close-up view of the coast, paired with views of the town’s greatest Gilded Age structures, Newport's 3.5-mile Cliff Walk is an enchanting alternative. As the very first designated National Recreation Trail in all of New England, the views will not disappoint.
As for the Newport Mansions, if you are wondering if the grandeur extends to their interior, you can see for yourself on a mansion tour. Tripadvisor rates the Marble House mansion tour #7 of 117 things to do in Newport, and the late 1800s stone palace is as opulent as they come. Other notable mansions for touring include The Breakers (arguably the grandest historic mansion in Newport) and The Elms, an equally exquisite estate designed and modeled after the mid-18th century French chateau d'Asnieres.
Bristol, Rhode Island
For a slightly more laid-back Rhode Island town, the inviting seaside community of Bristol offers the perfect blend of quintessential New England charms. Located on the east side of Narragansett Bay, with 14 parks and miles upon miles of scenic coastline, the sights and experiences in Bristol will have you relaxed and enchanted well before your visit is through.
Colt State Park, often called the “Gem of the State Parks System,” is one of Bristol’s highlight attractions. With panoramic views of the bay, historic stone walls, and 464 acres of pristine garden lawns, picnics and photo ops are a thing of beauty here. More active parkgoers can also take advantage of the countless scenic hiking paths and kayak launches. And to make a day of the area’s attractions, right next door, visitors can try out the Bristol Town Beach or Coggeshall Farm Museum.
Elsewhere in town, historic charms extend to sites like Blithewood, “An American Garden Treasure.” From rare plants and romantic stonework to the enchanting and mysterious 45-room mansion, the 33-acre estate is as beautiful as it is fascinating. Visit throughout the year or mark your calendars for their special events like the Blithewold Annual Family Clambake, happening August 22nd, 2024.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Over in southern Maine, Kennebunkport is another gorgeous coastal town with a resounding history and a vibrant beach culture. Amazingly, with less than 4,000 locals, the population swells to 10 times its normal size during peak tourist season. Whether booking a whale watching tour with First Chance Whale Watch, sampling soulful seafood at Nunan's Lobster Hut, or planning a beach day with the family, Kennebunkport's coastal atmosphere is delightful in every way.
Families with young children generally prefer Mothers’ Beach for its tidal pools and playground, while Gooch’s Beach—the town’s largest shore—is by far the most popular. With plenty of white sand to go around and waves perfect for surfing, the shore offers that classic small beach town atmosphere that keeps beachgoers coming back year after year.
Beyond Kennebunkport’s award-winning shores, visiting the town’s historic coastal attractions is another must. Highlights like the Seashore Trolley Museum, Goat Island Lighthouse, and Sea Captain’s Mansions along Ocean Avenue excite all who pass through.
Camden, Maine
Making our way to mid-coast Maine on Penobscot Bay, the scenic town of Camden awaits with plenty of ways to unwind and relax. Like Newport, its origins are tied to affluent summer visitors in the late 19th century, and its reputation as a summer refuge remains to this day. Thankfully, many of the private manors and mansions have since been converted to cozy bed and breakfasts, meaning people from all over can appreciate the splendors of this adorable coastal town. Abigail's Inn, Blackberry Inn, and the Timbercliffe Cottage Ocean View Inn are just a few accommodations worth checking out.
Aside from where you rest your head, the town’s beauty beckons with natural views, a thriving arts scene, and some of the best waterfront eateries in the state. For nature lovers, Camden Hills State Park is an obvious first choice, but Laite Memorial Beach and Megunticook Lake (Maine’s cleanest body of water) are equally worthwhile. And for those who appreciate the arts, dinner and a show is a Camden specialty. Grab a bite at Camden’s Waterfront Restaurant before catching a show at the acclaimed Camden Opera House or Camden Amphitheater.
Williamstown, Massachusetts
If the arts intrigue you, idyllic Williamstown, Massachusetts, is one of the best New England towns for just that. Home to the Tony-awarded Williamstown Theatre Festival and Clark Art Institute, whether you come to see a show or explore the museum’s famous exhibits, both experiences are highly recommended. This year, the festival will take place July 2nd through August 10th, and the institute’s galleries are a year-round delight.
For those looking to enjoy the artistry of Mother Nature, Williamstown’s outdoors will inspire any nature lover. Taconic Trail State Park is the most popular, known for its stunning wildflower meadows and rustic camping. Paths like the RRR Brooks Trail carry hikers along a gentle uphill stretch with a stunning lookout about 1.5 miles in. For a flatter route, the 2600-acre Hopkins Memorial Forest is a lovely alternative passing through towering trees, open fields, and the aptly named “Sugar Shack” maple syrup production building.
North Conway, New Hampshire
Encircled by mountains and sweeping woodlands, the underrated village of North Conway, New Hampshire, is perfect for those craving a more secluded place to unplug. As a gateway to 700,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest and Mount Washington (the tallest peak in the northeast region), North Conway is an outdoor playground in all seasons.
Whether skiing at the Cranmore Mountain Resort in the winter or hiking the trails at Echo Lake State Park in the spring, summer, or fall, North Conway may be small, but its sights and experiences are larger than life. Aside from the lake itself, the Cathedral Ledge hike from Echo Lake is one of the park’s more popular features, with fabulous views of the wooded mountain landscape. For a more mellow view of the surrounding scenery, visitors can book a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad to take in as many sights as possible or trek to Diana’s Baths, a series of waterfalls in the White Mountains.
Meredith, New Hampshire
Located in New Hampshire’s mighty Lakes Region, like many towns on this list, the cozy town of Meredith is a thriving resort destination. With several vast lakes bordering the town, waterfront views are in high supply. For the best views of the water, Meredith is also a port for MS Mount Washington, a historic paddle steamer that provides dinner cruises and narrated tours of beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee.
For further exploration of Lake Winnipesaukee, visitors can check out the Stonedam Island Natural Area. Spanning 112 acres with nearly 3 miles of pristine shoreline, there is truly no better place to reconnect with nature. The area also features an intricate trail network leading to various highlights of the island, from the Swamp Loop Trail to the Main Lake Loop Trail and even a pleasant Picnic Trail. Back in town, Meredith’s commercial center (Meredith Village) is also right along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, offering lovely lakeside dining and shopping options like Town Docks Restaurant and the Mill Falls Marketplace.
Stowe, Vermont
In northern Vermont, Stowe is another adorable mountain town with plenty to see and do in all seasons. Overlooked by Mount Mansfield (the tallest mountain in the state), this “Ski Capital of the East” has lured explorers, hikers, and skiers since the early 1800s. The acclaimed Stowe Mountain Resort is a wonderland of fun in the wintertime, with 13 lifts, 116 ski trails, and world-class snow grooming.
From mid-June through mid-October, the famous Stowe Gondola is the perfect way to see the mountainside with a birds-eye view. Visitors can also use the ride to access the mountain’s higher hiking trails, like the Cliff Trail. Other popular activities from June through October include hikes to Bingham Falls on its namesake trail and exploring Smugglers' Notch State Park for views of the iconic Smuggler’s Notch, a slender pass through the Green Mountains.
Final Thoughts
From Boston to Providence and everywhere in between, New England’s glorious cities can sometimes overshadow the region’s smaller towns and attractions. But if hospitality, gorgeous natural views, and unique historic stories are what you are after, look no further than the 8 adorable New England towns on this list. Whether touring Newport’s grandiose mansion museums or breathing in the wide open airs of Meredith for a day on the lake, your adventure can be whatever you want it to be. Only 1 thing is certain: you will leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to plan your next New England getaway.
