8 Prettiest Towns to Visit in New England in 2024
With a rich colonial history dating back to the 17th century, New England stands as one of the most fascinating and historic regions in the United States. This area is home to towns brimming with historic architecture, traditional lighthouses, scenic beaches, seafood, state parks, lakes, and much more. Among these gorgeous towns are Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Castine, Maine; and Manchester, Vermont, where centuries-old history, culture, and natural landmarks have been carefully preserved, offering visitors an abundance of opportunities to experience New England in 2024.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is full of history, with a historic district featuring buildings dating back to the 17th century and chosen as one of the United States Distinctive Destinations by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the town's history by visiting landmarks such as Governor John Langdon's House, from the post-Revolutinary War period, or the Portsmouth Historical Society, which features exhibits and arts that highlight the town's past.
Also along the coast, visitors can enjoy the sun, picnicking, and fishing at one one of the town's nearby islands, such as Pierce Island or Four Tree Island. The town is brimming with delicious restaurant options to conclude the day, featuring fine dining locations such as Ristorante Massimo or Atlantic Grill.
Castine, Maine
Although Castine is home to only about 900 residents, it is abundant in history, recreational activities, shopping, and restaurants. The town’s history dates back some 400 years, filled with Federal Revival and Greek Architecture. It also offers all sorts of recreational activities, including sailing and kayaking around the town’s harbor, as well as golf or tennis at one of the town’s clubs open to the public. The Dyce Head Lighthouse is only a short footpath away, dating back to the 1800s and showcasing the historic New England lighthouse architecture. The afternoon is a perfect time to visit Castine’s village of shops and galleries before stopping by the Pentagoet Inn Wine Bar for a glass of wine and a bite to eat!
Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont, is a small town in the Green Mountains that perfectly portrays New England’s historic charm. Visitors can immerse themselves in its history through all sorts of diverse activities, such as playing pinball on its set of 60 vintage machines, visiting a 1905 mansion once owned by the Lincoln Family, or appreciating art at one of its many galleries, such as the Southern Vermont Arts Center.
To fuel up for the day, travelers can grab breakfast and coffee at one of Manchester’s cozy coffee shops, such as Charlie's Coffee House, and later grab lunch or dinner at one of its quaint restaurants, such as The Copper Grouse, which perfectly captures Manchester’s charm.
Meredith, New Hampshire
Sitting on Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire, Meredith is a beautiful lake town full of outdoor recreational activities and cozy places to dine and lodge. For those wishing to enjoy the sunshine, Leavitt Beach is a sandy beach with lots to do. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, picnicking, and barbecuing. Those wanting to spend a day on the lake can also rent a boat from one of the marinas.
Feeling nostalgic? “Camp” is a cozy restaurant to visit after a day on the lake, featuring a rustic environment and food that will remind its guests of their days in summer camp. Those craving a fine dining environment can head to Lago, featuring breathtaking views on the water at Bay Point and mouthwatering food.
Newburyport, Massachusets
Just 35 miles north of Boston, Newburyport is a laid-back, historic town along the coast with many attractions to explore. History lovers can visit the Historic Plum Lighthouse or take a tour of the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, which dates back to the 1690s! It is definitely worth checking out the town’s calendar, as they frequently put on cultural and art events such as an annual Oktoberfest, art walks, film festivals, and theater performances. Filled with small businesses, shoppers can also stroll through the town’s many shops and boutiques, which include jewely stores, home decor, clothing boutiques, wine shops, and more.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Situated between Mt. Hope Bay and Narragansett, Bristol is rich in history, recreation, and maritime activities. Featuring multiple iconic historic landmarks, there is plenty to appreciate. Colt State Park, for example, was Samuel P. Colt’s former summer estate and features nearly 500 acres of lawns, beautiful shorelines, and sunsets. Visitors can also take a stroll along Thames Street, located in the historic district, to appreciate the town’s historic architecture. Those itching for a good view can head up to Mount Hope Farm, a nonprofit farm open to the public that hosts beautiful views of the bay and has nearly 130 acres of gardens, walking paths, and trails.
Westport, Connecticut
Westport is a gorgeous coastal town, surrounded by natural beauty and filled with colonial history. Proud of its arts community, Westport has a variety of arts and culture activities open to the public. Visitors can stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Westport Museum for History and Culture, or catch a play put on by the internationally known Westport Country Playhouse.
Westport also features a great beach scene, hosting the beautiful beaches of Burying Hill, Old Mill, and Compo. In the town’s surrounding areas, visitors can find gems such as Sherwood Island State Park, which features 235 acres of beach, coastal forest, and wetlands, as well as places to picnic and play disc golf.
Provincetown, Massachusets
Sitting on the extreme tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a beach resort town with a vibrant cultural and arts scene. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful coastline by visiting the Cape Cod National Seashore, which preserves the region’s pristine ecosystem and diverse sea life. Herring Cove Beach is a great spot to visit for those wanting to catch a beautiful sunset. A haven for artists, visitors can see some of the best art in the region at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, as well as stroll along East End & Commercial Street, which is known as being the town’s gallery district. Afterwards, travelers can stop by one of the town’s many seafood restaurants to enjoy regional classics such as lobster rolls, oysters, and scallops.
Final Thoughts
These eight New England towns have beautifully preserved the region’s colonial and Revolutionary heritage and its natural landmarks. Additionally, many continue to create a contemporary culture by giving artists, local businesses, and restaurant owners a platform to share their culture, crafts, and cuisine with visitors. Whether you prefer to spend your vacation appreciating historic landmarks, hiking along the coast, or relaxing with a glass of wine, these eight towns promise a dynamic getaway, pleasing every type of traveler.
