In the far northeast corner of the United States, the Atlantic coastline provides a wealth of locales that are worth their sea salt.
The region of New England is a patchwork of scenery that ranges from beaches and harbours to small towns and attractions, all landmarks and history that form the perfect backdrop for day trips, weekend getaways, extended harbour hops, and even your wedding day.
Chartering a bus from Boston gives you and your travel troupe access to five states: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, making this one awesome road trip opportunity!
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Distance : 50 minute bus ride from Boston
Historically speaking, this is home to America’s oldest seaport and the oldest working art colony in North America. It’s a town that’s both rugged and beautiful, meaning there’s as much adventure in the form of camping and whale watching as there are festivals and tours. Highlights include the Gloucester Seafood Trail for adventurous diners looking to explore ocean-to-table options; the five-day long St. Peter’s Fiesta, a city-wide party held in honour of the patron saint of fishermen; or just exploring the stretches of sand that surround it.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Distance : 50 minute bus ride from Boston
A quaint town of historic preservation stretching back to the beginning of the 20th century, this is the kind of place best visited for coastal weekend getaways. With its wildlife refuges and proximity to state and national parks like Maudslay State Park and part of Plum Island, what better place to go for a relaxed visit? It’s not all easygoing here, as the tempo can be easily picked up with boat tours followed by craft beers from either the Newburyport Brewing Company or the RiverWalk Brewing Company.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Distance : 1 hour 5 minutes from Boston
A little gem of the Northeast, Portsmouth’s intimate qualities make it an ideal location for weddings, groups, and conferences. Leisure and sporting trips to the sea provide fun on the surf, and if you and your party want to take a break from the ocean, looking to land doesn’t disappoint either. Try visiting their water park—it’s the biggest in New England—and there’s always some kind of theatre or music to check out on land.
Sandwich, Massachusetts
Distance : 1 hour 15 minutes from Boston
Facing the Cape Cod Bay, this adorably-named town is one of rest and relaxation among the sandbanks, with charming hotels and lakefront cottages to luxuriate any visit. When you’re not visiting its surrounding beaches, visit the Heritage Museum and enjoy boardwalk-style bites like lobster rolls before hitting the links. If you’re more the type to stay on the move, this town makes a good spot to orient a trip along the Old King’s Highway, or you can seek out a few more thrills in the nearby Adventure Park for more aerial activities.
Newport, Rhode Island
Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes from Boston
This seaside city offers more of a refined treatment to the New England experience. It’s filled with esteemed cultural attractions: well-maintained Gilded Age mansions, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, award-winning wines, beers, and spirits from local vineyards, brewers, and distilleries, and a highly-reputed annual sailing regatta in its yacht-filled harbour. There’s more than enough to do when you’re not spending your time taking a cliff walk or lying on its beaches during its peak sunny season.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Distance: 1 hour 35 minutes from Boston
A more bucolic experience in nature awaits in this part of New England, either on land or at sea. While you’re visiting, be sure to take time on its beaches—particularly the long, sandy Goose Rocks Beach and the smaller Arundel Beach—and in wildlife reserves. Other options include scenic drives around the area with sightseeing spots, or hitting up one of several lobster bakes for a bit of northeastern hospitality.
Stonington, Connecticut
Distance: 2 hours from Boston
This area forms a collection of villages, all of which have their own snapshot quality to them. There’s the town center known simply as “The Borough” by locals staying busy with local markets, visits to DuBois Beach, and walks along the harbour. About ten minutes away and over a drawbridge are the villages of Mystic and Old Mystic where there’s a wealth of wineries and breweries to enjoy happy hour at, as well as restaurants that couple farm-to-table offerings with oceanic eats.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes from Boston
A ferry ride across the sound from the mainland takes you to this secluded Atlantic gem: an island with a selection of different towns, each with their own allure. Best taken in for a miniature harbour hop that can take as long as a day or a weeklong escape from the city, especially when a visit to the stunning Chilmark or Aquinnah is included. That being said, be sure to enjoy the food and drink if you’ve gone out this far; sometimes you have to travel to get the best the northeast has to offer.
New Shoreham, Rhode Island
Distance : 3 hours from Boston
For one of the better places to enjoy some rugged beauty, New Shoreham is a key destination. Much like its name implies, Mansion Beach can offer a more curated feel, but just as much sand can be found by the Mohegan Bluffs as well. Not to mention that when visiting this part of New England, you’ve got to pay a visit to a lighthouse at least once. You’re in luck, as this town offers two, each with their own wide open views of the crashing surf. If you’re looking for a coastal scene that inspires photography, consider the lighthouses your mecca.
Camden, Maine
Distance: 3 hours 10 minutes
You’ll know you’re in Maine when you’ve come to Camden; sailboats out on the blue waters, a small town with 19th-century homesteads, historic structures like its amphitheatre, opera house, and library, and a lone lighthouse guiding the wayward out on the offshore Curtis Island. While visits to the rural northeast are well spent in town, there’s a lot to find inland when considering a visit to either the Camden Hills State Park or scaling Mount Megunticook for sweeping views of the area.
Tempted? Inspired? Already dreaming of days walking along piers and kicking back on beaches? Time to figure out which bus is best to transport your crew! Get an estimate on Boston bus rentals by requesting a quote, and check out our guide to bus rentals if you’re a first-time renter.
