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New England Wanderlust

Connecticut, Fall, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont · August 9, 2022

Ultimate Fall In New England Guide: 55+ Incredible Things To Do! (2025)

I may be a bit bias, but I don’t think there’s a better place to be in the fall than New England 😉

It has everything you need to create the perfect cozy season, including historic covered bridges, spectacular foliage, community festivals galore, endless apple orchards, fun country stores, and quaint towns that feel exactly like Stars Hollow. If you’re looking to visit this region in autumn, you’ve made an excellent choice that can’t possibly disappoint.

In this post, I’m sharing all the incredible things to do in New England in the fall season that I’ve discovered after traveling this region for over 15 years. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s plan your best fall foliage trip yet!

Driving through the Vermont countryside is one of the best things to do in New England in the fall season.

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Are you planning an epic New England trip in the fall? You will definitely need to have a car!
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What Are The Most Beautiful Places In New England In The Fall?

Most places in New England will put on a wonderful foliage display, but here are some standouts when it comes to the most beautiful places in New England in the fall:

  • Acadia National Park in Maine
  • White Mountains in New Hampshire
  • Vermont countryside (most of Vermont is a stand out in the fall season)
  • Litchfield Hills region in Connecticut
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • The Berkshires in Massachusetts

What Are The Best New England States To Visit In The Fall?

New England is comprised of 6 states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, and each of them will provide an amazing fall trip. In other words, there’s no wrong New England state to visit in the fall, but there are different reasons to visit each one this time of the year

For example, for fall foliage, Vermont and New Hampshire are where its at. But for discounts on hotels, the coast is a great choice because it’s shoulder season. Here’s a general breakdown to help you decide which is the best to visit in the fall for the type of trip you want to take.

Also, keep in mind that many popular destinations are close to one another, so if you have longer than a few days, you can easily see more than two states.

Vermont: If I had to pick one New England state to visit in the fall for foliage, I would choose Vermont. Vermont is packed with incredibly charming towns, tons of romantic and cozy inns, covered bridges and amazing foliage landscapes in the fall. For those idyllic postcard landscapes in the countryside, and small towns, this is the place to be.

New Hampshire: Another one of the best for fall foliage in the region! You’ll also find amazing hiking, quaint towns, covered bridges, and the White Mountains National Forest. There are also great cities in New Hampshire for a foliage getaway, including Portsmouth and Keene.

Massachusetts: Known for its stunning coastline, this is an all-around great place for a fall visit because of variety of destinations including The Berkshires, Salem, and Boston (all of which have great foliage). It’s also perfect if you’re looking to explore the Cape Cod region, and the rest of the coastline) during a quieter time – and also tour a cranberry bog. And there are some wonderful, quaint towns with amazing fall foliage throughout Massachusetts!

Rhode Island: An amazing coastal state, and the best way to experience it in the fall is to visit the popular destinations like Newport with far fewer crowds. This is another state to come to if you’re looking for lots of time by the water, and it has a slightly more upscale feel to it than Massachusetts.

Maine: Incredible hiking opportunities, and worth it just to see the foliage in Acadia National Park. You’ll find a great mix of woodsy destinations as well as towns along the coast, depending on what vibe you’re going for.

Connecticut: Another state that offers a wonderful mix of charming towns in the countryside with covered bridges, and nice coastal towns. Connecticut tends to be a more expensive state to visit, but the in fall season, the Litchfield Hills region is absolutely stunning with the most adorable towns. It also just so happens to be where Amy Sherman-Palladino got her inspiration for Stars Hollow 🙂

What Are The Best Coastal New England Towns To Visit In The Fall?

The great thing about visiting New England coastal towns in the fall is that all of them will be very quiet and peaceful. With the exception of maybe September because that’s becoming a popular time to visit now, October and November will have far fewer crowds, and you’ll be able to experience these popular destinations in a more peaceful (and let’s face it, less expensive) way. Below is a list of the best coastal New England towns and regions to visit in the fall.

  • Cape Cod in Massachusetts – This is very much a beach destination, but there are some amazingly beautiful and fun towns to explore, and long walks on the beach with a backdrop of tall sand dunes is never a bad idea.
  • Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard – The two islands off the coast of Cape Cod are popular summer vacation spots, but I also love to visit them in the fall season to enjoy cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
  • Newport, RI – A popular summer destination is also wonderful in the fall. It won’t be deserted in the fall season, but it’ll definitely be quieter, and you’ll have plenty of foliage views to take in while tackling all the amazing things Newport has to offer.
  • Mystic, CT – Along the Mystic River you’ll find the lovely little town of Mystic, and it offers tons of things to do. In the fall, there will be events like the annual Pirate Invasion event, and you can visit the country’s oldest steam-powered cider mill for donuts, and well, cider!
  • Bar Harbor, ME – Adjacent to Acadia National Park, you’ll find this cute little coastal town that’s filled with charm, and will have lots of opportunities to experience fall foliage, even without going into Acadia itself (but of course, I absolutely recommend you do).

🍁Click here to read my post on all the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall!

Best Towns To Visit In New England In The Fall

If you’re looking for the absolute best towns for fall foliage in New England, here are my suggestions on places to stay this time of the year!

1. Stowe, VT

Stowe also makes for a wonderful day trip in Vermont, and is one of the best places to experience fall in New England.

One of the most quaint and cozy places for a getaway in New England that’s simply packed to the brim with fall foliage is Stowe in Vermont. This small little community has it all – covered bridges, mountain peaks, amazing places to stay, a cidery, breweries, farm stands and so much more.

When people ask me for the best New England fall destinations, this is always in my top 3.

2. Woodstock, VT

A very close runner-up to Stowe is the incredibly charming and picturesque town of Woodstock, also in Vermont. Much like Stowe, Woodstock will put on an amazing display of fall foliage, and the entire area feels very much like a Hallmark movie set. You’ll be considering moving there about 5 minutes after you arrive.

You’ll also find covered bridges here, the amazing Billings Farm & Museum, opportunities for local syrup and cheese tastings at Sugarbush Farms, incredible shopping and dining downtown, and scenic drives nearby for those postcard-worthy rural landscapes Vermont is known for.

Pro Tip: Stowe and Woodstock are only about an hour and 20 minutes from one another, making it easy to see both in a weekend getaway (or a day trip if you’re ambitious!).

3. Salem, MA

I mean, Salem in October really needs no introduction, right? 🙂

If you’ve never been to Salem in the fall, this is definitely something that should be at the top of your list if you’re interested in history of all kinds (spooky or not), love quaint New England towns, great food and historic homes. It’s truly one of the coolest things to do in Massachusetts in the fall.

But of course, the best reason to come here is for all the Halloween vibes you could possibly ever want, including the famous Hocus Pocus filming locations.

Even if Halloween isn’t your thing, Salem is still a great place to visit. Yes, you’ll see lots of Halloween decorations, but the fall foliage and historic homes and streets are worth at least a day trip, and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Fall in New England.

The fascinating history of the Salem Witch Trials is enough to leave you with goosebumps, and there will also be plenty of haunted walking tours and sites to see during your visit.

Psst! I have some helpful guides including planning the perfect Salem, MA day trip, and the best time to visit Salem if you need more information 😉

4. Newburyport, MA

Newburyport is such an amazing city in Massachusetts that feels like a cozy, small town on the water. But, my favorite time of the year to visit in the fall season because the entire town has beautiful foliage displays at every turn.

Newburyport is my favorite shopping destination in all of New England, and it’s also home to some beautiful beaches on Plum Island. It kind of has it all! This is the perfect place to plan a getaway that balances a town feel with shopping and dining, but also opportunities to relax, and visit some beautiful nature areas like the beaches mentioned before, and some scenic walking trails.

Whale watch tours also depart from Newburyport, and they typically run through October.

5. Boston, MA

For the perfect city getaway, Boston in the fall is hard to beat. Between the foliage at the Public Gardens, the cobblestoned streets, and cooler weather that just begs you to throw on a blazer, it’s one of the best places see in New England in the fall.

I actually call out a few of the things to do this time of the year later in the post because they’re worthy of their own mentions, but from Boston, you can plan a whale watch, walk along the waterfront to enjoy the crisp fall air, enjoy the seasonal flavors at all the incredible restaurants and cocktail bars, and head inside the amazing museums if you happen to have a rainy day.

In New England, Boston is the best city fall getaway, for sure, and it’s my personal favorite time to visit.

6. Littleton, NH

Littleton, NH is continually ranked as one of the best Main Street destinations in the entire country, and it's a great place to plan a New England fall getaway

My absolute favorite town in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire is Littleton. I just think it’s packed with so much charm, and feels perfectly cozy, especially in the fall season.

And the best part? It’s in a great location, and easily accessible to Franconia Notch State Park, the Loon Mountain Gondola and so much more! Franconia Notch State Park is home to Flume Gorge and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, which are some of the best things to do in fall in New England.

The town itself is so fun to explore, too. While it’s small, it actually has one of the best Main Streets in the U.S.! So shopping and dining area is particularly awesome. It also has the cozy Schilling Brewing Company, which sits right on the river, and has a lovely covered bridge for all the small-town vibes you’re looking for.

Psst! I have an entire guide on Where To Stay In The White Mountains if you’re looking for more information on each of the towns and best hotels 😉

7. Litchfield, CT

The Litchfield Hill in CT are some of the most beautiful countryside landscapes, and a drive through this region is one of the best things to do in New England in the fall.

The Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut is one of the best regions to explore for fall foliage in New England, and Litchfield is one of best towns to stay in during your visit. Well, pretty much all the towns in this area make for wonderful fall getaways, but I’m particular partial to Litchfield because of it’s beautiful downtown.

There are five towns that are especially worth visiting or driving through on your fall trip, in addition to Litchfield, and they are: Kent, New Milford, Washington Depot and Woodbury. Each of them have picturesque streets in their downtown areas, village greens, and some even with gazebos to feel like you’re on the Gilmore Girls set.

While driving through this part of the Connecticut countryside to get from town to town, you’ll also find covered bridges, scenic roads, and gorgeous fall landscapes to admire.

Location Tip: The Litchfield Hills are about 1 and a half hours from Mystic, CT, so you can easily do a countryside and coastal fall trip in Connecticut by combining these two regions.

Here are some posts on the destinations mentioned above to help you plan:

  • Best Things To Do In Stowe, VT
  • Best Things To Do In Woodstock, VT
  • Best Things To Do In Littleton, NH
  • Best Things To Do In Franconia, NH
  • Best Things To Do In Lincoln, NH
  • Best Things To Do In Newburyport & Plum Island

Best Things To Do In New England In The Fall

This pat of my list includes all the best attractions and things to do in New England in the fall as far as activities, sites, scenic drives and festivals you can experience. And for most suggestions, I included some location tips, where I share other areas nearby that make for awesome fall getaways to maximize your time.

8. Hike In Acadia National Park

I know, I’ve already mentioned this twice already, but one of the best things to do in New England in the fall season is to hike or take in the views in Acadia National Park. Not only will you be surrounded by fall color, you’ll also get to see some of the best coastal landscapes in the entire region, making this time of the year my personal favorite to visit.

Hiking in Acadia National Park is always a good idea, but is especially gorgeous during foliage season, and definitely one of the best things to do in New England in the fall.

Of course, Acadia is one of the most popular destinations in New England, and during the summers, especially, it’s pretty busy. Fall season is now becoming more popular, but I’ve found it to be less crowded than summer.

🍁 Click here to read my perfect Acadia National Park itinerary!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park For Fall Foliage?

Peak foliage season in Acadia National Park is typically the first week of October, but will start at the end of September. I would say a safe bet is always the first week or weekend in October for peak foliage, but if that time doesn’t work for you, the second week of October is probably better than end of September. I’ve been right at the end of September, and foliage was minimal. Keep in mind this changes year to year and it’s always hard to predict exact dates.

9. Take A Foliage Train Ride Through New Hampshire

New Hampshire has so many scenic train ride through the countryside, and this is definitely one of the best things to do in New England in the fall.

One of the best things to do in New England in the fall for all ages is a foliage train ride through New Hampshire. Sit back in your seat and enjoy some of the best sweeping foliage and mountain views while someone else navigates. There are different routes and train car options available, as well as different length rides to suit all budgets. There are also options with dinner services, and first-class car options.

🍁 Click here for more information on a foliage train ride in New Hampshire!

10. Ride A Cable Car To A Mountain Summit In New Hampshire

Also in New Hampshire inside Franconia Notch State Park, one of the best mountain summit views in New England for fall foliage is at the top of Cannon Mountain. The Aerial Tramway at Mount Cannon is actually North America’s first of its kind, and allows visitors to explore the summit views with no effort at all by riding up a cable car to the top.

Once you’ve reached the top after a scenic ride, you’ll be able to take in breathtaking mountain views, which are especially amazing at fall, and on a clear day, you may even be able to spot Canada, in addition to Maine, Vermont and New York. You’ll also be able to explore the summit’s walking paths, on-site cafe and take in the views from the observation deck.

The summit at Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire has such stunning fall foliage views.

Other things to do nearby: The Tramway is located in Franconia, a really lovely town nestled in the White Mountains, and you can easily make this your primary New England fall destination. You can explore the local sites, venture over to Sugar Hill, which is another cute little town, and definitely be sure to grab some amazing pancakes at Polly’s Pancake Parlor!

Scroll down to the corn maze section for a suggestion on the ultimate corn maze experience that’s also close by 🙂

11. Visit The Oldest Steam-Powered Cider Mill In The U.S.

Located in Stonington, CT, right by Mystic, you’ll find B.F. Clyde’s, which is home to the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the entire country. If you’ll be nearby, this is definitely one of the best things to do in New England in the fall.

At B.F. Clyde’s, you’ll be able to grab some regular and hard ciders, cider donuts, and even wine. During the weekends, they also run the press for visitors to watch the mill at work, and they recommend checking their FAQ section of their website for that season’s schedule if you’re especially interested in cider pressing demonstrations.

Other things to do nearby: Once you’ve snatched up all your treats at B.F. Clyde’s, you can then make your way to downtown Mystic, and then continue your trip to Litchfield Hills countryside for the perfect Connecticut fall adventure.

🍁 Click here to read my post on the best things to do in Mystic, CT!

12. Experience The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Photo courtesy of N.Millard/GoProvidence.com.

One of the most fun things to do in New England in the fall is to experience an exciting pumpkin display, and the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is one of the best in the area.

Located inside the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI, the 2022 event displayed the largest amount of pumpkins ever with over 6,000 carved pumpkins to see! Hand-carved by pumpkin experts, each is illuminated with different colored LED lights, and are real works of art. Visitors will walk for about a quarter of a mile through a path completely illuminated by jack-o-lanterns, making this is very fun family experience.

Other things to do nearby: This event can easily be combined with Newport, RI, which is less than an hour away. Providence is a really beautiful city lots to do, and combining it with coastal Newport in the fall season will offer the best of both worlds.

13. Visit A New England Cidery

New England has so many cideries all over, so definitely be sure to sample the unique and fun flavors during your fall trip.

You can’t talk about all the best things to do in New England in the fall and not mention the ciders! Whether you’re looking to taste traditional cider, or are interested in sampling the region’s hard ciders, there are options all over. Since you can find awesome traditional cider at any apple orchard or farm stand, here’s a list of some great New England hard cideries to seek out:

Far From The Tree Cider (Salem, MA) – This is a great spot to visit because it’s already located in one of the best towns to visit in New England in the fall. I really love the ciders from here, specially their Bog variety, which is a cranberry and herb-infused cider (perfect for this season!). They have a nice tasting room at their Salem location for visitors, and you can easily find their products in local stores in the area.

Citizen Cider (Burlington, VT) – Really great ciders are served here at Citizen Cider! Located in Burlington, VT, which is an awesome little city right on Lake Champlain, you’ll find their cider pub, which serves food in addition to their ciders. It’s also easy to find their canned drinks at local stores. My favorite here is their Lake Hopper Cider.

Stowe Ciders (Stowe, VT) – Another great Vermont cidery is Stowe Ciders. There’s a really nice tasting room here that serves both food and drinks, and they often have live music on weekends, as well as food trucks. My favorite here is Tips Up, which is just sweet enough that it highlights the apple flavor, but still pretty crisp and dry.

Downeast Cider (Boston, MA) – A great choice for cider in a great city! More on Boston later in the post, but this is a a really fun place to stop on your trip, and they have a nice tasting room. They’re only open Thursdays through Sundays, and don’t serve food, but come in for a tasting in a very cool warehouse set-up. My pick here is their basic Original Blend.

14. Get Lost In A Corn Maze

The Great Vermont Corn Maze is especially fun in the fall season.
The Great Vermont Corn Maze. Photo courtesy of VT Department of Tourism & Marketing.

Another one of the most fun things to do in New England, especially with kids, is to visit one of the many corn mazes. There’s quite a few throughout the region during this time of the year, and below is a list of the best ones:

The Great Vermont Corn Maze (Danville, VT) – This is the end-all, be-all of corn mazes in New England, and also the largest! At the Great Vermont Corn Maze, you can actually select between two mazes, with the larger one spanning 24 acres, crossing bridges and clocking in at around 3 hours to tackle. They also have a smaller maze, which inside the larger one, and takes you through a designated path, highlighting the most scenic parts, taking 40 minutes.

Other things to do nearby: Danville is located about 40 minutes from Montpelier, an hour from Stowe, and 1.5 hours from Woodstock, making it pretty easy to squeeze into a Vermont fall trip. This corn maze is also only about 30 minutes from Franconia, NH so you can easily combine this with a trip to this area in the White Mountains.

Davis Mega Maze (Sterling, MA) – This maze in Central Massachusetts is the perfect place to spend the day with your kids. Not only do they have an 8-acre corn maze to keep you busy for at least an hour, there are also all kinds of games and children’s activities like bouncy houses, tube slides, hamster wheels and so much more. There’s also food, drinks, a petting zoo and campfires.

Other things to do nearby: This corn maze is only about an hour from both Boston and Salem, which is easy to work into either itinerary to add a little extra fall cheer into your trip.

Coppal House Farm Corn Maze (Lee, NH) – An awesome corn maze that’s close to the Maine border. They have really cool things to do here including a flashlight night walk in the corn maze, as well as a traditional corn maze and horse-drawn wagon rides. They also allow you to bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of their picnic tables, and you can purchase drinks and food at their farm stand.

Other things to do nearby: This corn maze is located about 45 minutes from Ogunquit, the best place to start a coastal Maine drive. From there, it’s about 3 hours and 45 minutes to Acadia National Park, which would make a really awesome fall road trip.

15. Visit A Cranberry Bog In Massachusetts

Cranberry harvest season coincides with fall, so one of the best things to do in New England in the fall is to visit a cranberry bog.

A really cool thing to do in New England in the fall is to visit a cranberry bog in Massachusetts. Harvest season for cranberries in this region starts in mid-September and goes through mid-November, so there’s a big window of opportunity to see them during your fall trip.

When cranberries are harvested, they’re brought to the top of the bog, which turns the water a bright, well, cranberry color, and it’s a really cool experience to witness! Below are some awesome cranberry bogs to tour during your visit.

Annie’s Crannies (Dennis, MA) – A small but mighty little bog that offers tours, and also has a farm stand that will be open during harvest season which sells cranberry-infused goods, locally-made honey, beeswax, and Annie’s Crannies gift boxes. Tours here are kind of informal, which is the only downside, so I suggest e-mailing or calling them directly to ensure they’ll be offering tours during your visit.

Location Tip: This bog is located on Cape Cod, so this is the perfect bog to visit if you’re looking to visit the Cape during your fall trip.

A.D. Makepeace Company (Wareham, MA) – This is the largest cranberry grower in the world. Yes, world. So this is definitely one to put on your list if you’re interested in learning about bogs. Tours are actually offered spring through fall, so you don’t have to visit in the fall to see this really cool destination, but it’ll definitely be extra special during harvest season.

Location Tip: This bog is located just 40 mins from Cape Cod, so this is another one that can easily be combined with the Cape.

Note: Most cranberry bog tours sell out quickly, so if this is something you want to do, I suggest you book your tour as soon as you can. It’s also important to know that cranberries don’t float on top of bogs for extended periods of time, and typically only when harvested, so it’s best to check with the tour you choose to find out what you can expect to see.

16. Experience “The Quiet Coast”

Or, as the locals call it, Second Summer. Technically, Second Summer is the time right after Labor Day through the rest of the warm season in September, which may end before fall sets in. But, you get my drift, right? 🙂

Even if you plan a trip to the coast well into fall, it’s going to be amazing. Coastal New England is honestly wonderful year-round, and this time of the year, you can experience “the quiet coast,” which is the shoulder season.

While the water will be too cold for swimming, of course, all the natural beauty of the beaches, sand dunes, and coastal towns will remain impressive. And honestly, a warm cup of clam chowder feels amazing after a brisk fall walk on the beach.

There are also some amazing and scenic walking trails along the coast that make it worth visiting in the fall, too!

Here are some posts you may find helpful:

  • Best Things To Do On Cape Cod In The Fall
  • Scenic Hiking & Walking Trails On Cape Cod

17. Enjoy A Seasonal Farm To Table Dinner In Vermont

One of the best things to do in Vermont is also one of the top things to do in New England in the fall, and that’s experience the farm-to-table dining scene.

You can find farm-to-table dining all over New England, but I think Vermont is the best place to experience a special meal. Almost all the restaurants source their ingredients locally, and are housed in cozy inns, barns, or dining rooms that feel especially unique, or like home.

Many farm-to-table restaurants in Vermont will also change menus frequently to highlight seasonal flavors, so you’re sure to have plenty of options when it comes to what’s in season this time of the year, including pumpkin, butternut squash, apples and pears.

Pretty much any town in Vermont will have a farm-to-table restaurant, so my suggestion is to choose which area you want to stay in, and then go from there. Also seek out local inns, even if you’re not staying there, because their dining rooms are often open to the public, and typically have the best food.

18. Rent A Cozy Cabin In The Berkshires

The Berkshires is an amazing place for a cozy cabin in the woods fall getaway because there’s lots of wooded areas and mountain regions. Whether you’re looking for a small, romantic cabin for two, or a larger chalet for a group, there are so many perfect options in this area. Here are some suggestions:

This cozy log cabin for two is perfect for a mountain getaway, and has a romantic sleeping loft, a fireplace, a little sun room with big windows to admire the foliage, and is surrounded by idyllic countryside.

🍁 Click here to check rates & availability for this cozy log cabin for two!

This cute little A-frame in the forest is surrounded by foliage, and is perfect for those wanting to spend some time outdoors because it has a firepit with a swinging bench, an outdoor grill and you can walk to a beautiful lake.

🍁 Click here to check rates & availability for this cute little A-frame in the forest!

This log cabin is in the woods and on a lake, so you get the best of both worlds! It’s also an original Lincoln Logs home. You’ll be entirely surrounded by gorgeous foliage, and the cabin is situated on 3 acres of private land with the lake just a few steps away. A hand-crafted canoe and 3 kayaks are available for guests to use for a peaceful foliage tour around the water.

🍁 Click here to check rates & availability for this lakefront and peaceful log cabin in the woods!

19. Take A Spooky Trolley Tour In Boston

Boston is packed with history, and therefore, has no shortage of spooky and sordid tales to tell from the past. This trolley tour through the city at night is a great way to learn about the city’s history, but also get a few goosebumps during the Halloween season.

Your guide on this particular tour is a 17th century grave digger, and he’ll take you to Boston’s oldest burial grounds to share stories about the famous Boston Strangler and serial killer Jolly Jane. This is definitely one of the more scary things to do in New England in the fall!

🍁 Click here to check rates & availability for this Ghosts & Gravestones Night Trolley Tour in Boston!

Location tip: Since this tour takes place in Boston, you can easily add it to your itinerary. Salem is only 30-45 minutes away (depending on traffic) from Boston, which means you can combine these two destinations for a great New England fall trip.

20. Ride A Gondola To Vermont’s Highest Peak

One of the best photo spots in Stowe is at the top of Mount Mansfield after riding up on the Skyride Gondola. This is absolutely one of the best things to do in New England in the fall.

Another one of the best things to do in New England in the fall is to take in the views from the top of Vermont’s tallest mountain, Mount Mansfield. For those not wanting to take the challenging hike up, you can hop on the SkyRide Gondola which will take you right to the summit. Once you’re on top of Vermont and you’ve admired the incredible foliage views, you can hike on some of the trails, or have lunch at one of the two restaurants right there at the summit.

Location Tip: The SkyRide Gondola is located in Stowe, which is one of the best towns in Vermont to visit. Stowe is a great place to base yourself for a Vermont fall getaway, and is an hour and a half or less from Burlington, Woodstock and Waitsfield (all in VT) as well as Franconia, NH.

21. Find The Perfect Pumpkin At A U-Pick Patch

I know, I know, you can go pumpkin picking all over the country, BUT, hear me out 🙂

New England has some pretty amazing pumpkin patches to check out, and if you’re in the area, it’s worth stopping by if you’re able to bring your pumpkins home and support the amazing local farms.

Many pumpkin patches turn their farms into festive fall destinations, and will offer fall baked goods, cider, tractor rides and more.

Here are some awesome pumpkin patches to check out in New England:

  • Fletcher Farm in Southampton, MA
  • Scott’s Yankee Farmer in East Lyme, CT
  • Kingdom Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Sutton, VT
  • Lavoies Farm in Hollis, NH
  • Dame Farm and Orchards in Johnston, RI

22. In Fact, Hit Up All The Farm Stands For Fall Goodies, Too!

Farm stands are open most of the year in this region, but man, are they extra special in the fall! Shelves are stocked with the flavors of the season and local products like maple syrups, cheeses, jams and spreads, baked goods, seasonal fruits and apples, baked goods and more.

And, if you’re not feeling like picking your pumpkin from the field, most of them are stocked with already-picked pumpkins for you to buy.

Some of my favorite farm stands and farm markets to visit in the fall season are:

  • Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, MA
  • Wilson Farm in Lexington, MA
  • Harlow Farm Stand in Westminster, VT
  • The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown, RI

23. Walk The Cobblestone Streets Of Beacon Hill In Boston

Boston is absolutely beautiful in the fall season, and one of the best things to do in New England in the fall is to explore the city's Beacon Hill neighborhood. This is the now famous Acorn Street.
Photo courtesy of Kyle Klein.

I’ve already touched on a scary tour you can take in Boston, but a more tame activity in the city that allows you to appreciate the charm and beautiful foliage is just to wander the streets in the Beacon Hill neighborhood.

This is my favorite place in all of Boston, and while there’s a lot of residential buildings and walk-ups here, it also has some lovely boutiques and restaurants. Many of the postcard-worthy snapshots of Boston you’ve seen are probably taken here, including the now Instagram-famous Acorn Street.

This neighborhood is gorgeous year-round, but there’s something especially nice about it when the cobblestone streets are covered in falling leaves.

Expert Tip: Before you begin your stroll through Beacon Hill, stop at Tatte Bakery at their Charles Street location in the same neighborhood for a warm, fall beverage and an apple pastry. Not only are the interiors of each location gorgeous, they have amazing food, drinks and treats. Their grilled cheese is also perfect for this time of the year.

24. Experience Fall Foliage At The Boston Public Gardens

In addition to a relaxing stroll around the charming streets of Beacon Hill, you’ll definitely need to visit the Public Gardens in Boston for all the beautiful fall foliage. In fact, this is the best spot in the city for fall color, in my humble opinion 🙂

There are tons of gorgeous photo opportunities here too, including the blue footbridge (which makes a nice contrast to the warm tones of the foliage), as well as city scapes with all the surrounding fall colors.

25. Have A Maple Creemee

The maple creemee is a Vermont staple, but it’s also known all over the New England region. While they’re served year-round, fall is a wonderful time to grab one, since maple pairs so perfectly with the season, don’t you think?

Not sure what a maple creemee is? No worries, it’s specific to this region. It’s basically a very high quality soft serve ice cream flavored with local maple syrup. And it’s delicious.

Here are some awesome places to grab a maple creemee during your New England fall getaway:

  • Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield, VT (my personal fav!)
  • The Country Creemee in Turners Falls, MA
  • Woodstock Scoops in Woodstock, VT
  • Mac’s Maple in Plainfield, NH

26. And DEFINITELY Sample The Fall Ice Creams All Over!

But don’t just stop at the maple creemee on your trip! Homemade ice cream places all over New England are open throughout the fall season, and serving up special release fall flavors. Here are some awesome places to check out:

  • Honeycone in Chester, CT
  • Harbor Creamery in Newburyport, MA
  • Beech Hill Farm & Ice Cream Barn in Hopkinton, NH
  • Melt Ice Cream in Salem, MA
  • Tricycle Ice Cream in Providence, RI

27. Hike The Artist Bluff Trail

The Artist Bluff trail near Franconia, NH is one of the best hikes to take in New England in the fall.

One of the best hikes for fall foliage in New England is the Artist’s Bluff trail in Franconia, NH. The trail is fairly easy for the payoff, and you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Echo Lake, backdropped by the White Mountains. Add in the stunning fall color, and it’s an even better experience.

This trail is a 1.5 mile loop, and usually takes about an hour, maybe an hour and a half at a leisurely pace. For those who don’t hike often, this may be more on the moderate side, as there are some sections with a steeper climb. But generally speaking, all skill levels will be able to do this hike.

28. Take On The Frankenstein Trestle Hike

While the Artist Bluff Trail in the White Mountains is one of the most popular, one that’s equally as beautiful, but a bit more thrilling, is the Frankenstein Trestle Hike. Located in Crawford Notch State Park, this trail takes you to the railroad tracks of the North Conway Scenic Railroad, and showcases some pretty epic views of the mountains.

And if you time your visit just right for peak foliage, the fall color on this trail will be simply jaw-dropping.

29. Enjoy The Views From Table Rock

Lastly for fall hikes in New Hampshire, Table Rock should be on your list. Located in Dixville Notch State Park, this hike passes by a beautiful waterfall, and ends with incredible views of the surrounding mountain vistas.

This is another hike where if you visit at peak fall foliage, the autumnal color will be insane. This is definitely once of the best hikes in New England for foliage views.

30. Go Seasonal Beer Tasting In Portland

Portland, Maine has an amazing brewery scene, and tasting all the seasonal beer flavors during your trip is one of the best things to do in New England in the fall.

Portland is an awesome city to dive into when it comes to their culinary scene, but they also have lots of really great breweries.

So many, in fact, you could easily spend a weekend visiting a few breweries a day and probably not see them all. As of 2022, there are about 16 in the city to choose from! All of them will have seasonal specials for the fall, so if you’re into tasting locally-made beer during your travels, this is one of the best things to do in New England in the fall. Below is a list of my favorite breweries in Portland, Maine.

  • Bissel Brothers (my personal favorite in the entire city)
  • Maine Beer Company
  • Lone Pine Brewing
  • Belleflower

🍁 Click here to read my full guide on the best breweries in Portland, Maine!

31. Pick Apples At The Oldest Continually-Operated Orchard In The U.S.

Apple picking in this area is plentiful and easy to find in pretty much any town.

Apple picking is a popular fall activity in a lot of places throughout the U.S., but here in New England, you can pick apples at the oldest continually-operate orchard in the entire country. Applecrest Farm is also the oldest and largest orchard in New Hampshire. Here, you’ll be able to pick fresh apples, grab some freshly-pressed cider and warm cider donuts. They also have a farm stand where you can buy locally-made jams and honey, cheeses and maple syrup.

On weekends in September and October, the farm celebrates with Harvest Festival, where they have a corn maze, sunflower trail, live music, lawn games and tons more.

🍎 Click here to read my guide on the best places for apple picking in New Hampshire!

32. Tour The Covered Bridges

Seeing the covered bridges is one of the most fun things to do in Vermont, and most definitely one of the best ways to enjoy fall foliage in New England.

Some of the most iconic New England landmarks are the historic covered bridges, and fall is my personal favorite time to take a covered bridges driving tour. While seeing the covered bridges is a fun thing to do year-round, fall is especially magical because the bridges will be backdropped in all the gorgeous fall color, which just complements them perfectly.

If you’re looking to do a strictly covered bridges tour, I would highly suggest sticking to Vermont – it has the most covered bridges of all the New England states (about 100!), and it makes it so easy to see as many as possible in any given amount of time. Another great state to see covered bridges is New Hampshire, and lastly, the Litchfield Hills region in Connecticut is also a nice option.

Here are some of my guides on covered bridges in New England:

  • The Perfect Vermont Covered Bridges Road Trip itinerary
  • The Best Covered Bridges In New Hampshire To Visit

33. Take A Spooky Ghost Tour

Because New England has roots dating back to 1620 when the Mayflower docked in Massachusetts, it has plenty of eerie legends, stories of ghost sightings, and all kinds of history with a very sordid past. One of the best things to do in New England in the fall season is to take a ghost tour. Not sure where to start looking for one? I’ve got you covered! Click the links below to check out my round-ups of all the best New England ghost tours and haunted houses!

More posts on haunted things to do in New England:

  • Best Ghost Tours In New England
  • Haunted Hotels & Placed In New Hampshire You Can Actually Visit
  • Best Haunted Houses & Tours In Massachusetts
  • Best Haunted Houses In Rhode Island

34. Savor A Pumpkin Whoopie Pie

New England, and more specifically, Maine, is known for the delicious little baked good, the whoopie pie. The traditional flavorings of this treat usually feature a chocolate cake with a vanilla filling, but during the fall season, lots of bakeries start to whip up the best pumpkin versions of these.

During your visit to New England, I suggest hunting down whoopie pies to find your favorite, but also grabbing the pumpkin version to put you in the fall spirit.

🍁 Click here to read my post on the best whoopie pies in Maine!

35. Find Your Favorite Cider Donuts

New England is also known for its cider donuts, and you’ll find cider donuts everywhere. And I can’t recommend trying them everywhere you go enough 😉

To help you out (because that’s what I’m here for, after all!), these are some of the best places for incredible cider donuts in New England:

  • Cider Belly in Meredith, NH (widely-regarded as the best in the region!)
  • Russell Orchards in Ipswich, MA
  • Apple Land Orchard in Greenville, RI
  • Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, MA

36. Make Your Own Fall Candle At Rockport Candle Company

Rockport Candle Company is one of my favorite shops in all of New England, and while many shops in Rockport, MA close down in the off-season, this cute little place remains open. And the best part? They offer workshops where you can make your own candle!

It’s a safe bet that you probably enjoy a good fall candle, right? 🙂 Well, why not make your own? Not only is Rockport one of the most charming coastal towns in New England, having your own custom candle to enjoy throughout the fall season is just a wonderful souvenir to bring home with you.

37. Plan An Epic New England Fall Foliage Road Trip

I honestly don’t think there’s a better place in the entire U.S. for a fall foliage road trip, and one of the best way to enjoy fall in New England is with an epic foliage road trip!

The best areas for fall foliage are in New Hampshire and Vermont, and then from there, you can customize it based on your preferences. The best way to begin planning is to start in the north regions in New Hampshire, and then work your way down, since foliage peaks in the north sooner.

A great itinerary to plan is to start in the White Mountains region, and then cut over to the Woodstock & Stowe, VT regions, and then cut back over to southern New Hampshire, and end in Salem and Boston in Massachusetts.

🍁 Click here for my perfect New England fall road trip!

38. Experience The Head Of The Charles Regatta

Every October, Cambridge hosts the largest rowing competition – the Head of the Charles Regatta. And if you happen to be in the Boston area around this time, this is an exciting experience to have!

The best rowers in the country participate in this iconic New England event, and it’s also the perfect excuse to explore more of Cambridge, which is home to Harvard University (and also beautiful in the fall season).

39. Ride The Cog Up Mount Washington

While summer is a great season to ride up to New England’s highest peak, there’s something extra special about doing it in the fall for foliage color, right?

The Cog is the world’s first mountain railway, and as mentioned, it takes you to the summit of Mount Washington, New England’s highest peak. Fall trips to the top run through mid-October, as after that, weather is too risky to go to the summit.

From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views that make you feel like you’re on top of the world, and of course, the fall foliage can’t be beat!

40. Enjoy The Last Of The Farmer’s Markets

New England has a fantastic rural farming culture, and because of that, there are some pretty epic farmer’s markets around the region. Many of them run through mid-October, and feature seasonal offerings like fall produce, baked goods, local cheeses and tons more. Now is the time to stock up before they end for the season!

Here are some great farmer’s markets that continue through parts of October:

  • Plymouth, MA Farmer’s Market
  • Tiverton, RI Farmer’s Market
  • Vermont Farmer’s Market in Rutland
  • Fairfield Farmers Market in CT
  • Littleton Farmer’s Market in NH
  • Portland Farmer’s Market in Maine

41. Hike Camel’s Hump In Vermont

For a thrilling and challenging hike with incredible payoff, Camel’s Hump is the perfect option in Vermont. This trail is wonderful in the summer, but even better in the fall because of the stunning foliage color displays.

While you can do the 6-mile out and back trail, you can also choose to do the slightly shorter and easier Monroe Trail, which cute the time by about half. The Monroe Trail is still incredibly scenic, but for the ultimate hike for a good workout, you’ll want to do the full trail!

42. Cozy Up At A Historic Inn

There’s no shortage of cozy places to stay in New England, especially in the fall season, and historic inns are one of the best options. Every state in the region will have so many options to choose from, and they’ll feature cozy, New England decor, fireplaces, and homey vibes that will have you rethinking going back home.

Here are few of the coziest historic inns to book for a fall getaway:

  • Four Chimneys in Vermont
  • Christmas Farm Inn & Spa in New Hampshire’s White Mountains
  • Compass Rose Inn in Newburyport, MA
  • The Litchfield Inn in Connecticut

Best New England Fall Festivals

New England takes its fall festivals pretty seriously, and they’re a great way to bring the local communities together, as well as welcome visitors to the area. They’re definitely one of the best things to do in New England in the fall, and if one happens to coincide with your trip, it’ll be worth it to swing by.

There are so many other fall festivals around New England beyond the ones listed below, so once you finalize your plans, check out your destination and see what kinds of festivals or events they have in the fall season.

43. The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta (ME)

The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta takes place every Columbus Day weekend in October in Damariscotta, Maine, and was even named the best fall festival in Maine by Travel & Leisure. Visitors can enjoy strolling through town to see Atlantic Giant pumpkins painted and decorated by local community members. But the best part? The Pumpkin Regatta! Enormous pumpkins are carved into floating rafts for a race across the river. It’ll truly feel like a scene from a Hallmark movie.

Other exciting events include a parade and a pumpkin derby, where pumpkins are converted into vehicles for a friendly competition.

Location Tip: Damariscotta is in a great location, and you can easily work this event into a fall Maine road trip itinerary. You’ll be about 20-30 minutes from Boothbay Harbor, 40 minutes from Camden and about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Acadia National Park.

44. The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival

The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival is held each year on the last weekend of October in downtown Laconia, and has broken the Guinness record for highest number of lit jack-o-lanterns, which is definitely worth stopping by to see! On top of that, you’ll also find tons of fair food vendors, corn hole tournaments, inflatable houses for kids, craft and artisan vendors and so much more.

Location Tip: Laconia is about 1-1.5 hours from most places in the White Mountains, making this a really fun day trip if you choose to stay in this region for your fall New England trip. Laconia is a really beautiful and historic down with an awesome downtown (including cute shops and eateries), and is also waterfront. It’s worth making the trek down for the event if you’re staying in the White Mountains region.

45. Oktoberfest at Mount Snow (VT)

The annual Oktoberfest at Mount Snow celebration is a great option in the southern Vermont region, and typically takes place the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend. Here, you’ll find lots of German beer and food vendors, as well as yodeling contests and keg tosses. This event is more geared toward adults, and while children are allowed, I would advise against bringing very young children, as they may be bored. For adults who love beer, German food and the fall season, this is a great festival!

Location Tip: Mount Snow is located in Dover, VT, which is very close to Manchester, and about 30 minutes from Bennington. If you planned to drive Route 100 in Vermont for your New England fall trip (more on that later this this post!), you could definitely swing by Oktoberfest in Dover, and then begin your road trip from there.

46. Camp Sunshine Pumpkin Festival (ME)

The Camp Sunshine Pumpkin Festival takes place in Freeport, ME at the flagship L.L. Bean store campus. This is an awesome event for families with children, and typically takes place the weekend before Halloween each year. During the event, you’ll find over 10,000 lit jack-o-lanterns on display, live music, a costume parade and lots of events for children like movie night.

Location Tip: Freeport is located in southern Maine, about 20 minutes north of Portland, making this very easy to attend if you happen to stay in Portland for your getaway. Freeport is a cute little town with a great mix of commercial and independent shops and feels very quaint and charming. The L.L. Bean campus is also really fun to visit, and you can easily start a coastal Maine road trip from this area.

47. Fall for Ogunquit/OgunquitFest (ME)

The little seaside town of Ogunquit in Maine has not one, but two fall-themed events to attend, both of which take place the same weekend, making it worth your time to visit. Fall for Ogunquit and OgunquitFest typically happen the weekend before Halloween each year. At Fall For Ogunquit, you’ll find whoopie pie eating contests, a costume parade, Dogtoberfest, which is a costume parade for our furry, four-legged friends, children’s activities and an antique car show.

During OgunquitFest, you’ll find a huge craft fair featuring local artisans, with lots of opportunity to shop small and local.

Location Tip: Ogunquit is only about an hour south of Portland, and also very close to Kennebunkport, allowing you to easily explore the region if you choose to stay in Portland for your fall trip.

48. Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival (MA)

The Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival is a great option if you choose a cozy cabin getaway in The Berkshires for your New England fall trip. This festival usually takes place on Columbus Day weekend each year, and since the event is held at the Botanical Gardens, the scenery is already spectacular.

During the events, you’ll find lots of local food and beverage vendors that specialize in serving seasonal flavors, crafts vendors, a farmer’s market, pony rides and event a plant sale to help you kick your porch goals up a notch for the season.

49. The Stamford Museum and Nature Center Harvest Festival Weekend (CT)

The Stamford Museum and Nature Center Harvest Festival takes place right after Halloween each year, and is located in Stamford, CT. The museum and nature center on a regular day are already fun to visit, but mix in a fall festival, and it’s even better. You’ll find events like apple cider demonstrations, apple sling shots, live animals, crafts, face painting for the kids and lots more.

Proceeds from this event help to fund the museum’s educational efforts throughout the year.

Location Tip: This festival is just over an hour from the Litchfield Hills region, making it easy to swing by during your fall trip.

50. Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Fest (RI)

In mid-October every year, Newport, RI hosts the amazing Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Fest. While this isn’t your traditional fall fest, it has everything you could possibly want in a New England festival. In fact, it was named one of the 10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast by Coastal Living Magazine.

During the event, you’ll find incredible seafood vendors, chowders, live music, kettle corn, cocktails, and scenic seating along the wharf.

Best New England Fall Road Trips & Scenic Drives

51. Currier & Ives Scenic Byway (NH)

The Currier & Ives Scenic Byway takes you on a beautiful route in southern New Hampshire that’ll be dripping with fall color at peak foliage time. This drive is about 30 miles long, making it easy to do as a day trip, and offers plenty of stops to make along the way.

This road trip will start in downtown Henniker, NH, and take you to Salisbury, with a quick detour to Warner on the way. Click here for a map of the route to help you plan.

Along this route, you’ll be able to visit the quaint and historic towns of Henniker, Hopkinton, Warner, Webster and Salisbury. During the drive, you’ll definitely want to stop in each town to explore the local shops, sites and eateries. Also be sure to stop at the Henniker covered bridge, and if you’re up for a scenic walk, hit the trails at Rollins State Park.

52. Vermont Road Trip Along Route 100

At 216 miles, Route 100 is definitely a great Vermont road trip option for those looking to see some of the more scenic parts of the state, especially in the fall season. Starting in Stamford, VT and ending in Newport, VT, this route takes you pretty much straight through the middle of the state to the Canadian border, and allows you to veer off-course to explore more of the eastern and western towns. Of course, you can easily stick to Route 100 and have an absolutely incredible drive. There’s a reason it’s one of the best in New England!

Vermont's Route 100 is one of the best fall road trips you can take in New England.

If you’re short on time, you could possibly make Route 100 a day trip through Vermont, but at minimum, I would suggest 1-2 nights to really enjoy all the sites and stops. If you have longer, 5-7 days be great, allowing you to take some side excursions to towns like Woodstock and the city of Burlington.

Some of the best stops to make along the way on Route 100 are:

  • The Vermont Country Store in Weston
  • Green Mountain Sugar House in Ludlow
  • Stowe (definitely spend some time in this quintessential Vermont town!)
  • Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury
  • Cold Hollow Cider Mill (featured earlier on this list!)

🍁 Click here to read about the best stops to make when driving from Boston to Stowe, VT!

53. The Kancamagus Highway Scenic Drive (NH)

At only 34 miles long, this scenic drive through the White Mountain region of New Hampshire offers a lot of payoff for a short distance. You’ll see spectacular fall foliage along the entire route, which begins in Conway, and ends in Lincoln. Along the way, you’ll be able to stop at Albany Covered Bridge, several scenic viewpoints including Pemigewasset Overlook, Hancock Overlook and CL Graham Wangan Overlook, as well as Sabbaday Falls and Upper Lady’s Bath. There’s plenty more to stop and see on the drive, but these are the highlights.

The Kancamagus Highway is one of the best scenic drives for fall foliage in New Hampshire.

For this scenic drive, you’ll want to plan at least 3 hours to allow time to get out and enjoy the sites, and even more if you want to hike any of the trails along the route.

54. The Scenic FarmCoast Drive (RI & MA)

This short little drive is perfect for those looking for a day trip around the coast, and also through some of Massachusetts for some great fall color. This route is very under-rated, and absolutely wonderful in the fall season. FarmCoast got its name because of the Rhode Island coastal views with a backdrop of beautiful rural farmland, offering the best of both worlds.

This drive starts in Tiverton (be sure to stop by Tiverton Corners for some fun shops!), and ends in the Dartmouth area of Massachusetts, and you’ll definitely want to take a detour to Westport, MA on your way to Dartmouth. Tiverton to Dartmouth only takes about 30 minutes without stops, so you’ll definitely have time! To get to Westport, you’ll turn left onto Route 88 (if you’re coming from RI), and take that to Westport. Then reverse course back to Route 177 and continue to Dartmouth.

55. The Northwestern Connecticut & Mount Tom State Park Drive

Earlier in this post, I mentioned why the Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut was absolutely one of the best things to do in New England in the fall, and this scenic drive/road trip around the area is a great way to see it all and experience those perfect New England countryside landscapes and covered bridges. You’ll pass through the picturesque towns of Litchfield, Kent, New Milford and also visit Mount Tom State Park for beautiful fall foliage views.

This route isn’t super straight forward and requires a little bit of backtracking to visit all the destinations, but it’s definitely worth it. You can start in either New Milford or Kent, then work your way to whichever of these two towns you didn’t come from before driving to Mount Tom State Park, where you can take scenic walks and hikes. After the park, you’ll make your way to Litchfield, your final destination.

What Is The Best Time To Visit New England In The Fall?

Between late-September and mid-October is the best time to catch fall foliage at its peak. This will also depend on the region, as places in the White Mountains and northern Vermont will start to turn earlier than the more southern or coastal destinations. It’s best to first pick which destinations you want to visit, and then plan accordingly. But as a safe bet, the first week of October is generally great for most places in New England for peak foliage.

However, I think that any time in October is also wonderful. While mid to late October will be the end of peak foliage in most places, the leaf-covered streets and walkways, as well as most of the grounds, will still be covered in colorful foliage. Trees may be bare, but I’ve also seen some southern and coastal towns with foliage left on them in early November! So even if you think you’ll miss peak foliage, you’ll still have an an amazingly scenic fall trip.

What Is The Best Way To See New England In The Fall?

The absolute best way to see New England in the fall is by car. If you’re flying into the area, you’ll want to rent a car at the airport to get around. If you only plan to stay in Boston or Portland, ME, then you can get away without a car, but as you’ll see from this list, most of the best things to do in New England in the fall are in the smaller, quaint towns and countryside, and unfortunately, there’s no good public transportation methods to get you there.

How To See New England In The Fall Without A Car

If having a car on your fall New England trip isn’t an option, your best bet is to stay in Boston, and explore the city for a few days, and then also consider taking the train to Portland, Maine, where public transit can easily get you around. Both of these cities are easy to navigate without a car, and provide lots of opportunities to experience fall weather, scenery and foliage.

Between the two cities, I would say Boston is a better option for a fall trip without a car because you can also combine it with a trip to Salem by taking the ferry over. You could either spend a day in Salem, or even a few days as you don’t really need a car in Salem, either, if you stick to the downtown area. There’s also Uber available in Salem to get you around if needed.

🍁 Click here to book your Boston to Salem Ferry!

Best Places To Stay In New England In The Fall

Deciding where to stay in New England can feel overwhelming, but I’m going to make it easier for you! Below is a list of the best places to stay in New England in the fall, including great towns and specific accommodations that feel extra cozy for a fall getaway.

I have a detailed guide on the best places to stay in Vermont in the Fall –
🍁 Click here to jump over to that!

Best Places To Stay In Massachusetts In The Fall

In Salem, MA, the Hawthorn Hotel is the best choice. It has free on-site parking (which is a huge bonus if you drive in as not many hotels and inns offer this), nicely decorated rooms in a historic building and a location that can’t be beat right in the center of all the best things to see.

🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Hawthorn Hotel in Salem!

In Boston, The Godfrey is an awesome option, and the plaid headboards in their rooms definitely feel very fall. The hotel itself is absolutely gorgeous, historic and modern all at the same time, and the location in the Theater District is easily accessible to Boston Common, the Public Gardens and Newbury Street.

🍁 Click here to book your stay at The Godfrey in Boston!

Best Places To Stay In Maine In The Fall

If you’re looking to stay in Bar Harbor to explore Acadia National Park, the Sand Bar Cottage Inn is a great option for fall because it feels like a cozy New England inn, and has really cool and updated rooms. The location is also excellent, and less than a 5-minute walk to the center of town. The inn also provides parking for guests, and has an outdoor terrace to enjoy the gorgeous fall weather and foliage.

🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Sand Bar Cottage Inn in Bar Harbor!

In Portland, Maine, a great option is the Portland Harbor Hotel, which is another awesome combination of modern meets cozy New England. Valet garage parking is available on-side, and this hotel is located in the Old Port district, which I think is the most beautiful part of Portland, and also accessible to a lot of sites.

🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Portland Harbor Hotel!

Best Places To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall

Not only is the Omni Mount Washington Resort one of the best places to stay in New Hampshire, it’s also one one of the best things to do in New England in the fall! If you’re looking for a bit of a splurge, and a very easy getaway in the White Mountains region, this is an incredible choice. To enjoy gorgeous fall foliage views, you’ll only have to look out your window, or take a walk around the picturesque grounds of the hotel. On-site, you’ll also find a spa, restaurants, zip lines, and a golf course.

🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in the White Mountains!

If you’re looking for a cozy cabin getaway in New Hampshire, this vacation rental with views of the White Mountains is a wonderful option. With an ideal location that’s within a 20-minute drive to some of the best towns in the area, as well as 50 acres all to yourself for hiking, relaxing and amazing foliage views.

🍁 Click here to book this cozy cabin with a view of the White Mountains!

Best Places To Stay In Connecticut In The Fall

In Litchfield, a beautiful option is the Litchfield Inn. This is a very cozy and inviting New England inn in the countryside with beautifully appointed rooms, and updated and modern bathrooms. Each stay comes with a full breakfast, and lots of opportunity to admire the fall foliage right on the inn grounds. You’re also only a short distance from town center and the local scenic walking and hiking trails.

🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Litchfield Inn in CT!

In Cornwall Bridge, close to Kent, CT, you’ll find the charming Cornwall Inn. This little place is a very traditional-style New England inn with cozy and quaint rooms, and a lovely breakfast included with each stay. This inn also has pet-friendly options if you’re looking to bring your pup with you on your fall getaway.

🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Cornwall Inn in CT!

Best Places To Stay In Rhode Island In The Fall

In Newport, the Bouchard Restaurant & Inn is a perfect, cozy stay for the fall season in a gorgeous, historic building. You’ll easily be able to walk to most places in Newport from here, and an awesome breakfast is included with each stay. The on-site restaurant is also a must, making it easy to stay in for a night of dining with seasonal flavors.

The Bouchard Restaurant & Inn is a great place to stay in Newport, RI in the fall season because it's a very cozy little New England style inn with an amazing restaurant.
The cozy Bouchard Restaurant & Inn in Newport, RI. Photo courtesy of Michael Osean.

🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Bouchard Restaurant & Inn in Newport!

Also in Newport, The Cliffside Inn is another wonderful option for a warm and welcoming fall getaway in a gorgeous historic building that’s been beautifully updated with stylish furnishings. The Cliffside Inn is located within walking distance to Cliff Walk (my personal favorite thing to do in Newport), which will make for a wonderful fall stroll. Breakfast is also included with each stay.

🍁 Click here to book your stay at the Cliffside Inn in Newport!

You may also find these posts helpful:

  • Vermont In The Fall: Festive Things To Do!
  • Fall In New Hampshire: The Best Things To Do
  • Incredible New England Resorts & Spas
  • Best Boston Food Tours
  • Best Winter Getaways In New England
  • Best Stops To Make Driving From Boston To Portland, Maine
  • Best Stops To Make Driving From Portland To Acadia National Park
  • Gorgeous New Hampshire Covered Bridges You Should See
  • Summer In New England: Best Places To Go & Things To Do!
  • 60+ Things To Do In Vermont
  • The Most Incredible New England Lighthouses To See
  • Amazing Places For Fall Foliage In Maine
  • Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands To Visit In The Fall
  • Where To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall

That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do In New England In The Fall

Now that you know all the very best things to do in New England in the fall, you’re ready to plan your own adventure! There are so many options to consider, including everything from a lovely city weekend in Boston with historic sites and fall-covered cobblestone streets, to the countryside of Vermont and Connecticut, and cozy mountain getaways in New Hampshire. Regardless of what you pick, it’s sure to be memorable.

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About Me

Hi there! I'm Sam, and I'm the creator and writer behind this website. I live locally in the Northeast, and I've been exploring the New England region for over 15 years. It's my passion to create the most helpful travel guides and resources out there about this region, and it's my hope they help you plan your dream adventure to New England . Click here to find out more!

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