Outdoor Adventures
New England's outdoor adventures cover a range limited only by your taste. Some people go for mountain biking, zip lines or treetop rope-and-plank tours, mountain coasters, and rock climbing, while other people like to take a quiet drive to a scenic overlook or watch the sun set while sipping wine on a vineyard patio. Here is a sampling of the outdoor adventures that lure vacationers and families to the charms of New England.
Outdoor Adventures for Families
New England is one of the best places to visit when it comes to traveling with young children. With a wide range of different activities, you can find whatever you may be looking for. One option for those traveling with young kids would be The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village in Connecticut - a 60-acre outdoor adventure park that features over 50 life-sized dinos on 1.5 miles of pristine, easy-to-walk nature trails. Some more options include family farms in New Hampshire and Rhode Island, mountain resorts with skiing, hiking, and swimming, or a beautiful beachside trip to Provincetown, MA. For easy day trips, you could consider visiting Boston, MA, for the Freedom Trail or Fanueil Hall - this is also a great option for those energetic kids who you can’t seem to settle down. Lastly, plan a winter trip to Mt. Washington Valley to take the kids to Santa’s Village or Story Land! They will have an unforgettable trip.
Outdoor Adventures for Friends and Couples
If you want to plan an adventure for your partner or an older friend group, we have great options for those traveling without kids. For a relaxing day trip, observe and celebrate the great outdoors from the seat of a classic steam train or riverboat in Connecticut. Pick up a new hobby with your significant other by joining the Maine Windjammer Association. Take a week-long cruise or a quick overnight, and enjoy the unforgettable views of coastal Maine. If you and your friends are more on the adventurous side, New England definitely has options for you. You can find ziplining, mountain biking, and even bungy trampolines in various areas throughout the mountain regions of New England.
46 listings
Charlestown, NH
Morningside Flight Park
357 Morningside Lane 603-542-4416Exciting adventures from hang gliding to zip lines to laser tag at flight park
You’re looking for an adventure? How about launching off a hillside and tandem hang gliding? Or paragliding over the Connecticut River Valley? Those are just two of the exciting options at the Morningside Flight Park, one of the most complete flight parks in the country, with gliding experiences for beginners to advanced pilots. Is gliding an adventure too far? No problem! The park also offers zip line tours where you begin from the top of Morningside Mountain then fly through the trees, platform to platform, and over two suspension bridges. The park also offers guided five-on-five laser tag games, great for birthdays, family outings and corporate retreats. Want to stay a night or two or more? A camp site has spots for your tent, and there are cabins to rent.
Gorham, NH
Great Glen Trails
Route 16 at Pinkham Notch 603-466-3988A slate of exciting adventures, from kayaking to skiing, are waiting for you at outdoor center
Pick from an exciting menu of outdoor adventures at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Kayak fans can book a tour, full- or half-day wildlife tour or a whitewater kayak clinic. A sunset kayaking tour is also offered, along a pristine stretch of the Androscoggin River. Miles of rolling, smooth and well-drained terrain, as well as miles of single-track, means great hiking and biking, surrounded by the beauty of the White Mountains. In winter, go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing (including an evening snowshoe tour) and snow tubing down the walk-up Tubing Hill. All the best in outdoor gear, as well as rental equipment, is available at the Outfitters Shop. The base lodge has showers, lockers and a cozy fireplace.
Camden, ME
Maine Windjammer Association
Sailing from Ports in Rockland andReady for an adventure? Take to the sea for a glorious vacation aboard a windjammer
Toss your everyday routines and stresses to the wind: Book an adventure aboard one of the vessels of the Maine Windjammer Association. It’s like no other vacation you’ve experienced. Take a three-night cruise or sail for a week enjoying delicious homemade meals and the companionship of an expert crew and friendly fellow passengers. Help raise the sails, or sit on the deck and soak in the sun. Watch for porpoises, seals, bald eagles – even the occasional whale or puffin. Explore fishing villages, feast at a lobster bake on an uninhabited island, swim or paddle board – or just join in a game of Hearts around the wood stove. Vessels include 19th century schooners and more modern-day windjammers, all waiting for those seeking seafaring adventures.
Salem, NH
America's Stonehenge
105 Haverhill Road 603-893-8300Mysteries abound at this incredible seacoast site
The forests near Salem, NH are home to this remarkable maze of rocks, stone chambers, and megaliths that may have been left by ancient visitors. But who were they? The question has stymied scholars for generations. The megalith filled pine woods eerily appear to be similar to those built throughout Great Britain by Druid priests. Adding to the mystery is the fact that you'll find megaliths of the same type scattered around New England. This site is one of the largest collections not on private property and not off limits to visitors. Visit the museum and enjoy the orientation film and gift shop that offers books with more information. In winter months the one-hundred-plus acres are also great for snowshoeing.
Charlemont, MA
Crab Apple Whitewater (MA)
2056 Mohawk Trail 800-553-7238Variety of exciting whitewater rafting trips for families, groups and all levels of experience
Between the historic Mohawk Trail and the Deerfield River is the base camp for your whitewater rafting adventure. Crab Apple Whitewater offers four different adventures in Massachusetts for individual rafters, families and groups. The Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River is exciting yet family friendly; the Monroe Bridge section full of big waves (and a snack time along the banks of a deep gorge). Millers River trips happen on special dam releases and natural flows from spring rains, and then there are the Funyak (inflatable kayak) trips on the Deerfield, MA’s more quiet lower section, with giant squirt guns provided for extra fun. At the base camp, an outdoor patio overlooks the river. Crab Apple recommends several nearby hotels and motels for overnight adventurers.
Oakdale, CT
The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village
1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85) 860-443-4367Exciting adventures at dinosaur-themed amusement park are around every corner
The only thing The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village has more of than dinosaurs is adventures — they are everywhere! In addition to meeting up with over 60 life-sized dinos along an easy-to-walk nature trail, you can work your way through the A-MAZE-asaurus maze (sliding through the giant mouth of a T-Rex!); or climb, jump and slide your way through Monty’s Playground. Over at the Splash Pad, there are dueling T-Rex water cannons among other great features, and the T-Rex Tower is a 2 1/2-story playscape with dozens of challenging features like a balance-beam bridge. The park also has an 18-hole mini golf course, a Jackpot Mine where you can dig for crystals and minerals and, over at Lapilli Landing, an equestrian-themed pedal-car track and Lucky Leroy train ride.
North Woodstock, NH
Ice Castles
24 Clark Farm RoadDazzling displays mean you’ll crown these artful ice castles top winter attractions
Add some sparkle to your winter with a visit to the breathtaking Ice Castles, a magical masterpiece of ice thrones, sculptures, tunnels, slides and fountains. Walk along the enchanted forest path, admiring the hand-carved sculptures that seem to glow from within with their embedded LED lights. Or, better yet, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride (for groups up to 12 people) through the award-winning attraction. Set to open in early January, the winter wonderland features the work of ice artisans who grow and harvest up to 10,000 icicles a day. All in all, about 20 million pounds of ice go into creating the magical ambiance, aided by music and multicolored lights (and special fire shows on Friday and Saturday nights).
Mystic, CT
Argia Mystic Cruises
75 Steamboat Wharf 860-536-0416Sail into the past aboard the Mystic-based schooner Argia
Aboard the 81-foot sailing vessel Argia, a modern replica of a 19th century packet schooner, you can travel back into the past – gliding by history-rich Mystic, helping the crew hoist and trim the sails – or just enjoy the view of islands, lighthouses and scenic coastlines from the vessel’s spacious wooden deck. The Coast Guard licensed schooner sails protected waters during the day and, for those seeking the romance of the sea at twilight, at sunset. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine (or order snacks from us when you book) to make this excursion truly memorable. There are seats for all 49 passengers and a lovely little main salon down below.
The Forks, ME
Crab Apple Whitewater (ME)
3 Lake Moxie Road 800-553-7238Lots of adventures to choose from when you challenge the rapids in Maine rivers
Choose your adventure at Crab Apple Whitewater: Paddle through rapids with family members, up your individual rafting skills through Class V rapids, engage in a little night-time paint ball with your friends after a day out on the river. Base camp in Maine includes standard and premium lodging options, a pub and restaurant, a heated outdoor pool, paintball fields and other activities. It’s all waiting for you after your journey down the Kennebec or Dead River, each with its own thrills and challenges. Kennebec has legendary Class III and IV rapids at every turn before you get to float-next-to-your-raft time. And the Dead River’s Class IV and V rapids provide a continuous rush. Breakfast is included with all rafting and lodging packages.
Westerly, RI
Weekapaug Inn
25 Spray Rock Road 877-394-8902Pondside location and spacious grounds yield a variety of activities at this inviting inn
If you love being able to enjoy the great outdoors while staying at an award-winning inn, you’ll want to book one of the 33 classic rooms or spacious suites in the Weekapaug Inn. With its location on the Rhode Island shoreline overlooking Quonochontaug Pond, with the Atlantic just beyond, the inn offers a variety of water-based activities, from kayaking, sailing, paddle-boarding and fishing to boating excursions, beach walks with a resident naturalist and swimming. An attendant at the Bathhouse will set up your chairs and umbrella. The historic inn also has shuffleboard and bocce courts and a saline lap pool with jetted tub. In the evening, after dining on the restaurant’s farm-to-table fare, make s’mores by the fire pit and gaze at the stars.
Visit our sister property, Ocean House Resort.
Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn have once again earned Five-Star recognition from the esteemed Forbes Travel Guide for 2026, and have been voted among the top hotels in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.
Tilton, NH
Lakes Region Tourism Association
61 Laconia Road 603-286-8008Outdoor activities for all interests, all levels of experience, are everywhere in this vibrant region
Exciting outdoor activities are everywhere in the vibrant Lakes Region of New Hampshire. All sorts of lake cruises await visitors: sunset, dinner, Sunday brunch, nature, historical. They’re matched by activities on land, from hiking up mountains for thrilling views to petting the animals and family farms. Play golf, zoom around a speedway track in a go-kart or over the trees on a zip line, bike through a covered bridge or scamper through Ice Age caves and by waterfalls. In the winter, there’s downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing, sledding, skating, snowshoeing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. Go camping or glamping. Check the website for outdoor festivals, concerts and other activities all four seasons of the year in the friendly towns and villages of the Lakes Region.
Niantic, CT
Black Hawk Sport Fishing
Sailing from Cini Memorial Park 860-448-3662Have an adventure at sea and bring home that night’s dinner, all in one exciting trip
Have an adventure out on the water — and come home with dinner! That’s the perfect combo they’re offering you when you book a fishing cruise at Black Hawk Sport Fishing. With a vessel specially designed for the party boat fishing industry, you’ll head out to fish for porgy, bluefish, striped bass or sea bass. Bring your own gear, or rent a rod and reel at the dock. And, yes, kids can fish, too — sometimes they can even honk the boat horns! Keep what you catch (as long as it’s legal in terms of size and season) — a mate will fillet and clean it for a nominal charge. Or, you can release the fish back into the water or have it contributed to a local soup kitchen or food bank.
Providence, Newport, Westerly, RI, MA
Save The Bay
Multiple Centers & Dock Locations 401-272-3540Hikes, seal and lighthouse tours are among outdoor activities at this education center
On land or sea, there are plenty of outdoor adventures for visitors to the year-round Save The Bay locations in Providence and Newport, RI. At the Bay Center in Providence, the grounds—featuring walking trails, shoreline access, and, seasonally, a fishing platform, and kayak launch—are open from sunrise to sunset. Just outside the doors of their Hamilton Family Aquarium in Newport, you can take a stroll on Newport’s only ocean-facing beach. June-October, Save The Bay offers full-day lighthouse tours, and then, from October-November, you can hop onboard a Nature Cruise & Seal Tour in historic Westerly or Seal Tour in November-April in historic Newport.
Boat tours depart from Newport, Westerly, and Providence RI.
Bethlehem, NH
Town of Bethlehem
White Mountains town makes a great headquarters for a variety of outdoor adventures
It’s hard to think of a place where the great outdoors is as great as it is in Bethlehem, N.H., making it the perfect headquarters for your adventures. Ski or snowboard down the slopes at one of six nearby mountains or hit the trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or fat biking on endless area trails in Bethlehem and its charming neighboring towns. There’s also a network of snowmobile trails that take you right into town for lunch! In the warmer weather, enjoy hiking and biking on our extensive trail network or scenic roads, tennis, basketball – and swimming in the town pool and our pristine rivers. Bethlehem also boasts two exceptional 18-hole golf courses, designed by the legendary Donald Ross. Outdoor activities in the area include the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the Flume Gorge, Santa’s Village and Story Land.
Plymouth, MA
See Plymouth
4 North Street 508-747-0100Historical sites, activities from whale-watching to golfing make Plymouth ideal for outdoor enthusiasts
Check out some more great things to do while visiting Plymouth County, MA!
Plymouth is a terrific location for those who want to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Talk a walk through Brewster Garden to the Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock, statues of Massasoit and William Bradford and the Pilgrim Sarcophagus, with the remains of Pilgrims who died the first year after their arrival. Enjoy one of the area’s inviting, sandy beaches, play golf, go on a whale watch or fishing excursion or take the fast ferry to Provincetown. Visit Plimoth Patuxet Museums and walk through a 17th-century English village and a Wampanoag homesite. Take a tour of Plymouth by night, play golf, go sea kayaking, walk the breakwater jetty at the harbor, go hiking or biking in the state forest or in an Audubon sanctuary. Please visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.
Rumney, NH
Polar Caves
705 Rumney Route 25 603-536-1888Put on your explorer gear and prepare to duck and shimmy through Ice Age caves
Time to be an explorer! Head to the Polar Caves and prepare to make all kinds of discoveries. Formed during the last Ice Age, the nine granite caves consist of granite boulders that formed passageways – and it’s those passageways, with the modern addition of boardwalks and stairs, that you’ll duck, squeeze and shimmy through. Can you get yourself through the slim crevasse of the Lemon Squeeze, or walk the narrow Devil’s Turnpike path? Can you touch the last of winter’s ice in the middle of the summer at the Ice Cave? When you’re done exploring, visit the animal park, with several fallow deer and ducks, all of which love kids bearing corn you can buy at the park. For hungry humans, there’s a picnic area.
North Woodstock, NH
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
1712 Lost River Road -- Route 112W 603-745-8031See the powerful forces of nature at work when you tour a lost river and glacial caves
Marvel at the forces of Mother Nature when you tour the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch, a land of spectacular beauty. Walk a mile of boardwalk through the gorge as it winds its way along the Lost River, showing you jagged rock walls, gigantic boulders, cascading waterfalls and 11 glacial boulder caves whose formation began about 300 million years ago. Discover the Forest Adventure Trail, treehouse and suspension bridge or get a bird’s-eye view of the forest from the Giant Bird Nest. Pan for gemstones, shark’s teeth and fossils at the Lost River Mining Company. Or take an evening guided lantern tour when the caves are lit by lanterns and the boardwalks by headlamps. The tour ends with s’mores around a campfire.
Berline, NH
Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce
961 Main Street 603-228-0836If you’re ready for an adventure, the vibrant Androscoggin Valley is ready for you
Ready for an adventure? Head to the Androscoggin Valley, NH, and you’ll have your pick: from skiing down slopes or through meadows in the winter, to hiking to waterfalls or golfing in the spring, to checking out that swimming hole or learning to fly fish in the summer, to biking along rolling carriage roads against a backdrop bursting with color in the fall. The area also boasts great cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing trails, rivers for kayaking and paddling, scenic gondola rides and places to zip-line. Take a moose tour, go whitewater rafting, go horseback riding or dog sledding. Enjoy snow-tubing, take a sleigh ride, go ice-skating. Visitors have their choice of comfortable accommodations, from bed-and-breakfast inns to resorts with pools and spas, and restaurants from pizza parlors to fine dining.
Concord, NH
Scenic RailRiders
188 Sewalls Falls Road 603-931-1700Here’s a unique way to admire the Merrimack River scenery: pedaling a Rail-Bike
Your Last Chance to Pedal the Rails in Concord NH, 2026 will be our last year in Concord!
There are lots of ways to enjoy the scenery along the Merrimack River, but only one way gives you the opportunity to do something you’ve probably never done before: travel train tracks without a train. At Scenic Railriders, you’ll pass through woods and farms, along the river and over bridges while pedaling a custom-built Rail-Bike. The comfortable two- and four-seat “bikes” require leisurely pedaling along the 6.2-mile route, which takes about an hour and 45 minutes to complete with two rest stops. Guides in the lead and end car will fill you in on the history of the picturesque area. Riders of all ages are welcome: Kids’ car or booster seats can be strapped right onto the Rail-Bikes, which have seat belts. Advanced booking is required.
We have added a 2.3 mile evening Holiday Lights Tour Mid-November through Christmas Weekend!
Gorham, NH
Mount Washington Auto Road
Route 16 - Pinkham Notch 603-466-3988Drive yourself, take a tour, hike or ski: Everything is an adventure along the auto road
Outdoor adventures along the historic Mt. Washington Auto Road take a number of forms, from self-guided auto tours (you can download an audio tour on the app) to guided tours. Pull-offs along the way to the summit, the highest in the Northeast, offer magnificent vistas and mini-hikes. And speaking of hikes, you can hike to the summit, resting at Appalachian Mountain Club huts en route, or ride up on a tour and hike down. In the winter, a comfy and warm SnowCoach takes you to the tree line, and you have the option of going back on the coach or skiing or snowshoeing down! Traveling from the base to the summit, you’ll go through four distinct ecological zones. At the top, there’s a weather observatory museum and cafeteria.
Providence, RI
Go Providence
1 Sabin Street 401-751-1177From foodie and history-based tours to zip lining and gondola rides, the outdoors is the “in” thing
Who says the best activities in a city are indoors? In Providence, RI, great outdoor attractions include everything from the amazing WaterFire event, where you can take a gondola ride down a river lined with bonfires, to guided historic walking tours (get a map at the visitor’s center) that help you explore the city’s unique neighborhoods, with great restaurants and shops. Take a foodie bike tour (there’s are loops for donuts, and beer), go ice skating at BankNewport City Center, meet the animals or go zip lining at Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village, arrange for a narrated architecture boat tour, or board a swan boat at Roger Williams Park. For more great outdoors things to do, visit GoProvidence.com
Sturbridge, MA
Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, off Route 20 508-347-3362Village museum, where 1830s come to life, offers outdoor walks, explorations
Whether you’re walking the streets of the re-created village or along a nature trail, there is plenty to do in the great outdoors at Old Sturbridge Village, where visitors are transported to an 1830s New England village . Stroll from the blacksmith shop to the schoolhouse, or through gorgeous gardens (some ornamental, some for herbs, some for children). At the Freeman Farm, you can admire the heritage-breed cattle, pigs, chickens and sheep and its extensive kitchen garden. You can ride in a horse-drawn wagon, walk under a covered bridge or explore three nature trails: one through pastures, one through woodlands (watch for deer) and one along the Quinebaug River (watch for great blue herons). Grab a sandwich at the Ox & Yoke Cafe or eat outside at the Bullard Tavern.
Falmouth, MA
Island Queen
75 Falmouth Heights Road 508-548-4800Ferry connects visitors from Cape to Vineyard, from one series of adventures to another
Sea breezes, the sparkling waters of the Vineyard Sound, glimpses of an over-changing Cape Cod: That’s what makes traveling aboard the Island Queen, the passenger ferry from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs, MA, so enjoyable. With a snack bar, restrooms and plenty of room for bikes, kayaks and paddle boards, the ferry is a comfortable, fun way to travel. And the Vineyard is such wonderful place to explore, from the Flying Horses carousel in Oak Bluffs to the sea captains’ houses and restaurants in Edgartown, MA to the spectacular red cliffs of Aquinnah, MA. There are bike paths, hiking trails and village streets to explore. In Falmouth, make time for its shimmering beaches and Shining Sea Bikeway. On the Cape, visit lighthouses, stroll village streets and go for a whale watch, among other adventures.
Narragansett, RI
Block Island Ferry
304 Great Island Road 401-783-7996Coming and going, your trip to Block Island offers endless options for outdoor fun
One of the best parts of taking the Block Island Ferry is all the fun outdoor activities around each port. Leaving from the main ferry terminal in Narragansett, RI [Point Judith]? Explore the charming fishing town of Galilee with its two beaches. If you’re departing from Newport, RI, take the Cliff Walk for dramatic ocean and mansion views. And once you’re in Old Harbor, of course, the outdoor world is your oyster (or quahog if you decide to go clamming). Surf, swim, paddleboard, or fish off the beautiful beaches. Go kayaking or biking or walk one of the trails in the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge or Rodman’s Hollow. Stroll the shoreline of Great Salt Pond. Go parasailing, visit a lighthouse, take a ghost tour, or go horseback riding.
The Berkshires Region, MA
Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts
413-499-1600Beautiful Berkshire region boasts four-season fun for all outdoor enthusiasts
You’ll find four-season outdoor fun around every corner in the fabulous Berkshires. Summer means kayaking, fishing and swimming in the region’s pristine lakes and streams, along with golfing, biking, and horseback riding. See an outdoor performance at Shakespeare & Company or a concert under the stars on the picturesque lawn at Tanglewood. In the fall, hike through glorious mountain foliage, pick apples and pumpkins, or tackle a final whitewater rafting trip. Winter means alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and ice skating - or days by fireplaces. In the spring, visit the baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village or take a ride in a hot air balloon. From holiday and harvest festivals to walking and scenic railway tours, there is always something exciting to see — and do — in the Berkshires.
West Dover, VT
Crab Apple Whitewater (VT)
289 Handle Road 800-553-7238Memories that last a lifetime will be yours when you conquer the West River rapids
Unforgettable: That’s what your whitewater rafting adventure will be when you book a trip with Crab Apple Whitewater. In Vermont, at Mt. Snow, that means exciting seasonal rafting in the spring and fall on the West River. It means taking in jaw-dropping scenery and experiencing a ride that will leave you with memories for a lifetime. The river provides an invigorating mix of Class II to IV rapids, ideal for beginners and experienced rafters, whether you’re seeking a thrill ride or a fun-filled family trip. After a day on the river, led by experienced guides, you’ll unwind in nearby hotels or motels handpicked to ensure your comfort and convenience, and watch videos of your rafting experience. Helmets and lifejackets, in all sizes, are provided.
Middlefield, CT
Lyman Orchards
32 Reeds Gap Road 860-349-1793From Pick-Your-Own Orchards to Mazes, Markets, and More
For over 275 years, family-owned Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT has blended history, flavor, and outdoor fun into one unforgettable destination. From mid-June through late October, visitors can pick nearly 100 varieties of fruits, from juicy strawberries to eco-certified apples grown with care. Seasonal Sunflower and Corn Mazes add adventure (and Instagram-worthy views), while the Apple Barrel Farm Market tempts with pies, baked goods, and fresh sandwiches. After exploring, refuel at the 1741 Pub & Grill or tee off at three award-winning golf courses. With year-round events and festivals, it’s no wonder Lyman Orchards was named Connecticut’s Best Pick-Your-Own Farm for 2024.
Providence/Newport, RI
Rhode Island Red Food Tours
Tours offered in Providence & Newport 401-684-1110Step outside and savor Rhode Island with an outdoor adventure led by Rhode Island Red Food Tours.
Our walking tours bring guests through Newport and Providence’s historic streets, along waterfronts, and into neighborhoods filled with culinary treasures. Enjoy fresh air and scenic views while sampling local specialties, from chowder to ice cream and pastries. Tours are paced comfortably for all fitness levels, making them a fun way to explore while getting your steps in. Whether it’s a fresh spring day, sunny summer day or a crisp fall afternoon, Rhode Island Red Food Tours offers an outdoor adventure that satisfies both your appetite and curiosity.
Hampton Beach, NH
Hampton Beach Village District
115 Ocean Boulevard 603-926-8717Sun, Sand & Seaside Fun: Discover the Best of Hampton Beach
Relax with your toes in the sand and your face in the sun, or enjoy some summer fun! Hampton Beach combines New England nostalgia with modern amenities. However you imagine your beach vacation, you'll find numerous lodging and dining options for all budgets. If you're looking for entertainment, Hampton Beach offers nightly concerts, weekly fireworks, Monday Night Movies on the Beach, Beach Yoga, and many major events held throughout the summer season. All events are free! Come enjoy the seacoast of New Hampshire and all it offers!
Jefferson, NH
Santa's Village
528 Presidential Highway 603-586-4445Christmas Comes Early in the White Mountains
Nestled in the White Mountains of Jefferson, New Hampshire, Santa's Village has been delighting families for over 70 years — and the magic never gets old. Climb aboard the Skyway Sleigh monorail, brave the Yule Log Flume, or send the little ones soaring at the Little Elf Flying School. When the heat is on, the water park delivers with three-story twisty slides, the splashy Ho Ho H2O attraction, and a gentle splash pad for the youngest adventurers. Meet Santa, feed his reindeer, hunt for elves across the park, and decorate your own gingerbread man — all included with admission. Pure White Mountains joy, family style.
Rockland, ME
A Morning in Maine
3 Park Drive 207-691-7245All Aboard for Lighthouses, Lobster & the Open Sea
Set sail on Penobscot Bay aboard Morning in Maine, a classic 55-foot ketch departing from Rockland, ME. Choose from a two-hour cruise, a breathtaking sunset sail, or a six-hour adventure to Monroe Island complete with beachcombing, hiking, and a lobster picnic lunch. Along the way, spot harbor seals, seabirds, and iconic Maine lighthouses including Rockland Breakwater and Owls Head. Families will love the Science Under Sail cruises, where a science educator leads hands-on activities using real oceanographic equipment. With just 21 passengers per sailing, the experience feels intimate and unhurried. Private charters are also available for groups and special events.
Saco, ME
Funtown Splashtown USA
Route 1 207-284-5139Experience the Perfect Mix of Coasters, Water Slides & Relaxation
With 50 rides, slides, and pools packed into a single destination, the fun never stops. Conquer roller coasters, spinning rides, a laser dome show, turbo drops, and bumper cars at Funtown, then zoom down towering water slides and splash through pools at Splashtown. Little ones will love the carousel and wading pools too. When you need a break, hunt for gemstones, grab a smoothie at the tiki bar, or relax in a private cabana.
A proud family-owned business, we put guest safety first — review our guidelines before visiting.
North Conway, NH
Cranmore Mountain Resort
1 Skimobile RoadSummer at this ski resort means great hiking, chairlift rides, mountain biking
What can you do in the summer at a ski resort? Lots! At Cranmore Mountain Resort, take a seven-minute four-passenger chairlift ride to the top of the mountain. Then gaze out in awe at stunning views of Mt. Washington and its valley from 2,000 feet up. Grab lunch, snacks, a hot dog, ice cream or Bavarian pretzel at the historic Meister Hut. Then board the Skimobile Express Quad for a scenic chairlift ride back to the base area. Or, hike a half-mile loop around the summit with amazing views. (Want something longer? Take the 2-mile Black Cap Connector Trail.) The resort also has a family-friendly, lift-serviced downhill mountain bike park, with terrain for all ability levels, group lessons and rental bikes and gear.
Franconia, NH
Cannon Mountain
Franconia Notch State Park 603-823-8800Tramway rides, hiking, biking, fishing: There’s lots to do on and around this mountain resort
Hop aboard the aerial tramway – the nation’s first – at Cannon Mountain and in under 10 minutes you’ll be marveling at the view from the 4,080-foot summit. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of four states – and Canada. There’s a 360-degree observation deck, scenic walking paths and cafe. Around the mountain are a variety of fun activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including the famous Flume Gorge with cascading waterfalls and covered bridges, rock-climbing at Cannon Cliffs, hiking and biking along the 8.8-mile Recreation Path and fishing in Echo Lake and Profile Lake, both stocked with trout. Camp on one of 97 wooded tent sites at Lafayette Place Campground or bring the RV to Cannon Mountain RV Park on the north shore of Echo Lake.
Bar Harbor, ME
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Tours
1 West Street 207-288-2386Bar Harbor Whale Watch offers several distinct whale watching, sightseeing, light house and nature trips that sail daily throughout the summer. Come witness the awe inspiring beauty of the magnificent mammals of the sea. The Gulf of Maine is home to humpback, finback, and Minke whales. Because of the catamaran's speed visitors arrive at and cover lots of whale-watching territory. The boat’s galley is open during the voyage with food and beverages, including beer and wine.
Boston, MA
Massachusetts -- Walk the Freedom Trail
617-357-8300A leisurely walk through a world-class, history-rich city with many designated stops at fascinating places, from an old cemetery to classic, elegant churches. All this, along with educational value, enough space and variety for active kids, plenty of snacking opps along the way. Boston's Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile trail connecting 16 of the country's most significant historic sites linked to the American Revolution. Between April and November, you can take a 90-minute walking tour along the trail with a lively and informative 18th century costumed guide. Stop include The Boston Common, The State House,Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House The Old North Church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Bunker Hill Monument, and the USS Constitution.
Bar Harbor, ME
MAINE -- Carriage Roads of Acadia
Forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads, the gift of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., weave around the mountains and valleys of Acadia National Park. Rockefeller wanted to travel via horse and carriage into the heart of Mount Desert Island. His construction from 1913 to 1940 resulted in roads with sweeping vistas and close-up views of the landscape. Rather than flattening hillsides to accommodate the roads, breast walls and retaining walls were built to preserve the line of hillsides and save trees. Rockefeller aligned the roads to follow the contours of the land and to take advantage of scenic views. It is a beautiful drive. Here is a map by the National Park Service.
Statewide, CT
Connecticut -- Connecticut Wine Trail
Follow the trail of the vine as it winds through some of the most picturesque towns in Connecticut. The Connecticut Wine Trail is a unique collection of Twenty Four Vineyards, each ready to welcome you with hospitality and exceptional award winning wines. The trail is divided into two sections, East and West. To fully enjoy the Wine Trail, plan a few weekends to experience all that each winery has to offer. We invite you to explore this site and see where the trail leads you. You'll find more than just great wine.
Waterville, NH
New Hampshire -- Sabbaday Falls
Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area, Route 112Sabbaday Brook , on the Kancamagus Pass, drops 40 feet in an unusual and scenic form. The water drops eight feet into a small emerald green pothole. The outlet of the pothole is a slide resulting in a 20-foot horsetail into a tight gorge where it makes a ninety degree turn to the right. The final drop is a 12-foot slide into a deep teal trough that opens into a pale jade green pool below. Walkways, bridges, and stairs make this an easy and safe place to explore. To find it: Sabbaday Falls is the focal point of the Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area, a well marked locale on Route 112, about 11 miles east of Kancamagus Pass, about 3.4 miles west of the Jigger Johnson Campground and about 17 miles west of Conway.
Cornish, NH
New Hampshire -- Saint-Gaudens Historic Site
139 Saint Gaudens Road 603-675-2175A visit to this national park is a walk through a beautiful, serene property that was home to one of America’s greatest sculptors. Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907), created over 150 works of art, from exquisitely carved cameos to heroic-size public monuments. Works such as the "Standing Lincoln" monument and the Shaw Memorial, continue to inspire people today and his design for the 1907 Twenty Dollar Gold Piece, is considered America's most beautiful coin. At this historic site you can see 100 of his artworks in the galleries and on the grounds, from heroic public monuments to expressive portrait reliefs, and the gold coins which changed the look of American coinage. Enjoy summer concerts, explore nature trails, and admire the magnificent views.
Peru, VT
Vermont -- Bromley Mountain Thrill Zone
3984 Vermont Route 11 802-824-5522Bromley’s Summer Sun & Fun Park offers more warm-weather thrills (if not chills) than you can count. Alpine Slide is a triple-track and 2/3 of a mile in length with banked turns and straightaways, rollers and drops; the climbing wall has is multi-faced real-rock with different levels of challenges; the trampoline thing lets you slip into the harness and take trampolining to new heights; space bikes pedal into orbit; the zip line is basically 100 feet of "Yee-Ha!" on a super strong steel cable. The giant swing produces 3Gs of gravitational force. Coming in July 2012, the new Aerial Adventure Park allows you to walk in the treetops.
Departure from Hyannis or West Barnstable, MA
MASSACHUSETTS -- Cape Cod Railroad
Remember when you boarded a train there was a sense of adventure, and getting there was all the fun! Travel back in time to the golden age of railroad travel as you are treated to some of the Cape's unspoiled and hidden beauty, accessible only by the railways. Make a whistle stop in Sandwich -- the Cape's oldest and most charming town -- or ride on through on this two-hour scenic route. Traverse some of the Cape's most picturesque countryside including quaint villages, unspoiled woodlands, sand dunes, cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and the famous Cape Cod Canal.
New Castle, NH
New Hampshire -- Thaxter’s Garden on Isles of Shoals
Depart from Gregg Marine Research Complex, 29 Wentworth RoadPortsmouth-born author Celia Laighton Thaxter (1835-1894) grew up in the Isles of Shoals, including Appledore and Star islands, offshore between New Hampshire and Kittery Point, Maine. Her poems first appeared in The Atlantic Monthly and she became one of America's favorite authors in the late 1800s. Images of her famous garden return, again and again, in the oil paintings by Childe Hassam. Tours of the garden and Appledore Island are offered by Shoals Marine Lab aboard the research vessel Challenger. This is an island without paved roads, vehicles or amenities, so visitors (age 18 and older) should be prepared to spend the day hiking on rough terrain. The rewards are great.
Newport, RI
Rhode Island -- Cliff Walk's Rocky Shores
Start at 117 Memorial Blvd.The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile winding path along Newport’s shoreline with breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay and the rocky coves below. The walk runs from Bailey's Beach to First Beach, with public access points at Bellevue Avenue, Ledge Road, Marine Avenue, Ruggles Avenue, Ruggles Avenue, Sheppard Avenue, Webster Street, and Narragansett Avenue. The walk skirts the edges of some of the city’s mansions, including Beechwood, Rosecliff, Marble House, The Breakers, Ochre Court, and Rough Point. Much of the walk is easy paved paths but some parts have unpaved sections and rugged paths. Best section for viewing with limited time is Narragansett Avenue to Ruggles Avenue.
Provincetown, MA
Art’s Dune Tours
4 Standish Street 508-487-1950For three generations, the family-run Art’s Dune Tours has been taking spellbound visitors on tours of the dunes of the Provincelands, a marvelous, otherworldly place of sky, sea, dune grass, and wind-sculpted dunes. On the tours, you will travel through the majestic dunes where your guide points out the dune shacks where famous artists and writers lived and found inspiration. You will pass the remains of the Peaked Hill Life Saving Station and learn how life savers enacted their heroic efforts to save the lives of thousands from shipwrecks. Access by the public to the dunes is limited, so this is the way to see this marvelous landscape.
Charlestown, RI
Rhode Island -- Ninigret Pond Refuge
Refuge Headquarters, 50 Bend RoadFrom fishing, to hiking, to photography, Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge has it all. The section of the refuge south of Route 1 is surrounded on three sides by Ninigret Pond, a large salt pond with a dramatic breachway opening to the ocean. At the east entrance, there is a kayak/canoe launch area -- a convenient place to get out on Ninigret Pond and see the refuge from the duck's point of view! The northern section of the refuge, where the Kettle Pond Visitor Center is located, is more forested upland. Watchaug Pond is only a short distance down easy trails from the Visitor Center. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy nature in any way that feels good to you.
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