The Best New England Fall Destinations
Welcome to New England in the Fall
As summer fades and the leaves begin to turn, visitors from all over the world flock to New England to witness the stunning beauty of autumn. The crisp air, vibrant colors, and charming local traditions make this region a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a quintessential fall experience. If you’re planning a trip to New England this autumn, be sure to check out these top six destinations. There are so many beautiful destinations to explore in New England – I lived in Maine for 4 months during the winter of ’22-’23 and spent so much time exploring all the nooks and crannies of this amazing part of the United States – and truly nothing beats New England in the fall regarding foliage. As always my goal is to share with you my personal favorites and inspire you to take the next trip!
This blog post was last updated 5/22/2024.
More About New England In The Fall
New England Fall Foliage Tours
The Most Romantic Autumn Destinations
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SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
While famous for its spooky history, Salem is also a charming coastal town that comes alive in the fall. Visitors can learn about the town’s witch trials at the Witch Museum or enjoy pumpkin-themed treats at one of the many local cafes. For those seeking a scare, the annual Haunted Happenings festival transforms the town into a Halloween wonderland. All of this makes it our number-one choice of New England Fall Destinations. Here are some wonderful things to do in Salem in the fall.
- Visit the Witch Museum and learn about the town’s infamous witch trials
- Explore the historic House of the Seven Gables
- Take a spooky ghost tour of the town
- Enjoy pumpkin-themed treats at Caramel French Patisserie or Honeycomb Cafe
- Attend the annual Haunted Happenings festival
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BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Home to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a nature lover’s paradise in the fall. You cannot think of New England Fall Destinations without Bar Harbor coming to mind. The stunning views of the changing leaves against the rocky coastline are breathtaking. Visitors can go hiking, kayaking, or take a scenic drive along the park’s winding roads. The town itself is also home to quaint shops, delicious seafood, and cozy bed and breakfasts. Below are some of our favorite things in Bar Harbour in the fall!
- Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain for stunning views of the fall foliage
- Go kayaking or take a scenic boat tour of the coast
- Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants
- Take a drive along Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park
- Stay at a cozy bed and breakfast and enjoy the peaceful surroundings
BURLINGTON, VERMONT
Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, Burlington offers stunning fall foliage views, a thriving food scene, and a lively arts community. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the lakefront, explore the vibrant downtown area, or sample local craft beers at one of the many breweries. Here are just a few things to do in Burlington in the fall.
- Stroll along the waterfront and take in the stunning views of Lake Champlain
- Explore the vibrant Church Street Marketplace with its unique shops and restaurants
- Visit the Shelburne Museum, which features art, design, and Americana exhibits
- Sample local craft beers at Magic Hat Brewing Company or Switchback Brewing Company
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the Green Mountains
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
Fall is the perfect time to visit Newport when the crowds have dispersed and the weather is mild. While it might not come first to mind as a New England Fall Destination – this historic seaside city is famous for its opulent mansions, which are decorated for the season with pumpkins and autumnal decorations. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansions, stroll along the Cliff Walk, or enjoy a seafood dinner with ocean views.
- Tour the opulent mansions and learn about Newport’s Gilded Age history
- Walk along the Cliff Walk and admire the stunning ocean views
- Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Take a sunset sail on a schooner or catamaran
- Enjoy a seafood dinner with ocean views at The Mooring or Clarke Cooke House
WHITE MOUNTAINS, NEW HAMPSHIRE
The White Mountains of New Hampshire offer some of the most stunning fall foliage views in the region and is among the quintessential New England Fall Destinations. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway, hike to one of the many mountain peaks, or enjoy a cozy stay in a mountain lodge. The region is also home to many charming small towns, each with its own traditional fall festivities.
- Drive along the Kancamagus Highway for stunning fall foliage views
- Hike to the top of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast
- Take a scenic train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad
- Visit the Flume Gorge, a natural wonder with waterfalls and a narrow canyon
- Enjoy a cozy stay in a mountain lodge and take in the peaceful surroundings
MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT
Mystic is a quaint coastal town that offers visitors a glimpse into New England’s seafaring past. In the fall, the town hosts the Mystic Seaport Chowder Days festival, where visitors can sample delicious seafood chowders while listening to live music. The town also has many charming shops and restaurants, as well as a maritime museum and aquarium.
- Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum and learn about New England’s maritime history
- Sample fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants
- Explore the Mystic Aquarium and meet sea creatures up close
- Take a stroll through Olde Mistick Village, a charming shopping district
- Attend the Mystic Seaport Chowder Days festival and sample delicious seafood chow
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