The Northeastern United States is where the original 13 colonies settled, making it a region rich in history and some of the nation’s oldest landmarks. But it’s equally abundant in beautiful landscapes, from beaches to mountains, and holds some of the country’s most-visited, vibrant cities.
If you’re planning on taking a trip to the region and want to hit some of the highlights, check out the best places to visit in the Northeast and get some ideas for your upcoming trip!
The 18 Best Places to Visit in the Northeast
The Northeast is home to world-famous cities and districts, like New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. These cities are filled with historic landmarks that link the present to the country’s nearly 250-year history.
Just beyond the buzzing megalopolises of the region, you’ll find serene beaches, rugged mountains covered in dense forests, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation along hiking trails, lakes, rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean.
There are quaint coastal villages, renowned attractions from the Statue of Liberty to the Liberty Bell, and awe-inspiring natural wonders scattered around the region. Let’s take a look at the 18 best places to visit in the Northeast!
1. New York City, New York
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While NYC is featured prominently in films and TV, visiting it is a different and completely immersive experience. Its 5 diverse boroughs mean there’s something for every type of traveler here.
There’s the crown jewel, Manhattan, with its abundance of skyscrapers and lights, world-famous attractions and landmarks from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, and bustling streets lined with high-end shops, restaurants, and tiny bodegas.
The Bronx, the birthplace of hip hop, boasts Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and lush botanical gardens. Queens is known for its parks, beaches, and amazingly diverse cuisine, while Brooklyn’s nightlife, trendy eateries, and funky shops mean it’s always on the cutting edge.
Staten Island is the furthest south and boasts its own zoo, interesting museums and botanical parks, and beautiful beaches that feel worlds away from the buzz of Manhattan.
Whether you’re up for a classic New York City tour through Manhattan’s most famous attractions or some urban exploration through its less-visited boroughs for a taste of the true New York, this is always one of the best places to visit in the Northeast.
Read Next: Is New York City Safe to Visit? & Where to Stay in New York City
2. Boston, Massachusetts
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Boston plays an important role in American history and has the landmarks to show for it. You’ll find sites like Paul Revere’s home, the USS Constitution still afloat in the Charlestown Navy Yard, prestigious Harvard and MIT campuses, and museums to explore.
The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is a great place to start as it takes you past the city’s most important landmarks from the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party started, to the site of the 1770 Boston Massacre with helpful signage along the way.
You’ll want to spend time strolling through its beautiful parks, like Boston Common (the oldest in America) and Franklin Park (the biggest in the city) with its own zoo. The city is gorgeous in winter, spring and summer, but amazing to see the color in fall.
Boston neighborhoods like the brownstone-dominated Beacon Hill, collegiate Allston, Chinatown, Downtown, and Back Bay are famous for their range of restaurants (tons of seafood places serving great clam chowder and lobster rolls) and cool shops.
Visit the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and Harvard Museum of Natural History while you’re here to while away a few hours learning more about this city’s impactful presence over the centuries.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Boston & The Best Time to Visit Boston in 2024
3. Niagara Falls, New York
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Once known as the Honeymoon Capital of the World, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous scenic areas in the nation. A series of three awe-inspiring falls straddling the U.S.-Canadian border thunder over steep drop-offs and create a beautiful display of the Northeast’s beauty.
On the U.S. side, you’ll enter Niagara Falls State Park to access the falls in their cascading glory. Head to one of many observation points on towers and elevated decks, like Terrapin Point or Prospect Point, to look out over American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
As North America’s largest waterfall, a big part of the attraction here is simply witnessing the magnitude of the falls as they pour over 75,750 gallons of water per second into the mighty Niagara River. But you can take the adventure a step further by getting up-close and personal with the waterfalls.
Take a Maid of the Mist cruise to get hit by the rainbow-hued mist of the falls (ponchos are provided), hike around the park to the Cave of the Winds to get behind Bridal Veil Falls, or enjoy a meal with incredible views at Top of the Falls Restaurant.
Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls in 2024
4. Nantucket, Massachusetts
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Charming Nantucket deserves a stop on your Northeast tour, especially if you’re visiting in the late spring, summer, or early fall. This classic New England island town bursts into bloom and life during the warm months of the year.
Sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming are all on the list when you’re on Nantucket in summer. From the end of May to early September, the island bustles with visitors checking out the beaches, waterfront restaurants, farmers markets, and scenic walking paths.
You won’t find much in the way of cheap accommodations — this is a premium destination, and priced as such — but the old hotels and inns mixed with modern, upscale waterfront resorts make it an unforgettable place to vacation in the Northeast.
Cycling is popular along the bike paths. You can cast a line on a fishing pier or one of the island’s tranquil “ponds” — more like lakes — to catch dinner, or opt for a chef-created meal at one of Nantucket’s best restaurants offering ocean views and the freshest seafood.
Take your pick of a multitude of beaches on the island, from the popular Surfside Beach or the calm waters at Children’s Beach to Low Beach near ‘Sconset and the rugged cliffs of Steps Beach, to relax and unwind in this idyllic seaside town.
Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Nantucket in 2024
5. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, USA – June 8, 2017: Empty main street in downtown village in summer with people and stores/Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock
Maine’s Bar Harbor is a picturesque coastal town on Mount Desert Island with incredible views of nearby Cadillac Mountain, smaller offshore islands, and a great downtown district filled with craft breweries, trendy restaurants, and museums.
The city offers access to the rugged Acadia National Park with excellent hiking trails up and around Cadillac Mountain, or you can drive scenic paths to get to some of the island’s best views over the sea and town. Visit Sand Beach to lounge and play with mountain views all around you.
There are a few small museums, like the Dorr Museum of Natural History and the Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum, for a rainy day, plus a zoo, oceanarium, and cool caves to explore at low tide like Anemone Cave at the Schooner Head scenic overlook.
No visit is complete without warm mac and cheese from Side Street Cafe, a famous lobster roll at the Down East Deli, or a locally-beloved red hotdog with the requisite toppings of celery salt and chopped onion.
Book a whale watching cruise or grab lunch at Thirsty Whale’s Tavern nearby. You may be able to catch a glimpse of the dancing Northern Lights on clear nights between June and October!
Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Bar Harbor & Where to Stay in Bar Harbor in 2024
6. Portland, Maine
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While you’re in Maine, you’ve got to check out Portland! This fun, laid-back city on Maine’s southern coast boasts relics from its fishing roots on the Old Port waterfront, lovely parks and beaches, tons of breweries and restaurants, and great views of the surrounding mountains.
The Old Port waterfront is where you’ll find a nice mix of bars, breweries, restaurants, and shops looking out over the water along Commercial Street. This is the hotspot for fresh seafood and lobster rolls!
Visit the Western Promenade park, perched on a scenic cliff, to stroll pretty walking paths, then check out some of the old homes, like the Tate House and the Victorian Mansion, that offer tours and exhibits in the West End district where the park is located.
For a little dose of weird, head to the International Cryptozoology Museum or hit up classic art and history options like the Portland Museum of Art and Maine Historical Society.
East End Beach is a nice sandy stretch that’s best enjoyed in the summertime, while lighthouses at Portland Head, Bug Light Park, Ram Island, and Spring Point Ledge make awesome stops.
Grab breakfast or lunch one day at Bayou Kitchen, taste craft brews at Oxbow or Lone Pine, sample clam chowder at Gilbert’s Chowder House, and enjoy a fresh bagel topped with cream cheese and salmon at Rose Foods.
Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Portland, Oregon in 2024
7. Atlantic City, New Jersey
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Jersey’s Atlantic City comes to mind as a party and gambling destination, and while that certainly holds true, this oceanside town has a lot more to offer. Known as “Monopoly City” and “America’s Playground,” this fun-loving spot is a must-visit in the Northeast.
Its beachfront resorts, casinos, and rows of sun loungers with umbrellas make it a tourist hotspot in New Jersey with an incredible range of places to eat, grab drinks, or indulge in some nighttime entertainment.
Families can enjoy the Steel Pier Amusement Park on the North Beach Pier with thrill rides, carnival-style food and games, and souvenir shops right on the water. The Atlantic City Boardwalk spans 6 miles with tons of shops, eateries, and arcades.
Clubs and bars are ample, from those housed in huge resorts and hotels to local favorite spots where the party doesn’t stop until the early morning hours. For gambling action, check out the Borgata, Hard Rock Casino and Hotel, Bally’s Atlantic City, or Ocean Casino Resort.
There’s no shortage of spots to relax and play on the beaches of Atlantic City, from the bustling Atlantic City Beach to the secluded Cape May beach nearby. You’ll love the views from Absecon Lighthouse!
8. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
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Northeastern coastal towns often get lumped together as a group, but Cape Cod, MA really stands out. This island/peninsula has a sophisticated air about it, but remains laid-back and welcoming with its joyful celebration of the warm summer season.
Lighthouses, serene to vibrant, noisy beaches with sand dunes, and sailboats in the water set the summertime scene in this picturesque part of Massachusetts. Make your way along the cape to fishing villages, upscale towns with nice resorts and museums, and scenic natural areas.
To take in the beauty of the area, head to Nickerson State Park (beaches, fishing ponds, and hiking trails) and the tranquil Cape Cod National Seashore with 40 miles of unspoiled beaches, lighthouses, sand dunes, and marshes.
Go sailing, visit lighthouses, bike coastal trails, and check out farmer’s markets on the weekends to make the most of your visit.
It’s impossible to go hungry on the cape, where you’ll find everything from seafood shacks that never need to advertise (locals know and love these spots) to fine dining haunts on the waterfront serving gourmet dishes with fresh seafood.
Rainy days are the perfect chance to head to explore indoor attractions, like the John F. Kennedy Museum in Hyannis or head to Harvest Gallery Wine Bar for vino and live music in a buzzing setting where you can mingle.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Cape Cod & Is Cape Cod Safe to Visit?
9. Stowe, Vermont
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In Northern Vermont, Stowe rests in the shadow of the state’s highest mountain, Mount Mansfield, and is a winter sport destination with incredible ski slopes and hiking trails surrounded by dramatic views with cliffs, rivers, and valleys.
If you’ll be visiting the Northeast during the winter, you can take to the slopes at Stowe Resort to carve your way down mountain paths on skis or a snowboard, overlooking the town and its distinctive white church steeple at Stowe Community Church.
Travel up the mountain pass to Smuggler’s Notch State Park, where you’ll wander easy to rugged trails through the forest in search of the massive boulders that are a fun challenge to climb. Moss Glen Falls and Bingham Falls should be on your list!
You can’t miss an ice cream stop at Ben & Jerry’s, founded here in Vermont, or the chance to try cheese and tour the Cabot Creamery. Downtown, you’ll find tons of little boutiques, restaurants, and markets to explore.
You could even stay at the Bavarian-style Trapp Family Lodge, still owned by the famous Von Trapp family and conveniently located close to the ski resort and Bingham Falls.
10. Newport, Rhode Island
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Tiny Rhode Island is often visited for its capital, Providence, but Newport is a gem and totally worthy of a stop on your Northeastern tour. Located on Aquidneck Island, this harbor city is known for its opulent mansions, scenic ocean views, and trendy eateries.
You’ll be impressed with tours through the Bellevue Avenue mansion museums, where you can see Rhode Island luxury at its finest in palatial homes like The Breakers and Chateau-sur-Mer. Hiking the scenic Cliff Walk trail will lead you to lighthouses, natural beaches, and Bellevue’s mansions.
Take a sailing cruise around the harbor (many offer wine and beer), drive or bike along Ocean Drive for amazing ocean views (stop at Brenton Point Park), and head down to Gooseberry Beach to get some sun or swim on a warm day. Vineyards on Aquidneck Island can be reached in about 10 minutes!
This is your chance to try great food at places like Ben’s Chilli Dogs, Thames Street Kitchen, O’Briens Pub, and Bouchard’s. Grab beers at Malt and hang out at Newport Blues Cafe for a taste of the local nightlife with live music. Thames Street has some of the best restaurants and attractions to check out.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Newport, RI in 2024
11. Acadia National Park, Maine
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If you’ll be heading to Bar Harbor, you may as well make your way into the dramatic scenery of Acadia National Park. This cliff-ridden, mountainous, forested coastal park feels untouched by man and offers some of the best ocean views on the Northeastern coast.
Maine’s distinctively rugged coastline comes into focus as you meander along boulders and rocky beaches with Cadillac Mountain and smaller hills draped in dense stands of evergreen trees. Spanning 47,000 acres, there are endless trails and paths to explore in the park.
Climb rugged trails up Cadillac Mountain to incredible views over Bar Harbor and the sea, stroll serene paths through the forest as you listen to the sound of waves crashing nearby, and keep an eye out for Maine’s wildlife, including foxes, black bears, bobcats, porcupines, and snowshoe hares.
Venture down to a sandy or rocky beach to take in the scenery, including Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach. For a quick trip around the park’s best features, take the Park Loop Road. When you’re done being one with nature, head over to Bar Harbor for lunch and museums.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Acadia National Park & The Best Time to Visit Acadia
12. Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic, Connecticut – June 20, 2020: Mystic Seaport, outdoor recreated 19th century village and educational maritime museum in Mystic, Connecticut. Wooden vessel docks/Faina Gurevich/Shutterstock
Famously featured in the 1988 movie, Mystic Pizza, named for its popular pizza joint, Mystic, Connecticut is worth visiting if you like quaint coastal towns with a small-town vibe. With a long whaling and fishing history, this village-like town pays homage to its roots with preserved heritage in its seaport and harbor.
Browse antiques, shop for trinkets, eat at local restaurants, and catch a buzz in the charming Historic Downtown area. During the peak summer season, this district buzzes with life and is the place to be!
Visiting the Mystic Seaport is interesting and tells the story of the town’s whaling and fishing past with a preserved 19th-century whaling ship and equipment, while Olde Mistick Village takes you back to the 18th century with shops, restaurants, and festivals from that era.
Eat at the famous Mystic Pizza if you get the chance, enjoy pastries and baked goods on the rooftop at Sift Bakery, and eat your fill of fresh seafood at any of the casual joints on the water near the harbor. You’ll find nice beaches a short distance away.
13. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
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The wild hills, mountains, lakes, streams, and forests of White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire’s White Mountain range makes an awesome place to visit in the Northeast with the highest mountain in the region. If you’re big on outdoor adventure, this is a destination you shouldn’t skip.
The rugged White Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains, run through New Hampshire and into western Maine. This preserved portion of the range and its surrounding forests and water bodies offers a taste of the real New Hampshire with ample opportunities to explore.
Go hiking on miles of scenic trails, from easy loops that kids can manage to more challenging mountain trails that lead to incredible views over the park. Take the historic Mt. Washington Cog Railway up to the summit of its namesake mountain (the highest in the Northeast) for a fun experience!
Even if you’re not planning on hiking your heart out, you can take beautiful drives through the park and its wilderness or stay in a cabin in the Saco Ranger district of the park for a cozy getaway.
Skiing and leaf peeping tours are popular during the fall and winter, while river rafting and zip lining make fun summer and spring adventures in the park.
14. Providence, Rhode Island
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As the capital of Rhode Island, Providence has cemented its spot as one of the best places to visit in the Northeast with a unique culture, tons of great places to eat and entertain yourself, and stunning views of the Providence River and the Rhode Island Sound.
Home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), it’s a college town with sophisticated appeal that makes it far from just a party scene. Walk along College Hill to Benefit Street, where you can check out the RISD Museum with American artwork and silver works.
There are more museums around, like the Rhode Island Historical Society (take a self-guided tour) and views over the downtown district. Walk across the Pedestrian Bridge, look for farmer’s and flea markets on weekends, and tuck into delicious fare at restaurants on Thayer Street and West End.
Dunes Brothers for lobster rolls, Narraganset Brewery for beer, The Avery for cocktails, and a big, fat donut from PVDonuts will make your food journey complete in Providence.
You can also check out one of the smallest national parks at the pretty and historic Roger Williams Park with its own botanical garden, museum, and walking paths.
15. Finger Lakes, New York
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The Finger Lakes region is known for its namesake lakes — 11 elongated bodies of water that extend like digits or tendrils in the state of New York, surrounded by a range of excellent state parks and close to major cities with vineyards, museums, and historic landmarks in the region.
Watkins Glen State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, and Robert H. Treman State Park are all options if you’re looking for hiking trails, places to swim and fish, and serenity in the region.
You’ll also find some incredibly complex wines from the region when you visit its vineyards and wine trails, especially sweet Riesling. The Cayuga, Keuka, Seneca, and Canandaigua lakes are known for their vineyards, breweries, and distilleries.
When you’re not hiking, swimming, fishing, or camping in the parks, you can visit museums around the Finger Lakes that cover history, local industries, and more. Check out the Seabreeze Amusement Park if you’re bringing the family!
You’re not far from other great places to visit in the Northeast when you visit the Finger Lakes, including NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. That makes it an ideal day trip destination from these cities or vice versa.
Read Next: Where to Stay When Visiting the Finger Lakes in 2024
16. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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The City of Brotherly Love holds a lot of interest for travelers heading to the Northeast, with its important role in the history of America and the debate, draft, and signing of the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution.
Independence Hall is where these historic events took place, and you can visit and tour the building today to literally walk the footsteps of our Founding Fathers. See the Liberty Bell in a building just in front of Independence Hall, complete with the legendary crack.
Visit the homes of Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin, step onto a real submarine in Penn Seaport Museum, see a home that was part of the Underground Railroad (William Still’s house), and check out the Mütter Museum.
Reading Terminal Market is your one-stop shop for all things shopping and dining, from trinkets and souvenirs to snacks, great meals, and handcrafted goods. You’ll enjoy visiting Love Park (John F. Kennedy Plaza) with its famous LOVE sculpture, illuminated fountains, and food trucks.
There are tons of restaurants, bars, and shops to visit around the city’s downtown district. You’ll find it’s a walkable city with many places to stop in and explore on your stroll, making it a fun place to see where the day takes you.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Philadelphia in 2024 & Is Philadelphia Safe to Visit?
17. Cape May, New Jersey
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Cape May is close to Atlantic City on New Jersey’s southern tip, but offers a much more sophisticated take on the Jersey Shore experience. Upscale, pristine, and lined with prominent waterfront homes, eateries, and shops, this is a great place to get away in the Northeast.
This is a prime spot for whale watching, and you can book tours to get the best glimpses of majestic whales breaching the water. Go for a swim, paddle board, rent kayaks or a boat to cruise around, and fish out at the jetties east of Baltimore Avenue.
If you’re not successful in catching the night’s dinner, head to the Cape May Fish Market for plenty of fresh options. The 2-mile Promenade fronts the beach and offers candy and ice cream shops, covered pavilions, and benches with great beach views, especially at Cape May Point and Sunset Beach.
You’ll enjoy a trolley tour of the town, hopping on and off as your interest is piqued by the landmarks, shops, and eateries you’ll pass along the way.
Check out wineries and breweries, stroll the Washington Street Mall, and take in great views from the Cape May Lighthouse while you’re in town.
18. New Haven, Connecticut
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New Haven, Connecticut is one of the most recognized cities in the Northeast, home to the prestigious Yale University and its sprawling grounds of museums, manicured lawns, and stately lecture halls. It’s also a cultural hub with a bustling downtown district to explore.
Touring Yale’s campus is a great way to explore the museums and galleries here, including the Peabody Museum and Yale University Art Gallery. Walk through East Rock Park to find a great picnic spot with great views of the city.
Downtown, there are countless shops, music venues, bars, and pubs to enjoy New Haven’s nightlife (it’s a college town, after all). Try College Street Music Hall or Toad’s Place to catch some live music.
Walk past impressive homes on Wooster Square and Prospect Hill to stretch your legs, or head just beyond the city to Gillette Castle for a tour of the medieval-style fortress just an hour from New Haven.
If you’re big on tradition, you’ve got to grab a burger at Louis Lunch, a restaurant serving the American sandwiches since 1895 in its distinctive red, brick, and black building. Locals love Sally’s Apizza white clam pie, a wood-fired pizza with garlic and clams, sans tomato sauce.
Things to Consider
Kearny, USA – October 27, 2017: EZPass EZ Pass Cash lane for toll to bridge on New York City, NYC/Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock
Think you’ll be heading to the Northeast for some of its most enjoyable destinations soon? Pack these travel tips away to make your trip or regional tour that much simpler.
- Keep toll roads in mind. The Northeast has several toll roads that require you to pay a small toll to pass through (here’s a list of all the toll roads by state to give you an idea). You can get an E-ZPass tag to handle all the tolls along the way and quickly pass through using the specially-marked lanes.
- Don’t be afraid to use public transportation. While some public transit systems have garnered a less-than-stellar reputation, many of the best places to visit in the Northeast boast great public transportation options that are affordable, quick, and convenient. Do some research to use these systems, from NYC and Boston’s subways and buses to taxi services in less-connected towns, like Nantucket.
- Make an efficient itinerary. The Northeast is a big region, encompassing 9 states of various sizes with multiple great destinations located in each one. If you’ll be doing a tour through the region, start by planning an efficient itinerary that starts and ends in places close to the airports you’ll be flying in and out of or that place you back on the road to home if you’re driving.
- Get familiar with the lingo. The Northeast is known for unique accents and terms that you’ll only hear in certain states. Chowder becomes “chowdah” in Maine and Massachusetts, subs and gyros become grinders across the region, sprinkles are jimmies, and roundabouts are rotaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Visiting the Northeast’s best spots can come with a lot of related questions, so take a look at the FAQs below to learn more before you go!
Where to go on the Northeast coast?
Bar Harbor and Portland, ME, Boston, Cape Cod, and Nantucket, MA, Atlantic City, NJ, New York City, Providence and Newport, RI, and Newport, Mystic, and New Haven, CT are some of the best places to go on the Northeast coast.
You can enjoy different experiences in these coastal towns and cities, from those focused on waterfront fun to busy cities with tons of attractions and Atlantic ocean views in the background. It can be fun to travel up or down the coast, hitting all the cities that interest you along the way.
Why do tourists visit the Northeast region?
Tourists visit the Northeast region because it’s where some of the United States’ most famous and historic cities are, like New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. From the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed) to Paul Revere’s house, this is a region rich in history.
Others come for the beaches, from sandy tourist-packed beaches to rocky, secluded ones in state and national parks, and some like the rugged, unspoiled terrain and hiking trails of the mountainous national parks here.
What is the Northeast region known for?
The Northeast region is known for its sprawling metropolises, like NYC and Boston, exclusive summer beach towns and islands for vacationers, as well as prestigious universities, including Yale and Harvard.
The region boasts diverse cuisine and restaurant offerings with international influences, a booming economy with lots of shops, and famous museums and galleries from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Guggenheim.
What is the Northeast popular for?
The Northeast is popular for its diversity in travel experiences, range of eateries, attractions, and entertainment options across the region.
Here, visitors enjoy the widespread public transportation, natural beauty that’s never far from the most popular cities, and lovely beaches and coastal towns.
Which is the most beautiful state in the Northeast?
Beauty is subjective, but many consider mountainous, wild Maine to be the most beautiful state in the Northeast because so much of it is unspoiled by development. The Natural Resources Council of Maine reports that the Maine North Woods is the biggest undeveloped forest in the U.S. with 10.4 million unspoiled acres.
If waterfront scenery is your thing, Massachusetts is truly gorgeous with the Cape Cod peninsula, Nantucket island, and waterfront Boston each offering a different “flavor” of coastal beauty and charm in the state.
Book Your Trip to the Northeast Today!
The best places to visit in the Northeast are as varied as the broader United States and each one brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re up for a big city adventure, a laid-back trip to the beach, or a slower pace at national and state wilderness parks, this is a region that has it all.
From the lights and nonstop activity of NYC and Boston’s historic landmarks to the trendy college towns in Connecticut and Rhode Island, you’ll be fascinated with the diversity of the Northeastern United States.
Once you’ve checked off some of the best places to visit in the region, you’ll be ready to start exploring more of the Northeast — or return to your favorite destinations and get to know them like a local!