The New England Coast

The historic Massachusetts city of Boston is the starting point for this scenic drive. After flying into Boston Logan International Airport, visit the Skywalk Observatory for 360-degree panoramic views of landmarks like Fenway Park and the Boston Common. Walk down Beacon Hill’s cobblestone Acorn Street, said to be one of the most photographed streets in the USA.

Famous for the historic Witch Trials that took place there in the late 17th century, today Salem, Massachusetts is a charming seaside town with historic architecture, maritime history and more. Climb the secret staircase in New England’s oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion, The House of the Seven Gables. The house may ring a bell for book lovers – the historic site is the inspiration for author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. Nearby Marblehead, Massachusetts is a picturesque sailing town famous for the original cast-iron light tower that reaches 45 meters.  Drive an hour north to the delightful Newburyport, where charming inns line the streets and restaurants serve fresh seafood caught from the local docks.

The next stop is the charming coastal town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Downtown, check out the landmark Music Hall, a Victorian theater known as a showcase for world-class entertainment for over 135 years. In the neighboring town of Rye, visit Wallis Sands State Park and take a dip in the Atlantic. Rye boasts the longest stretch of coastline in the state!

The historic fishing village of Kittery is Maine’s oldest town and an excellent spot for admiring charming New England cottages. Water activities reign supreme here, so take a sunset sailboat charter or embark on an adventure with a deep-sea fishing expedition or whale-watching cruise. Visitors also enjoy the town’s delicious seafood restaurants, naval shipyard and over 120 shopping outlets.

The delightful town of Kennebunkport and neighboring Kennebunk have all the nostalgia of Old World New England. The historic Colony Hotel is a picturesque escape built in 1914. It's a perfect spot for a cool drink, sweeping ocean views or luxurious accommodation. Rent a bike and ride to Goose Rocks Beach. Then visit Dock Square to meander through antique shops and art galleries. If you love architecture, be sure to stop at the Wedding Cake House – considered the most photographed house in Maine. Created by a local shipbuilder in the 1800s, it’s an ornate Gothic Revival structure with carved buttresses, spires and lacy spandrels.

Your last stop in Maine is Freeport. Here, take in the splendor of the majestic rocky shoreline peppered with lobster boats. Ten minutes from the hustle of Freeport’s busy shopping area, you’ll find Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, an area spread over 80 hectares that offers fantastic hiking, picnicking and wildlife watching. Don’t miss Freeport’s L.L. Bean flagship store. This iconic American outdoors retailer was founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean and credited for the company’s iconic waterproof duck boot, still worn today. “Maine Lobster Sunday” is a weekly tradition at the Harraseeket Inn’s Broad Arrow Tavern. Make sure to grab a reservation before you take a seat at this delicious restaurant.