10‑Day New England Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Boston Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Logan International Airport, collect your rental car, and check into a downtown Boston hotel. Take a quick coffee break while reviewing the day's map.

Afternoon: Walk the historic Freedom Trail, stopping at the Paul Revere House and Old North Church for a glimpse of Revolutionary history. Grab a bite at a nearby market before heading back.

Evening: Stroll through Boston’s North End, enjoying an authentic Italian dinner and a gelato as the city lights sparkle.

Day 2: Salem & Coastal Charm

Morning: Drive 30 minutes north to Salem and start with the intriguing Salem Witch Museum, where interactive exhibits bring 1692 to life.

Afternoon: Explore the historic House of the Seven Gables and its beautiful garden, then wander the waterfront for scenic photo ops.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a seaside restaurant, watching the sunset over the Atlantic.

Day 3: Portsmouth & Portland, Maine

Morning: Cross the border into New Hampshire for a brief stop in the charming Portsmouth Historic District, browsing boutique shops and the waterfront.

Afternoon: Continue to Portland, Maine, and lose yourself in the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, famous for its galleries, craft breweries, and lobster shacks.

Evening: Savor a classic New England lobster dinner at a waterfront eatery, then take an evening stroll along the harbor.

Day 4: Scenic Drive to Acadia National Park

Morning: Depart Portland and enjoy a scenic drive through coastal towns, pausing at the picturesque Camden Harbor for coffee and photos.

Afternoon: Arrive at Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park; hike the summit trail for panoramic views of the Atlantic and islands.

Evening: Check into a lodge in Bar Harbor and dine on fresh seafood while the sun sets over Frenchman Bay.

Day 5: Acadia Highlights

Morning: Visit the tranquil Jordan Pond and walk the iconic Jordan Pond Path, spotting swans and mountain reflections.

Afternoon: Embark on a guided boat tour of Acadia, spotting seals, seabirds, and rugged cliffs from the water.

Evening: Explore the lively downtown of Bar Harbor, enjoying live music and a dessert at a local bakery.

Day 6: White Mountains, New Hampshire

Morning: Drive west, stopping along the spectacular Kancamagus Highway for fall foliage (or summer greenery) viewpoints.

Afternoon: Hike a portion of the Franconia Notch State Park trail system, taking in views of the Flume Gorge and surrounding peaks.

Evening: Settle into a cozy inn in Lincoln and enjoy a hearty New England dinner.

Day 7: Mount Washington & North Conway

Morning: Ride the historic Cog Railway to the summit of Mount Washington, experiencing the highest peak in the Northeast.

Afternoon: Descend to North Conway for shopping, a short zip‑line adventure, and a leisurely lunch on the village green.

Evening: Relax at a local brewery, sampling craft ales while reflecting on the day’s altitude.

Day 8: Burlington, Vermont

Morning: Cross Lake Champlain via the scenic route, stopping at the historic Stowe village for a quick coffee.

Afternoon: Arrive in Burlington and explore the bustling Church Street Marketplace, filled with street performers, shops, and farm‑to‑table eateries.

Evening: Walk along the Waterfront Park to watch the sunset over the lake, then enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant.

Day 9: Newport, Rhode Island

Morning: Drive south, visiting the historic town of Stowe (again) for a brief hike before heading to Rhode Island.

Afternoon: Tour the opulent Newport Mansions, such as The Breakers and Marble House, marveling at Gilded Age architecture.

Evening: Stroll the famous Cliff Walk, taking in dramatic ocean views and the iconic shoreline mansions.

Day 10: Return to Boston & Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely harbor cruise in Newport, spotting lighthouses and historic ships.

Afternoon: Drive back to Boston, returning the rental car and checking in for your flight.

Evening: Board your flight home, carrying memories of New England’s coast, mountains, and charming towns.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Freedom Trail – 2 hrs – $0 (self‑guided)
• North End (dinner) – 1.5 hrs – $35 per person
• Salem Witch Museum – 1 hr – $12
• House of the Seven Gables – 1.5 hrs – $15
• Portsmouth Historic District – 2 hrs – $0
• Old Port, Portland – 2 hrs – $0
• Lobster dinner (Portland) – 1.5 hrs – $30 per person
• Camden Harbor – 1 hr – $0
• Cadillac Mountain – 2 hrs – $0 (park fee $8)
• Jordan Pond – 2 hrs – $0
• Acadia boat tour – 2 hrs – $45
• Bar Harbor evening – 2 hrs – $25 per person
• Kancamagus Highway – 2 hrs – $0
• Franconia Notch State Park – 3 hrs – $5 parking
• Cog Railway to Mount Washington – 3 hrs – $58 round‑trip
• North Conway – 2 hrs – $0
• Church Street Marketplace – 2 hrs – $0
• Waterfront Park – 1.5 hrs – $0
• Newport Mansions – 3 hrs – $30 (The Breakers ticket)
• Cliff Walk – 2 hrs – $0
• Harbor cruise (Newport) – 1.5 hrs – $40
• Rental car (10 days) – 10 days – $550
• Accommodation (average $150/night) – 9 nights – $1,350
• Meals (average $45/day per person) – 10 days – $450
• Total Estimated Cost – $3,063

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Acadia for kayaking on Frenchman Bay or a full day exploring the coastal towns of Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Days 6 and 7 by skipping the Cog Railway and focusing on a single day of White Mountains highlights, then head straight to Burlington.