Begin your New England adventure in Boston, home of the historic Freedom Trail, an outdoor mall called Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and Fenway Park. Take a trolley tour to see Beacon Hill, Boston Common, and the USS Constitution. Visit the Boston Children's Museum, with plenty of hands-on exhibits for kids.
Start the day in Salem, famous for its witch trials of 1692. Visit the Salem Witch Museum or take a ghost tour. Then head to Concord, home of famous authors like Thoreau and Alcott. Visit Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House or explore Walden Pond where Thoreau lived for two years.
You will need a car to travel to Salem and Concord. Renting a car for two days starts at $80 per day. You can also take a train from Boston to Salem for $10-14 per person each way. The Boston Trolley Tour offers transportation throughout the city and is included with the price of admission.
If you have more time, consider visiting Plymouth, MA to see Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II. If you have less time, skip Concord and spend another day exploring Boston. Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking on the Freedom Trail and trolley tour.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the closest major airport to the New England area, located 3 miles from downtown Boston. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is another option, located 50 miles from Boston. Car rentals are available at both airports.