10-Day New England Road Trip: City, Nature, Culture & Food on a Budget

Day 1: Explore Historic Boston

Boston, MA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tatte Bakery

Start your day with a delicious almond croissant and a latte at this local favourite.
Walk to Boston Common.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Boston Common & Freedom Trail

Stroll through Boston's oldest park before following the iconic Freedom Trail to immerse yourself in American history.
Walk along the trail.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Quincy Market

Grab a budget-friendly lunch at this bustling marketplace, featuring various food stalls.
Walk to Quincy Market.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Experience interactive exhibits that recount the Boston Tea Party, an important event in American history.
Walk to the museum.
USD30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Evening Stroll at Charles River Esplanade

Unwind with a picturesque walk along the river, taking in the city skyline.
Drive to Charles River Esplanade.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Regina Pizzeria

Indulge in a classic Boston-style pizza at this staple eatery.
Drive to Regina Pizzeria.
USD20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Mystical Salem

Salem, MA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Ugly Mug Diner

Start with their famous breakfast burrito to fuel your adventures.
Drive from Boston to Salem (30 minutes).
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Salem Witch Museum

Explore the history of the infamous witch trials through fascinating exhibits.
Walk to the museum.
USD12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Salem Historic Site Walking Tour

Join a budget-friendly walking tour to uncover the town’s spooky history.
Meet the group near the museum.
USD15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Flying Saucer Pizza Company

Enjoy a fun slice at this quirky pizzeria, famous for its UFO-themed menus.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

The House of the Seven Gables

Tour this historic site, famously linked to author Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Walk to the house.
USD15, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Discover the maritime history of Salem while exploring its beautiful waterfront.
Walk to the historic site.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Turners Seafood

Enjoy fresh seafood in this lovely restaurant that believes in local sourcing.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD25, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Charming Portsmouth

Portsmouth, NH

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Friendly Toast

Feast on an eclectic selection of breakfast items, great for foodies.
Drive from Salem to Portsmouth (1 hour).
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Strawbery Banke Museum

Step back in time at this outdoor history museum showcasing several centuries of life in Portsmouth.
Drive to the museum.
USD20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Prescott Park

Pack a picnic or grab food from nearby vendors and enjoy it in the beautiful gardens.
Walk to Prescott Park.
USD10, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Market Square

Wander the quaint shops and galleries of Portsmouth's Market Square.
Walk to Market Square.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Boat Tour of Portsmouth Harbour

Join a budget-friendly boat tour to see picturesque views of the harbour.
Head towards the docks.
USD20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Rye Harbor Lobster Pound

Try some fresh lobster rolls at this simple but delicious spot.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Vibrant Portland

Portland, ME

8:00AM

Breakfast at Becky's Diner

Savour hearty American breakfast classics at this waterfront diner.
Drive from Portsmouth to Portland (1 hour).
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Portland Head Light

Take stunning pictures at this iconic lighthouse and explore the nearby park.
Drive to the lighthouse.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Portland Musem of Art

Find impressive works of art by local artists in New England's largest city art museum.
Drive to the museum.
USD18, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co.

Treat yourself to fresh oysters or a lobster roll at this popular eatery.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Walk through the Old Port District

Stroll through this charming area filled with shops, galleries, and picturesque streets.
Walk to Old Port.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

Experience Maine's railroad history with incredible views of the coast.
Drive to the railroad.
USD10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Honey Paw

Enjoy a fusion of Asian cuisine in a casual atmosphere where everything is source responsibly.
Drive to dinner.
USD20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nature in Acadia

Acadia National Park, ME

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Side Street Cafe

Fuel up for a day of adventure with a hearty breakfast before heading into the park.
Drive from Portland to Acadia National Park (3 hours).
USD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Acadia National Park

Spend the day hiking, cycling, or enjoying the beautiful landscapes of one of America's favourite national parks.
Enter the park.
USD30 (entrance fee), 6 hours

5:00PM

Picnic Dinner at Jordan Pond

Enjoy a packed dinner by the water while taking in the scenic beauty.
Find a scenic spot by the pond.
USD15 (for picnic goods), 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Sunset Walk on Cadillac Mountain

Hike to the top to witness one of the best sunset views on the East Coast.
Drive to Cadillac Mountain parking.
Free, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Bar Harbor Breezes

Bar Harbor, ME

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannie's Breakfast

Delight in a home-made breakfast at this local gem in Bar Harbor.
Drive from Acadia National Park to Bar Harbor (30 minutes).
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Acadia's Cadillac Mountain Again

If you missed it the night before, visit for breathtaking views of the coast.
Drive to Cadillac Mountain.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Bar Harbor's Shore Path

Walk along the waterfront path for beautiful ocean views.
Walk to the shore path.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Lobster Pound Restaurant

Savour some of Maine's freshest lobster in a casual atmosphere.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Abbe Museum

Discover and celebrate the native history and culture of the Maine and the Wabanaki people.
Walk to the museum.
USD15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Galyn's

End your day with fine local cuisine in this charming restaurant known for its seafood.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD30, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Breathtaking White Mountains

White Mountains, NH

8:00AM

Breakfast at Morning Glory Natural Foods

Enjoy a healthy breakfast before embarking on your mountain adventure.
Drive from Bar Harbor to White Mountains (2 hours).
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike Mount Lafayette

Prepare for some breathtaking views on this rewarding hike!
Drive to the trailhead.
Free, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Greeley Pond Trailhead

Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by beautiful nature.
Find a scenic spot.
USD10 (for packed goods), 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Franconia Notch State Park

Marvel at the stunning scenery and waterfalls within this state park.
Drive to the park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Woodstock Inn Brewery

Enjoy hearty fare at this brewpub known for its craft beers.
Drive to the Inn.
USD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Scenic Burlington

Burlington, VT

8:00AM

Breakfast at Penny Cluse Cafe

Enjoy the fresh, local breakfast options in a warm atmosphere.
Drive from White Mountains to Burlington (2 hours).
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Church Street Marketplace

Wander this pedestrian street filled with shops and eateries unique to Burlington.
Drive or walk to the marketplace.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the ECHO Leahy Center

Engage with this interactive science centre about Lake Champlain.
Walk to the centre.
USD15, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at City Market

Grab a sandwich or salad from this vibrant local market.
Walk to the market.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Waterfront Park

Relax at this scenic park with beautiful views of the lake.
Walk to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at American Flatbread

Enjoy wood-fired pizzas made from fresh ingredients at this popular restaurant.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cultural Montpelier

Montpelier, VT

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Capitol Grounds Cafe

Start your day with locally sourced breakfast options at this charming café.
Drive from Burlington to Montpelier (30 minutes).
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour of Vermont State House

Explore this National Historic Landmark showcasing beautiful architecture.
Walk to the State House.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Vermont History Museum

Learn about the state's rich history through interesting exhibits.
Walk to the museum.
USD7, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Farmhouse Tap & Grill

Savour local craft beer and a seasonal menu in this inviting eatery.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Hubbard Park

Relax in this beautiful park, perfect for a leisurely walk.
Drive to the park.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Sarducci's

Wrap your day with delicious Italian cuisine at this homey restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Urban Hartford

Hartford, CT

8:00AM

Breakfast at Max Downtown

Indulge in a lovely breakfast in the heart of Hartford.
Drive from Montpelier to Hartford (2.5 hours).
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Old State House

Visit this historic building to learn more about Connecticut’s governmental history.
Walk to Old State House.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Connecticut Science Center

Engage with fun and educational exhibits in this interactive science museum.
Walk to the science center.
USD18, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Capital Grille

Enjoy an upscale atmosphere while feasting on a delicious meal.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Explore America’s oldest public art museum, featuring a diverse collection.
Walk to the museum.
USD15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Salute

Delight in fresh Italian dishes in this inviting bistro setting.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability