Northeast U.S.

This region consists of these states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington D.C. Each of these states has some of the best places to vacation in the northeast.

The Northeast United States is known for the Adirondack Mountains, being the epicenter of the Revolutionary War, Martha’s Vineyard, Niagra Falls, Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, and the New England states (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island).

Ready to plan your trip? Then here’s your ultimate guide to the best places to vacation in the Northeast!

Places to Visit

When To Go

Autumn

Fall is the best time to visit the Northeast. Temperatures are cool, there are no school breaks during these months, so crowds will be fewer, and the fiery-colored fall foliage will take your breath away.

The days will be mild, and you’ll want a layer for the mornings and evenings. In late-October and November, you’ll need warmer layers for the whole day. The ocean and lakes will already be frigid, so be prepared if you want to swim.

New England is one of my Top Destinations To Visit In October!

Winter

Winter is also a great time to visit the Northeast. You’ll have your pick of snow sports throughout the entire region at renowned ski resorts such as Killington, Stowe, and Whiteface Mountain.

I consider these snow resorts to be some of the Best Destinations To Visit In February!

The holidays are an excellent time to experience the Northeast U.S. but be prepared for higher prices and tourist numbers around Christmas and New Year’s. Make sure you bring lots of layers for warmth and have dry clothes when you get wet.

Spring

This is a fantastic season to visit because wildflowers will start to bloom, and lush foliage will have returned to the forests. The weather can still be cold in the evenings and mornings in March and early April, so make sure you have layers.

Spring is a great time to visit the famous cities and popular spots before the summer crowds descend. To steer clear of the higher prices and crowds, avoid popular Spring break weeks from mid-March to early April.

New York City is one of the Best Destinations To Visit In May!

Summer

Summer will be much cooler than in other parts of the U.S., but you’ll still want shorts, short sleeves, and swimsuits. Like most places in the U.S., summer is the peak travel season because of school breaks, so crowds and prices will be at their highest.

New England’s beaches are usually crowded in the summer, so book your accommodation in advance if you want a view of the ocean.

The Most Scenic Drives

Connecticut’s National Scenic Byway

Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire

Mohawk Trail in Western Massachusetts

Route 28 through the Adirondacks

State Route 97 along the Upper Delaware River Valley

The Vermont Shore along Lake Champlain

National & State Parks to Visit

Acadia National Park, Maine

Baxter State Park, Maine

Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Goddard Memorial State Park, Rhode Island

Mount Washington State Park, New Hampshire

Niagara Falls State Park, New York

Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Vermont

Watkins Glen State Park, New York

Must-Do Excursions

Shop My Travel Essentials

Local Foods To Try

Have you been to this region? Comment below with anything you’d add to this Northeast United States travel guide!

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This guide to the best places to vacation in the Northeast is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this guide to the best places to vacation in the Northeast are entirely my own. Some of the links in this guide to the best places to vacation in the Northeast are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.