100 Things to do in New England
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
21. Get lost in nature at Myles Standish State Forest
Outdoor lovers will never run out of activities at Southeastern Massachusetts’ largest recreation area. Athletes and nature lovers can enjoy year-round fun, including 13 miles of hiking, 15 miles of biking, and 35 miles of equestrian trails. Prefer winter sports? Cross country skiing and snowshoeing the trails are super fun following a big storm. I lived about 30 min from this park and used it on a regular basis for bike riding, half marathon training, leaf peeping, and winter sports. It’s really the best place near Plymouth, Fall River, and Providence for year-round fitness.
On an interesting side note, Myles Standish is reportedly haunted, with various paranormal sightings reported over the years! Legend says that a mental hospital is buried deep within the woods! I’ve seen no evidence of any ghostly presence, but I do feel a bit eerie due to the dark forest and isolated nature.
Location: 194 Cranberry Rd, Carver, MA 02366
22. Cross country ski at Bretton Woods Nordic Center
If you love winter sports, I recommend cross country skiing through the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire at one of the largest Nordic centers in the US. Bretton Woods offers trails for all ability levels, a variety of lessons, and of course serene, snowy views of the picturesque forests. What I really loved most about this place was the beautiful scenery. Mike and I felt like we were in Narnia. There was barely anyone around and the snowy pines trees really created this picture-perfect winter fantasy. On a side note, cross country skiing is a massive workout. Come prepared and keep it simple if this is your first time.
My day skiing at Bretton Woods
Location: 99 Ski Area Rd Bretton Woods, NH 03575
23. Visit Salem’s Essex Street during Halloween
The ultimate time to plan a trip to Salem is during Halloween season. Essex Street is home to Salem’s 13 Ghosts, a unique 3D haunted house experience. Everything just screams Halloween here. We saw witch and Halloween themed shops, psychics, and outdoor vendors selling Halloween treats, costumes, and novelties. I found this great little cafe called Life Alive on this street. If you love vegetarian or health food, this is the place to go. Everything is so fresh and delicious.
The cobblestone streets, historic architecture, crisp weather, and beautiful fall foliage amplify the perfect Halloween atmosphere. During the entire month of October, Salem hosts Halloween themed costume parties, fairs, parades, and more! Also, if you are a fan of the Disney 90’s classic Hocus Pocus, you will want to take a self-guided tour of the most famous filming locations!
Location: Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
24. Get back to nature at Great Neck Wildlife Refuge
Massachusetts offers no shortage of scenic & peaceful places to hike. Great Neck Wildlife Refuge in Wareham is a great place to spot rare wildlife species such as a wading heron or a great horned owl. Even if you encounter no wildlife along the trails, you should enjoy the peaceful serenity of the woods and marsh. Great Neck is a tranquil sanctuary that walkers and bird watchers of all abilities can enjoy. I like coming here when I want a break from the rougher and tougher hike. Winter is the most peaceful time of year; I’ve never seen another hiker!
Location: Stockton Short Cut St. Wareham, MA 02571
25. Enjoy fresh lobster
New England is the best place in the country to enjoy fresh lobster and pretty much every other type of seafood. As a vegetarian, I occasionally eat fish, but I am not personally a fan of lobster. Mike, on the other hand, loves lobster. His favorite local gem? Woods Seafood on the Plymouth waterfront. This place is casual, affordable, and offers wonderful views of the harbor.
Location: 15 Town Wharf, Plymouth, MA 02360
26. Take a self-guided tour of Rhode Island on the East Bay Bike Path
The best way to see the most beautiful portions of Bristol County, Rhode Island is by embarking on the ~14 mile ride along the beautiful East Bay Bike Path. From Bristol to East Providence, you will encounter nothing but fabulous scenery, including: ocean views, lighthouses, parks, forests, marshes, and more. This was my go-to ride while living in nearby Fall River.
The route is flat, well-marked, never overly crowded, and well-maintained. Highlights include views of: the Providence skyline, Haines Memorial Park, and Pomham Rocks lighthouse. Easy detours to downtown Providence. Bring with a camera to take advantage of all the lovely views. It’s easily the most scenic bike path in the state. Tip: A GPS or fitness watch is always handy on any long bike ride. You can track your distance, speed, and total time!
Location: Thames St Bristol, RI 02809 (Independence Point Park)
27. Explore historic trees from around the world at The Arnold Arboretum
Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum is located just a short drive from downtown Boston in Jamaica Plain. This gorgeous oasis is the perfect place to take a summer stroll. Walking through the 281 acre space you will observe 1000’s of varieties of trees from all over the world. The bonsai collection is pretty impressive. On a historical side note, it is the oldest public arboretum in the US (est. 1872). For all the budget minded travelers out there, you will also be happy to learn that it is one of the only free arboretums in the US. Definitely add it to your to-do list if you love nature and/or plants.
Location: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130
28. Book a snowy secluded winter getaway in the White Mountains
Located in the heart of the White Mountains, Bear Mountain Lodge offers an incredible rustic setting for those looking for a peaceful New England winter getaway, compete with incredible scenery, cozy modern log cabin style touches , and plenty of on-site winter recreational activities.
This exquisitely built cabin has repeatedly ranked as one of the top inns in the country. One of the biggest perks of staying here includes on-site snowshoe trails and complimentary snowshoes. The innkeepers provide guided snowshoe tours for a small fee. Mike and I enjoyed a bit of everything, from sipping a coffee and playing a game of Scrabble while taking in the snow capped landscapes, to working up a sweat snowshoeing. As a bonus, it’s a quick drive from many ski destinations.
Location: 3249 Main St, Bethlehem, NH 03574
29. See a New England Patriots game and visit adjacent Patriot Place Mall
Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots, is a must-see for any fans. Even if you can’t attend a game, you can take in great views of the field from Patriot Place. CBS Scene has a TV at every table, and also a nice outdoor terrace, which is perfect because it faces the stadium.
In addition to traditional mall stores and eateries, you will also find a handful of themed restaurants, The Hall at Patriot’s Place (a museum dedicated to the Patriots), and Cinema de Lux, a 14 screen theater.
Location: 2 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035
30. Whale watch at Cape Cod’s amazing Coast Guard Beach
Coast Guard is one of the most beautiful Cape Cod beaches. In fact, it is repeatedly ranks among the top ten beaches in the US. It is also a prime area for both swimming and seal watching. This beauty was referred to as “The Great Beach” by Henry David Thoreau. One interesting history tidbit: this beach marks the Pilgrims first sighting of land.
Location: 2 Ocean View Dr. Eastham, MA 02642
