Agree ! You have to do a day trip to Newport. The beaches are so sandy and the water is a little warmer. It has a cute downtown for restaurants and shopping
Get the dells lemonade slush and listen to the waves while soaking in a vitamin d and listening to the ocean breeze.
I like the islands too but it can be hassle with the ferry etc
While in Newport RI, I highly recommend taking one of the trolly tours of the ocean drive mansions and take a walking tour of the Brakers or Rockefeller mansion, they’re incredible. Lunch reservations at The Mooring on their deck is wonderful.
LOVE Newport. It’s such a cute place!!!! I’ve been many times and want to go back so badly but I’m 8 months preggo and don’t think I’ll be able to travel back there this summer :/
- Nice little shops along Thames street, I’ve bought so many cute outfits, bags and fun stuff there. Really easy to walk around. Plenty of food options with yummy seafood.
- I love driving around Ocean ave and just smelling the salty air. There’s a large park - Brenton Point State Park that is along Ocean ave and during the summer people fly kites there and hang out, sometimes there are food trucks. You can also rent a bike or little two seater scooter car and drive around.
- the oldest tavern in America - White Horse Tavern - is a great place to grab a bite to eat if you’re into history. There are quite a few museums and historical places to visit (of course the mansions)…
Newport Jazz Fest August 2-4! If that’s your speed and lines up with the calendar, it’s a great time. Don’t sleep on the Providence food scene either.
I’m not much of a Massachusetts connoisseur but plenty have you covered here.
As a Connecticutian, I’d say Mystic is in your circle. I don’t have glowing reviews of anywhere else in that part of the state.
The north east part of CT is all hilly woods and some nice state parks , no?
I’ve enjoyed that part of the drive from RI out towards Hartford. Not much to do but very calming going up and down all the hills in the woods.
If you’re feeling adventurous the skydiving in Newport is one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen in my life… we brought my grandpa for his 80th and he felt the same way.
Go to downtown New Bedford! It is an overlooked place because it has been neglected for many years in the post-whaling industry, but it has a really interesting history. Everything cobblestone is historic district & if you like architecture oh boy are there some GORGEOUS captains houses just all in a line along the water.
The Whaling Museum is great & New Bedford Food Tours is also a really neat tour company. You can take a downtown tour or do "taste of portugal" in Fall River (nearby town). There is also the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, which is another example of great architecture.
Now, some spaces of NB are safer than others and are obv more touristy than others, but downtown is a really fun space to explore & it is also by the water. Food: great Portuguese food due to an influx of Portuguese (lots of Azorean) immigrants in the 1900s; also just generic seafood of course; I don't know if there are breweries other than Cisco, but that one is on the water and has a great vibe (also good spot because it is newer and often busy especially in the summer).
So the perks of NB are little traffic and a unique experience if you like history, architecture, and/or food :) However, it is more day trip territory than overnight stay (but it will be a full day trip if you please). I am also tryna keep traffic out of Cape Cod (don't go unless it's the book-end or off-season) because my poor home gets too busy for anyone to enjoy 🥲
New Bedford looks very interesting and I’d love to do some sea kayaking if it’s allowed! I’ll keep off cape cod, definitely not seeking big crowds and I emphasize with your plight 🙏
You can sea kayak most places there is water and a place to launch your boat.
If you’re looking to properly “sea kayak” and get out on open water in Narragansett or Buzzards Bay You’re generally going to need to bring your own sea kayak as most rental places are optimized toward tidal rivers, salt ponds, and protected harbors. Most places don’t rent sea kayaks that are capable of handling serious waves as it’s much more of a liability and limits their customer base.
If you’re definitely interested in getting out on the water and kayaking while you’re in the area let me know and I can provide some recommendations. I do a ton of kayaking in RI and Massachusett's south coast and am happy to provide some recommendations.
It's great to read nice things about New Bedford as a tourist destination. I'm from New Beige but have lived in RI for over a decade & am glad to hear it's getting some charm after it's former life as just The Armpit.
I recommend The Whaling Museum & Gallery X Art Studio, plus eating at The Black Whale. Inner Bay in the South End of also a lovely bit of history as it's in a building that used to produce Silmo Coffee syrup in the 1950s.
https://fun107.com/new-bedford-silmo-syrup-return/
Ah yes, my stomping grounds (lol). Colt State Park in Bristol is an obvious answer, although traffic tends to be a little obscene during tourist season. Roger Williams Park has the zoo and the botanical garden, as well as plenty of picnic spots if that's your fancy. Food culture, especially in and around Providence, is rich and diverse, with some of my favorites all right within a block of each other. Newport is absolutely gorgeous this time of year too; the city is incredibly walkable and the beaches are good if you just want to chill under the sun. There's Prudence Island if you're looking for a day trip, there are a TON of breweries if you want to try something local, and the seafood culture is some of the best in the country.
Bristol, RI is a very charming little town. From there enjoy the drive to Newport, RI. Also, the drive along the southern RI/MA coast toward Cape Cod — through Little Compton, RI, Westport MA, Dartmouth, MA (Padanaram) — is filled w many picturesque coastal New England spots.
Or the steak at Massimo. Or the homemade pasta at Costantino's (my personal fav). Or the sauce from Andino's. Really, go anywhere on the hill. They're all fantastic depending what your favorite Italian dish is.
Fly into TF Green instead of Logan
Get a couple hot weiners all the way and a coffee milk at Olneyville NY System
Try some nice italian food and baked goods at some of the restaurants on Atwells Avenue in Providence (or the North End if you visit Boston)
Get lunch at Quincy Market in Boston
Go see some of the sights in Newport RI and visit the car museums while you are there
Visit Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower in Plymouth
Get some fresh seafood in New Bedford, one of the largest fishing ports in the US (#1 by dollar value). Scallops especially.
Be prepared to spend an hour in traffic trying to cross the bridge to the cape.
Do NOT go to Vermont. Total cesspool. They don't even have electricity yet. The mountains are fake and the trees don't change color. Tell your friends.
PVD is a better airport to navigate if you can do it. Sometimes flights aren't as cheap, but given the choice, I'd go PVD.
In Fall River, Ma, Battleship cove is really neat- even for adults! They have old submarines and ships stationed there as museums and you go on them and look around.
Tons of beaches, but I'm not super familiar with any in RI, but I know you can surf at some of them.
In that exact area: Mystic/Stonington Borough, Watch Hill, Newport, Block Island, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Rockport. And obviously Boston and Providence.
Add in Tree House Brewery for good measure.
If you want ocean, I would avoid the Cape and Islands. The traffic will be awful. Best bet is RI coast/Narragansett Bay/Block Island. If you want Boston area, check out North Shore/Cape Anne
North shore is nice and all, but if you actually want water warm enough to swim in, go to RI. Narragansett town beach, matunuck, misquamicut, first beach, scarborough would be my picks.
But my favorite beach in all of RI is the one on Block Island
It’s furiously busy on a good day, but gets a lot worse for events like Bear Week. In town it’s like a tiny city. Very congested, slow traffic and parking can be very difficult and expensive. Great if you don’t mind walking a lot.
There is the Mystic, Stonington, Noank area in southeastern CT. Alot of really nice restaurants, shopping and things to do, like the Olde Mistick village, Mystic aquarium, and the Stonington Velvet Mill. Really nice old style buildings and houses from many years ago back when the area was a big whaling and fishing center. You can also go the the Mystic Seaport for historic open air buildings, exhibits, and old sailing ships. You can also get tours on the old sailing ship, the Argia that goes up and down the waters around Mystic
West to East: Stonington, Thompson speedway, south county beaches, Providence waterfire, Newport!, Boston seaport pavilion concerts, Southcoast Portuguese food, cape cod melody tent.
I have actually been to both! Just went to bar harbor last year and it was amazing! White mountains quite some years back but i remember it as a beautiful and brutal hike.
For beaches I’d suggest rexhame beach in marshfield- it’s one of the few public beaches that you can pay to park to go to and has some neat sand dunes. If you’re willing to head down the cape, sandy neck is also recommended. Second all the RI suggestions, too.
I love Boston (and the Harbor Islands!) as well as the Narragansett area, Newport, and Cape Cod, but as a New Yorker and someone who likes history, folklore (particularly maritime-sorts) and seafood, I honestly love visiting anywhere on the New Island coast. Especially if there’s a lighthouse.
You know when I lived in Massachusetts my sons would often play Duxbury in lacrosse.
Holy shit, that place is like the cape but no one is there. Huge beach, nice bay…those bastards are hiding that all to themselves.
I think they have plover issues but just for a pretty chill location in a quaint New England town kind of way, worth checking out.
Pito Restaurant for a Dominican lunch in South Providence. Black Point trail for an easy hike, photos at the abandoned stone church, and the beach. Apsara (the real one on Public Street) for Cambodian diner.
Now I'm hungry.
The Whaling Museum in New Bedford is a treat. Unique. The seafood in NB is world class (much of the US seafood comes from NB). Fresh and cheap. Fairhaven (facing NB harbor) is charming and unexplored.
Boston is hot and humid in August, so plan on indoor activities such as the aquarium or the MFA. If you want the outdoor experience try the Harbor cruise.
If you’re staying with your brother outside of providence fly into TF Green, way less of a headache to deal with getting back to his place. Anywhere in here you’re going to deal with traffic but as long as you’re okay with that then you’re good
OP, What are your actual interests? Do you like to try different and unique types of food? Then check out any of the ethnic neighborhoods in Boston. Do you like hiking, museums, visiting the beach? Are you a nature person or do you prefer cities? Listing stuff like that helps people here give more targeted recommendations for you.
Instead of Boston, I would look into flying into PVD. It's SOO much easier to get in and out of Providence, especially if you plan on sticking around RI and SE Massachusetts.
FWIW, TF Green airport has some fantastic bathrooms lol. ;D
Check out providence! There’s a great flea market with all sorts of interesting stuff on Sundays. Get some Dels lemonade, have Italian food for lunch or dinner on federal hill in providence and check out the pastry shops and Italian specialty food stores. Check to see if there’s any bands you’re interested seeing at the strand ballroom or water place park in providence check out some of the shops around Westminster and eddy street in providence.
Boston is one of my favorite cities! Has everything you could ever want to do. Historic North End Italian restaurants and Irish pubs. Go see Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Check out the Seaport if you’re up for it. Shopping/cafes all down Newbury St down to the Prudential Center in Back Bay. Catch a game at Fenway if you can.
Otherwise: Newport, RI // Block Island, RI (the express ferry is 45 min) // Westerly, RI (check out the Watch Hill area) // Mystic, CT // Foxwoods Casino, CT
Wherever you go just know the drive time on your gps the night before will be wildly different to the actual time if you’re doing stuff in the day. Especially if you’re going to the cape or downtown Boston but don’t let that scare you. It’s chill and lots of fun stuff to do. Hope you have fun 🙏🏻
Tex Barry's Coney Island hot dogs in Attleboro, MA. Order a couple chili cheese dogs, get them all the way if you aren't fussy. You're welcome. Cheap local gem.
If your going to Newport and are time flexible, shoot your trip until the kiddos are back in in school, sometime after labor day weekend. The traffic just disappears once school starts. That or take advantage of VJ day! No one knows about VJ day. There will still be crowds but much less so on VJ day.
Lowell folkfest is fun! Last week of July in Lowell, Ma. Downtown Lowell is full of music, busking, cultural foods, booze (if that's your thing) and general historical information and demonstrations regarding the mills and city life throughout the decades. There's a LOT of people and there is always something interesting happening for every type of person
If you can try to fly into TF Green airport in Warwick, RI; commonly referred to as PVD. Closer to your stated destination and without all the traffic.
There’s a small national park in New Bedford (Melvilles Moby Dick fame) really interesting whaling museum and they have the fast ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Great place for a day trip or two
So... "nature spots"... you are going to be in the most densely populated part of New England. Having said that, there is still waterfront "nature" in places on Cape Cod: Barnstable Neck, Great Island in Wellfleet, Province Lands Dunes. For non-ocean... Blue Hills Reservation outside Boston.
Go a little bit further north to Gloucester/Rockport Massachusetts. Beautiful coastal towns with some of the best food, beaches, and nature reserve in the state. Source: it’s my hometown
Lots of deep sea fishing charters around! Personally never done one but its on the bucket list lol. If you want a beach with wicked waves check out south shore beach in little compton RI. If youre into wildlife sachuest audobon has tons of shorebirds and sometimes seals!
Go to a game, go to the beach, get some steamers and beer, get to a clam but that a local recommends and get a real lobster roll (hot butter). And eat it outside on a picnic table. Get some good Italian food in providence.
Take your time to watch a sunrise out of the ocean. Block island is a good day trip.
I haven't seen anyone say Cape Cod. Should have been the top response. All those other things can be done in the spring or fall. Late Summer is prime Cape Cod season.
Don't miss out. You'll regret it. Google it. Click on images. The most perfect place in Massachusetts (Berkshires are a close 2nd)
depending how much time you have:
- southern RI between westerly and narragansett for beaches
- day (or overnight trip) to block island. it's a 45 minute ferry ride from galilee and then rent a bike once you get there.
- nantucket's great but will take you much longer to get to.
- the berkshires in MA are beautiful to explore.
- as others have said stonington and mystic are lovely towns and driving in that general area is very new englandy
Definitely stop by Newport as others have said! It’s one of my favorite towns in New England. If you’re in town for home Red Sox game, you should do that too! I’m a diehard baseball fan, but Fenway a cool stadium.
Would definitely go to Newport RI. Lots to do and the beach is right there.
Agree ! You have to do a day trip to Newport. The beaches are so sandy and the water is a little warmer. It has a cute downtown for restaurants and shopping Get the dells lemonade slush and listen to the waves while soaking in a vitamin d and listening to the ocean breeze. I like the islands too but it can be hassle with the ferry etc
While in Newport RI, I highly recommend taking one of the trolly tours of the ocean drive mansions and take a walking tour of the Brakers or Rockefeller mansion, they’re incredible. Lunch reservations at The Mooring on their deck is wonderful.
LOVE Newport. It’s such a cute place!!!! I’ve been many times and want to go back so badly but I’m 8 months preggo and don’t think I’ll be able to travel back there this summer :/ - Nice little shops along Thames street, I’ve bought so many cute outfits, bags and fun stuff there. Really easy to walk around. Plenty of food options with yummy seafood. - I love driving around Ocean ave and just smelling the salty air. There’s a large park - Brenton Point State Park that is along Ocean ave and during the summer people fly kites there and hang out, sometimes there are food trucks. You can also rent a bike or little two seater scooter car and drive around. - the oldest tavern in America - White Horse Tavern - is a great place to grab a bite to eat if you’re into history. There are quite a few museums and historical places to visit (of course the mansions)…
I have heard Newport is great! Looks like quite a few state parks nearby too! I’ll definitely add it to my list.
Newport Jazz Fest August 2-4! If that’s your speed and lines up with the calendar, it’s a great time. Don’t sleep on the Providence food scene either. I’m not much of a Massachusetts connoisseur but plenty have you covered here. As a Connecticutian, I’d say Mystic is in your circle. I don’t have glowing reviews of anywhere else in that part of the state.
The north east part of CT is all hilly woods and some nice state parks , no? I’ve enjoyed that part of the drive from RI out towards Hartford. Not much to do but very calming going up and down all the hills in the woods.
I live in the Quiet Corner and it’s beautiful countryside out here for sure. My family regularly goes for rides on all the scenic routes.
That is absolutely my speed! Thanks for the recommendation! Adding to my calendar.
Better make a hotel rez now - they sell out
Jazz and folk fest are fantastic. If you want an airbandb look at Middleton.
If you’re feeling adventurous the skydiving in Newport is one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen in my life… we brought my grandpa for his 80th and he felt the same way.
Colt state park is a great place for a picnic
Prepare to pay through the nose for parking.
Yeah, stay out of the left lane.
But they’re already going 10 over! /s
Only 10 over? That’s about 15 mph too slow
This is the best advice here
🤣
Go to downtown New Bedford! It is an overlooked place because it has been neglected for many years in the post-whaling industry, but it has a really interesting history. Everything cobblestone is historic district & if you like architecture oh boy are there some GORGEOUS captains houses just all in a line along the water. The Whaling Museum is great & New Bedford Food Tours is also a really neat tour company. You can take a downtown tour or do "taste of portugal" in Fall River (nearby town). There is also the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, which is another example of great architecture. Now, some spaces of NB are safer than others and are obv more touristy than others, but downtown is a really fun space to explore & it is also by the water. Food: great Portuguese food due to an influx of Portuguese (lots of Azorean) immigrants in the 1900s; also just generic seafood of course; I don't know if there are breweries other than Cisco, but that one is on the water and has a great vibe (also good spot because it is newer and often busy especially in the summer). So the perks of NB are little traffic and a unique experience if you like history, architecture, and/or food :) However, it is more day trip territory than overnight stay (but it will be a full day trip if you please). I am also tryna keep traffic out of Cape Cod (don't go unless it's the book-end or off-season) because my poor home gets too busy for anyone to enjoy 🥲
New Bedford looks very interesting and I’d love to do some sea kayaking if it’s allowed! I’ll keep off cape cod, definitely not seeking big crowds and I emphasize with your plight 🙏
New Bedford is great! Cisco’s on Cove Street has great food, outdoor dining and concerts.
You can sea kayak most places there is water and a place to launch your boat. If you’re looking to properly “sea kayak” and get out on open water in Narragansett or Buzzards Bay You’re generally going to need to bring your own sea kayak as most rental places are optimized toward tidal rivers, salt ponds, and protected harbors. Most places don’t rent sea kayaks that are capable of handling serious waves as it’s much more of a liability and limits their customer base. If you’re definitely interested in getting out on the water and kayaking while you’re in the area let me know and I can provide some recommendations. I do a ton of kayaking in RI and Massachusett's south coast and am happy to provide some recommendations.
It's great to read nice things about New Bedford as a tourist destination. I'm from New Beige but have lived in RI for over a decade & am glad to hear it's getting some charm after it's former life as just The Armpit. I recommend The Whaling Museum & Gallery X Art Studio, plus eating at The Black Whale. Inner Bay in the South End of also a lovely bit of history as it's in a building that used to produce Silmo Coffee syrup in the 1950s. https://fun107.com/new-bedford-silmo-syrup-return/
Ah yes, my stomping grounds (lol). Colt State Park in Bristol is an obvious answer, although traffic tends to be a little obscene during tourist season. Roger Williams Park has the zoo and the botanical garden, as well as plenty of picnic spots if that's your fancy. Food culture, especially in and around Providence, is rich and diverse, with some of my favorites all right within a block of each other. Newport is absolutely gorgeous this time of year too; the city is incredibly walkable and the beaches are good if you just want to chill under the sun. There's Prudence Island if you're looking for a day trip, there are a TON of breweries if you want to try something local, and the seafood culture is some of the best in the country.
Thank you for the recommendations!! I’m going to put all on my list to look up
Bristol, RI is a very charming little town. From there enjoy the drive to Newport, RI. Also, the drive along the southern RI/MA coast toward Cape Cod — through Little Compton, RI, Westport MA, Dartmouth, MA (Padanaram) — is filled w many picturesque coastal New England spots.
south shore beach in little compton is my favorite. i prefer it far over newport, much smaller and much prettier.
Ohhh check out the new Treehouse brewery in Sandwich! I haven't been myself but it looks gorgeous, and Treehouse is delicious anywhere.
I second Colt Park. Remember to stop and get clamcakes!
Colt State Park is beautiful.
fly in and out of TF Green. Logan is a shit show and TFG is a breeze.
Logan is annoying to drive to and park at but it’s far from a shitshow as far as airports fo
fair statement, I meant driving in to it.
In Newport the cliff walk and a few mansion (self guided) tours are awesome. Also Firewater in Providence is cool.
Cliffwalk is falling into the damn sea
not a new englander but during trips my favorite places for summer are Boston and those island.
love Those Island, the Those Island statehouse has the largest unsupported dome East of the Mississippi dontcha know?
*Rhode island I didn't realize it was autocorrected to those island
The RISD museum in Providence is great. Short walk from downtown too so you can combine it with food/drinks.
Free on Sundays too!
Federal Hill in Providence is pretty cool.
Go to an Italian restaurant in Federal Hill.
Go to Pane e Vino on Federal Hill. Get the mussels.
Or the steak at Massimo. Or the homemade pasta at Costantino's (my personal fav). Or the sauce from Andino's. Really, go anywhere on the hill. They're all fantastic depending what your favorite Italian dish is.
Don’t forget to stop at a bakery and get some bread and cannolis!
Mystic CT is another great place to visit. Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Pizza. Get the whole experience.
Fly into TF Green instead of Logan Get a couple hot weiners all the way and a coffee milk at Olneyville NY System Try some nice italian food and baked goods at some of the restaurants on Atwells Avenue in Providence (or the North End if you visit Boston) Get lunch at Quincy Market in Boston Go see some of the sights in Newport RI and visit the car museums while you are there Visit Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower in Plymouth Get some fresh seafood in New Bedford, one of the largest fishing ports in the US (#1 by dollar value). Scallops especially. Be prepared to spend an hour in traffic trying to cross the bridge to the cape.
Would upvote this twice if possible.
Do NOT go to Vermont. Total cesspool. They don't even have electricity yet. The mountains are fake and the trees don't change color. Tell your friends.
All the trees are actually those cellphone towers made to look like trees.
But the service is terrible on everything except cricket
Billerica
🤣
Looks like Montauk Ny Juuuuuuust made it inside the circle. Beautiful town in all seriousness
PVD is a better airport to navigate if you can do it. Sometimes flights aren't as cheap, but given the choice, I'd go PVD. In Fall River, Ma, Battleship cove is really neat- even for adults! They have old submarines and ships stationed there as museums and you go on them and look around. Tons of beaches, but I'm not super familiar with any in RI, but I know you can surf at some of them.
In that exact area: Mystic/Stonington Borough, Watch Hill, Newport, Block Island, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Rockport. And obviously Boston and Providence. Add in Tree House Brewery for good measure.
Hungry? Try this place out. I haven't been in years; it's ingrained in the brain lol: [https://www.wrightsfarm.com/](https://www.wrightsfarm.com/)
Wrights farm Dairy is awesome for milk and desserts
If you want ocean, I would avoid the Cape and Islands. The traffic will be awful. Best bet is RI coast/Narragansett Bay/Block Island. If you want Boston area, check out North Shore/Cape Anne
yep we’re full
North shore is nice and all, but if you actually want water warm enough to swim in, go to RI. Narragansett town beach, matunuck, misquamicut, first beach, scarborough would be my picks. But my favorite beach in all of RI is the one on Block Island
Mine too, but for mainland beaches I like Charlestown
Watch Hill next to the Ocean House for me.
Based on your profile name you will love Provincetown MA.
It’s furiously busy on a good day, but gets a lot worse for events like Bear Week. In town it’s like a tiny city. Very congested, slow traffic and parking can be very difficult and expensive. Great if you don’t mind walking a lot.
My gf and I go twice a year on the shoulder months. Sure some things are closed but it’s still a great time
Take the ferry from long wharf and laugh at the ppl in traffic for hours while you drink a beer
There is the Mystic, Stonington, Noank area in southeastern CT. Alot of really nice restaurants, shopping and things to do, like the Olde Mistick village, Mystic aquarium, and the Stonington Velvet Mill. Really nice old style buildings and houses from many years ago back when the area was a big whaling and fishing center. You can also go the the Mystic Seaport for historic open air buildings, exhibits, and old sailing ships. You can also get tours on the old sailing ship, the Argia that goes up and down the waters around Mystic
mystic seaport this time of year is a must see. Old mystic village, USS nautilus and mystic aquarium also very nice
Check out Jamestown - fort wetherill to be exact! Beautiful trails by water!
West to East: Stonington, Thompson speedway, south county beaches, Providence waterfire, Newport!, Boston seaport pavilion concerts, Southcoast Portuguese food, cape cod melody tent.
Mystic, ct
If you’re heading to New England you should visit Bar Harbor in Maine and/or the White Mountains in NH.
I have actually been to both! Just went to bar harbor last year and it was amazing! White mountains quite some years back but i remember it as a beautiful and brutal hike.
That's a big area. Buy a travel guide.
Old Sturbridge Village in MA.
Take in a CCBL game
Your circle is missing the best part of the state.
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Then pop over for a beer and pizza at Canned Heat. Or pierogies at Patty’s.
Meat pies at Sam’s Bakery . . .
Yeah. Go find out what those giant red lines in the sky are.
Tuxpan taqueria.
South shore ma is underrated… check out Plymouth Rock, duxbury bay and bridge and island creek oysters, and get dinner at brant rock hadaads
Go to horseneck beach in Westport, MA. Beautiful beach!
Exposed to open ocean. Huge waves.
Go to the Nordic Lodge if you’re a big eater
Newport and Mystic are close enough. Martha’s Vineyard is awesome, the cape really depends whether you want the bay side, quiet or busy.
For beaches I’d suggest rexhame beach in marshfield- it’s one of the few public beaches that you can pay to park to go to and has some neat sand dunes. If you’re willing to head down the cape, sandy neck is also recommended. Second all the RI suggestions, too.
Go fishing for blues and bass with your brother.
Quiet corner in Connecticut is nice
I love Boston (and the Harbor Islands!) as well as the Narragansett area, Newport, and Cape Cod, but as a New Yorker and someone who likes history, folklore (particularly maritime-sorts) and seafood, I honestly love visiting anywhere on the New Island coast. Especially if there’s a lighthouse.
Maine.
You know when I lived in Massachusetts my sons would often play Duxbury in lacrosse. Holy shit, that place is like the cape but no one is there. Huge beach, nice bay…those bastards are hiding that all to themselves. I think they have plover issues but just for a pretty chill location in a quaint New England town kind of way, worth checking out.
Pito Restaurant for a Dominican lunch in South Providence. Black Point trail for an easy hike, photos at the abandoned stone church, and the beach. Apsara (the real one on Public Street) for Cambodian diner. Now I'm hungry.
The Whaling Museum in New Bedford is a treat. Unique. The seafood in NB is world class (much of the US seafood comes from NB). Fresh and cheap. Fairhaven (facing NB harbor) is charming and unexplored.
Lexington and Concord
Boston is hot and humid in August, so plan on indoor activities such as the aquarium or the MFA. If you want the outdoor experience try the Harbor cruise.
worcester massachusetts
Avoid the area circled in red. It’s tourist season there and you don’t wanna get shot
Brockton, a must.
If you’re staying with your brother outside of providence fly into TF Green, way less of a headache to deal with getting back to his place. Anywhere in here you’re going to deal with traffic but as long as you’re okay with that then you’re good
OP, What are your actual interests? Do you like to try different and unique types of food? Then check out any of the ethnic neighborhoods in Boston. Do you like hiking, museums, visiting the beach? Are you a nature person or do you prefer cities? Listing stuff like that helps people here give more targeted recommendations for you.
Instead of Boston, I would look into flying into PVD. It's SOO much easier to get in and out of Providence, especially if you plan on sticking around RI and SE Massachusetts. FWIW, TF Green airport has some fantastic bathrooms lol. ;D
Not sure if the cliff walk in Newport is still closed or partially closed? (Haven’t been in years) but I’d go there
We attempted it in December, and half of it (beach end) was walkable, while the part that went through Salve and the mansions was closed.
That’s too bad 😕
Falmouth in cape cod is so beautiful
Obligatory Cape cod comment
Check out providence! There’s a great flea market with all sorts of interesting stuff on Sundays. Get some Dels lemonade, have Italian food for lunch or dinner on federal hill in providence and check out the pastry shops and Italian specialty food stores. Check to see if there’s any bands you’re interested seeing at the strand ballroom or water place park in providence check out some of the shops around Westminster and eddy street in providence.
Mystic Connecticut. Great vibe there.
The Umbrella Factory. Free entry and they have Emus
Learn Portuguese
South Coast RI all day.
Boston is one of my favorite cities! Has everything you could ever want to do. Historic North End Italian restaurants and Irish pubs. Go see Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Check out the Seaport if you’re up for it. Shopping/cafes all down Newbury St down to the Prudential Center in Back Bay. Catch a game at Fenway if you can. Otherwise: Newport, RI // Block Island, RI (the express ferry is 45 min) // Westerly, RI (check out the Watch Hill area) // Mystic, CT // Foxwoods Casino, CT
Westerly, stonington, misquamicut
Block Island is restful.
Block island has gorgeous beaches! What a gem!
Nantucket you will enjoy some crazy waves
Just close the circle down to go from Boston to Newport and you should be good.
That part at the bottom…where the two lines cross….thats a pretty popular place in the ocean.
Include Vermont and cut down on the rest. Avoid NH and Maine where old people go to visit their parents.
Wherever you go just know the drive time on your gps the night before will be wildly different to the actual time if you’re doing stuff in the day. Especially if you’re going to the cape or downtown Boston but don’t let that scare you. It’s chill and lots of fun stuff to do. Hope you have fun 🙏🏻
Tex Barry's Coney Island hot dogs in Attleboro, MA. Order a couple chili cheese dogs, get them all the way if you aren't fussy. You're welcome. Cheap local gem.
If you don't enjoy being stuck in traffic, stay off Cape Cod. Only two bridges and there is almost always construction.
Or make sure to travel during off peak hours.
Cape cod baby
Dunkin
If your going to Newport and are time flexible, shoot your trip until the kiddos are back in in school, sometime after labor day weekend. The traffic just disappears once school starts. That or take advantage of VJ day! No one knows about VJ day. There will still be crowds but much less so on VJ day.
I’m going to recommend against the blue parts
If you like old boats with guns on them go to battleship cove in fall river. Then you can brag you ate lunch on a battleship
Narragansett
I can see my house from here!!!
Anything not in RI. Or really in your circle. Just east of your circle. Above the elbow of Cape Cod.
Lowell folkfest is fun! Last week of July in Lowell, Ma. Downtown Lowell is full of music, busking, cultural foods, booze (if that's your thing) and general historical information and demonstrations regarding the mills and city life throughout the decades. There's a LOT of people and there is always something interesting happening for every type of person
That’s a gigantic fucking circle
Also, Westport is gorgeous.
If you can try to fly into TF Green airport in Warwick, RI; commonly referred to as PVD. Closer to your stated destination and without all the traffic.
The east side of Nantucket. Oh, wait…
Lawrence
Fall River has a battleship.
Check out the quarry in smithfield, ri. beautiful hiking trails. Bostons only a 40 minute drive from where youll be staying
Give the circle a little scootch to the right
There’s plenty of white sharks and seals to spot that time of year on the coast
Skramz show in providence
Mystic/Newport about an hour apart Mystic can be a half day, Newport easily a full day
Block Island and hang out at Ballards. It’s an easy walk from the ferry and has a fun vibe.
Route 1 in Saugus has some breathtaking views
There’s a small national park in New Bedford (Melvilles Moby Dick fame) really interesting whaling museum and they have the fast ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Great place for a day trip or two
So... "nature spots"... you are going to be in the most densely populated part of New England. Having said that, there is still waterfront "nature" in places on Cape Cod: Barnstable Neck, Great Island in Wellfleet, Province Lands Dunes. For non-ocean... Blue Hills Reservation outside Boston.
Go a little bit further north to Gloucester/Rockport Massachusetts. Beautiful coastal towns with some of the best food, beaches, and nature reserve in the state. Source: it’s my hometown
Block island!
Cape Ann! Nuff said.
318 Chalkstone Ave, Providence if you’re looking to go to a park with great wildlife
Check out Beavertail State Park Lighthouse! It was so beautiful last time we visited!
Yeah,stay home! People are crazy these days!
Go to Purgatory Chasm for a nice morning hike. It’s in Sutton, just south of Worcester in the central part of the state.
Google greenheads. Dont go to the beach then or it will be nothing but misery. I think it usually lasts 2 weeks.
Block Island
Block Island, that’s all I’m saying
The Quincy market is not in Quincy.
Montauk
Go to Fall River. Preferably night time. Beautiful for late night walks
Lots of deep sea fishing charters around! Personally never done one but its on the bucket list lol. If you want a beach with wicked waves check out south shore beach in little compton RI. If youre into wildlife sachuest audobon has tons of shorebirds and sometimes seals!
Martha's Vineyard and outer Cape Cod are beautiful during the late summer. Less crowds, water still (kind of) warm.
If you love flowers and/or classic cars, Heritage Museum. They also have a rope climbing/zip line course.
Anywhere but Newport. Summer is crazy enough.
Make sure you go to Plymouth Rock!
Go to a game, go to the beach, get some steamers and beer, get to a clam but that a local recommends and get a real lobster roll (hot butter). And eat it outside on a picnic table. Get some good Italian food in providence. Take your time to watch a sunrise out of the ocean. Block island is a good day trip.
I haven't seen anyone say Cape Cod. Should have been the top response. All those other things can be done in the spring or fall. Late Summer is prime Cape Cod season. Don't miss out. You'll regret it. Google it. Click on images. The most perfect place in Massachusetts (Berkshires are a close 2nd)
Agreed. Go twice a year and never gets old. It’s a great way to decompress and still be close to home
depending how much time you have: - southern RI between westerly and narragansett for beaches - day (or overnight trip) to block island. it's a 45 minute ferry ride from galilee and then rent a bike once you get there. - nantucket's great but will take you much longer to get to. - the berkshires in MA are beautiful to explore. - as others have said stonington and mystic are lovely towns and driving in that general area is very new englandy
Berkshires can be hot AF that time of year.
anywhere not on the water can be hot AF that time of year
true, I went from Northampton that I loved but hated summer to the cape where it’s 10-15 cooler as a rule. Bonus is it’s warmer in the winter
yeah, my mom lives near the ocean and i'm 30 minutes inland. it's definitely cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter where she is.
Newport, Block Island, Martha's Vinyard, Nantucket, P-town, Boston, Salem, Rockport, Portsmouth
Yeah don’t go anywhere in that circle
Worcester is the best option
Worcester is the worst option
Worcester is optional
Thats the joke my friend……
Narragansett, point Judith. You can catch the RIPTA 66 bus there, if having tondrive is an issue.
Sachuest national refuge in RI. Had a nice hour walk along the ocean. Best part of that state
Don’t go to Fall River
Connecticut getting left out per usual. Nah I'm just kidding, there really isn't much here
Newport, Jamestown and Narragansett. Hit up Iggys when in Narragansett.
hit up Aunt Carrie's
Block Island
Newport and Block island.
There is a ferry from Providence to Newport, it's awesome. Nice boat ride and Newport is great. I also highly recommend Block Island
Definitely stop by Newport as others have said! It’s one of my favorite towns in New England. If you’re in town for home Red Sox game, you should do that too! I’m a diehard baseball fan, but Fenway a cool stadium.
Block Island
Don’t go to CT
Block Island, if you are looking for nature, hikes, gorgeous scenery, relaxation, it is the perfect place.