The primary gateway to New England, Boston is a city that blends the best of old and new. It’s a bustling metropolis with quaint neighborhoods and rich culture. Here, cobblestone streets lined with local shops and trendy restaurants meet historic landmarks on the Freedom Trail. You’ll also find the excitement of sports, the beauty of the city’s waterfronts and the prestige of world-renowned universities.

In western Massachusetts, The Berkshires is an irresistibly idyllic region made up of rolling hills, dense woodlands and forested mountains dotted with shimmering lakes. This landscape makes for an ideal place to enjoy outdoor recreation year-round, but you can also tour historic countryside estates and discover world-class art in welcoming small towns.

The White Mountains are an epic destination for hiking, rock climbing, skiing and just soaking in natural beauty. They’re home to Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeastern USA, that welcomes adventurers to drive, hike or ride the cog railway to its dramatic peak. In addition to natural wonders, an array of charming small towns offer dining, shopping and accommodations.

A quintessential colonial town set on the banks of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth’s historic district has buildings dating back to the 1700s. Explore the popular Strawberry Banke Museum to wander among the architecture, then stroll Market Square to pop in and out of shops and restaurants. Nearby, explore the lush gardens and scenic riverfront of Prescott Park. Plan enough time to explore the city’s coastal islands to enjoy kayaking, beachgoing and more among dramatic scenery.

Start your visit to hip and artsy Portland, Maine, at the city’s historic working waterfront. Enjoy an outdoor meal while watching for fishermen hauling in the day’s catch, or get out on the water. Catch the ferry to nearby Peaks Island or find sailing or lobster boat tours. Near the waterfront, downtown is a hot spot for art galleries, museums, restaurants and breweries. No visit is complete without a photo of the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse in nearby Cape Elizabeth.

Perched on the Atlantic Ocean coast on Mount Desert Island near the quaint coastal town of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park is renowned not just for its rocky shore, but also its towering mountains, lush forests and wildlife. Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard, or relax with a bike ride along the park’s historic carriage roads.

You may have heard of Mystic, thanks to the 1988 film, “Mystic Pizza.” You can still eat in the Main Street pizza spot joint that inspired the film today, but don’t stop there. From the eatery, it’s a short walk to seafood restaurants, shops and sightseeing, including a unique bascule bridge crossing the Mystic River. Nearby is the Mystic Seaport Museum, which offers insight into the city’s rich maritime history via a recreated 19th century village and authentic whaling ships.

The capital of Connecticut, Hartford balances historic with hip and scenic with urban. It’s home to the USA’s oldest public art museum (Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art) and one of the country’s oldest parks (Bushnell Park), but also thriving live music and culinary scenes. Book lovers can visit the Mark Twain House & Museum, where the writer and his family lived in the late 1800s, or the Harriett Beecher Stowe Center, the former home of the abolitionist and author.

Newport is famous for its Cliff Walk, a waterfront pathway that meanders past a stunning array of Gilded Age mansions, some of which are open for tours. In this sailing capital, you must get out on the water at least once; tour options include an authentic lobster boat, a rum-running yacht and classic sailboats. For shopping and dining, check out historic Bannister’s Wharf and Bowen’s Wharf. Enjoy a day on the sand at Easton’s Beach or Sachuest Beach.

An artsy and innovative foil to Newport’s nautical charm, Providence is a riverfront city full of colorful neighborhoods waiting to be explored. It’s home to both Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and the youthful spirit of these campuses inspires the city’s hip vibe. Plan to tour the RISD Museum for a variety of art and design exhibits, or visit during popular events like WaterFire and PVDFest.

Burlington boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, plus four-season outdoor pursuits. Fountains and historic buildings provide the backdrop for Church Street Marketplace, a brick-paved pedestrian mall housing specialty shops, national retailers, restaurants and cultural venues. Outdoor cafes, street vendors and entertainers keep it lively long after sundown. At Burlington Waterfront Park, take a ferry or boat tour across Lake Champlain, and walk or bike the 20-kilometer path, which connects to the Lake Champlain Islands via bike ferry in summer.

A popular ski destination for winter sports enthusiasts, Stowe is a mountainous, four-season haven for nature lovers with scenic spots including Smugglers Notch and Mount Mansfield. Meander the Stowe Recreation Path along the West Branch River and Mountain Road at Stowe Village to enjoy some beautiful scenery via foot or pedal. A quintessential New England village, Stowe’s vibrant mix of arts and cultural events, shops and restaurants give it unique, small-town charm that adds to its outdoor thrills.