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Marvelous New England – Mystic to Maine

Marvelous New England – Mystic to Maine

Mystic Newport Cape Cod Plymouth Boston Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park - ME
Trip length8-10 days
Route distance481 mi
Stops6
Customize this tripFree account · edit dates, stops & pace

Trip overview

There are so many charming and historic destinations in New England that it’s hard to pick the best. We've designed this warm weather trip, which hugs the Atlantic Coast, to highlight the unique sights this region has to offer. You will see the charming seaside town of Mystic with its commercial fishing boats and charters, the site of the Mayflower landing at Plymouth, the extravagant Gilded Age mansions in Newport, the rich colonial history of Boston, and the wealthy summer enclave of Bar Harbor with Acadia National Park nearby. New England is the perfect destination to plan a great RV trip in the warmer months.

Who will love this trip
All ages and abilities. Boston may require more walking, but other stops are smaller scale and can be as active or relaxed as you prefer.

Trip tips

  • Drive Along Park Loop Road- Park Loop Road is one of the three types of major road systems on Mount Desert Island. It is the go-to scenic drive that connects Acadia’s lakes, mountains, and shoreline. This route also takes you to the only national park in New England, Acadia National Park. Road reservations are required and can be purchased here.

  • See the Foliage in September- The best time to visit New England to see the stunning fall foliage is the last week of September. Vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow blanket the landscape. One can expect comfortable temperatures, crisp air, and clear skies during this time.

  • Changing Coastal Weather- New England’s coastal regions experience a variety of wind patterns, breezes, and sea fog. This can affect visibility and accessibility to beaches. Conditions can be tracked here.

  • Tolls on the Turnpike- There are tolls on highways throughout New England, so make sure you budget for this expense. You can purchase an E-Z Pass for discounted rates. Passes can be purchased here. The E-Z Pass does not work in Connecticut but works at the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and the Tobin Memorial Bridge. In Rhode Island it is accepted at the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority. For Maine it is accepted at the Maine Turnpike Authority.

  • Localize with the Lobster Roll- Lobster rolls are a delicacy in New England and are a must-try dish. For some of the best-rated rolls try Row 34 in Boston or The Lobster Bar in Newport.

Your route

Route map: Marvelous New England – Mystic to Maine
1Mystic2Newport3Cape Cod4Plymouth5Boston6Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park - ME
1
Stop 1 1 day stay

Mystic, CT

Mystic, CT

Mystic is a charming example of an historic New England seaside town. This village was made famous in the 1988 movie "Mystic Pizza," and is located on the Mystic River. You can dine, shop, walk, boat, kayak, and learn about Mystic’s history. The harbor is a living monument to the seafaring and ship building of the 19th century, with its historic homes, businesses, and ships. Watch artisans build buckets, horseshoes, and ship hulls like it was done in a bygone era.

Top things to do

Mystic is a charming town rich in history and nature. Here are a few of our favorites:

1
Mystic Seaport and MuseumTour the seaport to take a step back in time. It is a re-creation of a 19th century village. Plan to visit the Mystic Seaport Museum – the largest maritime museum in the U.S. The Mystic Pass gives you entrance to museum and the Mystic Aquarium.
2
Denison Homestead and Denison Pequotsepos Nature CenterThis 160-acre property features two historic homes, a nature center, and hiking trails.
3
Mystic AquariumThis charming aquarium near Mystic Seaport has the usual delightful sea creatures, and visitors can enjoy seeing the training and feeding of beluga whales, a ray touch pool, a shark petting zoo, and sea lion shows.
4
Old Mystick VillageThis recreated 18th century fishing village has charming small shops and eateries.

Mystic, CT activities

BoatingFishingHikingPaddlingBikingKayakingMuseums

RV campgrounds near Mystic, CT

There are several public and private campgrounds nearby. Use AdventureGenie to find the perfect campground near Mystic.

Next stop: Newport
2
Stop 2 1 day stay

Newport, RI

Newport, RI

Step back in time to the grandeur of the Gilded Age, where the tycoons of New York and Philadelphia built their summer “cottages” between 1850-1900. Twelve of these over-the-top mansions and their lush seaside grounds have been wonderfully restored to their original splendor. Spend a day touring these awe-inspiring estates while enjoying the seaside air. This is a great stop on your New England RV trip.

Top things to do

Once you see Newport, it's no surprise that long ago wealthy industrialists staked their ground here. It is beautiful and dramatic. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and other amenities to service its vacation visitors. And outdoor recreation is abundant. Here are a few of the top sights to visit in Newport:

1
Newport MansionsThese 12 wonderfully preserved estates are a showstopper. Consider taking a guided audio or docent tour of some of them. The Vanderbilts' “Breakers” mansion is a must-see.
2
Ocean DriveThis stunning 10-mile scenic drive can be traversed by RV, car, or bike. All along the way are elaborate historic “cottages” (many privately owned), public beach access, and public parks.
3
Cliff WalkThis famous National Recreation Trail is a relatively easy 3.5-mile path that combines the beauty and nature of the shoreline with the history of the Gilded Age.
4
International Tennis Hall of FameThis interactive museum showcases its many artifacts and the game's history.

Newport, RI activities

BikingHikingSwimmingBeachesSurfingHistory ToursFishingPaddlingWhale WatchingBoating

RV campgrounds near Newport, RI

There are many private and state park camping options in and around Newport. Check out Fort Adams State Park. AdventureGenie can help you pick the perfect campground to see Newport.

Next stop: Cape Cod
3
Stop 3 1 day stay

Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod, MA

While Newport represents the summer homes of a bygone era, Cape Cod is a bustling summer community for those seeking cooler summers, seaside pleasures, and a slower pace of life. New and old homes – mostly in the Cape Cod style – are sprinkled throughout Cape Cod with its 40-miles of National Seashore. Charming villages dot the peninsula with boutiques, ice cream shops, restaurants, and the New England town gazebo. Summer months bring farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and long, sandy days at the beach. You can plan a multi-week RV trip if you are so inclined.

Top things to do

There is so much to do here that it is difficult to give our top picks.  But don’t miss:

1
Old King’s Highway(Route 6A) – this 62-mile National Scenic Byway will wind you through the historic buildings of Cape Cod from the 17th to the 21st century. Native Americans used this road for thousands of years before the arrival of the first European settlers. It winds through dozens of charming and historic villages including Wellfleet, Eastham, and Provincetown. Hiking, biking, and beach access points are dotted along this scenic drive.
2
Cape Cod Rail TrailThis 25-mile paved bike path in lower Cape Cod is a nature lover’s delight with nearby villages to grab some refreshments.
3
Cape Cod National SeashoreExplore this massive seashore where outdoor pursuits abound. It has wonderful hiking and biking trails, two visitors' centers and a lecture series.
4
MuseumsThere are so many museums, but be sure to check out the Sandwich Glass Museum, Heritage Museum and Gardens, Cape Cod Museum of Art and the Edward Gorey House.
5
ProvincetownDowntown Provincetown is a bustling and charming town famous for its embrace of the LGBTQ+ community. Charming inns, restaurants, homes, shops, and bars are everywhere. Be sure to stop at the Pilgrim Monument which commemorates the Mayflower pilgrims' landing. Street parking can be difficult in the busy summer months, but there are several pay parking lots. A car is recommended since the streets are narrow and crowded.
6
ChathamThis upscale village is filled with casual and fine dining, boutiques, ice cream parlors, and several museums. Stop at the Atwood Museum, the Mayo House, and the Chatham Railroad Museum.
7
Nantucket & Martha’s VineyardTake a day trip to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. There are a few ferries from Cape Cod to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard – expect 2-3 hours on a ferry each way. There are also highspeed ferry and seaplane options.

Cape Cod, MA activities

BikingHikingBeachesFishingPaddlingHistory ToursBoatingWater SportsGolfTennisWhale-WatchingBirdwatching

RV campgrounds near Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod has many wonderful public and private campgrounds. The Nickerson State Park and Shawme-Crowell State Forest are good public land camping options. Use AdventureGenie to find the perfect RV campground for you on Cape Cod.

Next stop: Plymouth
4
Stop 4 1 day stay

Plymouth, MA

Plymouth, MA

Historic Plymouth is a quaint coastal village that happens to be where the first Pilgrims settled in America. The town is filled with historic homes, sites, and museums as well as the famed Plymouth Rock. There are plenty of state parks to explore the great outdoors if you have finished exploring the historic sites. Plymouth is a wonderful stop on any RV tour of New England.

Top things to do

The small town of Plymouth packs a lot of history. Here are some of the most popular things to see and do:

1
Plimoth Patuxet MuseumsThis set of museums include Historic Patuxet (with its focus on Native peoples), 17th Century English Village (a recreation of the small farming and maritime village the Pilgrims built), and the Plimoth Grist Mill, Mayflower II (a reproduction of the original sailing ship that brought Pilgrims to America in 1620).
2
Plymouth RockThis rock in Pilgrim Memorial State Park symbolizes the place of the landing of the Pilgrims who settled the Mayflower colony in 1620.
3
Pilgrim Hall MuseumThe country’s oldest museum focuses on the preservation of Pilgrim and Native American artifacts.
4
Historic HomesThere are several preserved Pilgrim homes to visit, such as the wonderful Jenney Interpretive Center, the Jabez Howland House, the Richard Sparrow House, the Alden House Historic Site, and many others.
5
National Monument to the ForefathersThis 81-foot-tall granite statue was built to honor passengers of the Mayflower.

Plymouth, MA activities

HikingBikingMuseumsFishingBoatingPaddlingHistory ToursWhale WatchingBoating

RV campgrounds near Plymouth, MA

There are many state parks and private campground options near Plymouth. The Wompatuck State Park has lovely campsites Use AdventureGenie to find a great RV campground for you near Plymouth, MA.

Next stop: Boston
5
Stop 5 2 day stay

Boston, MA

Boston, MA

No tour of New England would be complete without spending a couple days exploring Boston. Colonial historic sites, renowned museums, Fenway Park, and foodie destinations abound. Spend a couple of days or spend a week exploring Boston. Plan your itinerary and find an RV park nearby. Public transportation in Boston makes seeing the many sites in the city center easy. Let AdventureGenie help you plan a great camping trip to Boston!

Top things to do

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts as well as the unofficial capital of New England. You could find hundreds of interesting things to do in this city rich with history culture and sports.  Don’t miss:

1
Freedom TrailThis 2.5-mile self-guided walking path, starts at Boston Commons and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument. It meanders through major historic sites of the American Revolution. Follow the big red line!
2
Boston MuseumsBoston is over-flowing with world class museums. For art, stop at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. For history check out the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. For science, check out the Museum of Science – Boston. Kids will love the world-class Boston Children's Museum.
3
Fenway ParkTake a stadium tour or catch a ballgame at this historic venue for the Boston Red Sox.
4
Boston’s North EndThis historic Italian neighborhood – Boston’s oldest – with cobblestone streets is filled with delicious aromas of Italian food. Visit Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church nearby.
5
Boston Public GardenAmerica's first public garden was designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Olmstead. Its 600 gorgeous acres feature the famous Swan Boats, a carousel, ponds, and a wide array of flora and fauna. It's great for walking and picnicking.

Boston, MA activities

HikingWalkingBikingBoatingPaddlingHistory ToursPhotographyMuseumsBoston Red Sox (MLB) – Boston Celtics (NBA) – New England Patriots (NFL) – Boston Bruins (NHL)

RV campgrounds near Boston, MA

The many state park and private campgrounds for exploring Boston are mostly in the suburbs, not the city center. Having a car or taking public transportation is a tremendous help. Let AdventureGenie find the perfect campground for you near Boston.

Next stop: Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park - ME
6
Stop 6 2 day stay

Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park - ME

Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park - ME

Charming, coastal Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island is the gateway to Acadia National Park. The landscape in this part of Maine is dramatic with rocky cliffs leading to the ocean, harbors and mountains. Pack layers even in the summer. Bar Harbor has charming seafood restaurants, shops, and clapboard buildings. Nearby Acadia National Park’s 47,000 acres provide many opportunities for hiking, biking, beach combing and more. Acadia receives 4 million visitors annually, so plan for crowds in the summer months.

Top things to do

Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are closely connected and share the same climate, geography, and coastline. Bar Harbor offers quaint, historic charm while Acadia offers great outdoor recreation and beauty. Here are some of our favorite things to do:

1
Park Loop RoadThis 27-mile scenic drive in Acadia will take you through some of the most popular parts of the park such as Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Otter Point, and Sieur de Monts.
2
Cadillac MountainThis hiking-friendly and drivable area of Acadia provides spectacular vistas of the coastal landscape formed by glaciers.
3
Bass Harbor Head LighthouseA perfect location in Acadia to watch the sun rise at this historic lighthouse (still in operation by the U.S. Coast Guard).
4
Carriage RoadsThis 57-mile-long series of paved roads is closed to motor vehicles and provide a wonderful place for walkers, bikers, horses, and inline skaters. The roads were funded and created by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in the early 1900s, to highlight the best scenery of the park, including Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, and Mount Desert Island. The road is open all year and is used for skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The Island Explorer Shuttle provides access to the Carriage Roads and the more than 150-miles of hiking trails that Acadia offers.
5
Downtown Bar HarborStroll the quaint shops and eateries in this charming seaside village.
6
Frenchman BayThis picturesque harbor offers plenty of opportunities for walking, fishing, boating, and watersports. Consider taking a sailing charter around the bay. Enjoy access to Bar Harbor Town Pier, Agamont Park and the Shore Path (which is 0.7 miles one way).
7
MuseumsBar Harbor may be small, but it packs some punch. Check out one of its many museums. Two favorites are the Abbe Museum with its focus on Maine's Native People and the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History inside Acadia National Park.

Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park - ME activities

HikingWalkingBikingPhotographySkatingWhale WatchingFishingPaddlingWildlife ViewingGolfHorseback RidingBeachesSwimmingBoatingMuseums

RV campgrounds near Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park - ME

Bar Harbor has several campgrounds – public and private. The State Park campgrounds near Bar Harbor and the two National Park campgrounds in Acadia are wonderful options. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground to explore Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park!

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