History, harbors, and quintessential fall foliage.
Historic

History, harbors, and quintessential fall foliage.

History, harbors, and quintessential fall foliage.

Boston, MA 02108Stark, NH 03582

5 days19 stops
Open in app
5
Days
19
Stops
4
Highlights
active
Region

Boston, MA 02108Stark, NH 03582

Journey through the heart of American history, from Boston's revolutionary cobblestones to the charming maritime spirit of Portland, Maine. This road trip winds through ivy-clad campuses, scenic coastal byways, and rolling hills ablaze with autumn color, offering a perfect blend of historical landmarks and culinary delights.

Trip highlights

The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail
Nubble Lighthouse
Nubble Lighthouse
Portland Head Light
Portland Head Light
Kancamagus Highway
Kancamagus Highway

The route

  1. 1Boston, MA 02108Start · 42.3608, -71.0571
  2. 2The Freedom TrailStop · 42.3577, -71.0597
  3. 3Faneuil Hall MarketplaceStop · 42.3601, -71.0541
  4. 4Giacomo's RistoranteStop · 42.3644, -71.0543
  5. 5The Liberty, a Luxury Collection HotelStop · 42.3621, -71.0701
  6. 6Harvard University Campus TourStop · 42.3684, -71.1083
  7. 7Salem Witch Trials MemorialStop · 42.5210, -70.8919
  8. 8Strawbery Banke MuseumStop · 43.0769, -70.7546
  9. 9Hotel PortsmouthStop · 43.0797, -70.7624
  10. 10Nubble LighthouseStop · 43.1652, -70.5911
  11. 11The Clam ShackStop · 43.3606, -70.4787
  12. 12Old PortStop · 43.6560, -70.2541
  13. 13Portland Regency Hotel & SpaStop · 43.6570, -70.2526
  14. 14Portland Head LightStop · 43.6231, -70.2079
  15. 15Portland Museum of ArtStop · 43.6539, -70.2626
  16. 16Eastern PromenadeStop · 43.6680, -70.2429
  17. 17Eventide Oyster Co.Stop · 43.6594, -70.2512
  18. 18Kancamagus HighwayStop · 44.0151, -71.4276
  19. 19Artist's Bluff TrailStop · 44.1661, -71.6781
  20. 20Stark Covered BridgeStop · 44.6010, -71.4081
  21. 21Stark, NH 03582End · 44.5939, -71.4239

Day 2

The Freedom TrailHighlight
Historical Site

The Freedom Trail

Walk this iconic 2.5-mile red-brick path through downtown Boston, which passes 16 nationally significant historic sites. Start at Boston Common and trace the steps of revolutionaries, visiting landmarks like the Massachusetts State House and Paul Revere's House.

Photo by biotifun zaza (biotifunzaza)

Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Local Experience

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

A historic meeting hall dubbed the "Cradle of Liberty," now a bustling marketplace with shops, street performers, and the Quincy Market Colonnade, offering dozens of food stalls. It's a vibrant hub of history and modern city life.

Giacomo's Ristorante
Dining

Giacomo's Ristorante

Experience an authentic Italian dinner in Boston's historic North End at this famously popular, cash-only spot. The bustling atmosphere and delicious, generously portioned pasta dishes make the inevitable wait worthwhile.

Photo by Giacomo's Boston North End

The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Lodging

The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Stay in a stunningly reimagined historic building that was once the Charles Street Jail. This unique luxury hotel offers a memorable blend of history, sophisticated design, and modern comfort at the foot of Beacon Hill.

Photo by The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston

Day 3

Harvard University Campus Tour
Culture Arts

Harvard University Campus Tour

Walk through the historic Harvard Yard, the oldest part of America's oldest university. Admire the iconic ivy-covered brick buildings, rub the foot of the John Harvard statue for good luck, and soak in the academic atmosphere of this world-renowned institution.

Photo by The Harvard Tour

Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Historical Site

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

A solemn and moving outdoor memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1692 witch trials. Stone benches are inscribed with each victim's name, providing a quiet space for reflection on this dark chapter of American history.

Photo by Joshua Blackwelder

Strawbery Banke Museum
Historical Site

Strawbery Banke Museum

Explore over 300 years of American history in this 10-acre outdoor living history museum. Wander through historic homes on their original foundations, interact with costumed role-players, and watch traditional crafts being demonstrated.

Photo by Rae West

Hotel Portsmouth
Lodging

Hotel Portsmouth

Check into a beautifully restored 1881 Queen Anne Victorian mansion, now a chic boutique hotel. It offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities, located just a short walk from Portsmouth's vibrant Market Square.

Photo by The Hotel Portsmouth

Day 4

Nubble LighthouseHighlight
Scenic Viewpoint

Nubble Lighthouse

One of America's most iconic and photographed lighthouses, perched on a rocky island just off the coast of York. While the lighthouse itself isn't accessible, Sohier Park offers fantastic views, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Photo by Christopher Wolfe

The Clam Shack
Dining

The Clam Shack

Grab a classic Maine lobster roll from this legendary seafood stand right on the Kennebunk River. Known for its fresh-picked lobster meat served on a toasted round bun, it's a quintessential, no-frills New England summer experience.

Photo by The Clam Shack

Old Port
Historical Site

Old Port

Explore the heart of Portland with a walk through the Old Port's charming cobblestone streets. This historic district is packed with 19th-century brick buildings that now house unique boutiques, art galleries, and acclaimed restaurants.

Photo by Mohan Nannapaneni

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Lodging

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

Stay in a historic 19th-century armory in the heart of the Old Port. This hotel combines classic architecture with modern luxury, providing an elegant and convenient base for exploring Portland's waterfront and downtown.

Photo by Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

Day 5

Portland Head LightHighlight
Scenic Viewpoint

Portland Head Light

Visit Maine's oldest lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington and first lit in 1791. Set in the beautiful Fort Williams Park, the iconic white tower sits on a rocky headland, offering breathtaking views of Casco Bay.

Portland Museum of Art
Culture Arts

Portland Museum of Art

Discover an impressive collection spanning from American and European masters to contemporary works, with a special focus on artists from Maine like Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth. The museum is housed in a collection of beautiful historic and modern buildings.

Photo by Mary Giacomazza

Eastern Promenade
Outdoor Adventure

Eastern Promenade

Take a relaxing walk or drive along this 68-acre waterfront park designed by the Olmsted Brothers. It offers panoramic views of Casco Bay and its islands, a sandy beach, and beautiful walking trails.

Eventide Oyster Co.
Dining

Eventide Oyster Co.

A modern and lively oyster bar that has redefined the New England seafood restaurant. Enjoy an incredible selection of fresh, local oysters and an innovative Brown Butter Lobster Roll that breaks from tradition in the most delicious way.

Day 6

Kancamagus HighwayHighlight
Scenic Viewpoint

Kancamagus Highway

Drive a spectacular 34.5-mile section of Route 112 through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. This designated National Scenic Byway is world-famous for its incredible fall foliage, with numerous scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and waterfalls along the way.

Photo by Mark Wiger

Artist's Bluff Trail
Outdoor Adventure

Artist's Bluff Trail

Hike this relatively short but rewarding 1.5-mile loop trail for one of the most iconic views in New England. The rocky ledge at the top provides a stunning panorama of Echo Lake and the surrounding Franconia Notch mountains.

Photo by Atul Nautiyal

Stark Covered Bridge
Historical Site

Stark Covered Bridge

Capture the quintessential New England photo at this charming covered bridge, built in 1862. This picturesque 'paddleford' truss bridge spans the Ammonoosuc River and is set against the backdrop of a quaint village church, making it a perfect final stop.

Photo by Dave Trono

Open this trip in the app

Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.

The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail

Walk this iconic 2.5-mile red-brick path through downtown Boston, which passes 16 nationally significant historic sites. Start at Boston Common and trace the steps of revolutionaries, visiting landmarks like the Massachusetts State House and Paul Revere's House.

1 / 19

New England History