New England Coastal Run
Yale to Lighthouses
New Haven, CTPortland, ME
Trip overview
Embark on a classic New England coastal journey, savoring everything from legendary New Haven pizza to fresh lobster in Maine. This scenic trip blends historic Gilded Age mansions, charming seaside towns, and stunning Atlantic beaches for a perfect four-day escape.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — New Haven
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
Begin your journey at the legendary birthplace of New Haven-style 'apizza'. Order the iconic White Clam Pizza from their original 1925 coal-fired oven for a true taste of American culinary history.
157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Stretch your legs at Connecticut's largest shoreline park. Walk along two miles of sandy beach, search for seashells, or simply enjoy the beautiful views of Long Island Sound.
1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443
The Breakers
Step into the Gilded Age at the Vanderbilt's opulent summer 'cottage,' the grandest of Newport's famous mansions. The sheer scale, lavish interiors, and stunning oceanfront setting make this a quintessential American landmark.
44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina
Settle in for the night at a resort on a private island offering panoramic water views, a classic New England lighthouse, and easy access to downtown Newport's historic wharves.
1 Goat Island, Newport, RI 02840
Day 2 — Newport
Cliff Walk
Experience one of New England's most famous walks. This 3.5-mile public path offers a stunning juxtaposition of natural ocean beauty on one side and the architectural grandeur of the Gilded Age mansions on the other.
Memorial Blvd & Easton's Beach, Newport, RI 02840
The House of the Seven Gables
Visit the seaside mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic 1851 novel. This National Historic Landmark offers a unique look into 300 years of New England history, complete with a secret staircase.
115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970
Beauport Hotel Gloucester
Stay at a luxury oceanfront hotel on Pavilion Beach. Enjoy stunning harbor views, a rooftop pool, and the perfect location for exploring America's oldest seaport.
55 Commercial St, Gloucester, MA 01930
The Franklin Restaurant
Dine at a beloved local institution known for its upscale yet comfortable atmosphere and delicious, creative American cuisine. A perfect spot for a memorable dinner in Gloucester's historic downtown.
118 Main St, Gloucester, MA 01930
Day 3 — Rockport
Motif No. 1
Photograph the most-painted building in America. This iconic red fishing shack on the harbor is the quintessential symbol of New England's maritime heritage and artistic soul.
Bradley Wharf, Rockport, MA 01966
Good Harbor Beach
Relax on a beautiful, expansive white sand beach with picturesque views. At low tide, you can walk out to Salt Island, making it a perfect spot for a classic New England beach day.
Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930
The Nubble Lighthouse
Behold one of the most iconic and photographed lighthouses in the world. Located on a rocky 'nubble' just offshore, it's a breathtaking sight against the dramatic Maine coastline, especially at sunset.
Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909
The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
Check into your hotel in the heart of the Old Port, cleverly housed in the former headquarters of the Portland Press Herald. The sophisticated, newsroom-themed decor offers a unique and stylish base for exploring the city.
119 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Day 4 — Portland
Eventide Oyster Co.
Indulge in a modern take on the classic American oyster bar. Famous for its pristine raw bar and the Brown Butter Lobster Roll served on a steamed bun, this James Beard Award-winning spot is a must-try Portland experience.
86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Portland Head Light
Visit Maine's oldest lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington in 1791. Set in the beautiful 90-acre Fort Williams Park, the lighthouse and its museum offer stunning coastal views and a deep dive into maritime history.
1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Old Port
Wander the charming cobblestone streets of Portland's historic district. Explore the unique boutiques, art galleries, and lively pubs set against the backdrop of a working waterfront, perfectly capturing the city's vibrant character.
Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The New England Coast road trip covers about 349 mi and roughly 8h 2m of driving, comfortably spread across about 4 days.
This itinerary maps out 15 stops from New Haven, CT to Portland, ME. Highlights include Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Hammonasset Beach State Park, and The Breakers.
It begins in New Haven, CT and ends in Portland, ME, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $1,349, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
Open New England Coast in the free Road Trip app for turn-by-turn navigation, the full day-by-day itinerary, live weather, and gas-cost tracking along the route.
More road trips
Open this trip in the app
Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
