Scenic New England towns are waking up again by May. New England is in bloom by June. And you’ve been ready to bust out of the house since January. It’s time to explore.
Take this as your sign to book a Maine vacation on beautiful Sebago Lake or wander the famous Cliff Walk in Rhode Island.
It’s time for a reset when the snow melts. So pack the bags because nothing beats a spring road trip to kick the winter doldrums. From Massachusetts to New Hampshire, there are plenty of great weekend getaways worth checking out this spring.
1. Portland, Maine – New England Waterfront
Spend a spring weekend soaking up fresh coastal breezes in Portland, Maine.
Old Port along the Portland waterfront comes back to life as New England defrosts. Old Port is a must-see for visitors due to its historic brick buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s a hub for great seafood restaurants, local Portland breweries, and a busy nightlife scene.
Visitors also recommend the farmer’s market, which reopens each April. There is a Saturday market along the waterfront starting in May. Or bundle up for a Minor League Baseball game with the Portland Sea Dogs.
Explore the maritime spirit that Portland is known for by jumping on the ferry. Venture from the mainland to the nearby Casco Bay islands.
Within Casco Bay is another must-see – Portland Head Lighthouse in Fort Williams Park. It’s the oldest lighthouse dotting the Maine coast. But spring tourists will have to settle for snapping a photo from the outside of the 1791 lighthouse. It’s only open for tours once a year in September on Open Lighthouse Day.
2. Sebago Lake, Maine – Lakefront Family Fun
Head 20 minutes outside of Portland, and you’ll find Sebago Lake. It’s worth more than a weekend stop if you’re looking for a Maine vacation with the kids.
Sebago Lake is the second biggest lake in Maine. However, it’s the best Maine lake if you’re looking for a classic campground or weekend getaway with the whole family. Look into Point Sebago Resort, where you can rent cabins, vacation rentals, glamping tents, and RV sites.
Tap a photo above to expand the Point Sebago Resort gallery.
It’s less of a campground and more of an experience.
Point Sebago Resort is off the highway (U.S. Route 302) in Casco, Maine, near the popular Sebago Lake State Park. The resort features themed weekends each spring for New England visitors. The complete themed weekend schedule for spring 2026 can be found on the resort website:
- Mother’s Day – May 8 – 10
- Resident’s Appreciation – May 15 – 17
- Memorial Day – May 22 – 25
- Country Western – May 29 – June 1
- Pirates Adventure – June 5 – 7
- Luau Beach – June 12 – 14
- Father’s Day – June 19 – 21
Each weekend is packed with activities, crafts, competitions, and entertainment. You can find their upcoming season calendar online when you book a Point Sebago vacation.
The Sebago Lake favorite also features the top-rated public golf course in Maine and a marina.
3. Camden, Maine – Historic Coastal Charm
You’ll find plenty of things to see in Maine if you venture north of Sebago Lake. Spring visitors find coastal charm in picturesque towns like Camden, Maine, with its beautiful harbor views.
The seaside town is a favorite for travel guides. Travel pros recommend hiking in Camden Hills State Park. It’s the best spot to find panoramic views of Penobscot Bay.
Don’t miss a show at the acclaimed Camden Opera House during your trip. Or plan your trip for May during the Camden in Bloom Weekend. The mid-May events bring the waterfront hamlet to life with local vendors, live music, and food as the town begins to blossom.
A guided, historic walking tour to explore Camden’s heritage and architecture is worth the money. However, most don’t start again until June.
4. Bar Harbor, Maine – Natural Coastal Beauty
Further up the highways of Maine is a fall favorite for leaf peepers – Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island. Go during the spring and skip the crowds if you’re not looking to watch the leaves change.
During the spring, Bar Harbor is a classic New England getaway for nature lovers.
Check dates ahead of time as Acadia National Park begins to reopen in the spring. The stunning national park offers the best hiking trails in Maine and endless coastal views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Head south if you’re on the hunt for historic lighthouses. There are three lighthouses in Acadia National Park.
Add Bass Harbor Lighthouse to the top of your sightseeing list. The popular destination is worth the trek, especially during sunset. You’ll recognize the iconic lighthouse. It’s been featured on postcards, America the Beautiful quarters, postage stamps, and the National Register of Historic Places.
5. Stowe, Vermont – Mountain Hideaway
Find your perfect New England weekend hideaway in the mountain village of Stowe, Vermont, if you’re seeking a quiet spring escape. The thaw of winter transforms the town.
Waterfalls roar, trails reopen, and Stowe offers a quiet, cozy feel for tourists.
Must-sees during your weekend include maple syrup tastings. Local sugarhouses offer tours and tastings, creating a quintessential Vermont experience.
The town is a must for The Sound of Music fans making the pilgrimage to the von Trapp Family Lodge. The home base of the famous singing family, who fled Austria during WWII and settled in Stowe.
June is another great time to visit this New England favorite. Book your hotel room early if you’re going to the Stowe Balloon Festival in late June. It’s three days of hot air balloon launches, live music, and local vendors.
6. Woodstock, Vermont – Quiet Country Living
Trade busy city living for the quiet escape of country life in Woodstock, Vermont. The stunning country town is everything you’d expect from a classic New England postcard. Historic buildings, covered bridges, and the walkable center square of town make Woodstock feel like a Hallmark movie set.
Opt for relaxing, simple activities in this quiet town.
Woodstock Inn offers an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing program. The Vermont town is also the home to Bookstock, the Vermont Festival of Words. The annual book sale draws literary fans from all over. Known for rare first editions, a poetry festival, writing workshops, and author readings, Bookstock is as unique as they come.
Pack your bike if you’re visiting Woodstock. It’s home to some of the best easy-access mountain bike trails in Vermont at Mt. Peg.
7. Newport, Rhode Island – Coastal, Old World Elegance
Newport is a favorite summer spot for tourists, hitting the Rhode Island sandy beaches, and is often overlooked in the spring.
A spring Saturday in Newport offers two types of views in the coastal town. There’s the draw of the Atlantic Ocean’s crashing waves and sea breezes. There are also the multi-million dollar views of the Gilded Age mansions that line the coast.
You can experience both at once on the Cliff Walk. It’s a 3.5-mile scenic path with the Atlantic on one side and incredible Newport mansions on the other side. If you’re inspired by the opulence of the seaside mansions, book yourself a tour of these grand “summer cottages.” You can buy tickets online to see mansions like The Breakers, which was the 70-room summer getaway for the Vanderbilts.
Make sure you’re in Newport in May if you’re a seafood lover. The small town hosts the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival at Bowen’s Wharf. Get your fill of oysters, chowder, exclusive tastings, and live music.
8. The Berkshires, Massachusetts – Regional Rural Escape
Get outside, touch some grass, and explore the best of Massachusetts in the Berkshires. The rural region is comprised of 30 small towns in the mountains of western Massachusetts. The scenic drive is a perfect way to shake off winter.
Set your GPS for Lenox, Stockbridge, or Great Barrington.
Breathe fresh floral scents in May during the Naumkeag Daffodil & Tulip Festival. There are plenty of things to do in the Berkshires. May also brings Artweek, spring carnivals, and First Friday events.
The Berkshires’ popularity picks up in June with events like the Tanglewood Music Festival, Pride, and outdoor concerts. It’s also when the hiking trails start to bloom. Find the best hikes at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and Bartholomew’s Cobble.
Spring in New England Weekend Road Trips
The destinations above are a great option for mapping out a spring road trip. But don’t let any travel guide define your weekend adventure.
The best adventures come from the unplanned moments. A New England road trip in spring is all about the unexpected. So stop at the small, nearby towns along the way. Notable mentions worth checking out include:
- Mystic, Connecticut
- Salem, Massachusetts
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Hanover, New Hampshire
It’s the best time to explore new destinations without the hassle of the summer crowd. You’ll find better hotel availability and cooler temperatures for sightseeing.
Indulge, relax, and celebrate the best of the northeast by finding your escape this spring.