robinrobin

Hi everyone!
We'll be spending 5-6 days in the New England area this summer. We are flying into Boston and would like to check out Portsmouth for a day/lunch, maybe Portland, and spend a couple of nights in Maine on the waterfront. It is a family trip, but kids are adventurous and mature. Probably more interested in hikes/sailing vs. museums though. We will probably spend the last day/night in Boston b/c of our flight.

The only thing we've confirmed so far is our flight, so I thought I'd check with everyone to see any recommendation on lodging, things we must-see or do, etc.

Thanks so much in advance!

Wings888

There are tons of great day hikes in NH which you could do. You could hit up Portsmouth then travel North to the White Mountains. In Maine I recommend going to York Beach.

elberko

Maine, seaside, and hiking/outdoor stuff always says Bar Harbor/Acadia to me, but you'll have to decide if that's too far for your short trip.

~Liz

zootsi

If you are going in the summer with kids, you may want to consider at least a few days near a beach. Maine has some beautiful wide sandy beaches in York, Ogunquit, Wells and Kennebunkport. Yes, the water is cool, but kids love it. The Lafayette in Wells is right on the beach, and a very family friendly place. The Marginal Way walk in Ogunquit and Nubble Light in York are two things not to miss in this area. There are also whale watching cruises throughout the area. Short Sands beach in York is another nice spot - a wide sandy beach at an 'old timey' little resort town.

robinrobin

Thank you all so much!

rogerskevin

I would recommend downloading this Massachusetts tourism map. It will give you lots of great ideas and also give you an idea of how long it will take to get from one place to another. I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding things to do in the Boston area with your family.
Massachusetts tourism: http://www.massvacation.com/getAroun...directions.php

Connie

I read travel article written by a newspaper writer who lived in Boston. He decided to play tourist in Boston for a weekend and see all the sites he hadn't ever bothered seeing. One of the touristy things he has always hated was the Ducks Tour (the amphibious vehicles that tour land and then go out on the water). He did it anyway and raved about it. He said it was one of the best tours of Boston with tons of great info. Of course, the kids will love it too. We've done the Ducks in Branson and it was great fun to drive right into the water and boat around.

cindyj

Portland is a great little city for kids. You said "mature" but didn't give their ages. The Old Port area is filled with funky shops they might like, plus they can explore the waterfront by visiting the ferry pier. You could also take a ferry out to one of the islands (only a 20 min ride to the closest one) ride bikes and explore. Or take a 2 hour windjammer cruise to see the city from the water. If they are more 'adventure' than beaches, head a but further north to the Camden area. Hiking, cruises, etc. Beautiful views. Let us know more about what your kids like, and ages, to be more help.

clarkgriswold

You need to book something YESTERDAY. Unless you don't mind roadside motels across from Walmart, but even those cost over $100 in Maine in July and August.