My wife and I want to do a 10 day road trip through New England, along the coast, hoping to see leaves changing. Does anyone have any suggestions, tips, etc.? We anticipate leaving LA area in about 2 weeks.

Honestly you've left it very late to book accommodation, you will miss the height of the season and the best leaf peeping is not along the coast.

Apart from viewing fall foliage what else do you want to do? Budget?

Well, if you are waiting 2 wks you prob. have to go to southern Vermont, many parts of Mass. and CT. The best leaves will be well inland.

Color is already strong in the Concord NH area. It's early this year. It is later on the coast. Check foliage reports. Unfortunately, mid-October also tends to have rainy weather (this week is drizzly, last week was glorious). I agree that you should concentrate on southern New England and coastal areas or wait until next year. I would check out status of foliage in Rhode Island and Mystic Seaport area.

CT is just starting to color. The swamp maples and some birches. I actually like the early color when there is green to contrast with rather than bare branches.

I would agree that it is a bit late to be thinking about hotels. I'm often in northern NH in October for all color, and I always make sure I have my hotel of choice booked about 3-4 months out.