Experience The Beauty Of New England Autumn On This Luxurious Coastal Road Trip

New England tends to suffer from near-inhospitable winters, but when it comes to autumn, it’s tough to find a more idyllic region. Crisp air, crimson foliage, and the eccentric aesthetic of Halloween mingling with the inviting warmth of Thanksgiving all accompany the season—and for those wishing to experience this sensation firsthand, a weekend road trip is certainly in order.

From the bustling core of the Bay State capital to the scenic shores of coastal Maine, this relaxed itinerary highlights three destinations across the New England coast, each one offering high-end accommodations, fine dining opportunities, and quick access to stunning natural sites that are rife with crimson foliage. With the colors of autumn on full display, there’s no better time than now to venture into the region and catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon with your own eyes.

Stop 1: Boston, The Cultural Capital of New England

Boston is renowned worldwide for its top-tier universities and rich Revolutionary War-era history, and the city is no stranger to luxury hospitality either. Just steps away from the centuries-old Boston Common, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston serves as a particularly charming introduction to a luxury-focused road trip.

Fresh off the heels of a lengthy renovation, this palatial property is equipped with 193 bedrooms mingled amidst 43 suites—and for peak leaf-peeping, it’s tough to go wrong with the Luxury Parkview Suite. Measuring in at 1,100 square feet, these spacious quarters offer two bedrooms, polished marble bathrooms, and massive windows facing The Boston Common, the Bay State capital’s tree-filled city park that dates back to 1634. As an added bonus, the suite ensures complimentary access to the property’s Club Lounge—a space that’s home to snacks, free-flowing wine, and ample city views—while the upscale Artisan Bistro is just a few floors away, providing guests with a wealth of savory seafood items ranging from Maine lobster toast to New England clam chowder.

Before checkout, ambitious leaf-peepers should be sure to take advantage of the incredible natural beauty scattered all across the Greater Boston area. If you don’t mind a quick drive south, the iconic Blue Hills Reservation is a particularly stunning spot, equipped with 7,000 acres of pristine Bay State forest with stunning Boston skyline views found at the park’s peak. For those who would prefer to head north, be sure to make a pitstop at Middlesex Fells Reservation, a tree-laden state park that’s been protected for more than a century.

Stop 2: Portland, Maine’s Urban Oasis

As you make your way north from Boston, the scenic city of Portland lies just a few hours away, offering natural wonders like Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and Blowing Cave Park along the way. After a two-hour drive—and maybe a lobster roll from Ogunquit Beach Lobster House halfway through—the Portland Harbor Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Maine’s largest city.

Upon arrival, visitors can drop their bags at the front desk and dive headfirst into the surrounding neighborhood, with no shortage of fascinating attractions found in every direction. To the east, Portland’s historic waterfront is home to a vast array of long-standing seafood restaurants, while the city’s downtown core hosts institutions ranging from the 1800s-era Victoria Mansion to the prestigious Portland Museum of Art—but be sure to leave some room in the itinerary to relax at the hotel as well. During a cold day, the outdoor fire pit is a particularly enticing hangout spot, while the on-property Harbor Bistro + Terrace is perfect for the evening hours thanks to its hearty American fare and large selection of local craft brews.

Stunning natural sites abound across the Portland area, offering both crimson foliage and stunning shoreline views. For those who prefer to stick closer to the downtown area, Capisic Pond Park is a popular site for both birding and leaf-peeping in spite of its small size, while Mill Brook Preserve is home to a six-mile hiking trail in the neighboring town of Westbrook. For a different perspective on the beauty of coastal Maine, be sure to make a pit stop at Fort Williams Park, a craggy coastal preserve that’s home to the oldest lighthouse in the state.

Stop 3: Camden, Maine’s Stunning Seaside Escape

Portland might be Maine’s largest city, but it’s far from the only place worth visiting in the state. Less than two hours away, the quiet town of Camden is a popular summer destination for visitors all across the northeast, while autumn brings fine dining and picturesque harbor views courtesy of the Camden Harbour Inn.

This idyllic property has been welcoming guests since the tail end of the 1800s, and in the modern era it belongs to the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association, serving as the sole member in coastal Maine. Dining-wise, the lodge has earned abundant acclaim for Natalie’s, a refined venue serving Pine Tree State-inspired French fare masterfully crafted by Executive Chef Joseph Nardo. While a dinner at the hotel is certainly in order during your stay, the Camden Harbour Inn also benefits from its close proximity to downtown Camden, with charming venues like Sea Dog Brewing Co and the Thai-inspired Long Grain just a short walk away.

While the coastal beauty of Maine is on full display in Camden, you don’t have to travel far to find gorgeous mountain vistas as well. Less than five minutes north of the downtown area, Camden Hills State Park offers gorgeous Pine Tree State flora at the peak of Mount Megunticook, while nearby Mt. Battie Tower is perfect for catching a glimpse of the sprawling Penobscot Bay. For those in search of a slightly more challenging (yet still manageable) hike, head to the top of Bald Mountain Preserve where panoramic fall foliage views abound.