If you’re hoping to say "sea you real soon” to Captain Mickey or Minnie, Disney Cruise Line has exciting voyages on tap in 2026.
24.01.2025 - 21:15 / lonelyplanet.com / New England
Jan 24, 2025 • 9 min read
Covering many beautiful miles throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, the beaches of New England are a major draw to the region for obvious reasons.
Known for rocky, windswept and sandy vistas complemented by charming villages and towns, New England's best beaches and coastlines offer visitors a chance to soak up the region’s history, visit lighthouses and indulge in a spot of luxury.
Best for escaping the crowds and reconnecting with nature
A great place to unwind and preferably spend the night, Monhegan doesn’t have much in the way of big attractions. For some visitors, this is exactly the point of coming. Monhegan is a fabulous place to disconnect and enjoy a digital detox: there are no TVs, no cars and no shopping, save for a few small convenience stores. Even the library is typically left unlocked.
There is a network of trails around the island (about 9 miles total), which take you through forests and along cliff tops with stunning views. Pick up a map from the ferry dock when you arrive. A highlight is the Cliff Trail, a 4.4-mile loop that circles the entire island. If you have kids in tow, head to the Lobster Cove Trail, a 0.3-mile out-and-back walk that has lots of rocks to climb and the ruins of a small shipwreck.
Detour: Mainers love their breweries, and Monhegan is no exception. Stop by Monhegan Brewing Company (open seasonally) to enjoy a citrusy Kölsch, a light milk stout or a malty, hoppy double IPA.
Best for cliffside mansions and heavenly views
Nantucket Town epitomizes tranquility and calm, but travel 7 miles east and you’ll discover a fairytale-ish coastal village of 17th-century homes that dances to an even slower beat. Tiny Siasconset (affectionately called ‘Sconset) consists of just a handful of quaint shops. The Bluff Walk’s narrow dirt path meanders along the edge of mighty bluffs – with ferocious Atlantic waves crashing 90 feet below – dissecting backyards and gardens of multi-million-dollar estates.
The trail’s about a mile long, culminating on Baxter Rd. Although it once reached Sankaty Head Lighthouse, erosion necessitated an earlier ending. However, it’s worth an extra half-mile hike north along Baxter (turn right from the path) to admire this 1850-era, photogenic lighthouse. The lighthouse is open for free tours; hours and dates vary.
Local tip: The Jethro Coffin House, Nantucket’s oldest home on its original foundation, was built in 1686 – almost a century before the United States was born. It’s open for tours from June to October; admission is free.
Best for young people
Katama Beach, also known as South Beach, is located on the south shore of upscale Martha's Vineyard, and it's a bonafide charmer.
If you’re hoping to say "sea you real soon” to Captain Mickey or Minnie, Disney Cruise Line has exciting voyages on tap in 2026.
If Miami and Palm Beach had a love child, it would be Fort Lauderdale. Quickly shedding its image as just a spring break destination, the city is redefining itself as a place that lacks the formality of its neighbor to the north (Palm Beach), but has all the trappings of the vibrant metropolis to the south (Miami). And while Fort Lauderdale is quickly catching up on the five-star luxury-resort front, the real-estate (and therefore hotel) prices have not yet approached the levels of Palm Beach's on Worth Avenue. Fort Lauderdale lacks pomp and doesn’t take itself too seriously: It’s a place that still feels accessible thanks to an abundance of public beaches, a lack of gated communities, and a culinary scene that won’t break the bank.
Feb 8, 2025 • 8 min read
Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.
Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.
Feb 5, 2025 • 5 min read
Feb 5, 2025 • 8 min read
So you've been to London, bumped fists with Big Ben, watched a Premier League game and witnessed the Changing of the Guard.
Feb 3, 2025 • 5 min read
Schools were closed and emergency crews deployed on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini on Monday after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake.
Feb 2, 2025 • 8 min read
Jan 31, 2025 • 5 min read