Summer is by far the best time of year. You can dedicate all your time to your tan, your summer bucket list, driving with the windows down to your jam, and making memories with your best friends. However, no perfect summer would be completed without an amazing trip, which is why you need to make sure you check out the tons of beautiful and fun vacation spots in New England.

Whether you’re balling on a budget or have money to burn, here are a few places you definitely need to travel to this summer with your friends.

1. Kennebunkport, Maine

This beautiful town is located along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in York County just an hour and half north of Boston. It has beautiful beaches, but also a “coming home” type of charm as you drive through downtown. There are unique bouquets, restaurants, art galleries, whale watching, golf courses, and other attractions to this classic vacation town!

2. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

A small, quiet town along the coast of Lake Winnipesaukee that is perfect for those trying to lay low and soak up some sun. Attractions include small "hole in the wall" stores, lovely beaches, Cotton Valley Rail-Trail, Wentworth State Park, paddling boarding, Wright Museum of WWII, New Hampshire Boat Museum, and other water activities.

3. Burlington, Vermont

The largest city in Vermont and located along Lake Champlain, this popular and gorgeous area is definitely worth the drive! There is always something happening whether it is outside concerts, festivals, or just people having a good time on the lake or shopping in the stores. There’s Leddy Park, the Burlington Bike Path, Church Street Marketplace, Waterfront Park, and tons of places to eat!

4. Newport, Rhode Island

This famous city is located on Aquidneck Island and is popularly known for being home to a large handful of gorgeous mansions. This city has beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and iconic lighthouses such as the Castle Hill Lighthouse and Rose Island Lighthouse. You can visit museums, Fort Adams State Park, take tours of famous mansions, shop in the various stores, and enjoy all the other things the city has to offer.

5. Provincetown, Massachusetts

Popularly known as P-town, this town is located at the very tip of the Cape. It is known for its LGBT-friendly atmosphere and having some of the best beaches on the Cape, such as Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach. You can spend your time shopping along Commercial Street or hitting the bars/clubs while taking in the exciting and welcoming atmosphere of the beautiful town.

6. Mystic, Connecticut

This village is located on the coast in the Southeastern area of Connecticut. If you’re a history geek like me, you should definitely check out the famous Mystic Seaport, and stroll around historic downtown Mystic as well as through the Olde Mistick Village. On top of the historical atmosphere, there are also haunting tours, zipline and aerial parks, places to rent kayaks or paddleboards, and the beautiful Mystic Aquarium.

7. Gloucester, Massachusetts

Just 40 minutes north of Boston, this city resides on the North Shore and along Cape Ann. Known as one of the best places to get clam chowder, Gloucester home to Good Harbor Beach, Hammond Castle, Fisherman’s Memorial Monument, Ravenswood Park, Eastern Point Lighthouse, as well as unique stores and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to chillax on the beach and enjoy some quality seafood.

8. Franconia, New Hampshire

For those who are looking to get away from the ocean this summer, the small town of Franconia is located near the White Mountains. You can explore the beautiful Franconia Notch State Park, Avalanche Falls, Flume George, Echo Lake Beach, and Mount Lafayette. There is also the Old Man of the Mountain site, though the natural historic monument collapsed in 2003. The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is also an amazing way to take in the beautiful land and mountains of New Hampshire.

9. Bar Harbor, Maine

This small town is located on Mount Desert Island and is perfect for those who want a mix of the seashore and the forest. There is Acadia National Park, the Shore Path, the Ocean Trail, the Frenchman Bay, the Land Bridge to Bar Island, the Village Green, and plenty of other places to amerce yourself into the nature around you. The town also has an arrangement of different shops, art galleries, bars, golf courses, and other attractions that make you never want to leave.

10. Providence, Rhode Island

The capital city of Rhode Island is an absolute must see this summer. There are historic sites, museums, theaters, the Roger Williams Zoo, Water Place Park and Riverside, and a handful of gorgeous colleges. The area is also known for its nightlife with clubs, bars, and the WaterFire show. It’s perfect for those who want to do a little exploring and a lot of partying at night.

11. New London, Connecticut

This city is located on at the mouth of the Thames River and has a historical seaport dating back to the Revolutionary War. The area is alive with a charming center, filled with shops, taverns, and beautifully historic houses. You can go golfing, hangout at Ocean Beach Park, see Whale Wall, visit the lighthouses, and experience the unique art and music of the city.

12. Stowe, Vermont

Located just 45 minutes east of Burlington, this town is just as scenic and had the unique charm that you can only find in Vermont. There’s a collection of shops, restaurant, art galleries, and museums, such as Vermont Ski Museum. This place is perfect for those who like being outdoors. You can go to Stowe Recreation Path, hike Mount Mansfield, check out Smugglers Notch State Park, see Spruce Peak or the Appalachian Trail, as well as many other outdoor activities. Also, if you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, you can go see the Trapp Family Lodge. A must do in this town is stopping at the delicious Stowe Cider!