New England Weekend Getaways for a Summer Seafood Tour

Maine is at the top of the New England seafood game. The state’s coastal offerings are best explored along three major seafood corridors. Start in Kennebunkport for upscale waterfront dining, then travel to Portland to sample world-class oyster bars serving briny and freshly shucked local varieties before making the trek downeast to the Acadia and Bar Harbor region. Iconic lobster shacks throughout these areas serve up the must have: buttery rolls stuffed with mayo-brushed lobster. 

Here’s where to stay while you’re in the area: The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel + Restaurant while in Kennebunkport, Longfellow Hotel in Portland, and The Asticou Hotel in the Bar Harbor area. With these picks, there’s no going wrong. 

For the ultimate weekend escape, you can easily island-hop through Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, three classic stops close enough to experience all in one beach trip. Along the Cape, the harbor towns of Chatham and Provincetown serve up unbeatable fresh-off-the-boat dining. Our recommendation? Head straight to Chatham’s working fish pier to watch the daily catch arrive, then reward yourself with overflowing baskets of golden fried seafood, creamy clam chowder, and local lobster. 

Looking for an iconic New England summer experience? Stay at Queen Anne Inn in Chatham or Waterford Inn in Provincetown, a few of our favorite escapes offering elevated luxury and modern conveniences. 

When the heat hits, everyone heads to Rhode Island for the crispy calamari. Start in scenic and walkable Newport, a destination perfect for couples or families seeking harbor walks and cute shopping streets. Here, the Newport Lobster Shack, operated by the Newport Fishermen’s Co-op, sells and serves their own fresh catches right on the water. Next, visit Matunuck Oyster Bar in Matunuck, known for its strict commitment to sustainability and fresh farm-to-table dining. Lastly, head to Evelyn’s in Tiverton for beautiful water views and classic fried seafood. Their famous Rhode Island-style calamari is perfectly tossed with hot banana peppers and rich garlic-herb butter. It’s a must-have. 

While in Newport, stay at Wayfinder Newport. Created by a collective of local chefs, bartenders, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, this hotel is rooted in the creativity and character of the coastal community it calls home, blending thoughtful design, local artistry, and welcoming hospitality. 

In Connecticut, the warm, butter-drenched lobster roll reigns supreme. Make your way to Mystic to enjoy fun out on the water paired with the perfect summer seafood. If you’re in the mood for a casual hotspot, head nearby to Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough, famous for its legendary warm and buttery lobster rolls as well as their crispy fried whole-belly clams enjoyed right at the water's edge. For more of an upscale experience, book a table at The Shipwright’s Daughter. This acclaimed restaurant at The Whaler’s Inn is award-winning for its sustainable coastal dining and led by 2024 James Beard Chef Award winner David Standridge.

When it comes to a place to stay in Connecticut, we recommend Steamboat Inn in Mystic as well as The Whaler’s Inn. 

Despite having the shortest coastline in the region, New Hampshire is a great destination for summer seafood. Near downtown Portsmouth, you’ll find Latitudes Restaurant at Wentworth by the Sea which is widely celebrated for its fresh coastal cuisine and stunning marina views. If you’re looking for world-class oysters and an exceptional draft beer selection, venture to Row 34, a local favorite with a stellar reputation as a foodie haven.

In Portsmouth, make Treadwell Mansion your home base. Portsmouth's newest luxury boutique hotel, this landmark property is where historic charm meets modern sophistication in the heart of downtown. Another favorite? Wentworth by the Sea offers the tranquility of a remote seaside sanctuary. 

When it comes to your New England seafood tour, timing is everything. Peak summer outdoor dining is notoriously bustling, with shacks and seaside patios drawing massive crowds. To easily beat the rush, skip the weekend madness and plan your road trip for mid-week. In addition, arriving for an early lunch around 11:15 AM or scoring an early dinner table by 4:30 PM makes it likely you’ll have prime waterfront deck views without a two-hour wait. Alternatively, the mid-afternoon lull between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM is the sweet spot for a casual lobster roll and a cold local brew.

About New England Inns and Resorts 

New England Inns and Resorts was founded in 1907 and has been devoted to providing unforgettable experiences ever since. With over 350 hotels, inns, and resorts located across New England, we support exceptional hospitality with a dedication to keeping it local at every location.