Touring Coastal New England

Picking up from my last post about Viator, today I'm talking about my Coastal New England tour. Visiting Boston alone, I figured I should look into sightseeing outside the city and I've always wanted to go to Maine. The New England Coastal Tour was my opportunity to check an additional state of my list and it only costs $72! Starting in Boston, we traveled by big, comfortable coach to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, on to York, Maine, and up to Kennebunkport, Maine.

The Viator site actually lists a stop in Salem, not Hampton Beach. Fortunately I had already been to Salem so I wasn't too upset to see more of NH, especially since this trip was the first time I'd been to New Hampshire as well. It was interesting to see a beach so deserted. Here in Southern California, people are out on the water even in "winter". But out tour guide explained the average temperature in Hampton Beach during winter in 12 degrees, so the town boards up for several months. It was already cold in October, so I don't blame 'em for closing down after summer!

We continued up the coast to my favorite stop of the tour, Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine. It was quintessential New England and exactly what I pictured Maine to be - a rugged coastline with an adorable lighthouse. There's not much to do at the location, other than marvel in the beauty of the view and check out the gift shop, but it was a wonderful experience.

Heading further north into Maine was the third stop in Kennebunkport. An adorable seaside community, there was lots to do from eating to shopping, but I found myself spending most of our allotted three hours just walking around admiring the homes and beautiful yellow leaf-adorned trees. When in Maine you must get the lobster, so I had a delicious lobster roll at The Pilot House. The wait was insane and I ended up sharing a table with an older couple (who let me take a picture of their impressive lobster), but overall my food was delicious.

Kennebunkport is part-time home to former president, George Bush, who grew up summering in the town and was actually there while we were. When the Texas flag is flying, that's how you know he's at his home.

Overall, I was very pleased with this Viator tour. To be able to see two states for $74 and about nine hours of exploration, it's well worth the time and money. You can expect to stop for snacks and lunch (not included in price) as well as visiting some noteworthy locations. I highly recommend taking this trip if you visit Boston between spring and fall. Please note, due to weather, the New England Coastal Tour is only available May to October, so plan accordingly!

My friend Austin, who has a travel blog, also toured the New England coast and has some fun additional suggestions for your trip. Be sure to check out his post!

And if you're planning to do some travel alone, check out my solo travel tips. In addition to tours, I provide more ways to make the most out of your party of one exploration.

In exchange for a review, I was provided with a comped Viator tour. All thoughts are truthful and my own.