The Meridian guide to a New England road trip

Sometimes, all you need for a great summer vacation is a car, a few days off work, and an empty stomach. New England's coastline from Connecticut to Rhode Island is a picturesque stretch of lobster shacks, hidden beaches, and small towns that feel like they were designed to make you slow down. Here, you'll find sunburned families cracking claws at picnic tables, fishermen pulling into harbors with the day’s catch, and someone who just had a lobster roll twenty minutes ago ordering another one because, well, why not?

For this guide, we asked Emily Sundberg — writer, director, and founder of the business newsletter Feed Me — to map out her ideal seafood-fueled road trip through New England. From no-frills spots serving hot butter lobster rolls to the perfect arcade for a rainy afternoon, these are the places Emily says you'd be remiss to miss.

I have summer desires and wishes just like everyone else — waves crashing into me on the shores of Italy, giant bowls of clam pasta on beach chairs in Marseille, watching fireworks from the dunes in Montauk. But guess what? Sometimes the best summer vacation is a seafood tour through a little place called New England. 

I grew up on Long Island and spent many of my summers driving east to see… more of Long Island. But in recent years, I’ve enjoyed driving up and out of NYC with friends to see more beaches along the East Coast. Once you’re out of the city, the drive is scenic and salty, and there are plenty of stops for a memorable long weekend trip. All you need is a car and a driver’s license (or someone else’s car and their driver’s license).

Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough

117 Pearl St., Noank, CT

Start your tour in Noank. The twisty streets leading to Abbott’s make it feel like a find, and the lobster roll on a burger bun is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. This place has no frills, just excellent counter service and memorable lobster rolls. This might seem like a light bite if you’ve been in the car awhile, but trust me, it’s worth it. In addition to the hamburger bun, Abbott’s “Connecticut style” lobster roll is most famous for hot butter preparation, no mayo to be seen. 

When you get there, I suggest sitting outside and looking out at the fishermen and sailors. And if you hit not-great weather… a cure-all for rain is New England clam chowder.

Ford’s Lobster

65 Marsh Rd., Groton, CT

You’ve had your first lobster roll at Abbott’s, watched the fishermen bring in their catches, and you’re ready to get back on the road. But before you go too far, drive around West Cove — just a few minutes — and stop by Ford’s. They’re famous for their Lobster Bomb, which is lobster in a bread bowl covered with bisque. Yes, you just ate a lobster roll, but this is vacation — live a little.

Watch Hill

Westerly, RI

From Noank, it’s a 30-ish minute drive to Watch Hill, the most southwestern point in Rhode Island. Taylor Swift has a house here, and after spending a minute outside of the car, you can understand why — the beaches are gorgeous, and the songs must write themselves. Go for a swim at Napatree Point Beach, with limited parking and a journey over the dunes helping it feel like a real reward when you arrive.

Once you dry off, walk ten minutes over to Ocean House. The Relais & Châteaux waterfront hotel is one of the main attractions for tourists in town — known for incredible ocean views. You could even squeeze in a little pampering at their resort-style spa or, if you’re hungry again after a swim or stroll on the beach, grab a bite at their renowned restaurant. There’s also a beautiful historic carousel ($4 a ride for an outside horse, $1 for an inside horse — for kids 12 and under only) in the middle of the village, and you can swing by old-school candy store The Candy Box for some fudge on your way back to the highway. 

Castle Hill Inn

590 Ocean Dr., Newport, RI

If the drive, the swim, and the food have left your head feeling heavy, head up to Newport for the night. The Castle Hill Inn is one of several spectacular hotels in the city. Set on 40 meticulously maintained acres, the inn even has its own lighthouse. It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you could write a novel… and in fact, Thornton Wilder's Theophilus North was partially set in a room at the inn. 

There are a few amenities that I look for when booking hotels — coffee upon opening my eyes in the morning, robes, fast Wi-Fi, and spacious rooms. The Castle Hill Inn checks all of those boxes and more — like cookies being left on the pillows nightly at turndown, complimentary breakfast from their luxurious restaurant, large glass showers, and incredible water views. On a warm afternoon, you can get a gin and tonic and people-watch on the lawn. (This is worth doing even if you’re not staying at the hotel.) If you decide to spend the night, make sure to order their blueberry pancakes for breakfast.

Cliff Walk

Enter at 117 Memorial Blvd., Newport, RI 

Newport has a row of Gilded Age mansions overlooking the ocean, and a gorgeous path between the row and the ocean. The entire walk runs 3.5 miles and is relatively easy — except for a few spots where you have to navigate rocky areas along the shore. The standout homes include original Vanderbilt mansions, such as Marble House and The Breakers, as well as Rough Point, which was originally built for a Vanderbilt but is best known today as the former seaside home of billionaire tobacco heiress, philanthropist, and socialite Doris Duke.

Ryan Family Amusements

263 Thames St., Newport, RI

Rain or shine, cold or warm, the arcade doesn’t care about the weather — it cares about your willingness to play. Ryan Family Amusements is an arcade in the middle of Newport, and it’s $20 for 2 hours of unlimited games (which is enough, I promise). While it’s not the largest arcade you’ve seen, the prizes, lights, and sounds make it a fun way to pass a few hours, especially on a rainy day.

Del’s Lemonade | The Red Parrot | The Black Pearl

337 Thames St. | 348 Thames St. | 30 Bannister’s Wharf, Newport, RI

If your walking and gaming has left you thirsty, swing by Del’s for their namesake lemonade. Or, get a Bloody Mary or two — served with an enormous shrimp and olive at The Red Parrot. The Black Pearl’s version has fewer frills, but is delicious when paired with toasty bread, mussels, and their bluefish pâté.

Matunuck Oyster Bar

629 Succotash Rd., Wakefield, RI

Once you’ve started the journey back home, pull off the highway in Wakefield for one last stop: Matunuck Oyster Bar. Order the Matunuck oysters (from their pond out back), a Bloody Mary if you’re not driving (better yet with an oyster floater), and cherrystone clams. You can also order a bottle of rosé to go, so you can enjoy one last sip of vacation when you arrive home.

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