For such a small area, New England is surprisingly diverse. You can deep-sea fish or admire autumn colors from a mountaintop, and dine on anything from pancakes slathered in local maple syrup to futuristic sushi. Yet if you wake up in Boston, you can be in any of the region’s other five states in the blink of an hour or less.

As such, it’s a wonderful destination for adventurous families and peripatetic travelers. In most of the region, crime is nonexistent to low. In fact, your primary worries involve choosing the right time of year to visit; determining the most scenic way to get from point A to point B (a car is almost a must in mass-transit-challenged New England); and selecting from among many natural treasures, roadside attractions, and historical tours and walks that lure visitors season after season.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.