Southern New England Road Trip Tops AAA's 2026 Best U.S. Road Trips List

Massachusetts featured twice, including the #1 ranked road trip through New England

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:10pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping gradients and towering forced perspectives of coastal landscapes and architecture, capturing the grand scale and romance of a New England road trip.The Southern New England road trip, ranked #1 by AAA, promises a grand tour of historic sites, charming seaports, and romantic getaways across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.Newport Today

AAA has released its list of the 18 Best Road Trips in the U.S. for 2026, and Massachusetts is featured prominently with two entries - the #1 ranked Southern New England road trip that covers Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, as well as the #15 ranked Cape Cod road trip.

Why it matters

Road trips are a beloved American pastime, and Massachusetts is home to some of the most scenic and historically significant routes in the country. The AAA rankings highlight the state's appeal as a premier destination for travelers seeking a memorable driving experience, showcasing the natural beauty, cultural attractions, and diverse experiences that Massachusetts and the surrounding New England region offer.

The details

The Southern New England road trip, ranked #1 by AAA, features stops in Boston, Mystic (Connecticut), and Newport (Rhode Island), allowing travelers to explore historic sites, charming seaports, and romantic getaways. The Cape Cod road trip, ranked #15, is praised for its picturesque lighthouses, sand dunes, and opportunities for whale watching. AAA considered factors like trip length, scenery, and attractions in compiling the rankings.

  • AAA released the 2026 list of the 18 Best Road Trips in the U.S. in April 2026.

The players

AAA

The American Automobile Association, a federation of motor clubs throughout North America that provides travel-related services to its members, including publishing an annual list of the best road trips in the United States.

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The takeaway

Massachusetts' prominence on AAA's list of the best road trips in the U.S. for 2026 underscores the state's enduring appeal as a premier destination for travelers seeking scenic drives, historic sites, and coastal charm. The Southern New England and Cape Cod road trips offer something for everyone, from history buffs to nature lovers, making Massachusetts a must-visit for road trippers in the coming year.