As summer rolls around, it comes time to venture further than Biology class on the third floor, and instead travel to one of New England’s classic tourist destinations, or even journey outside of the northeast.

Maine

As the northeastern-most state of the country, Maine is known for its beautiful coast that borders the Atlantic Ocean. The Pine Tree State is one of many popular vacation spots that Westporters retreat to in the summer months. Sean Pritchett '17 has been going to his summer house on Lake Sebago, the third largest lake in New England, for seven years with his family. But for Pritchett, his time in Maine isn't limited to June, July and August; he and his family sometimes venture there in the winter months to ski. "I love going there, it's really special," he said. "It's just really different than most vacations" because of it's relaxing and quaint summer vibe.

Nantucket

Established in 1641 as a small whaling district off the coast of Massachusetts, Nantucket spans 49 square miles and stretches 15 miles long and 3 miles wide. Although small, the island is popular vacation hub for many Westporters in the summer. Lydia Donovan '18 has been going to Nantucket every year since since the summer before her first birthday. During her stay, she goes to Cisco Beach every day, and she doesn't usually venture into the town unless it's raining. "I like going there because I get to see friends who I don't get to see during the school year," she said.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard, a Massachusetts island only 7 miles from the Cape, is another classic New England summer hub. On the coast Martha's Vineyard's "wet towns" include Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Edgartown as popular tourist destinations that offer fun shopping, relaxing beaches, and cute places to stay. In the up-island, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah have commercial fishing, rural farming and are home to native American Wampanoag communities. Sarah Parower '17 goes to the Vineyard every summer for two weeks at a time. "The beaches are really fun," she said. "Because they have really big waves and I like to go boogie boarding."

Newport

Located only 74 miles south of Boston, Newport is a seaside town on Aquidneck Island, known as a popular New England summer destination famous for its Newport mansions and beautiful beaches. Founded in 1639, the settlement became the largest Rhode Island's four original islands. Giselle Briand '17 has ventured to Newport three times. "It’s very typically summer town vibe, like it feels like it’s always summer there," she said. "There’s always something to do that’s fun and entertaining."

Disney World

As the primary tourist attraction in Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World is a popular vacation spot year round; even in Florida's 90 degree summers, Westporters find themselves battling the heat on Magic Kingdom's Splash Mountain. Disney World, not to be confused with Disneyland in southern California, is divided into four parks: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Fleur Byrne has been going to Disney World twice a year, and spending at least one week there every summer, since she was born. ''It's honestly is the most magical place on earth and I never get tired of it," she said. "We are obsessed with all things Disney and know where every bathroom and lemonade stand is and all the strategies of beating the lines."

Block Island

Block Island, a small island only 13 miles from Rhode Island's coast, is another popular tourist destination in the northeast. Block Island is a popular vacation hub for its maritime traffic that usually docks at Block Island Club or its public dock. However, even if you're not a seafarer, the island is still accessible from the mainland through ferries that run out of Point Judith, RI; New London, CT; Fall River, MA; Newport, RI; and Montauk, NY. Jill Gault '18 has traveling to block island with family friends for a week, over the last eight years summers. "I like going there because I go with my family friends," she said. "So it's a lot of fun to go to the beach and around town with them."

Cape Cod

In southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, originally a trade and whaling hub, is now a trendy summer destination. The Cape, known for its beautiful beaches and quaint vibe, stretches 65 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, and covers over 400 miles of coastline. Kaylie Moskovit '19 has been going to the Cape since she can remember, and every vacation, she makes sure to grab an ice cream cone from Smitty's, her all-time favorite sweets shop. But besides the ice cream, Cape Cod's combination of beautiful beaches, fun shopping, and easy-going summer vibe are what brings her back every year. "I love the beaches, they’re so pretty," she said. "Definitely better than Compo."