Looking for a romantic seaside escape to reset from a stressful workweek? I lived in NYC for 10 years and had the opportunity to explore some of the best beaches along the coast. Pack your bags and go. You won't regret it. "These beautiful beaches in the Northeast offer the perfect mix of natural beauty and coastal culture for unforgettable couples getaways."
Highlights:
Best Beaches in the Northeast:
1. Long Beach - Long Island - 1-hour drive from Manhattan
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Long Beach, Long Island, New York
Recommended For: New Yorkers, families, beachgoers, surfers, and those seeking a balance of solitude and social atmosphere.
What I Love: ♥ "It's a fantastic beach destination just outside NYC. I especially like the calm atmosphere on midweek afternoons."
- Stroll along the three-mile stretch of golden sand lining Long Island’s southern shore — ideal for sunbathers and walkers alike.
- Unwind midweek when the beach is delightfully quiet, perfect for a peaceful escape just outside the city.
- Play in the family-friendly Ocean Beach Park area, complete with restrooms, concession stands, and play zones.
- Choose your vibe — go from intimate and cozy in the quieter sections to vibrant and social near the main beach hubs.
Cost: Beach access requires a daily or seasonal pass for non-residents; free for residents with proper ID.
Best time to visit: Summer weekends for a lively atmosphere; weekdays for solitude and space.
Local tips: Arrive early to snag parking during peak times. The boardwalk is perfect for biking, skating, or people-watching.
Distance: ~45 minutes by train from Penn Station (via LIRR); ~1-hour drive from Manhattan.
How to Get to Long Beach: Take the LIRR Long Beach branch from Penn Station or drive via Southern State Parkway to Long Beach Road.
2. Boothbay Harbor - 1 hour from Portland, ME
Location: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Recommended For: Coastal retreat seekers, couples, boat lovers, and anyone in need of a serene seaside escape.
What I Love: ♥ "Golden sands and bobbing boats — Boothbay Harbor feels like an instant reset button for the soul. think salty air, lighthouse views, and cozy seaside strolls. Yes, please!"
- Relax on quiet stretches of golden sand, a perfect contrast to busy city life.
- Explore a charming New England harbor town dotted with boutique beaches, scenic lookouts, and peaceful coves.
- Stay in style with a wide selection of private rentals and cozy hotels perfect for a romantic or extended coastal getaway.
- Watch boats drift in and out of the harbor — a peaceful, almost meditative pastime along this picturesque waterfront.
Cost: Public beach access is free; accommodations and tours vary in price.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for ideal beach weather and boat-watching conditions.
Local tips: Book lodging early during summer months; harbor cruises and lighthouse tours are popular and often fill up fast.
Distance: About 1 hour from Portland, ME; approximately 3 hours from Boston, MA.
How to Get to Boothbay Harbor: From I-295, take US-1 North to ME-27 South into Boothbay Harbor. Public transportation is limited, so driving is recommended.
Review:★★★★★ "I took lots of photos of Boothbay Harbor. There are colorful boats everywhere. I really got to fresh seafood on my holiday. We stopped at the botanical gardens as well. "
Romantic Beaches in the Northeast:
3. Madison - 30 minutes from New Haven
Location: Madison, Connecticut
Recommended For: Quiet beachgoers, coastal town explorers, day-trippers from New York or Boston, and couples seeking a peaceful escape.
What I Love: ♥ "With its golden sands, coastal charm, and Long Island Sound views, Madison feels like a well-kept secret. It’s the kind of place where you can hear the waves and your thoughts — uninterrupted."
- Relax on some of Connecticut’s most beautiful and serene beaches, far from the usual tourist crowds.
- Enjoy sweeping views of Long Island Sound in every direction, perfect for sunrise or sunset strolls.
- Dine at local high-quality restaurants just a short walk from the shore.
- Discover a quiet gem that’s under the radar — but not for long.
Cost: Free or low-cost public beach access; parking fees may apply for non-residents.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather and fewer crowds.
Local tips: Head to Hammonasset Beach State Park for the widest beach and best facilities. Grab a bite at local eateries along Boston Post Road.
Distance: About 30 minutes from New Haven; 2 hours from both New York City and Boston.
How to Get to Madison: Easily accessible via I-95. Madison also has a train station served by Shore Line East, connecting to Amtrak and Metro-North.
4. Coopers Beach - 2 hours from NYC by car or train
Location: Southampton, Long Island, New York
Recommended For: Beach lovers, Hamptons explorers, upscale getaway seekers, and fans of live summer entertainment.
What I Love: ♥ "With its silky sands, sweeping views, and elegant surroundings, Coopers Beach is the crown jewel of the Hamptons — where classic seaside charm meets luxury."
- Swim or relax along one of the top-ranked beaches in the U.S. with pristine, wide shorelines.
- Catch live outdoor concerts that bring a vibrant local culture to the beach experience.
- Explore the area’s majestic dunes and high-end estates — a true slice of the good life.
- Dine at top-notch eateries located just steps from the sand.
Cost: Day passes required for parking; beach access free for pedestrians and cyclists.
Local tips: Arrive early on weekends for easier parking and bring a camera — the homes along Meadow Lane are legendary.
Distance: Around 2 hours from New York City by car or train.
How to Get to Coopers Beach: Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Southampton and a short cab or bike ride to the beach.
Family Beaches in the Northeast:
5. Block Island - Rhode Island - 1-hour ferry ride
Location: Off the coast of Rhode Island, accessible by ferry from Point Judith, Rhode Island or New London, Connecticut.
Recommended For: Nature lovers, quiet-seekers in spring/fall, summer beachgoers, and anyone chasing New England coastal charm.
What I Love: ♥ "With 7,000 windswept acres, soft sand beaches, and just 1,000 year-round residents, Block Island feels like a magical escape into a simpler, saltier world."
- Hop on a quick ferry ride and arrive at one of the most scenic islands in New England.
- Relax on nearly empty beaches during the shoulder seasons — serenity at its finest.
- Join the summertime buzz when the island comes alive with events, beach parties, and outdoor dining.
- Explore the southern shore for local shops, cafes, and amenities within walking distance of the beach.
Cost: Free public beaches; ferry ticket prices vary depending on departure location.
Local tips: Rent a bike or moped to explore the island’s coastal bluffs, lighthouses, and wildlife preserves with ease.
Distance: Approx. 12 miles from mainland Rhode Island (Point Judith), 1-hour ferry ride.
How to Get to Block Island: Ferry service is available from Point Judith, Newport, and New London, with seasonal flights also operating from Westerly, RI.
6. Misquamicut State Beach - 2.5 hours from Boston
Location: 257 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891
Recommended For: Families, beachgoers of all ages, swimmers, boogie boarders, and accessible recreation seekers.
What I Love: ♥ “It’s everything a family beach should be — soft sand, gentle waves, playgrounds, concessions, and accessibility — with enough space for everyone to stretch out and relax.”
- Unwind along half a mile of scenic, sandy shoreline at Misquamicut State Beach.
- Swim or boogie board in clean, calm waters with seasonal lifeguard patrols.
- Enjoy practical amenities like shade gazebos, outdoor showers, concessions, and gift shops.
- Bring the kids to the beachfront playground or access the water using beach wheelchairs.
- Launch a kayak nearby and explore the beautiful Rhode Island coastline.
Cost: Parking fees may apply; entry to the beach is free.
Local tips: Arrive early in the day during summer weekends to secure parking. Look out for seasonal events and live entertainment on-site.
Distance: About 45 miles southwest of Providence, RI; approximately 2.5 hours from Boston.
How to Get to Misquamicut State Beach: Drive via I-95 and Route 78. Train service is also available to Westerly Station, followed by a short taxi or bike ride.
7. Wingaersheek Beach - 40 miles northeast of Boston
Location: 232 Atlantic Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
Recommended For: Families, sandbar walkers, swimmers, and coastal nature enthusiasts.
What I Love: ♥ “Few beaches let you walk hundreds of yards into the ocean — Wingaersheek’s magical sandbar is a rare and beautiful phenomenon.”
- Stroll across the long sandbar that emerges at low tide, perfect for exploring tidal pools and walking far into the bay.
- Relax on soft white sand with stunning views of the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay.
- Swim in crystal-clear waters with gentle waves ideal for young children.
- Refuel at the concession stand with snacks, drinks, and beach essentials.
- Access convenient amenities including restrooms, outdoor showers, and ample parking.
Cost: Parking fees vary by season and residency; no entry fee.
Local tips: Arrive early on weekends to secure a parking spot. Inflatables are not allowed while lifeguards are on duty. Check tide charts to plan around the sandbar’s best moments.
Distance: About 40 miles northeast of Boston, MA.
How to Get to Wingaersheek Beach: Take Route 128N to Exit 14 (Route 133), then turn onto Concord Street and follow signs to Atlantic Street.
Unique Beaches in the Northeast:
8. Old Orchard Beach - 1.5-hour drive from Boston
Location: 2 Old Orchard Street, ME 04064
Recommended For: Families, thrill-seekers, beachgoers looking for classic seaside fun, and those craving a festive boardwalk atmosphere.
What I Love: ♥ “Seven miles of soft sand, warm smiles, and nostalgic seaside charm — Old Orchard Beach has been delighting visitors for over 170 years.”
- Swim and sunbathe on a 7-mile stretch of golden sand, ideal for soaking up the Maine coast sunshine.
- Try exciting water sports like surf kayaking and jet skiing.
- Stroll the boardwalk and indulge in classic treats like cotton candy, saltwater taffy, and fried dough.
- Play games or catch a show at the historic Old Orchard Pier lined with shops, restaurants, and arcades.
- Relax in a warm and welcoming community that’s been a favorite vacation spot for nearly two centuries.
Cost: Free access; parking fees vary by lot and time of year.
Local tips: Visit early in the day during summer weekends to beat the crowds. Don’t miss the pier at sunset — it’s magical. Some parking areas fill quickly, so consider walking or biking from nearby lodging.
Distance: About 95 miles north of Boston, MA (1.5-hour drive).
How to Get to Old Orchard Beach: Take I-95 North to Exit 36 for I-195 E, then follow signs for Old Orchard Beach. The main entrance is at Old Orchard Street.
9. Weirs Beach, NH - 2-hour drive from Boston
Location: 1-239 Lakeside Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246
Recommended For: Families with young children, lake lovers, boaters, and those seeking a fun and social beach day with classic boardwalk entertainment.
What I Love: ♥ “Set on the shimmering waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, Weirs Beach brings the charm of a lakeside retreat and the excitement of a bustling boardwalk.”
- Play in the shallow, calm waters perfect for children and family water games.
- Relax on the 700-foot sandy shoreline, ideal for sunbathing and lakeside lounging.
- Explore the classic Weirs Beach boardwalk lined with entertainment venues, arcades, and restaurants.
- Cruise Lake Winnipesaukee on a scenic boat tour or rent a kayak or motorboat from the Winnipesaukee Pier.
- Visit nearby attractions in Laconia, including historical sites and scenic viewpoints.
Cost: Beach entry is free; boat rentals and cruises are individually priced. Metered parking available nearby.
Best time to visit: Early mornings offer quieter beach access.
Local tips: Visit during the week to avoid summer crowds. Don’t miss the Mt. Washington Cruise for stunning lake views. Bring cash for boardwalk snacks and games.
Distance: About 100 miles north of Boston, MA (roughly 2-hour drive).
How to Get to Weirs Beach: From I-93 North, take Exit 23 for NH-104 toward Meredith/New Hampton, then follow NH-104 E and NH-3 S to Lakeside Avenue in Laconia.
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