• Are there good beaches in the northeastern United States?
    • If you’re visiting the northeastern part of the United States and looking to spend some time down on the coast, there are many different beaches for you to enjoy.
  • Where can I find information about the best beaches in the Northeast?
    • Read on to learn about the top beach locations in the northeast, as well as details on the amenities, features, and unique advantages of each beach.

Best Time to Visit Beaches in the Northeast USA

  • June to August – Peak season with warm water, family fun, and bustling boardwalks.
  • May & September – Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and great for beach walks and picnics.
  • April & October – Cooler but perfect for peaceful strolls and coastal views.
  • November to March – Off-season with quiet shorelines, ideal for solitude and reflection.
  • Early June – Great for enjoying mild temperatures before the summer rush.

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1. Long Beach - Long Island


Walk the lively boardwalk and enjoy swimming in calm waters.

Long Beach - Long Island

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  • What is Long Beach?
    • Located out on Long Island, Long Beach is so named due to the fact it runs for no less than three miles in total, stretching out along the southern shore of the island.
  • Is Long Beach a popular destination?
    • It's a prime spot for New Yorkers, with lots of crowds gathering here on sunny, summer days.
  • When is Long Beach less crowded?
    • In the middle of the week, however, Long Beach can be almost entirely empty.
  • What kind of atmosphere can visitors expect?
    • No matter whether you're looking for a cozy, intimate setting to spend some quiet time with your loved ones or more of a lively vibe, you can enjoy it at this northeastern beach.
  • What amenities are available at Long Beach?
    • You'll find play areas, restrooms, stores, and concessions in the Ocean Beach Park area.

2. Boothbay Harbor - Maine


Explore charming waterfront shops and enjoy scenic boat tours.

Boothbay Harbor - Maine

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  • What makes Boothbay Harbor special?
    • Step out onto the golden sands of Boothbay Harbor and you'll feel like a million miles away from the smoke and grime of the city streets.
  • What kind of experience can visitors expect?
    • A wonderful place to kick back and relax, this little coastal New England town has a few different beaches to enjoy, all offering wonderful views and soothing experiences.
  • Are there accommodations available?
    • Lots of great private rental accommodation and hotels can be found around Boothbay Harbor to extend your stay.
  • What can visitors see in the waters of Boothbay Harbor?
    • The waters are always filled with boats of various shapes and sizes, making it a lovely and even romantic experience to simply sit or stroll along this northeast beach and watch the world go by.

3. Madison - Connecticut


Relax on sandy beaches and explore quaint New England charm.

Madison - Connecticut

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  • Where is Madison located?
    • Not far from New Haven and quite easily accessible from major cities like New York and Boston, Madison is one of Connecticut's truly precious gems.
  • What makes Madison special?
    • This little coastal town has some of the very best stretches of sand in the entire state.
  • What views can visitors enjoy?
    • Madison looks out over the Long Island Sound, with lovely views in every single direction.
  • Are there good amenities and dining options?
    • There are a lot of nice amenities and high-quality restaurants nearby.
  • Is Madison a well-known tourist destination?
    • For now, tourists haven't really heard of this place, so the vibe is quite laid-back and quiet on Madison's beaches most of the time.
  • Is Madison expected to become more popular?
    • We can expect word to start spreading about this little treasure in the not-so-distant future.

4. Coopers Beach - Long Island


Enjoy soft white sands and admire views of historic mansions.

Coopers Beach - Long Island

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  • What is Coopers Beach?
    • Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches not just in the Northeast, but in all of the United States of America, Coopers Beach is located on Long Island and features some really silky smooth sands and a lot of fun activities.
  • What kind of entertainment is available at Coopers Beach?
    • Live entertainment, including outdoor concerts, can be enjoyed at this beach on a regular basis.
  • What is the surrounding area like?
    • The area is decorated with some incredible upscale residences belonging to the rich and famous.
  • What are some highlights of Coopers Beach?
    • The views are breathtaking, the dunes are a lot of fun to climb, and the waters are just right for all kinds of activities.
  • Are there amenities and dining options nearby?
    • Yes, the local area is replete with useful amenities and good eateries.
  • Why is Coopers Beach special?
    • In short, this Hamptons beach is one of the very best.

5. Block Island - Rhode Island


Hike scenic trails and explore dramatic coastal bluffs.

Block Island - Rhode Island

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  • What is Block Island?
    • For a New England beach like no other, take the short ferry trip over to the picturesque Block Island.
  • How large is Block Island?
    • Stretching out to cover around 7,000 acres of land, this gorgeous island is home to some of New England's most wonderful and magical beaches.
  • How many people live on Block Island?
    • Only about a thousand people live here permanently.
  • What is the atmosphere like during different seasons?
    • If you visit at a non-busy time of year, you'll feel like you basically have the place to yourself.
    • However, if you visit in the summer alongside thousands of other tourists, you'll see Block Island in a whole new light, with a lively vibe and a lot of parties and activities going on at all times.
  • Where should visitors go for easy access to stores and restaurants?
    • Stick to the southern shore if you want easy access to local stores, eateries, and other amenities.

6. Misquamicut State Beach


Swim in gentle waves and enjoy family-friendly amenities.

Misquamicut State Beach

© Marianne Campolongo/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Misquamicut State Beach?
    • Misquamicut State Beach comprises miles and miles of beautiful beaches, offering a near-perfect vacation destination with activities to suit all ages.
  • How many areas make up the beach?
    • The beach is made up of four areas, of which Misquamicut State Beach is one of the most popular.
  • How long is Misquamicut State Beach?
    • The beach is about half a mile long and features many useful amenities to enhance your visit.
  • What amenities are available at the beach?
    • There are outdoor showers, shade gazebos, and concessions selling food and gifts.
  • Are there facilities for children and those with mobility needs?
    • Yes, there is a playground for children, and beach wheelchairs are available.
  • What water activities can visitors enjoy?
    • The beach offers great swimming and boogie boarding, and there is a kayak launch close by.

Misquamicut State Beach, 257 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891

7. Wingaersheek Beach


Explore tide pools and relax on soft sandy shores.

Wingaersheek Beach

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Located at the end of Gloucester Street, off Route 133, this beautiful Gloucester beach with its tongue-twister name, is a popular attraction for beach lovers, known for its soft sand and crystal clear waters. One of the best features of the Wingaersheek Beach is a long stretch of sandbar which appears at low tide, enabling visitors to walk out for hundreds of yards.

The beach offers good amenities including a concession where you can buy food, drinks, and other beach necessities. However, no inflatable beach toys are allowed in the water while the lifeguards are on duty. There are restrooms and showers as well as a parking area.

Wingaersheek Beach, 232 Atlantic Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

8. Old Orchard Beach, Maine


Ride thrilling amusement park rides and walk the bustling pier.

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

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Maine is lucky to boast many wonderful beaches within about an hour drive north of Boston. One of these unforgettable beaches in Old Orchard Beach. The Old Orchard Beach community genuinely welcomes visitors and has been doing so for around 170 years. The beach stretches for 7 wonderful miles offering a plethora of fun activities for all ages including surf kayaking and jet skiing. Some come to just relax and soak up some sun while others are here for the restaurants and stores on the pier or to play beach games.

The beach is good for swimming and sun bathing and there is a lovely boardwalk where you can buy cotton candy and other holiday treats.

Old Orchard Beach, 2 Old Orchard Street, ME 04064

9. Weirs Beach, New Hampshire


Swim in Lake Winnipesaukee and enjoy vibrant boardwalk attractions.

Weirs Beach, New Hampshire

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Weirs Beach is the most popular NH beach in the Lakes Region, perfectly positioned on the northern corner of Laconia, on Lake Winnipesaukee.

More than just a beach, Weirs Beach is a local meeting place where everyone gets together to enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

The beach is just less than 700 feet long and 260 feet wide and the shallow waters are perfect for younger children to wade and play water games.

If you would like to get out on the water you can take a scenic cruise or rent a boat or kayak at the Winnipesaukee Pier. The boardwalk is also home to many entertainment outlets and restaurants.

Weirs Beach, 1 -239 Lakeside Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246

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