Beaches in New England
New England’s beaches combine coastal beauty with classic charm, offering everything from wide sandy stretches to rocky coves steeped in history. Having explored the region, I’ve found that New England’s shoreline is perfect for summer escapes, peaceful walks, and unforgettable ocean views.
I’ve enjoyed family-friendly beaches with gentle waves, quiet spots framed by dunes and lighthouses, and seaside towns filled with character and fresh seafood. From romantic getaways to outdoor adventures and relaxing retreats, New England’s beaches offer something for everyone. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Nantucket Beaches - ferry or plane from Cape Cod
I took a 1-hour ferry (30 miles across Nantucket Sound) from Hyannis to Nantucket (year-round population about 14,000, though summer crowds swell much larger).
Nantucket’s beaches are some of my absolute favorite places in New England, and each visit feels like a joyful dream getaway. Located about 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, this little island is packed with the coolest sandy escapes that somehow feel both vibrant and secluded.
I think the most spectacular part about Nantucket is the variety—you can have a family-friendly afternoon at Children’s Beach right near town, then head to Surfside for an exciting day of waves and energy. Both offer such unique atmospheres that it’s easy to fall in love with each for different reasons.
My favorite hidden gem has to be Steps Beach, which sits just outside of downtown. The descent down the wooden steps reveals the most amazing panoramic views of Nantucket Sound, and it always feels like a secret spot made just for me. It’s the perfect place for a romantic evening or a peaceful weekend stroll.
I also loved the cool, laid-back vibe at Cisco Beach, near the Cisco Brewery. The waves here are strong and thrilling, making it one of the best surfing spots on the island, and I always feel the energy of the Atlantic crashing right in front of me.
For a more unusual and underrated experience, I sometimes head out to Great Point. It’s at the far northern tip of the island, and reaching it feels like an adventure, but the reward is an absolutely spectacular stretch of sand and one of the most magical lighthouses in New England.
Whether I’m chasing sunsets, family afternoons, or a romantic walk, Nantucket beaches are simply the best blend of natural beauty and coastal charm. Each one feels like a unique treasure waiting to be discovered.
2. Kennebunk Beach - 45-minute drive from Portland
My family and I drove 40 minutes south from Portland to Kennebunk, home to a string of sandy beaches.
Kennebunk Beach is one of my favorite coastal gems in New England. Every time I head down there, I feel like I’ve stumbled into an underrated dream escape that mixes small-town charm with spectacular ocean views.
What I love most is that Kennebunk actually offers a trio of beaches—Mother’s Beach, Middle Beach, and Gooch’s Beach—each with its own unique vibe. Gooch’s Beach is the most vibrant, with long sandy stretches perfect for morning walks or joyful family weekends. I always find it exciting to watch surfers catch the waves here.
Mother’s Beach is a hidden gem for families, and I think it’s one of the coolest spots for kids. The tide pools feel like little magic worlds, and I’ve often seen families spending hours discovering crabs, shells, and all kinds of tiny sea life.
Middle Beach, with its smooth rocks and peaceful setting, is one of those underrated places where I love to just sit and listen to the waves. It’s not as busy, and that makes it a brilliant idea for a romantic stroll at sunset.
I also really enjoy how close the beaches are to the heart of Kennebunkport. After a day in the sun, I can wander into town for lobster rolls, ice cream, or a cool drink by the harbor. The whole experience makes Kennebunk Beach one of the absolute best weekend getaways near Portland.
3. Narragansett Town Beach - 45-minute drive from Providence
I drove 40 minutes south from Providence to Narragansett, home to one of Rhode Island’s most popular beaches.
Narragansett Town Beach in Rhode Island is a spectacular coastal destination that always feels full of life and charm. Located right in the heart of Narragansett, it’s convenient, vibrant, and easily one of the best beaches in New England for both relaxation and excitement.
I love how the wide sandy shoreline creates such a joyful atmosphere—families set up colorful umbrellas, surfers chase the waves, and couples enjoy romantic strolls at sunset. The energy is lively yet never overwhelming, making it an awesome balance that feels both fun and restorative.
The surf scene here is absolutely amazing. Watching the surfers glide across the Atlantic is exciting, and sometimes I even take a lesson myself. It always feels like an underrated gem where adventure meets coastal serenity.
Another reason I keep coming back is how affordable and accessible this beach is. Parking is straightforward, and the location is steps from cool shops, seafood shacks, and local cafes. Ending the day with a lobster roll or a cone of ice cream by the water always feels like the perfect, joyful finish to a beach day.
For me, Narragansett Town Beach is more than just a shoreline—it’s a vibrant hub of ocean magic, small-town charm, and endless summer memories. Every visit feels unique, refreshing, and absolutely worth the getaway.
4. Cape Pogue, Massachusetts
I drove 25 minutes northeast from Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard to Cape Pogue, a remote stretch of barrier beach on Chappaquiddick Island. Managed as part of the Trustees of Reservations, the refuge spans about 1,500 acres.
Cape Pogue in Massachusetts is a truly unique coastal gem that feels like stepping into a dream. Tucked away on Chappaquiddick Island, just off the eastern edge of Martha’s Vineyard, this spectacular stretch of sand is remote, wild, and filled with the kind of magic that makes it unforgettable.
I love how unusual and exciting it feels to reach Cape Pogue—you need to take a ferry to Chappy and then navigate sandy trails or hop on an over-sand vehicle. The adventure alone makes the journey part of the experience, and when I finally arrive, the sweeping dunes and endless Atlantic views make it all worthwhile.
The Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge is one of the coolest and most underrated parts of the island. I often spot shorebirds, seals, and even glimpses of ospreys soaring above. It’s an amazing place for nature lovers and photographers, and the landscape feels vibrant and untouched.
The lighthouse at Cape Pogue is another highlight, perched dramatically on the dunes with panoramic views that are absolutely breathtaking. I always find this spot perfect for a romantic moment or a quiet afternoon of reflection surrounded by pure coastal beauty.
For me, Cape Pogue is the best kind of hidden treasure—remote, peaceful, and spectacularly beautiful. It’s not the easiest beach to reach, but that’s exactly what makes it such an exceptional and memorable New England getaway.
5. Chatham - 2.5-hour drive from Boston
I drove 1 hour 20 minutes east from Hyannis to Chatham, perched at the “elbow” of Cape Cod.
Chatham Beach in Massachusetts is an absolutely spectacular spot on Cape Cod, where the Atlantic meets small-town coastal charm. Located right at the elbow of the Cape, it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever experienced, and every visit feels like a joyful blend of nature and relaxation.
I love walking along Lighthouse Beach, which stretches for miles with soft sand and sweeping ocean views. The iconic Chatham Lighthouse standing nearby makes the setting even more unique—it’s one of those cool, postcard-perfect places that feels both romantic and timeless.
What excites me most about Chatham Beach is its unusual mix of calm beauty and raw Atlantic power. I’ve seen seals lounging just offshore, watched fishing boats drift past, and stood in awe at the rolling surf that makes the shoreline so vibrant and alive.
Another brilliant idea is to explore the tidal flats and sandbars that appear at low tide. They create a magical, ever-changing landscape that feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered each time I visit. Families love these spots for wading and beachcombing, while photographers can’t resist capturing the dramatic light.
After a day on the sand, I often wander into downtown Chatham, which is just minutes away. The blend of boutiques, seafood restaurants, and ice cream shops makes the whole experience even more joyful. For me, Chatham Beach is the absolute best combination of coastal beauty, small-town charm, and unforgettable Cape Cod magic.
6. Goosewing Beach Preserve - 1-hour drive from Providence
I drove one hour southeast from Providence into Little Compton, home to Goosewing Beach Preserve, a 75-acre stretch of dunes, salt marsh, and shoreline protected by The Nature Conservancy. My afternoon included a walk along the sandy beach, spotting piping plovers and least terns, and a swim in the cool Atlantic surf.
Goosewing Beach Preserve in Little Compton, Rhode Island is one of the most spectacular and underrated coastal gems in New England. Tucked away about an hour from Providence, this dreamy stretch of sand feels like a hidden world, where natural beauty and peaceful vibes take center stage.
I love how unusual this beach feels compared to others nearby. It’s part of a wildlife preserve, so every step along the shoreline is filled with the magic of untouched dunes, vibrant salt marshes, and the calls of shorebirds. It’s not just a beach—it’s a living, breathing sanctuary.
One of the coolest experiences here is spotting piping plovers and other rare birds that make the preserve their home. Every time I bring my camera, I come away with amazing photos that capture the joy and serenity of the landscape.
The wide sandy stretch is perfect for long, romantic walks or a quiet family weekend picnic. I’ve often found it to be one of the best places to simply unwind, listening to the waves roll in while surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery.
What makes Goosewing so exciting for me is that it still feels like a hidden treasure. With limited crowds and an affordable, natural charm, it’s the kind of unique New England beach experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. For me, Goosewing Beach Preserve is pure coastal magic and an absolute best-kept secret of Rhode Island.
Why These Beaches Stayed With Me
New England’s beaches are more than just stretches of sand—they’re joyful getaways filled with vibrant energy, hidden gems, and unforgettable magic. From the spectacular dunes of Cape Pogue to the romantic charm of Chatham, the lively waves at Narragansett, the cool family vibe of Kennebunk, and the peaceful sanctuary of Goosewing, each spot offers its own unique story. I love how every beach feels different—some exciting, some underrated, all absolutely spectacular. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family adventure, or a quiet escape, these coastal treasures prove that New England’s shoreline is one of the best and most exceptional places to explore. For me, the real magic is that no two visits are ever the same, and that makes every trip unforgettable.
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