Best Beaches in New England
Searching for the best beaches in New England to visit on your next day trip or vacation? Well, you are in the right place! While living on the East Coast for 10 years and many trips back, I’ve found that New England’s shoreline is perfect for summer escapes, peaceful walks, and unforgettable ocean views year-round.
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. Here are the beaches I recommend I visited on our recent four week trip, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
Nantucket Beaches, MA
This small island is home to our favorite beaches in New England! I love the windswept dunes here, long stretches of soft sand, Insta-worthy cottages, and salty Atlantic breezes.
After a 30-mile ferry ride south of Cape Cod, I spent two dreamy days soaking up the seaside rhythm. My base was the elegant, 4-star White Elephant Hotel overlooking the harbor for two days, stylish yet relaxed, with perfect sunset views.
Our first stop was Surfside Beach (my #1 beach in New England), located just south of Nantucket town, is one of my favorite spots for an exciting and vibrant ocean day.
We found Madaket Beach on the island’s western edge to be an underrated gem with the most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen.
Great Point Beach near the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge felt wild, unusual, and like a hidden coastal treasure.
I think Siasconset Beach on the eastern side of the island offers a more romantic and historic experience near charming rose-covered cottages.
We loved biking from town to nearby beaches, which made the whole experience feel joyful, cool, and refreshingly simple.
Be sure to enjoy the iconic Great Point Lighthouse you see in all the photos, and explore the cobblestone streets of Nantucket Town!
What I loved best:
The rugged beauty of Siasconset’s bluff walk was my personal highlight!
A downside? Nantucket is harder to reach and pricey during the summer, but I think it's pure coastal New England charm is worth it!
Kennebunk Beach, Maine
Chris and I both absolutely love Kennebunk Beach (my #2 beach in New England), and have been many times. This is my favorite summer beach in Maine because of its broad sandy stretches, charming clapboard cottages, and the cool ocean breeze.
After just a quick 5-minute hop from Kennebunkport’s village center, I settled in for two days at the boutique Nonantum Resort, where Adirondack chairs lined the lawn overlooking the river, and evenings ended with crackling fire pits under the stars.
I think Kennebunk Beach is one of the best beaches in New England. Why? The rhythm here was unhurried. I strolled along Gooch’s Beach with its wide, golden sands perfect for sunrise walks, explored Mother’s Beach, beloved for its tidepools and gentle surf, and lingered at Middle Beach, a quieter stretch edged by wave-smoothed rocks. In town, I wandered galleries and nautical shops, and admired the fishing boats bobbing in the harbor.
What I loved best:
Treating myself to a scoop from Rococo Ice Cream in August was my favorite highlight!
Narragansett Town Beach, RI
I thought this beach captured the quintessential Rhode Island summer vibe with wide stretches of soft sand, and steady Atlantic surf perfect for bodyboarding.
The first time we visited, I was immediately struck by how classic and laid-back Narragansett Town Beach (my #3 beach in New England) felt. There’s something special about arriving in a New England beach town where salty air, historic buildings, and the sound of crashing waves set the pace for the day. Unlike the nonstop energy of bigger coastal destinations, Narragansett feels relaxed and welcoming, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the ocean.
Narragansett Town Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Rhode Island, and it’s easy to see why. The wide stretch of soft sand is ideal for sunbathing, long walks along the shore, or simply watching the surfers ride the waves. The water here is clean and refreshing, and during the summer months, lifeguards are on duty, making it a great option for families as well as solo travelers.
What I really love about Narragansett is how much there is to do beyond the beach itself. The town has a charming mix of local restaurants, ice cream shops, and small boutiques that are perfect for wandering after a day in the sun. One of the highlights is the historic Narragansett Towers, which sit right near the water and make for an incredible photo spot—especially at sunset.
Getting to the beach is straightforward, whether you’re driving from Providence or coming from elsewhere in New England. Parking is available nearby, though it can fill up quickly during peak summer weekends, so arriving early is your best bet. If you plan ahead, you’ll avoid the crowds and get to enjoy the beach at its most peaceful.
This beach is the kind of place that captures everything people love about the Rhode Island coast—beautiful scenery, a relaxed atmosphere, and just enough activity to keep things interesting. Whether you’re spending a full beach day, stopping by during a coastal road trip, or ending the evening with a walk along the shore, it’s a destination that truly leaves a lasting impression.
What I loved best:
The lively boardwalk scene framed by the town’s iconic stone Towers.
Chatham, Cape Cod
For me, road trip of New England's best beaches could be complete without visiting Cape Cod!
I've been going for decades and I thought Chatham was Cape Cod at its most enchanting with a mix of broad, windswept beaches, shingle-style cottages framed by hydrangeas, and a walkable village center that felt equal parts charming and nautical.
I adore the timeless quality here, where harbor views, lighthouse strolls, and fresh Atlantic air set the pace in a way that completely won me over.
The days unfolded in classic Cape Cod fashion. I visited Lighthouse Beach (my #4 beach in New England), the town’s most iconic stretch of sand, keeping an eye out for seals bobbing offshore.
- Location: At the southeastern tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sound
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Browsing boutiques and galleries on Main Street!
A downside? During peak summer, parking is limited.
Hammonasset Beach State Park - Madison, CT
This ended up being my #5 beach in New England and honestly a total hidden gem near Madison, Connecticut right off Long Island Sound.
We started the day early driving in, which already felt exciting because this was shaping up to be the perfect weekend getaway that was affordable but still felt special.
First thing we did was park near the main beach and walk straight onto the sand, and the wide shoreline immediately felt like magic and one of the most underrated beach experiences I’ve had.
The sand was soft, the water was calm, and it felt like the absolute best place for a family day.
We walked along the shoreline for a while, which was my favorite part. After that we laid out our towels and just relaxed, and this simple moment felt like a dream because it wasn’t crowded or stressful at all.
Later we explored the walking trails near the beach, which was a cool and unique experience that made the park feel even more interesting.
There were birds everywhere and the scenery felt spectacular in a quiet, joyful way that made us slow down.
We grabbed lunch and ate near the water, which felt like a brilliant idea since the views were amazing and peaceful.
In the afternoon we went back for another swim, and the gentle waves made it one of the best swimming spots I’ve experienced in New England.
Before leaving, we stayed to watch the sunset which was honestly the most magical part and totally underrated.
Goosewing Beach Preserve, RI
When we are up for a bit of family adventure on our road trip, I always think of this unique Rhode Island beach! Set along the quiet southern coast of Rhode Island, for me, Goosewing Beach (my #6 beach in New England) is one of the most peaceful and unspoiled coastal places to spend a day together.
A sandy path and wooden bridge lead you into this 75-acre coastal preserve managed by The Nature Conservancy.
We arrived to wide stretches of soft sand, rolling dunes, and grasses swaying in the breeze, instantly feeling far removed from crowds and noise.
Walking along the shoreline felt almost meditative, with gentle waves, shells scattered underfoot, and the sense that the beach was quietly unfolding around us rather than putting on a show.
I loved how natural everything felt—no boardwalks, no distractions—just sea, sky, and the rhythm of the tide setting the pace for the day.
What I loved best:
Sitting together near the dunes, we talked, listened to the surf, and let time pass without paying attention to it, which somehow felt like the whole point of being there.
Chappaquiddick Island Beach, MA
My absolute favorite hidden island beach in New England sits just a quick ferry ride from Martha’s Vineyard. Unless you are a Kennedy family history buff, you've probably never heard of Chappaquiddick.
For me, this incredible beach (my #7 beach in New England) had an off-the-grid serenity that instantly set it apart from the bustle of Martha’s Vineyard - you can literally see how vibrant and spacious it is in my photos.
Just a super short ferry ride across Edgartown Harbor, “Chappy” is its own world. I biked on sandy lanes shaded by scrub pines, hiked through rolling dunes, and reached vast, unspoiled beaches. The most striking stretch was East Beach, part of the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge.
Local tip: Driving your car onto the tiny three-car Chappy ferry can be a little bit terrifying if you are the first car in line. I honestly thought that we were going to drive straight into the ocean... but don't worry, there's always someone to help and they tell you exactly when to stop. If you want to play it safe though, just take the bike over on the ferry (it's cheaper too). Also, don't forget water and snacks!
What I loved best:
Riding the ferry to Chappaquiddick Island - we walked on while my husband drove the car.
Hampton Beach, NH
Located along the Atlantic coast near the Massachusetts border and just south of Portsmouth, this vibrant shoreline feels exciting yet totally approachable on a road trip.
I love how Hampton Beach (my #8 beach in New England) combines classic seaside energy with an underrated charm that makes every visit feel joyful and alive.
Just an hour’s drive north of Boston, I like to get an early start on my day trip from Boston.
The boardwalk scene is my favorite place to start the day, filled with cool arcades, casual seafood spots, and interesting local shops.
The beach itself is spacious, and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or long romantic walks.
We’ve found Hampton Beach to be surprisingly affordable, which makes it a brilliant idea for both family weekends and spontaneous trips.
What I loved best:
I always look forward to hearing the sound of gulls and the smell of salt air drifting through my car windows, my personal highlight.
Long Sands Beach, York, Maine
This beach perfectly embodied the charm of a Maine seaside getaway and is my #9 beach in New England ! You'll discover a sweeping mile-and-a-half stretch of soft sand dotted with colorful umbrellas in summer.
I like the local shops and seafood spots along York Beach village where you can always find a new flavor. I also admired the views of Nubble Lighthouse perched on its rocky island just up the road at Cape Neddick.
What I loved best:
The way it manages to be both lively and laid-back, a place where families, surfers, and everyone else happily shares the space.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
