17 Best Beaches in New England
In the 1600s, the renowned Puritan pilgrims who came to America founded their colony in New England.
New England is well-known for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and beautiful autumns, in addition to being the birthplace of the United States.
But did you also know that New England takes great pleasure in its spectacular beach vacations?
Cape Cod and the Atlantic coast of New England are frequently listed on rankings of the nation’s most beautiful beaches.
Here are the top beaches in New England if you love history and require a fantastic beach getaway at the same time.
- Coast Guard Beach — Massachusetts
Coast Guard Beach, the southernmost beach controlled by the Cape Cod National Seashore, is one of Massachusetts’ most famous coastlines.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The broad shoreline of Coast Guard Beach in Massachusetts is ideal for building sandcastles, sunbathing, picnicking, and beach walks.
Swimming, surfing, and boogie boarding have their zones.
To offer a convenient beach experience, Coast Guard Beach also has amenities, including plenty of restrooms, lifeguard stations, and a gorgeous boardwalk perfect for cycling.
Expert Tip
Sometimes during the summer, seals simply adore this shore.
Give them some room if you happen to see any.
- Mohegan Bluffs Beach — Rhode Island
A 141-step climb in Rhode Island’s 200-foot Mohegan Bluffs leads to a magnificent, uninhabited beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The beach beneath the Mohegan Bluffs is gorgeous in all of Rhode Island and New England.
Couples especially enjoy the solitude that the bluffs provide and the breathtaking aerial panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean.
Expert Tip
Spend a romantic moment together while hiking the Mohegan Bluffs and soaking in the spectacular views on a particular day with your significant other.
Once you’ve had your fill of the view, descend the 141 steps to the peaceful beach below.
Here, you may make brand-new memories with your special someone when you spend the day at the beach and engage in activities like picnicking, tanning, swimming, and surfing.
- East Beach — Massachusetts
East Beach, also referred to as Leland Beach, is challenging to get to.
This coveted beachfront location is situated on Martha’s Vineyard’s Chappaquiddick Island, a two-minute boat journey from Edgartown.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The nature sanctuary, lighthouse, and half-mile shore of East Beach are popular with fishermen, surfers, and explorers.
The island is also frequently visited by a wide variety of birds, who outnumber tourists.
Expert Tip
There is a public 14-acre Japanese garden nearby.
Native and exotic vegetation, a pine forest, a wooden bridge, and a small pond may all be found in Mytoi.
After having a good time in the water, you might want to stop by.
- Goose Rocks Beach — Maine
Goose Rocks Beach in Maine has long been regarded as the state’s top beach if you’re seeking the ideal beach vacation.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Prepare to soak up the sun on fine beaches while swimming in calm seas protected by barrier reefs. You might see seals come to the coast to rest as you wade in the ocean and take in the expansive vistas.
Expert Tip
A nearby parking lot makes it simple for you to unpack and pack your belongings at this family-friendly beach location. Additionally, there is a grocery shop nearby where you can get delicious foods like sandwiches for your family to enjoy while you unwind on Goose Rocks Beach.
The seafood in this seaside hamlet, formerly a peaceful fishing village, is especially noteworthy.
- Crane Beach — Massachusetts
Crane Beach is a four-mile stretch of white sand beach on a 1,234-acre conservation tract.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Consider Crane Beach if you’re seeking the most kid-friendly beach in New England.
A clean, wide-open beach meets calm, shallow waves ideal for children to splash.
Beyond the shore are five miles of paths and a pine forest that outdoor enthusiasts will adore.
Expert Tip
It can get rather cold if you’re here during a season other than summer.
If so, bring wetsuits rather than your regular swimsuits when swimming in the water for an extended time.
- Plymouth Beach — Massachusetts
Because Plymouth is frequently known as the birthplace of America, it is an essential stop in New England.
The little coastal village of Plymouth Beach is located immediately south of the city of Plymouth.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Plymouth takes great pride in its role in American history and offers many historical attractions for visitors of all ages.
Residents and tourists seeking coastal enjoyment in the center of a significant town adore its breathtaking three-mile beach.
Expert Tip
Plymouth Beach is a beautiful spot for bird-watching. In addition to regular swimming, walking, picnicking, and fishing, it serves as a home for several rare and endangered shorebirds.
- Jenness Beach — New Hampshire
Jenness Beach is a modest, quaint state park on the Atlantic coast.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Jenness Beach is the place to go if you’re looking for some much-needed peace on a beach in New Hampshire.
While the vistas of this coastline are equally stunning from each New Hampshire beach, there aren’t many people visiting its shores.
Expert Tip
Jenness Beach welcomes picnicking, swimming, fishing, and surfing.
Additionally, there is a spotless bathhouse, vigilant lifeguards on duty, and a parking space nearby.
Food stores serve delicious goodies like pizza and ice cream directly across from Jenness Beach.
- Siasconset Beach — Massachusetts
Siasconset Beach, now frequently abbreviated to Sconset Beach, is located on the lovely island of Nantucket, about 30 miles south of Cape Cod.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Although Nantucket’s eastern shore is often underappreciated, many beachgoers would like to stay that way.
The waves here are thrilling for surfers, and the sunset on this side of the horizon is unrivaled.
There is a little village close by with restaurants serving regional cuisine.
Expert Tip
If you enjoy golf, you should reserve a tee time at the nearby Sankaty Head Golf Club.
Your reward for playing on this top-notch golf course is the breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic.
Nantucket comes alive at night with crowded pubs and clubs providing the coldest drinks and the most incredible cuisines.
- Fort Adams State Park — Rhode Island
Views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay surround Rhode Island’s famous Fort Adams.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This state park offers swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and sporting activities, taking you through the fascinating history that the Fort Adams walls preserve.
Even overnight stays are permitted in the fort’s bunkrooms. History buffs will enjoy it here.
Expert Tip
The Newport Jazz Festival, held yearly in the state park, might be happening while you visit in the summer.
- Ogunquit Beach — Maine
Ogunquit Beach, with its 3.5 miles of sandy shoreline, is one of Maine’s best beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Ogunquit Beach is one of the most visited beaches in New England and the nation as a whole.
Here, thrilling beach activities like whale watching, kayaking, beach volleyball or bocce ball, sailing, rafting, and tubing are in high demand.
Expert Tip
You don’t have to bother putting together meals or snacks ahead of time.
Many restaurants and ice cream parlors that will satisfy you and your traveling companions are close to Ogunquit.
- Sand Beach — Maine
Sand Beach, a 290-yard sand beach on picturesque Acadia National Park, is one of Maine’s best-kept secrets.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Acadia National Park is a well-known New England tourist destination with sweeping mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests. Some of the best activities in New England can be found there.
Sand Beach offers a variety of beach activities like sunbathing, kite flying, beach walks, and risky swims.
Expert Tip
Don’t overlook the many hiking routes in Acadia. Take the Great Head trail to the far end of Sand Beach for the most never-ending ocean vistas.
- Singing Beach — Massachusetts
Singing Beach, which got its name from the sound the sand makes when you walk on it, is one of the most excellent beaches in New England. Fine sand, crystal-clear water, and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean vistas may all be found at Singing Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
While there are many beautiful beaches in New England, Singing Beach stands out due to its unusually singing sand.
You can run barefoot on this shoreline as there aren’t any little rocks or stones scattered along the shore.
Expert Tip
The downtown section of Manchester, which has many restaurants offering a variety of delicacies, is conveniently adjacent to Singing Beach.
A food stand on the beach itself also offers delicious delicacies and nutritious options.
- Plum Island Beach — Massachusetts
Plum Island spans 11 miles off the northeastern coast of Massachusetts and is covered in natural beach plum plants on its dunes.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Four municipalities share in the happiness Plum Island gives, and each excludes its distinct character.
In addition to observing wildlife walk freely in this beautiful coastal habitat, beachgoers use the area’s swimming, hiking, surfing, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities.
Expert Tip
The 11-mile-long beach is surrounded by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which is reachable from the mainland.
This sanctuary is home to over 800 plant and animal species, so don’t miss it!
- Duxbury Beach — Massachusetts
The 7.5 miles of pristine shoreline at Duxbury Beach surround the seaside community of Duxbury.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There are numerous seaside pursuits you can partake in at Duxbury Beach’s expansive shoreline, including bird-watching, clamming, picnicking, walking dogs, sailing, surfing, swimming, and more.
Expert Tip
Consider wearing slippers on the shoreline and aqua shoes for swimming because Duxbury Beach’s shoreline has small rocks and pebbles.
If you are hungry, a nearby restaurant serves delectable, fresh local produce that you should sample while you’re here.
- Sachuest Beach — Rhode Island
The most well-liked family-friendly beach in Newport is Sachuest Beach, also called Second Beach by locals.
Why We Recommend This Beach
As you unwind on the sand, work on your tan, or enter the sea to try surfing.
Perfect surf, fine sand, a secluded atmosphere, rentals, and amenities are some of Sachuest Beach’s most prized attributes.
After having fun at the beach, you may explore the animal sanctuary directly across the street.
Expert Tip
You can take lessons at the beach if you don’t know how to ride the waves.
You might get to experience your first wave at Sachuest.
- Hammonasset Beach — Connecticut
With roughly 2 miles of active coastline, Hammonasset Beach State Park is Connecticut’s most significant beachfront park and draws about a million visitors annually.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The picturesque ocean views and colorful shorelines of Connecticut beaches are well-known.
The primary beach resort that represents the state’s coast is Hammonasset Beach.
Hammonasset offers camping, hiking, picnics, and biking in addition to the typical boating, fishing, and swimming.
Expert Tip
In 2016, a brand-new nature center with 4,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space and an observation deck opened on the property.
You ought to investigate that at the beach after dark.
- Narragansett Town Beach — Rhode Island
The 19-acre Narragansett Town Beach on Rhode Island’s east coast is regularly ranked as one of the top beaches in New England.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You may find the most beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean at Rhode Island’s Narragansett Town Beach.
The stretch of pebble-free white sand is ideal for sunbathing and burying your toes into the sand.
In addition to having numerous lifeguard stations scattered around the shoreline, one of the reasons it is often regarded as the best swimming beach in New England, the area also has a first-aid facility.
Expert Tip
Choose from one of the many restaurants with outdoor decks for breathtaking views of the Atlantic during the sunset.
There are gift shops close to the Pier market.
