Think of New England and your mind might stray to weatherboard churches, fall colors in the mountains, and lighthouses perched atop granite outcrops. However, this famous shoreline is also dotted with lovely, low-key beaches that see more locals than basking tourists.
In fact, once you factor in the region’s inland lakes, fine sandy beaches can be found in all six states that make up New England: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
As a general rule, things get quieter the further you get from New York City and Boston. Although the weather may not be Miami-warm, New England’s beaches are still a vision of perfection at the height of summer. Whether you’re here for sunbathing, fishing, swimming, surfing, or sailing, here are our 10 favorite beaches in New England.
Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
Best for an active beach day
With 265m of sand sprinkled between two pine-topped headlands, Sand Beach is a popular spot on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. It draws many beachgoers on warm summer days, but it’s worthwhile to visit almost any time of year.
The beach, located in Newport Cove between granite mountains and rocky shores on the east side of Acadia National Park, boasts soft, pinkish-white sand, comprised of tiny shell fragments ground to powder by the pounding surf.
Numerous hiking trails around this crescent of sand offer beautiful views of the beach below, providing a great way to add some exercise to your day on the sand.
Bradley Point Park and Beach, West Haven, Connecticut
Best beach for picnicking
Located in West Haven, Connecticut, historic Bradley Point Park is notably known for its family-friendly beach. Volleyball posts grace the sandy shore, while the 1.7-mile waterfront walkway is perfect for taking in the sea air. Additionally, the shoreline is just minutes from downtown entertainment.
Bradley Point Park stands out as one of the best picnic spots in Connecticut, featuring benches and tables with scenic views. Bicycle trails and a 3.5-mile walkway also connect Bradley with Morse Beach and Sandy Point, showcasing the stunning Long Island Sound.
Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Best beach for campers
Cape Cod is home to many fabulous beaches, and Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable is one of its highlight destinations. Extending for 6.5 miles along Cape Cod Bay, it’s backed by dunes and salt marshes. This beach is popular for recreational activities like swimming, hiking, and saltwater fishing.
The dunes, reaching heights of 100ft, offer a habitat for wildlife. Moreover, Sandy Neck Beach Park provides ample camping facilities, catering to tent and RV campers. The beach is dotted with hiking trails leading over the dunes, making it a perfect location to explore on foot.
Silver Sands State Park, Gold Coast, Connecticut
Best beach for birdlife
The beach at Silver Sands State Park in Milford is a top destination for nature-lovers and bird-watchers. The park features a long boardwalk that traverses a bird-filled marshy area. For those who enjoy sand and sun, the beach is also popular for sunbathing and water activities.
A sandbar, known as a “tombolo,” connects the beach to nearby Charles Island, about half a mile from the mainland. However, be cautious of the tides, as crossing is not allowed from May 1 through September 9 in order to protect the nesting seabirds.
Ogunquit Beach, York County, Maine
Best beach for water-based activities
Ogunquit Beach spans over three miles of the York County shore, featuring gleaming white sand and extensive dunes. Located in the charming town of Ogunquit, known for its arts scene, Ogunquit means ‘the beautiful place by the sea’ in Abenaki. The beach is perfect for various water activities, including swimming, beachcombing, deep-sea fishing, whale-watching, sailing, and sea kayaking.
The beach fronts Ogunquit Bay and is adjacent to the warmer waters of the tidal Ogunquit River, providing diverse swimming options. Furthermore, Footbridge Beach, located two miles to the north, offers a quieter alternative to the popular main beach.
Katama Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Best beach for young people
Katama Beach, known as South Beach, is situated on the south shore of Martha’s Vineyard and is one of the area’s hottest spots. The beach, characterized by three miles of pristine sand and natural state, is quite popular among surfers and families alike.
Flying kites and playing beach games are common activities here. The beach is beautifully maintained, with plenty of free public parking and a bike path connecting it to Edgartown.
Hampton Beach, Hampton, New Hampshire
Best beach for children
New Hampshire’s coastline may be just 13 miles, but it is home to some remarkable beaches like Hampton Beach. This lively beach, known for its bustling boardwalk featuring arcades, restaurants, and stores, fills with families seeking fun. An impressive fenced playground adds to the appeal for children, offering slides and climbing areas.
Hampton Beach comes alive during peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day with live music and public firework displays, drawing crowds to enjoy a variety of special events and activities.
Silver Lake State Park, Barnard, Vermont
Best beach for fishing
Vermont, celebrated for its mountains, lakes, and forests, boasts beautiful beaches nestled along its scenic lakes. The beach at Silver Lake State Park, a family-friendly destination, features a sandy shoreline ideal for swimming, picnicking, and camping.
Visitors can enjoy excellent fishing opportunities, with boats available for rent. This peaceful location offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day outdoors.
Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Best beach for surfing
Rhode Island, known as the Ocean State, is lined with stunning beaches, including Narragansett Town Beach, which is popular among surfers for its soft, curling waves. Surrounded by sandy beaches and salt ponds, this beach tends to get busy, attracting both surfers and sunbathers alike.
Non-surfers can also enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, making it an ideal spot for walking, bird-watching, and fishing.
