Think of New England and classic American landscapes, picturesque coastlines and towns steeped in the history of the Revolutionary War spring to mind. The coastline of New England is more low-key than the flashy coastlines of Florida and California – but it comes with a special kind of charm that brings tourists flocking back year after year. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly break, an action-packed coastal adventure, or a celeb-spotting jaunt to a famous film set, the beaches of New England have something for everyone. Here we have compiled a list of the best beaches in New England to help you on your travels.
- Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
- Narragansett Town Beach, Rhode Island
- Ogunquit Beach, Maine
- Katama Beach, Martha’s Vineyard
- Silver Sands State Park, Gold Coast
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- State Beach, Martha’s Vineyard
- Goose Rocks Beach, Maine
1
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
Small but perfectly formed, the coastline of New Hampshire is only 13 miles long, but packs in an array of stunning beaches with Hampton Beach being the cream of the crop and a popular spot for families. There are traditional arcades lining the boardwalk and for younger families, playgrounds, and fairground-style rides. In the summer, the golden beach is home to an annual sand sculpting competition, with sand sculptors from around the world flying in to take part. If your family needs even more entertainment – no problem. You can expect fireworks, live music and plenty of special events.
2
Narragansett Town Beach, Rhode Island
Narragansett Town Beach is another popular destination for families. Not only does the bay offer tranquil waters and endless golden sands, but it is also constantly manned by a team of lifeguards. If you are looking for peace of mind while your little ones play in the ocean, then this could be the beach for you. As well as being a beautiful destination, many activities are on offer designed to keep families active and children entertained. Visitors to the beach can fly kites, build sandcastles, and go fishing. Or maybe just relax and sunbathe while the younger members of the family tire themselves out in a safe and clean environment.
3
Ogunquit Beach, Maine
Literally translated from the indigenous language, Ogunquit Beach, means ‘the beautiful place by the sea’. And it’s easy to see why. The pure white sand dunes and idyllic blue sea make this a picture-perfect destination and the gentle surf of the Atlantic Ocean offers you idyllic conditions for swimming, body surfing, deep-sea fishing, and whale watching. For less adventurous water babies there are the warmer waters of the Ogunquit River on the west side of the beach, giving you a choice of location for sunbathing and swimming.
4
Katama Beach, Martha’s Vineyard
The island of Martha’s Vineyard is a jewel on the New England coastline, and Katama Beach is one of the best beaches in New England. The stunning, unspoilt beauty of the island is world-renowned and Katama Beach showcases all this natural charm. The surfing conditions of the Atlantic attract water sports fans from far and wide, while for swimmers and families, there are the peaceful waters of inland saltwater pools. The three-mile stretch of gleaming sands is a popular spot for beach sports such as volleyball or flying kites. Visitors to the beach are renowned for maintaining its pristine condition.
5
Silver Sands State Park, Gold Coast
Silver Sands State Park is a stunning coastal stretch, renowned for its diverse wildlife and unspoilt natural beauty. You can walk through the dunes, taking in the fresh sea and admiring the natural setting, and dive into serene outdoor activities including fishing, crabbing, and birdwatching. Silver Sands has an unusual sandbar, stretching out into Long Island Sound and you can explore this at low tides, observing marine life up close. After your busy days in nature, the beach is well-equipped with picnic areas and restrooms. It’s no surprise that this beach has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in New England for nature lovers.
6
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park in Maine is another must-see destination for nature lovers. Its raw and rugged coastline and stunning ocean views make it an awe-inspiring natural environment. You can swim in the clear Atlantic waters or visit the tidal pools that are filled with marine life. Acadia National Park offers several stunning beaches, but in addition is packed with flora and fauna native to the area. You can observe over 40 species of mammals and an incredible 300 bird species. This is more than the average beach holiday and will suit nature lovers and adventurers alike.
7
State Beach, Martha’s Vineyard
Film buffs flock to State Beach in Martha’s Vineyard to see the golden sands where the iconic movie Jaws was filmed. The calm waters once featured in the horror classic are now dotted with kayakers and paddleboarders. The beach begins in Oak Bluffs and ends in Edgartown, with the infamous ‘Jaws Bridge’ joining the two. Movie fans and thrill seekers alike are attracted to the bridge – with the jump into the turbulent waters being a rite of passage. Although it is best known for its use as a film set, State Beach is also a popular destination for families. It has safe stretches of low dunes and calm tranquil waters, making it perfect for younger children to play and paddle.
8
Goose Rocks Beach, Maine
Goose Rocks Beach is a secluded, tranquil location and has been used many times as a film set. Movie buffs might recognise it from films such as The Way we Were. It is also a popular celebrity destination, and star-spotters may see famous faces such as Drew Barrymore kicking back and enjoying a day at the beach. If political fame is more your thing, then maybe spotting George W. Bush would tick a box. Of course, as one of the best beaches in New England, the golden sands and stunning waters are a given. However, on this beach, you might see Jimmy Fallon filming segments for his hit show. Come evening, upmarket cocktails and eating establishments are the order of the day for Goose Beach so sit back, relax, and enjoy the high life.