Best Beaches in New England: Discovering the Top New England Beaches
When most people think of beaches, they think of tropical locations like Florida or Hawaii. However, there are some great beaches in New England that are worth checking out.
This list of the best beaches in New England will highlight the top beaches throughout New England for those planning a trip. With this list, you can make sure that you enjoy the best of the best when it comes to exploring and visiting the best beaches in New England.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or want to catch some waves, these beaches have something for everyone. Here are four of the best beaches in New England.
When you finish with this list of the best beaches in New England, make sure you check out our lists of the best beaches in the world, the best beaches on the East Coast, and the best Beaches in Florida.
Top 14 Beaches in New England:
1. Singing Beach
Location: Massachusetts
Highlights: Gets its name from the sound the sand makes as you walk on it, is located close to Manchester’s downtown area, and has fine sand.
About Beach: If you’re looking for one of the best beach experiences in New England, look no further than Singing Beach in Massachusetts. This beach gets its name from the sound the sand makes as you walk on it – a truly unique experience.
The sand is also fine and great for a relaxing day spent lounging by the sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to its natural beauty, Singing Beach is also conveniently located close to Manchester’s downtown area, which offers a variety of dining options.
2. Sachuest Beach
Location: Rhode Island
Highlights: Renowned for its gentle waves, beautiful sand, and peaceful atmosphere.
About Beach: If you’re dreaming of the ideal beach getaway, look no further than Rhode Island’s Sachuest Beach. This much-loved spot, also known as Second Beach to locals, is renowned for its gentle waves, beautiful sand, and peaceful atmosphere.
It’s a great place to relax and catch some rays, or if you’re feeling adventurous, grab a surfboard and give surfing a try. Lessons are available if you’re new to the sport. After a fun day at the beach, be sure to explore the nearby wildlife refuge for a truly unforgettable experience.
3. Siasconset Beach
Location: Massachusetts
Highlights: Has mesmerizing sunsets, waves ideal for surfing, and a quaint village nearby.
About Beach: This picturesque spot is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some peace and quiet. The waves here are ideal for surfing, and the sunsets are simply amazing. There’s also a quaint village nearby with some great local restaurants worth checking out.
And if you’re into golf, be sure to tee off at the nearby Sankaty Head Golf Club – it’s one of the best courses in the world and the views are incredible. When night falls, Nantucket comes alive with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained.
4. Narragansett Town Beach
Location: Rhode Island
Highlights: Clean, well-kept, has all the amenities you need, and gets up to 10,000 visitors each day in the summer.
About Beach: This popular beach usually has up to 10,000 visitors each day in the summer and for good reason – it’s clean, well-kept, and has all the amenities you need for a great day by the water.
Whether you’re looking to surf or just take a leisurely stroll along the nearly 20 acres of sandy beach, you’ll find everything you need at Narragansett Town Beach. There are lifeguards and first aid stations on-site, as well as plenty of space to set up your beach chair and umbrella.
5. Fort Adams State Park
Location: Rhode Island
Highlights: Nestled in the historic city of Newport, offers breathtaking views, and is ideal for a variety of activities.
About Beach: Nestled in the historic city of Newport, Fort Adams State Park offers breathtaking views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. This state park is ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and playing sports games.
You can also stay overnight in the fort’s bunkrooms to get a taste of history. If you’re visiting during summer, don’t miss out on the Newport Jazz Festival, which is held annually in the state park.
6. Ogunquit Beach
Location: Ogunquit, Maine
Highlights: Has 3.5 miles of sweeping white sands, nearby attractions of Perkins Cove and Ogunquit Playhouse, and is nestled between Marginal Way.
About Beach: There are few beaches in New England that can compare to the beauty of Ogunquit Beach. Located in Ogunquit, Maine, this beach is simply gorgeous, with its 3.5 miles of sweeping white sands. And because it’s so easy to get to from Boston; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine, it’s a great place for a day trip or extended stay.
But what really makes Ogunquit Beach special is its location. Nestled between Marginal Way—a mile-long cliff walk with superb coastal vistas—and the nearby attractions of Perkins Cove and Ogunquit Playhouse, there’s something for everyone at this beach.
7. Jenness Beach
Location: New Hampshire
Highlights: Clean and well-equipped bathhouse on site, attentive lifeguards, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
About Beach: This hidden gem is one of the best beaches in New England and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you want to go surfing, fishing, swimming, or just enjoy a picnic on the beach, Jenness Beach has it all.
Plus, there’s a clean and well-equipped bathhouse on site, as well as attentive lifeguards. And when you get hungry, there are food shops selling delicious snacks and meals right across the street. Overall, this idyllic spot is a great place to visit.
8. Duxbury Beach
Location: Duxbury, Massachusetts
Highlights: Six miles of unspoiled beaches, gentle waves, and stunning sunshine.
About Beach: This hidden gem offers all the charm of Cape Cod with none of the crowds. Duxbury Beach is great for those who love oysters. The nearby Island Creek Oysters Farm offers an inside look at why Duxbury Bay is home to some of the best bivalves on the planet. Visitors can enjoy six miles of unspoiled beaches, gentle waves, and stunning sunshine.
9. East Beach
Location: Massachusetts
Highlights: Located on Chappaquiddick Island, has a beautiful half-mile shoreline, and is located near a Japanese garden.
About Beach: East Beach in Massachusetts is one of the best beaches in New England. This gorgeous spot is located on Chappaquiddick Island and can be reached by ferry from Edgartown. East Beach is great for anglers, surfers, and adventurers who love wildlife and outdoor activities.
The half-mile shoreline is beautiful, and the nearby Japanese garden is a must-see. If you’re looking for an amazing beach experience, East Beach is the place for you.
10. Hammonasset Beach
Location: Connecticut
Highlights: Over two miles of shoreline, nearly a million visitors each year, and 4,000 square feet of interactive exhibits.
About Beach: Come explore the best of what Connecticut beaches have to offer at Hammonasset Beach State Park. With over two miles of shoreline, this is the state’s largest shoreline park and it welcomes nearly a million visitors each year. It’s easy to see why Hammonasset is such a popular spot – the views are simply stunning. You can enjoy all your favorite beach activities here like swimming, fishing, and boating, or explore the park’s hiking and biking trails.
Picnicking is also a popular pastime at the park. And be sure to check out the new nature center that opened in 2016. With 4,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, it’s a great place to learn more about the local ecosystem.
11. Plum Island Beach
Location: Massachusetts
Highlights: 11-mile beach, dotted with wild beach plum shrubs, and has access to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
About Beach: Looking for one of the best beaches in New England? Look no further than Plum Island Beach in Massachusetts. This 11-mile beach is dotted with wild beach plum shrubs and offers plenty of activities for visitors, including swimming, hiking, surfing, fishing, and birdwatching.
Visitors can also access the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge from the mainland side. This refuge is home to over 800 species of plants and wildlife, making it a must-see for nature lovers.
12. Mohegan Bluffs Beach
Location: Rhode Island
Highlights: Secluded, only accessible by a 141-step staircase, and great for couples who are looking for a little privacy.
About Beach: This secluded beach is only accessible by a 141-step staircase, but it’s well worth the effort. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
This beach is great for couples who are looking for a little privacy. The bluffs offer plenty of chances for romantic moments, like watching the sunset or taking pictures together. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike back up the staircase for an incredible workout with an amazing view.
13. Goose Rocks Beach
Location: Maine
Highlights: Highly touted, has powdery sand, and is near a parking lot and grocery store.
About Beach: If you’re looking for one of the best beach destinations in Maine, Goose Rocks Beach is a highly touted spot that has been enjoyed by generations. The gentle waters and powdery sand make it a great place to relax, and the nearby parking lot and grocery store make it easy to get everything you need for a perfect day at the beach. Keep an eye out for seals during your visit – you might just be lucky enough to see one come up to the shore.
14. Coast Guard Beach
Location: Massachusetts
Highlights: Ample shoreline for all your beach activities, designated areas for each activity, ample restrooms and lifeguard stations.
About Beach: This beloved beach offers ample shoreline for all your beach activities, from swimming and surfing to sandcastle building and picnicking. And with designated areas for each activity, you can be sure to find the perfect spot for your group.
Don’t forget to take a stroll or cycle along the boardwalk – it’s a great way to take in the stunning coastline. With ample restrooms and lifeguard stations, Coast Guard Beach has everything you need for a fun and safe day at the beach.
Best Beaches in New England Conclusion
After reading about the best beaches in New England, it’s easy to see why people love spending their summers here. With so many different activities and beautiful scenery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So whether you’re looking for a place to relax or have some fun, be sure to check out one of these amazing New England beaches.
And alont with New England offering a number of great beaches, there is also plenty to see and do off of the water in the North East. This will allow you to really maximize your trip.
Is there a New England beach that you think should be on this list but isn’t? Please feel free to share it below if so.
