The New England states could also be small, however they boast loads of shoreline and nice seashores. I get pleasure from visiting these sandy seashores for the day or as a part of an extended trip. Though I really like the seaside, I often plan for only one or two seaside days throughout a New England trip, with extra actions included.
If you’re visiting New England seashores, there are some important issues to know. The water might be cooler, particularly if you’re used to the hotter seaside water within the south or the Caribbean (even in the summertime). There are additionally shark warnings typically, so you have to take note of the native info.
Fall generally is a nice time to go to the most effective seashores in New England. There are nonetheless some hotter days within the early fall, and the water is rather less cool because it has been warmed up by the solar all summer season.
Simply remember that some lifeguards and services are solely provided in the course of the conventional summer season season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. So, whereas it’s quieter, you gained’t have the identical facilities.
When selecting a New England seaside, contemplate different sights and actions. There are such a lot of seashores, so that you’ll wish to contemplate the choices when planning your journey. Listed below are among the finest New England seashores to go to on a household trip.
Disclosure: I’ve visited a number of of those areas and resorts at no/discounted price for functions of assessment. All opinions are my very own. This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks and a purchase order/click on by way of one in all these hyperlinks could lead to a fee paid to us for free of charge to you.
The Finest Seashores in New England
The tiny city of Little Compton, Rhode Island, is so small that it doesn’t have its personal highschool. Nonetheless, it gives two lovely seashores adjoining to one another. Because the Ocean State, Rhode Island boasts a number of shoreline for a tiny spot.
Little Compton could sound acquainted should you learn Caroline Kepnes’s e book You (though the situation was modified to a unique spot for the TV collection).
Goosewing Seaside & South Shore Seaside, Little Compton, Rhode Island
These two Little Compton seashores share a car parking zone; you’ll must stroll by way of South Shore to get to Goosewing. Managed by the Nature Conservancy, the Goosewing Seaside protect is a wonderful place to discover. You’ll discover a pond, dunes, and a mountaineering path.
The city manages South Shore and gives paid parking and porta-potties. A number of meals distributors are allowed, or you’ll be able to carry your personal meals. This lovely, quiet a part of Rhode Island is value visiting for the day. These gorgeous seashores are positioned proper alongside the Atlantic Ocean.
There aren’t many resorts within the space, however you will discover some trip houses—even some in ideally suited spots close to the seaside. Search right here for out there choices.
You can too contemplate staying in close by Newport Rhode Island, the place you’ll discover a lot of issues to do with youngsters.
Easton’s Seaside/First Seaside, Newport, Rhode Island
Newport (and the island it’s positioned on – Aquidneck Island), have fairly a couple of seashores. Nonetheless, Easton’s Seaside (additionally known as First Seaside), is the solely ocean-front seaside in Newport Rhode Island.
Easton’s Seaside is positioned close to the famed Cliff Stroll. It’s additionally residence to the small Save the Bay’s Hamilton Household Aquarium, which gives over 40 species native to the Narragansett Bay space, together with a contact tank.
Second Seaside, additionally a well-liked vacation spot, is technically positioned in Middletown, Rhode Island. Nonetheless, it is rather near Newport.
The Newport space has many resorts, B&Bs, motels, and trip houses. It’s a terrific place to remain, even should you don’t plan to spend a lot time on the seaside. You possibly can search choices right here.
You’ll wish to stroll across the downtown space, to do some buying, get ice cream, or have a whole meal.
Outdated Orchard Seaside, Outdated Orchard Seaside Maine
This seven-mile sandy seaside, positioned within the city of the identical title, gives a quaint seaside pier and plenty of sunbathing house. The city is the consummate seaside city, with mini-golf, crusing excursions, a zipline park, a close-by amusement park, and extra.
There are loads of lodging choices in and round Outdated Orchard Seaside. As well as, the Amtrak Downeaster runs proper by way of this space.

Ogunquit Seaside
Ogunquit, Maine, is such a bustling little seaside city with retailers, eating places, theaters, artwork galleries, and plenty of lodging choices. For a terrific seaside day, you’ll be able to simply stroll to Ogunquit Seaside from most resorts. I feel it’s one of the crucial lovely seashores in New England.
Continuously rated among the many high seashores in the USA, Ogunquit Seaside gives paid parking, white sands, public restrooms, altering rooms, and a concession stand. The seaside has a number of sections, and it’s the right place to get pleasure from a wonderful summer season day. It is among the hottest seashores, so arrive early to get to the most effective spot.
Throughout our go to to Ogunquit Seaside final summer season, we loved our keep on the Meadowmere Resort. This family-friendly resort gives an indoor and out of doors pool, an on-site restaurant, and household suites, together with different kid-friendly facilities.
Hampton Seaside, Hampton Seaside New Hampshire
You’ll discover the well-known Hampton Seaside State Park in New Hampshire, on the Massachusetts and Maine borders. The Hampton Seaside space consists of resorts, eating places, and different household actions like mini-golf and arcades. As a result of New Hampshire doesn’t have a lot Atlantic shoreline, that is your solely possibility for a New Hampshire ocean seaside.
You would simply mix a visit to Hampton Seaside with a go to to Kittery Maine, Portsmouth New Hampshire, or the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Crane Seaside, Ipswich, Massachusetts
Crane Seaside is positioned on the Crane Property in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and is managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Parking reservations might be made on-line, and parking permits are additionally provided.
Crane Seaside is among the nesting websites for the threatened shorebird piping plovers. In season, the property gives lifeguards, altering areas, a retailer, picnic tables, bike racks, and outdoors showers.
Good Harbor Seaside, Gloucester, MA
Cape Ann, MA, positioned north of Boston, is residence to a number of lovely seashores. Our favourite is Good Harbor Seaside, in Gloucester, MA. It’s the best spot for a seaside day and might be visited on a day journey from Boston.
The seaside gives a snack bar, altering services, and a big car parking zone. The surf is ideal for many who wish to carry their boogie boards, however the water isn’t too tough. Throughout low tide, you’ll be able to stroll over to the small Salt Island.
Good Harbor does get busy in the summertime, particularly on the weekends. Parking should be bought upfront on-line. On the way in which in, you’ll discover Shaw’s grocery retailer should you’d prefer to cease for picnic meals to your seaside day.
Wingersheek Seaside, Gloucester, MA
Situated on the opposite aspect of Gloucester is Wingersheek Seaside, one other common spot in Cape Ann. Wingersheek gives restrooms, showers, and a concession stand. Throughout low tide, you’ll discover a enjoyable sandbar to stroll on. Like Good Harbor Seaside, you have to buy your parking upfront.
There are a number of motels and resorts in Gloucester. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll wish to contemplate renting one of many many trip houses within the space.
Singing Seaside, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
One other common seaside on Cape Ann is Singing Seaside, in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Named for the quiet singing sound the sand makes, this can be a common seaside for households.
This seaside does have non-resident parking on weekdays (when out there), however the Boy Scouts additionally provide an off-property parking. Should you don’t park in official parking, there’s a walk-in charge to enter the seaside. The Boy Scouts lot just isn’t official, so you’ll have to pay that charge.
Duxbury Seaside
Situated on Cape Cod Bay, Duxbury MA is a wonderful city on the way in which to Cape Cod. There, you’ll discover Duxbury Seaside, which is a good day journey from Boston. This 7.5-mile barrier seaside gives porta-potties, hand-sanitation stations, and Blakeman’s restaurant.
There aren’t many resorts in Duxbury, but it surely’s near Plymouth (residence to Plimoth Pawtuxet Museums).
Outdated Silver Seaside, Falmouth, MA
One in every of my favourite seashores on Cape Cod is the beautiful Outdated Silver Seaside, positioned in Falmouth. It gives restrooms, altering services, and concessions.
Should you’d like to remain proper on Outdated Silver Seaside, I like to recommend the Sea Crest Seaside Resort. You possibly can stroll proper from the resort to the seaside, the place you’ll discover seaside attendants, chairs, and umbrellas for resort visitors.
Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore, varied cities
The Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore consists of six common Cape Cod seashores. These embrace Nauset Gentle Seaside in Orleans, Marconi Seaside in Wellfleet, Coast Guard Seaside in Eastham, Herring Cove Seaside in Provincetown, Race Level Seaside in Provincetown, and Head of Meadow Seaside in North Truro. I typically advocate that you simply determine which city in Cape Cod you wish to go to first, after which choose the closest seaside.
Smugglers Seaside, South Yarmouth
One in every of my favourite seashores on Cape Cod is Smugglers Seaside, which is often known as Bass River Seaside. It’s positioned in South Yarmouth, alongside the Nantucket Sound. Yarmouth is positioned within the mid-Cape space and gives many nice seashores. Smugglers Seaside has a big car parking zone (though it does replenish on sizzling days), a snack shack, a restroom, and a fishing pier.
When you are in South Yarmouth, you should definitely play mini golf, get some scrumptious seafood, and revel in some Cape Cod Creamery ice cream. It’s a terrific city for a household trip.