15 of the Best Beaches in New England: According to Travel Writers

Searching for the best beaches in New England? Whether you’re into sunbathing, wave-chasing, or just soaking up that classic coastal charm, this region is full of shoreline surprises.

From the sandy stretches of Cape Cod to the pebbled coves of Maine, the best beaches in New England aren’t always the ones with the biggest crowds—they’re the hidden gems that locals quietly adore and travel writers can’t stop recommending.

We reached out to seasoned travel writers who’ve explored every nook of this picturesque coastline. They’ve shared their personal picks for the best beaches in New England, from family-friendly favorites to off-the-radar escapes.

If you’re dreaming of salty breezes, charming seaside towns, and a few secret spots to call your own… this list is exactly where you need to start.

15 Best Beaches in New England, Chosen by Top Travel Writers

These 15 are their picks for best beaches in New England… and yeah, a few might just surprise you. Let’s get in our exciting list of New England’s best beaches for ultimate relaxation, adventure and romance.

1. Goose Rocks Beach – Kennebunkport, Maine

Quiet and clean, Goose Rocks Beach is the kind of place you imagine when you think of “hidden gem.” Wide stretches of soft white sand lead out to calm waters, and Timber Island rests peacefully offshore. It’s scenic without trying too hard. And unlike Ogunquit or Wells Beach nearby, it never really feels overwhelmed.

Best time to visit:
Late June to early August for full sunshine, or early September if you’re chasing peace and those softer post-summer hues.

Travel writer anecdote:
One writer recalled, “It reminded me of summers before phones — sandcastles, grilled cheese, salt-crusted legs. Just… easy.”

Pro Tip: The parking situation is strict and limited. Arrive early — ideally before 10 a.m. Or skip the hassle altogether and bike in from town. There’s a scenic, flat route that’s a pleasure on cool mornings.

2. Crane Beach – Ipswich, Massachusetts

Crane Beach has this vast, cinematic vibe. Dunes ripple behind you, the ocean stretches endlessly in front, and in between… just stillness. Managed by The Trustees, it’s protected, clean, and somehow manages to be both expansive and personal. Plus, the nature trails and birdwatching opportunities are worth exploring even if you don’t dip a toe in.

Best time to visit:
Late May through mid-September. For solitude and golden light, aim for September weekdays.

Travel writer anecdote:
“I brought a paperback and didn’t touch it. Just watched the waves for hours. Didn’t mean to. It just… happened.”

Pro Tip: Parking isn’t cheap, but it supports the conservation. Bring bug spray — those dune-loving insects aren’t shy — and consider checking out the nearby Castle Hill on the Crane Estate for a full day trip.

3. Mohegan Bluffs – Block Island, Rhode Island

Mohegan Bluffs isn’t your classic sandy sprawl — it’s something else entirely. Towering cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic, and below them, a narrow strip of rugged beach waits quietly.

The ocean here feels more untamed, more powerful… a reminder you’re standing at the edge of something vast. It’s one of those best ocean beaches in New England that sticks with you — not for comfort, but for mood.

Best time to visit:
Late afternoon in July or August, when the sun starts to sink and the water glows. Sunset here is unreal.

Travel writer anecdote:
“141 steps down, my legs were burning… but the view at the bottom? Worth it. I sat on a smooth rock with my sandwich and felt like I’d earned the moment.”

Pro Tip: Pack light — you’ll be carrying everything up and down that staircase. And wear shoes you don’t mind getting sandy and scuffed. The terrain is rocky, not flip-flop friendly.

4. Horseneck Beach – Westport, Massachusetts

Windswept and open, Horseneck Beach stretches along Buzzards Bay with a kind of wild freedom that’s rare on the more manicured New England beaches.

The breeze here almost never stops — great if you’re into kite flying or windsurfing, and even better for long, unhurried walks. It’s also backed by marshes and birdwatching trails, making it a quiet win for nature lovers.

Best time to visit:
July is ideal for warm swims. But honestly, late spring or early fall gives you more space to just wander.

Travel writer anecdote:
“I watched a kid fly a kite so high it vanished into the clouds. His mom was sitting in one of those faded Adirondack chairs, sipping from a thermos. No phones. Just sky and salt air.”

Pro Tip: Ample parking and clean facilities make this a solid pick for families. Bring a windbreaker — seriously — even on sunny days, that breeze can surprise you.

5. Old Orchard Beach – Old Orchard, Maine

This is where nostalgia and neon meet the sea. Old Orchard Beach is loud, colorful, and unapologetically fun. It’s got a boardwalk, an amusement park (Palace Playland), pier fries, and all the saltwater taffy you forgot you liked.

It’s not quiet — and it doesn’t try to be. But that’s exactly why some people say it’s one of the top 10 best beaches in New England if you’re chasing summer energy.

Best time to visit:
Mid-July through Labor Day weekend — when the boardwalk is alive, and the nights are just warm enough for rides after dark.

Travel writer anecdote:
“I bought fried dough with powdered sugar and immediately regretted wearing black jeans. Still — I’d do it again. There’s something about that greasy, chaotic joy that just works here.”

Pro Tip: Avoid weekend afternoons unless you’re into crowds. Go early or catch the sunset after the rush. Parking fills up fast, but there are overflow lots if you don’t mind walking a bit.

6. Misquamicut State Beach – Westerly, Rhode Island

Misquamicut is big, bold, and built for summer. With a long, wide stretch of sand and waves that are actually fun to body surf in, it’s one of the most popular public beaches in New England — especially on weekends. But it’s not just a sunbathing spot.

There’s usually music floating in from a nearby food truck, families digging holes the size of bathtubs, and the occasional fishing boat out on the horizon.

Best time to visit:
Peak summer — late June through mid-August — if you’re chasing that full beach-energy kind of day.

Travel writer anecdote:
“I showed up with zero expectations, just needed to stretch my legs… and ended up dancing barefoot to a local band on the sand. It was… weirdly perfect.”

Pro Tip: There’s decent parking, but it’s not cheap. Bring cash for vendors, and if you’re into it, check the local event calendar — Misquamicut has drive-in movies and live music nights in summer.

7. Good Harbor Beach – Gloucester, Massachusetts

Good Harbor is, well… good. Really good. A gentle crescent-shaped cove that feels custom-made for families, toddlers, and people who just want their beach day to go smoothly.

The sand is soft, the water is relatively calm, and at low tide, you can actually walk across a sandbar to Salt Island. It’s one of the best beaches in Massachusetts — especially if you’re hoping for some casual adventure without too much effort.

Best time to visit:
Mid-June to late August for swimming, but September brings quieter vibes and golden light.

Travel writer anecdote:
“My kid found a hermit crab and named it ‘Bruce.’ We sat for an hour watching it crawl in circles. Didn’t check my phone once. That kind of day.”

Pro Tip: Tidepooling here is legit — bring water shoes for rockier spots. Parking fills up early, and the lot is strictly enforced. If it’s full, check out nearby Wingaersheek or even Cape Ann’s smaller town beaches.

8. Madaket Beach – Nantucket, Massachusetts

Madaket isn’t for everyone… and maybe that’s what makes it so special. It’s remote, wind-swept, and known for its strong surf — definitely not the place for toddlers with floaties.

But the sunsets? Unreal. It’s one of those best beaches in New England to swim… if you like your swim with a side of wildness. There’s nothing built up around it — no snack bar, no vendors. Just sand, waves, and the slow crawl of evening.

Best time to visit:
Evenings in August, when the sky puts on its show. Bring layers — the breeze can sneak up on you.

Travel writer anecdote:
“I wrapped myself in a blanket, opened a bottle of grocery-store rosé, and watched the sun disappear behind a family of seagulls. I didn’t even mind the sand in my socks.”

Pro Tip: No restrooms or shops nearby, so come prepared. If you’re biking from town (which is honestly the best way), time your return before it gets too dark — the path back isn’t lit.

9. Singing Beach – Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

This one’s kind of quirky. The sand at Singing Beach literally “sings” — or squeaks — when you walk on it. It’s not loud, not dramatic… but it catches you off guard the first time.

The beach itself is a lovely, clean cove backed by soft hills and big homes, and the water is usually calm enough for casual swimmers. Plus, it’s easily one of the best quiet beaches in New England if you’re arriving without a car.

Best time to visit:
Late June through mid-July for warmth and gentle waves. Mornings are best if you want that stillness.

Travel writer anecdote:
“I got off the commuter rail, followed the other flip-flopped wanderers, and ended up here. No car, no stress, and the sand… yeah, it really does make noise.”

Pro Tip: The beach is about a 10-minute walk from the train station — super doable. There’s a small snack shack nearby, but bring your own picnic if you’re picky. Also, non-resident parking is limited… train’s honestly the better call.

10. Race Point Beach – Provincetown, Massachusetts

Dramatic and open, Race Point is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and it just feels… big. Big sky, big dunes, big waves. It’s also one of the few spots where you might actually spot whales from shore if you get lucky.

Add in a lighthouse view and biking trails nearby, and it’s easily one of the best beaches in New England 2025 travelers are bookmarking for a reason.

Best time to visit:
June to September, but July and August give you your best chance for a whale sighting and swimmable surf.

Travel writer anecdote:
“I sat on a towel with sand in my peanut butter sandwich and watched a whale breach. I wasn’t even sure it was real until the couple next to me gasped. I think we all cried a little.”

Pro Tip: Bring a bike if you’re staying in Provincetown — the Province Lands trail connects right to the beach and parking can be a mess in high season. And don’t skip the visitor center — it has real-time wildlife updates.

11. Crescent Beach – Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Crescent Beach is where pine trees lean toward the sea, and the beach curves just right. It’s peaceful but not empty, with soft sand, gentle surf, and picnic-perfect grassy spots.

Nearby lobster shacks serve buttery rolls you’ll dream about later, and the whole place just has this mellow, unplugged feel. It’s one of the best sandy beaches in New England when you just want an easy, happy beach day.

Best time to visit:
July and August for that warm, family-friendly beach weather. Early evenings are lovely and less crowded.

Travel writer anecdote:
“There was a family tossing a frisbee, two teens buried under books, and someone playing guitar under a tree. I found a patch of shade, took off my shoes, and didn’t move for three hours.”

Pro Tip: Stop by Two Lights Lobster Shack just down the road after your swim. And bring cash — not every vendor nearby takes cards. Also, wear shoes for the short trail walk in — it’s sandy, but slightly rooty in parts.

12. Silver Sands State Park – Milford, Connecticut

Silver Sands feels like one of those best quiet beaches in New England people whisper about — not because it’s secret, but because it’s so unexpectedly calm.

There’s a raised boardwalk that curves above the marsh, connecting to Walnut Beach, and at low tide, you can actually walk out across the sandbar to Charles Island. It’s got a peaceful, under-the-radar vibe that somehow still feels close to everything.

Best time to visit:
Low tide on a clear morning — any time from mid-June to mid-September. Earlier in the day is best for birdwatching or a stroll to the island.

Travel writer anecdote:
“I left my shoes in the car and walked the boardwalk barefoot… saw a couple with iced coffees and matching sun hats just staring at the marsh like it was magic. Honestly? It kind of was.”

Pro Tip: Don’t try to cross to Charles Island unless you’ve checked the tide chart — the water rises fast. Parking is free, which is rare in Connecticut beach territory, but weekends can still fill up quickly.

13. East Beach – Watch Hill, Rhode Island

East Beach has a vibe. It’s elegant, quiet, a little exclusive — thanks in part to the cliffside homes nearby, including Taylor Swift’s well-known mansion.

The beach itself is long and open, with soft sand and clean water, and it backs up to some of the prettiest real estate on the Rhode Island coast. It’s also one of the best beaches in New England for sea glass — not guaranteed, but totally possible.

Best time to visit:
September is ideal for quieter days and cooler temps. But if you’re feeling bold, July’s perfect for a people-watching-meets-nature-walk combo.

Travel writer anecdote:
“I didn’t see Taylor, but I saw someone walking a golden retriever in a Vineyard Vines hoodie… which felt about right.”

Pro Tip: Access is a little tricky — there’s limited public parking, so plan to walk a bit or arrive early. If you get the chance, take a side stroll through Watch Hill’s coastal town shops after your swim.

14. Hammonasset Beach State Park – Madison, Connecticut

This is Connecticut’s longest beach — nearly two miles of shoreline that stretches along the Long Island Sound. It’s got that classic family beach atmosphere: picnic tables, grills, fishing spots, and a boardwalk trail that’s stroller- and ADA-accessible.

There’s something for everyone here, from birders to cyclists to kids with plastic buckets and ambitious sandcastle dreams.

Best time to visit:
July and August for full-service summer vibes, but fall brings a surprisingly beautiful change of color along the shore.

Travel writer anecdote:
“We camped here once in early September — the kind of cool nights that call for sweatshirts and marshmallows. In the morning, we walked to the water and it was so still… it didn’t seem real.”

Pro Tip: The Meigs Point Nature Center (inside the park) is great for kids and anyone curious about the local coastal ecosystem. If you’re staying overnight, book your campground early — it fills up fast, especially around holidays.

15. Wallis Sands State Beach – Rye, New Hampshire

New Hampshire may have the shortest coastline in New England, but Wallis Sands makes every inch count.

With views of the Isles of Shoals in the distance, this crescent-shaped beach delivers wide-open ocean scenes, soft sand, and family-friendly amenities like a snack bar, changing rooms, and plenty of picnic tables. It’s small but mighty — and often less hectic than more famous neighbors in Massachusetts or Maine.

This spot is ideal for a casual beach day: pack a lunch, bring a beach chair, and plan to stay long enough for the sunset. The beach faces east-southeast, so early risers might catch a pretty spectacular sunrise too.

Best time to visit:
Late June through early September for warm water (by New England standards) and full lifeguard service. Early morning or midweek afternoons are best to beat the crowds.

Travel writer anecdote:
“I stumbled on Wallis Sands during a New England road trip. I wasn’t planning to swim, but the water was calm and inviting… I ended up staying for hours, wrapped in the kind of quiet you forget you’ve missed.”

Pro Tip: Parking is limited and fills up fast on summer weekends, so aim to arrive before 10 a.m.

Expert Tips: Planning a New England Beach Trip

Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve been chasing East Coast sunsets for years, a few practical tips can help you get the most out of your New England beach vacation:

• Pack layers – Even in July, coastal weather can flip. A sweatshirt and windbreaker go a long way.
• Tide charts are your friend – Especially if you’re exploring places like Charles Island or Maine’s rocky coves.
• Avoid peak weekends – If you can swing it, midweek visits = easier parking, fewer crowds, and better beach spots.
• Look beyond summer – Late spring and early fall are magical. The ocean’s quieter, and the sunsets hit different.
• Mix it up – From sandy family beaches to rugged cliffs and lighthouses, New England’s coast is surprisingly diverse.

Final Thoughts

Waves may crash and tides may change, but some places just stay with you—and the best beaches in New England are exactly that kind of place. These shores aren’t just for swimming or sunbathing… they’re where stories unfold, where summer slows down, and where memories quietly build with each salty breeze.

From windswept dunes to tucked-away bays, the best beaches in New England offer more than postcard views. They give you space to breathe, explore, reconnect—whether you’re hunting for sea glass, wandering coastal trails, or just soaking in the stillness.

If you’re craving a shoreline that feels timeless and true, this region delivers. Because the unique beaches in New England aren’t just places to visit… they’re places to return to, again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions