Top Beaches in New England

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  • Sherwood Island State Park // Connecticut

    Sherwood Island State Park
    ©Noroton

    Sherwood Island lies to the south and east of Westport, at exit 18 of the I-95. Sherwood Beach is located on the island's southeast shore, and runs between the outlet of Greens Farms Brook and Sherwood Point, the island's southernmost extent.

    Approximately half a mile in length, Sherwood Beach can have three different colours of sand when conditions on Long Island Sound are right and its waves divide the grains into separate lines of red, black and white. Swimming is permitted from the beach.

    On a clear day, the views from Sherwood… read more »

  • Ferry Beach // Maine

    Ferry Beach
    ©Gary Lerude

    Ferry Beach runs for several hundred glories yards on southern Maine's Saco Bay before its soft pale sands blend with those of Bayview Beach. Although relatively narrow, Ferry Beach is still a popular place to soak up the sun or take a dip in this part of the Atlantic Ocean. The adjoining state park features picnic benches, walking trails and a cluster of unusual tupelo (black gum) trees.

    During the summer season (from the beginning of April until the end of September) changing rooms and restrooms are available. No dogs are… read more »

  • Goochs Beach // Maine

    Goochs Beach
    ©Wesley Fryer

    One of the best beaches in the US according to US News, Gooch's Beach lies between the rocky promontory known as Oaks Neck and the mouth of the Kennebunk River in southern Maine. Curving gently around its Atlantic frontage, the beach's waters are partially protected by breakwaters at either end, while its rich sand is backed by beachside properties.

    While only a few yards wide, Gooch's Beach stretches from roughly 600 yards, giving it the alternative name Long Beach. Its promenade is a favourite local spot to watch the sunset on… read more »

  • Ogunquit Beach // Maine

    Ogunquit Beach
    ©Mark Bonica

    Stretching for over three miles along the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches of Ogunquit are known for its white sand and crashing waves. The Main beach is easily accessible from the center of town via Beach Street and extends northwards for around a mile before seamlessly blending into Footbridge Beach. In general, the further north you head, the quieter it gets.

    Ogunquit beach maintains something of a wild feel as it is backed by the Ogunquit River Estuary. This haven for wildlife also makes a great backdrop for sunsets. Despite its… read more »

  • Short Sands // Maine

    Short Sands
    ©Fred Hsu

    Short Sands Beach stretches for around 300 yards within the oceanfront community of York, southern Maine. Despite its name, Short Sands Beach still manages to form a suitable fine ribbon of sand within Ellis Park. On the highest tides, Short Sands can all but disappear temporarily.

    Together with the park, Short Sands Beach provides amenities which include public restrooms, basketball courts, a children's sand playground and a grassy picnic area. During the summer months, lifeguards are also on duty daily. Benches can be found along the promenade running parallel to the… read more »

  • Wells Beach // Maine

    Wells Beach
    ©Bud

    Wells Beach stretches for almost a mile just south of the town of Kennebunkport. It was named Wells Beach after the small resort town nearby, which has been referred to as both the antiques capital and the friendliest town in Maine. It's believed to be the third-oldest town in the state, having been founded as long ago as 1643.

    The beach is particularly popular during the summer months, with visitors making use of the range of historic and modern hotels available. Many have direct access onto the sands via a short… read more »

  • Plymouth Beach // Massachusetts

    Plymouth Beach
    ©Davies

    Located in iconic Cape Cod Bay, Plymouth Beach stretches for 3 sandy miles along a narrow barrier island with water on either side. The barrier island protects Plymouth Harbor from the open ocean waves.

    It gets its name from the nearby town of Plymouth and Plymouth Rock. It was an early settler area for the Mayflower pilgrims who named it after their departure point in the UK - Plymouth.

    Although parts of the beach are privately owned, the larger part is owned and managed by the Town of Plymouth and is open… read more »

  • South Cape Beach // Massachusetts

    South Cape Beach
    ©Pintsmasher

    Stretching for about a mile, the near-white sands of South Cape Beach are a wonderfully wild yet accessible part of the Cape Cod coast. Beyond the dunes the beach backs onto an area of wetlands and the estuary of Waquoit Bay. Out front are the sheltered waters of Vineyard Sound, a far cry from the Atlantic waves to be found along the Cape Cod National Seashore.

    Along with swimming and sunbathing the most popular pastime on South Cape Beach is fishing. This is a great place for beach casting with striped… read more »

  • Longnook Beach // Massachusetts

    Longnook Beach
    ©Ollie Jones

    One of Cape Cod's top nudist beaches, Longnook Beach is located in the Massachusetts town of Truro. Although situated in one of the most popular oceanside resorts on the American east coast, it remains relatively quiet because it can only be accessed via a steep path down a high sand dune.

    Formed of a narrow band of light-coloured sand, the waves are usually mild, making it a good spot for a dip in the Atlantic or for riding the waves on a boogie board.

    During the summer season there are basic… read more »

  • Nauset Beach // Massachusetts

    Nauset Beach
    ©DC_Rebecca

    Running along the Atlantic east coast of Cape Cod, between Coast Guard Beach and Chatham Harbor for around 10 miles, Nauset Beach is the longest on the cape. This beautifully pristine stretch of fine, near-white sand is backed by low grassy dunes for much of its length giving it a wild feel.

    Much of the year this part of the coast is pretty quiet. You can often go for long bracing walks along the shoreline and barely see another soul. Whilst you may not see many people at Nauset outside… read more »

  • Veterans Park Beach // Massachusetts

    Veterans Park Beach
    ©William DeSousa-Mauk

    One of Cape Cod's prettiest beaches near Hyannis, Veterans Park Beach has excellent facilities and delightful views across Lewis Bay.

    Ideal for families, there's a playground, BBQ grills, disabled facilities, benches, bike racks, showers, lifeguards, restrooms…in fact everything you need for a full day's activities. There is also plenty of parking in the area for a fee.

    The beach is moderately busy but rarely overcrowded. There's a volleyball court and the all-important snack bar serving burgers, drinks and ice cream. The broad sands are ideal for sandcastles or just relaxing on a… read more »

  • South Beach // Massachusetts

    South Beach
    ©William Waterway

    Beautiful South Beach (also known as Katama Beach) is a free public beach in the Katama area of Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. Washed by the Atlantic waves, the 3-mile beach is on a barrier island with rolling surf on one side and calm pond waters on the other. The surf is good for body surfing but youngsters are safer swimming in the pond.

    The wide expanse of unspoilt sand has lifeguards on duty in the summer season and there are restroom facilities but no concessions or refreshments. You have to bring… read more »

  • Gay Head Town Beach // Massachusetts

    Gay Head Town Beach

    Many continue to call Gay Head Town Beach by its original name, although Gay Head Town has been known formerly as Aquinnah (meaning ‘land under the hill') by its population of 440 since 1997. At the end of Massachusetts' famed island of Martha's Vineyard, the beach is best known for its dramatic cliffs and the ocean views they deliver.

    Designated a National Natural Landmark by the US National Park Service, Gay Head Town Beach is also known as a focal point for the culture of the Wampanoag people. Its waters have… read more »

  • Menemsha Beach // Massachusetts

    Menemsha Beach
    ©N. Friedler

    Located on the exclusive island of Martha's Vineyard, Menemsha Beach is northeast of Menemsha Pond between Aquinnah and Chilmark. It is home to the local US Coastguard Station and featured in the filming of Spielberg's epic movie, Jaws.

    This public beach is one of the white sandy beaches that the island is known for. It overlooks the channel of ocean known as Vineyard Sound with views to Gay Head Lighthouse and the Elizabeth Islands including Nashawena Island. The quaint fishing village of Menemsha provides a scenic location with fishing boats unloading… read more »

  • Cliff Beach // Massachusetts

    Cliff Beach
    ©Tim Sackton

    Located on the north-facing coast of Nantucket Island overlooking Nantucket Sound, Cliff Beach is north of Town Pasture and close to Nantucket Cliffs which stand about 11 metres high.

    The white sandy beach is edged by dunes with tracks providing access to the sand. The easiest public access is from Nantucket Beach Club and then walk west.

    You can still see the remaining two conical white towers known as the Nantucket Cliff Range Lights which are 1 km east of Nantucket Cliffs. Originally built in 1908, they helped ships safely find the… read more »