Ocean Beaches
1. Reid State Park, Georgetown, ME
Reid State Park beaches are long strands of brown sand backed by high dunes – the antithesis of the “rocky coast of Maine.” Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach have lifeguards, changing rooms, and snack bars in summer. Swim safely along stretches sheltered from the ocean by sand bars, or break out the surf boards for more exposed parts of the beach.
Adm
2. Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA
This 7-mile (11-km) stretch of copious white sand is one of New England’s most picturesque swimming beaches. Pack binoculars; Crane is legendary for its diversity of bird species, although some nesting grounds may be off-limits between May and early August.Adm
3. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT
More than 2 miles (3.2 km) of brown sand beaches lapped by the gentle waves of Long Island Sound lure summer swimmers and sunbathers in droves, but Connecticut’s longest shorefront park also boasts an excellent nature center at Meigs Point. Fishermen stake out positions here early for excellent bluefish and striped bass fishing.Adm • Camping late May–mid-Oct
4. Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly, RI
One of the most popular family beaches in New England, Misquamicut (miss-KWAHM-i-cut) packs intense summer entertainment into a relatively short stretch of white sand. Most rides, amusement stands, and food kiosks open only late June to August and some fall weekends, but the beach is accessible all year. Parking lots fill early on summer weekends.Adm
5. Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH
Small, decorous state beaches dot Hampton’s shoreline, but the main village beach is easily the most raucous, with outdoor concerts, sandcastle competitions, a flurry of summer activities, and a strip of souvenir shops and casual eateries. In summer the town is bilingual, reflecting its popularity with Quebec vacationers. Swimming is good, but surf from offshore storms can make it challenging.
6. Ogunquit Beach, Ogunquit, ME
A 2-mile (3.2-km) cove lined with brown sand, Ogunquit Beach is well served by a summer trolley system that makes parking a cinch. The south end of the beach terminates at romantic Marginal Way, a clifftop walking path through thickets of roses to the shops, restaurants, and copious art galleries of Perkins Cove.
7. Easton’s Beach, Newport, RI
Surfers swarm the sands of Easton’s, just below Newport’s Cliff Walk, when the winds turn around from the northeast and waves crash along the eastern end. But even when the surf is up, the west end remains a terrific swimming beach for children – assuming you can tear them away from the historic carousel. Surfboard, beach chair, and bathhouse rentals available in summer.Adm
8. Old Orchard Beach, Old Orchard, ME
Old Orchard has been a razzle-dazzle resort beach since trains first ran here in 1842. Three miles (5 km) of main beach guarantee plenty of room for sunbathing, swimming, kite-flying, and sandcastle-building. Shops, amusements, and rides ensure no one ever gets bored. In summer there’s also a lively bar scene.
9. Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, MA
Arguably the best swimming beach on Cape Cod, Coast Guard Beach marks the beginning of the 30-mile Great Beach of the Cape Cod National Seashore. A long and generous slope of sand leads down to the ocean, so the beach is never crowded. Stroll southward onto Nauset Spit to watch shore birds in summer, seals in winter.Adm
10. Old Silver Beach, Falmouth, MA
This beautiful beach overlooking Buzzards Bay has warm summer waters, low waves, and a very gradual drop-off, making it an ideal swimming spot for young kids. Half the beach is reserved for Falmouth residents; the other half is open to all. Facing west over the ocean, Old Silver has some of New England’s most spectacular sunsets.Adm
