If you’re visiting the northeastern part of the United States and looking to spend some time down on the coast, there are many different beaches for you to enjoy. Read on to learn about the top beach locations in the northeast, as well as details on the amenities, features, and unique advantages of each beach.
Long Beach - Long Island
Located out on Long Island, Long Beach is so named due to the fact it runs for no less than three miles in total, stretching out along the southern shore of the island.
It's a prime spot for New Yorkers, with lots of crowds gathering here on sunny, summer days. In the middle of the week, however, Long Beach can be almost entirely empty.
So, no matter whether you're looking for a cozy, intimate setting to spend some quiet time with your loved ones or more of a lively vibe, you can enjoy it at this northeastern beach.
You'll find play areas, restrooms, stores, and concessions in the Ocean Beach Park area.
Boothbay Harbor - Maine
Step out onto the golden sands of Boothbay Harbor and you'll feel like a million miles away from the smoke and grime of the city streets. A wonderful place to kick back and relax, this little coastal New England town has a few different beaches to enjoy, all offering wonderful views and soothing experiences. Lots of great private rental accommodation and hotels can be found around Boothbay Harbor to extend your stay and the waters are always filled with boats of various shapes and sizes, so it can be lovely and even romantic to simply sit or stroll along this northeast beach and watch the world go by.
Madison - Connecticut
Not far from New Haven and quite easily accessible from local major cities like New York and Boston, Madison is one of Connecticut's truly precious gems. This little coastal town has some of the very best stretches of sand in the entire state. It looks out over the Long Island Sound, with lovely views in every single direction and a lot of nice amenities and high quality restaurants nearby.
For now, tourists haven't really heard of this place, so the vibe is quite laid-back and quiet on Madison's beaches most of the time, but we can expect word to start spreading about this little treasure in the not so distant future.
Coopers Beach - Long Island
Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches not just in the Northeast, but in all of the United States of America, Coopers Beach is located on Long Island and features some really silky smooth sands and a lot of fun activities. Live entertainment, including outdoor concerts, can be enjoyed at this beach on a regular basis, and the area is decorated with some incredible upscale residences belonging to the rich and famous.
The views are breathtaking, the dunes are a lot of fun to climb, the waters are just right for all kinds of activities, and the local area is replete with useful amenities and good eateries. In short, this Hamptons beach is one of the very best.
Block Island - Rhode Island
For a New England beach like no other, take the short ferry trip over to the picturesque Block Island. Stretching out to cover around 7,000 acres of land, this gorgeous island is home to some of New England's most wonderful and magical beaches.
Only a thousand people live here permanently, so if you come at a non-busy time of year, you'll feel like you basically have the place to yourself, but if you visit in the summer alongside the thousands of other tourists, you'll see Block Island in a whole new light, with a lively vibe and a lot of parties and activities going on at all times.
Stick to the southern shore if you want easy access to local stores, eateries, and other amenities.
Misquamicut State Beach
Misquamicut State Beach comprises miles and miles of beautiful beaches which offers a near-perfect vacation destination with activities to suit all ages.
The beach is made up of 4 areas, of which Misquamicut State Beach is one of the most popular. The beach is about half a mile long and features many useful amenities to enhance your visit. There are outdoor showers, shade gazebos and concessions selling food and gifts.
There is also a playground for children and beach wheelchairs are available. The beach offers great swimming and boogie boarding and there is a kayak launch close by.
Misquamicut State Beach, 257 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891
Wingaersheek Beach
Located at the end of Gloucester Street, off Route 133, this beautiful Gloucester beach with its tongue-twister name, is a popular attraction for beach lovers, known for its soft sand and crystal clear waters. One of the best features of the Wingaersheek Beach is a long stretch of sandbar which appears at low tide, enabling visitors to walk out for hundreds of yards.
The beach offers good amenities including a concession where you can buy food, drinks, and other beach necessities. However, no inflatable beach toys are allowed in the water while the lifeguards are on duty. There are restrooms and showers as well as a parking area.
Wingaersheek Beach, 232 Atlantic Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Maine is lucky to boast many wonderful beaches within about an hour drive north of Boston. One of these unforgettable beaches in Old Orchard Beach. The Old Orchard Beach community genuinely welcomes visitors and has been doing so for around 170 years. The beach stretches for 7 wonderful miles offering a plethora of fun activities for all ages including surf kayaking and jet skiing. Some come to just relax and soak up some sun while others are here for the restaurants and stores on the pier or to play beach games.
The beach is good for swimming and sun bathing and there is a lovely boardwalk where you can buy cotton candy and other holiday treats.
Old Orchard Beach, 2 Old Orchard Street, ME 04064
Weirs Beach, New Hampshire
Weirs Beach is the most popular NH beach in the Lakes Region, perfectly positioned on the northern corner of Laconia, on Lake Winnipesaukee.
More than just a beach, Weirs Beach is a local meeting place where everyone gets together to enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
The beach is just less than 700 feet long and 260 feet wide and the shallow waters are perfect for younger children to wade and play water games.
If you would like to get out on the water you can take a scenic cruise or rent a boat or kayak at the Winnipesaukee Pier. The boardwalk is also home to many entertainment outlets and restaurants.
Weirs Beach, 1 -239 Lakeside Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246
Coney Island Beach, New York
Offering everyone the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of New York City, Coney Island Beach attracts visitors all year round. In summer everyone comes to escape the heat of the city and to take advantage of nearly 3 miles of sandy beach for sunbathing and swimming.
There are also outfitters where you can rent kayaks or jet skis. Along the boardwalk you will find amusement park rides and a large playground.
In the cooler months the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk is packed with visitors enjoying fun attractions like the New York Aquarium, the Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink and the Maimonedes Park Baseball Stadium.
Coney Island Beach, Corbin Place to W. 37 Street, Boardwalk, Brooklyn, New York 11224
Kennebunk Beach, Maine
Kennebunk Beach is actually a long sandy coastal strip which is made up of 3 separate beaches namely Mother’s Beach, Middle Beach and Gooch Beach.
Mother’s Beach is a very family-friendly stretch of soft white sand which is perfect for children and their parents), offering great tide pooling at low tide; the small waves and shallow waters are great for wading.
Although there are no lifeguards on duty at this beach, it remains very popular with families. Middle beach has great shiny rocks to explore and Gooch Beach is popular with surfers, sun-bathers and walkers. You are allowed to walk your dog early in the morning or in the evening.
Kennebunk Beach, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Race Point Beach, Massachusetts
Located in Provincetown, Race Point Beach has been named as one of the 5 best beaches in New England. Of course, locals have known for years that they have a true gem on their doorstep.
The beach comprises a long strip of soft white sand at the very tip of Cape Cod and is named for the strong cross currents. Walkers have access to miles of soft sand and outstanding views in all directions.
Bathers and sun-bathers have access to facilities like showers and restrooms and hikers can set off on a dune tour to explore the historic Race Point Lighthouse.
In spring you have a good chance of spotting some Atlantic and Humpback Whales.
Race Point Beach, Provincetown, MA 02657
Easton's Beach, Rhode Island
Conveniently located just minutes from Downtown Newport, Easton’s Beach is a firm favorite in Newport, Rhode Island. You will find this broad, 3/4 mile beach at the north end of Cliff Walk, where it is locally referred to as First Beach. The rolling Atlantic waves make the Easton's Beach great for surfing and it is equally popular with sun bathers, castle-builders, picnickers and swimmers (lifeguards are on duty during the summer months).
There is a snack bar on the beach as well as clean restrooms and showers. During the off-season you are welcome to bring your dog to the beach for a run.
Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840, 401 745 5810
Singing Beach, Massachusetts
A half-mile stretch of sandy shoreline welcomes locals and visitors to Massachusetts’ Singing Beach. The fascinating name of this beach is derived from the fact that the sands seem to make a squeaking sound as you walk on them – this phenomenon is due to the specific size, shape and contours of the sand granules when it is slightly damp.
To find out for yourself if the sands really do sing you need to spend a day or two exploring this pretty beach which boasts an old-fashioned bath house, restrooms and snack bar which was built in the 1920’s.
There is a designated swimming area and lifeguards are on duty in season.
Singing Beach, 119 Beach Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
Ogunquit Beach, Maine
Set on the edge of a barrier island, Ogunquit Beach in Maine offers sun-seekers a near-perfect vacation destination where you can enjoy a wide range of coastal activities. In fact, this beautiful beach has been voted as one of the best 25 beaches in the US. There is a long stretch of powder-white sand (3.5 miles) where you can soak up some sun, relax, swim and enjoy the sounds of the crashing waves.
If you would like to be more active you can join a deep-sea fishing charter, do some sea kayaking, play a round of golf or go hiking. There are a wide variety of accommodation options in Ogunquit including resorts, hotels, B&B’s and vacation rentals.
Ogunquit Beach, 124 Beach Street, Ogunquit, ME 03907