Planning a trip to the New England coast, and wondering where to find the most beautiful and charming towns? Well, I’m so glad you’re here, and you’ve found the perfect place. Hi! My name is Sam, and I’ve been exploring the New England region for over 10 years. I’ve spent a lot of time over countless adventures in this area to scout out the absolute best places along this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Two places that are very much worth your time that I didn’t include on this list are Boston and Portland. Why? Well, because you’ve probably already heard of them, and they’re likely already on your radar. While many of the other places on this list are also well-known, I wanted to focus on everything but two of the most well-known cities in New England.
This list is a culmination of all my travels along the coastline, and while it was very hard to narrow it down to just 15 places, these are all absolute the prettiest and most charming towns along the coast I’ve found over the years hat are just packed with New England character. And not only are they beautiful, they also offer lots of wonderful things to do during your visit to make them especially worth your while.
Ready to find out what they are? Let’s get started!
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The Absolute Best Towns To See On The New England Coast
1. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is most definitely one of the best New England islands to visit, and it’s also one of the most idyllic places to experience in the region. The historic downtown is lined with cobblestoned streets and independent shops, and outside of downtown, you’ll find gorgeous beaches, rose-covered cottages, lighthouses, and so much beautiful scenery everywhere you go. I always describe it as stepping into a picture-perfect New England postcard.
Nantucket sits just off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and to get there, you’ll need to take a ferry or fly to the island (but most people arrive by ferry). Once you arrive, I always recommend you spend some time downtown, then head over to ‘Sconset to do the Bluff Walk and see Sankaty Lighthouse, and if you can, catch a sunset at Madaket Beach before heading over to Millie’s for dinner and drinks. Oh, and of course, get an ice cream at Juice Bar 😉
Where To Stay On Nantucket:
→ The Wauwinet: Where to stay for secluded luxury with all the amenities.
→ The White Elephant: Where to stay for luxury in-town.
→ Union Street Inn: Where to stay in town with a cozy inn feel – voted the best small hotel in the U.S. by TripAdvisor!
Here are a few of my guides on Nantucket to help you plan your trip:
2. Edgartown, Massachusetts
Located on Martha’s Vineyard, which is the other island off the coast of Cape Cod, Edgartown is my personal favorite of the six towns on the island. It’s where I recommend most people stay when visiting Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s home to one of the best beaches on the island, as well as the beautiful Edgartown Lighthouse, and a charming downtown area with great shops and restaurants.
Not only that, Edgartown is the most picturesque town on the island, and is also lined with historic brick streets, white picket fences, and houses with beautiful gardens. It’s a treat just to walk around and admire all the houses.
Also in Edgartown is South/Katama Beach (it goes by both names 😉), which I think is the best, or at the very least, one of the top 3 beaches, on the island. This 3-mile long barrier beach is absolutely beautiful, and a great place to catch a sunset, too.
Lastly, Edgartown is home to Chappaquiddick Island, which is filled with unspoiled nature and Cape Poge lighthouse – this little town really has it all!
Where To Stay In Edgartown:
→ Harbor View Hotel: Where to stay for luxury and a water view in one of the best towns on the island.
→ Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites: Where to stay within walking distance to shops and restaurants, and many rooms have a water view.
→ The Winnetu: Where to stay within walking distance to one of the best beaches, with a modern but homey resort feel.
Here are a few of my guides on Martha’s Vineyard to help you plan your trip:
- Ultimate Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Guide
- Best Things To Do On Martha’s Vineyard
- Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket For A Day Trip
- How To See Martha’s Vineyard Without A Car
- Best Beaches On Martha’s Vineyard
3. Newburyport, Massachusetts
This is a lesser-known destination along the New England coast, and let me tell you – every time I recommend Newburyport to someone, they report back that it was such a pleasant surprise on their trip!
Technically a city just under an hour north of Boston, Newburyport offers the best of two worlds: relaxing beach destination on Plum Island, and charming downtown area in Market Square. In fact, if you’ve read through this website a bit, you’ll know that Newburyport is one of my all-time favorite towns for shopping in New England.
Filled with beautiful streets, historic charm, incredible shops, fantastic dining, and a beautiful water front park, Newburyport definitely feels like it’s the set of a Hallmark movie more than anything. And if you drive just a few minutes outside of downtown, you’re on the beautiful Plum Island peninsula, which has sandy beaches, wildlife preserves, and stunning, unspoiled scenery.
Where To Stay In Newburyport:
→ Blue – Inn On The Beach: The only hotel on Plum Island, this awesome beachfront, boutique hotel is a vacation all on its own.
→ Compass Rose Inn: This traditional New England-style inn is located within walking distance to everything in Newburyport, and breakfast and afternoon treats are included with your stay.
Psst! I have an entire guide on things to do in Newburyport and Plum Island, if you need even more ideas 😉
4. Ogunquit, Maine
Most definitely one of the best beach towns in New England, Ogunquit is home to Ogunquit Beach, which is also a top beach in all of Maine (and New England!). But what makes this one of the best towns to visit along the New England coast is all the amazing things to do in addition to the gorgeous beach.
But let’s start with the beach 😉 Stretching for over 3 miles, the beach is sandy and pristine, and while the water is a bit chilly, it’s perfect for swimming on a hot day. A just a short drive away, you’ll also find Footbridge Bridge, which is equally as beautiful.
But the actual town of Ogunquit is packed with New England charm, too. The walkable downtown is filled with lovely shops, eateries, and art galleries, and its small size allows you to pack a lot in during a weekend getaway without feeling rushed. And the best part? The town and beach are close to one another, and you can walk to both!
Lastly, my absolute favorite thing about Ogunquit is Marginal Way, which is a pedestrian walkway that hugs the coastline and stretches for just over a mile one-way. This path connects Ogunquit’s downtown with an adorable village called Perkins Cove, which offers a small sampling of adorable shops, restaurants, and you guessed it – more idyllic scenery!
Where To Stay In Ogunquit:
→ Anchorage By The Sea: Where to stay right on Marginal Way with coastal views.
→ Terrace By The Sea: A more affordable alternative to Anchorage, this cozy hotel is walkable to the beach, and also has a beautiful wrap-around porch with distant ocean views.
→ Cliff House: Where to stay outside of Ogunquit for the ultimate coastal escape that’s just a short 10-minute drive away. I list this as one of the top New England Resorts & Spas, so I wanted to give you this option, too.
Psst! I have an entire guide on why Ogunquit, Maine is worth visiting, if you’re looking for more inspiration 😉
5. Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport was made famous by President Bush, and let me tell you – it lives up to the hype. With an incredibly picturesque downtown area, amazing hotel options, beaches, nature trails, and wonderful dining, Kennebunkport really has it all, and is a fantastic destination to not only visit in Maine in the summer, but in all the seasons, too. It continues to be a favorite destination in southern Maine that I love to go back to time and time again.
Kennebunkport is divided into two sections: Downtown/Dock Square, and the beaches. So while they aren’t walkable to each other, they’re also not far, making this an easy trip to take to experience both.
You can also take a quick drive over to Cape Porpoise, which is a small village in Kennebunkport where you’ll find a few cute shops, restaurants, and quintessential coastal New England vibes.
Where To Stay In Kennebunkport:
→ Captains Collection: A group of historic homes-turned-inns, all walkable to town.
→ Cottages at Cabot Cove: A property of adorable, independent cottages right on a cove with free use of their row boats, and breakfast delivered to you daily.
→ Tides Beach Club: Where to stay further out from town, but right on the beach!
→ Hidden Pond: Where to stay outside of downtown that feels like an authentic Maine escape in the woods.
6. Bar Harbor, Maine
Known for being the town closest to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is also one of the most charming coastal towns in New England, and is one of the top vacation destinations in Maine. While Acadia is definitely the main reason to head up this way for the iconic coastal views and stunning scenery, Bar Harbor is more than worth visiting while there, too.
The town is also where most people choose to stay when visiting the park, and there’s a reason for that: the colorful downtown is filled with tons of restaurants to choose from, cute shops, great hotels, and wonderful coastal scenery. It’s also a great launching pad for several boat tour options, including sunset cruises and whale watch tours.
And then, of course, you’re just a few minutes away from everything Acadia National Park has to offer, including incredible hikes, scenic drives, and so much more.
Where To Stay In Bar Harbor:
→ Bar Harbor Inn & Spa: Where to stay right in Bar Harbor that’s walkable to everything, with lots of amenities and water views.
→ Inn On Mount Desert: Where to stay on a moderate budget that’s walkable to everything in town, offers a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, and feels homey.
→ Bar Harbor Villager Motel: Where to stay on a budget that’s walkable to everything in town, with spacious, updated rooms.
Here are some more of my guides on Acadia and Bar Harbor you may find helpful:
- The BEST Acadia National Park Itinerary (3, 4 & 5 Day Options!)
- Best Places & Towns To Stay When Visiting Acadia National Park
- Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park
- Day Trips From Bar Harbor
- Bar Harbor, Maine In The Winter
7. Block Island, Rhode Island
Located just off the coast of Point Judith, Rhode Island, Block Island is such a beautiful destination to visit when exploring this area. I first came here years ago with my husband to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and I loved it so much that I continue to go back.
At only about 9 square miles, this island is pretty small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for it with beautiful beaches, gorgeous views, a quaint downtown, and wonderful nature trails.
When you arrive on Block Island, the ferry terminal is located in the heart of town, so you won’t have to go far to explore the lovely shops and restaurants. But the real beauty of the island is in the surrounding areas. I highly recommend checking out the views from the Mohegan Bluffs staircase, visiting the unspoiled Mansion beach, grabbing lunch with a view of the harbor at The Oar, and walking out to North Lighthouse.
Where To Stay on Block Island:
→ The 1661 Inn: Where to stay close to shops and restaurants, with awesome views of the water.
→ The Atlantic Inn: Where to stay close to shops and restaurants with a cozy inn vibe.
→ Ballard’s Beach Resort: Where to stay in town that’s right on the beach, and best for those who want a party scene.
Psst! I have an entire guide on taking a Block Island day trip, which includes a lot of helpful information for your visit 😉
8. Camden, Maine
Located along Maine’s Midcoast, the small town of Camden is incredibly picturesque and one you’ll definitely remember. Built around a beautiful harbor and known for its sailing tours, this quaint town is filled with maritime charm, and also offers lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Walking down Main Street in town feels a bit like an escape from reality, and you’ll find wonderful independent shops and eateries to choose from. It’s also just a few steps over to the harbor, where you can sit and relax while admiring the sail boat bobbing in the water.
Camden is backdropped by Mount Battie, which is located inside Camden Hills State Park. If you’re looking for adventure, the park offers tons of hiking trails to enjoy, and it also has an easy auto road you can drive to the top of Mount Battie for an incredible bird’s eye view of the harbor below.
Where To Stay In Camden:
→ Camden Harbour Inn: Where to stay that’s walkable to town, and wonderful dining right on-site!
→ 16 Bay View: Where to stay in the heart of town with an awesome rooftop terrace overlooking the harbor.
9. Lubec, Maine
Located in the northeast corner of Maine, Lubec is a pretty far drive for most people exploring the New England coastline. But if you’re willing to make the drive, it’s so worth it.
Lubec is a small and authentic fishing town along the coast, and it’s just a few minutes from the Canadian border. In fact, you can see Canada pretty clearly when you walk around town! With its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful coastal scenery, it feels miles away from the rest of Maine.
Lubec is also home to a gorgeous lighthouse, and even more stunning nature trails to explore, too. West Quoddy Lighthouse is an iconic red and white striped lighthouse that sits overlooking the Quoddy Narrows, and is nestled in Quoddy Head State Park. There are absolutely amazing nature trails just a short walk from the lighthouse, so be sure to spend some time exploring during your visit.
Also in Lubec is even more hiking that I personally think is almost as beautiful as some of the views you’ll find in Acadia. I think you’ll be especially impressed by the Boot Head Preserve and the Hamilton Cove Preserve trails. Both of these offer views of the dramatic Maine coastline – have your camera ready!
Where To Stay In Lubec:
→ Inn On The Wharf: The best place to stay with ocean views! Casual vibe with an on-site restaurant.
Psst! I have an entire guide on why Lubec, Maine is worth visiting for even more ideas on what to do!
10. Rockport, Massachusetts
Located in the North Shore region of Massachusetts near Gloucester, Rockport is a town you really don’t want to miss along the region’s coastline. Made famous by Motif 1, which is the iconic red fishing shack known as the most painted building in the U.S., Rockport’s unique atmosphere and fishing village scenery makes this town worth a stop.
While small, Rockport is filled with lots of things to do, including the wonderful Bearskin Neck. This street is the heart of town, and is lined with colorful independent shops and art galleries that feature handmade, artisanal gifts and unique finds. At the end of Bearskin Neck is the beautiful breakwater, which you can walk out onto, and enjoy views of the harbor from a different perspective.
There are also beaches, Halibut Point State Park, boat tours, and kayaking adventures to enjoy during your visit!
Where To Stay In Rockport:
→ The Cove at Rockport: Modern coastal vibe that’s also cozy, and right on the water!
→ Addison Choate: Boutique hotel just a short walk to town, and includes breakfast and afternoon treats!
Psst! I have en entire guide on things to do in Rockport, MA to help you plan your visit!
11. Newport, Rhode Island
Known as the City by the Sea, Newport is famous for its impressive Gilded Age mansions and history, which is only one of the reasons it makes my list of the best coastal towns in New England.
Located on Aquidneck Island, Newport is still accessible by car via Newport Bridge. And once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with beautiful maritimes scenery, historic streets and architecture, opulent mansions, an incredible culinary scene, and wonderful shopping.
During your visit, exploring downtown is a good place to start. Bowen’s Wharf is a must for shopping and iconic Newport views, and then head over to Thames Street for awesome shopping. Before leaving, be sure to walk Cliff Walk, which is a stunning pedestrian path along the coast which offers some of the best water views in town, and cruise along Ocean Drive at sunset.
Where To Stay In Newport:
→ Castle Hill Inn: Where to stay for luxurious seclusion with all the amenities, and walkable to Castle Hill Lighthouse.
→ Chart House Inn: Where to stay right in Newport that’s historic, walkable to everything, and loaded with charm (plus a great breakfast is provided!).
→ The Brenton: Where to stay right in Newport that’s walkable to everything, and offers harbor views and a newly renovated, modern vibe.
Psst! I have an entire guide on taking a Newport, RI day trip, which includes a lot of helpful information for your visit 😉
12. Mystic, Connecticut
Sitting along the Mystic River and Mystic Harbor, this adorable little town is so much more than the movie 😉 With coastal vibes at every turn, it really appeals to everyone with history, a charming downtown, idyllic scenery, wineries nearby, and lots more.
The Mystic Seaport Museum is a leading maritimes museum in the U.S., and here, you can climb aboard tall ships and feel as though history has come to life. Much of the museum is outdoors along the river, which makes for a wonderful afternoon during your visit.
The Aquarium is another popular attraction that’s worth your time, and the only place in New England to see Beluga whales!
Just outside of town, you can hop over to Olde Mistick Village, which is a unique shopping destination packed with charm and whimsy, and then drive to Stonington and explore the beautiful wineries.
Where To Stay In Mystic:
→ Whaler’s Inn: The best hotel that’s walkable to everything in town, and offers a mix of modern and traditionally-decorated rooms. Fantastic restaurant on site, too!
→ Taber Inne & Suites: A more affordable option just outside of town center that’s very cozy.
Psst! I have an entire guide on visiting Mystic, CT for even more fun things to do when you’re there!
13. Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Whenever I drive along Maine’s coast, I always have to stop in Boothbay Harbor. This quaint town showcases quintessential coastal Maine scenery, and has a unique atmosphere that will probably make you fall in love with it as much as I have 😍
Boothbay Harbor is pretty small, which is part of the appeal. Most everything is walkable around town, which is built around the beautiful harbor, and connected by a lovely little pedestrian walking bridge that provides wonderful views of the water and town.
But my favorite thing about this destination is the opportunity for lots of different boat tours. Departing from the harbor, you head head out for sunset sails, day charters, wildlife tours, and lobster trap cruises. And having done boat tours around Boothbay, I can attest to how gorgeous the New England coastal scenery is once you head out onto the water.
Just a short drive outside of town, you can also explore the beautiful Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which is most definitely worth a visit!
Where To Stay In Boothbay Harbor:
→ Harborage Inn on the Waterfront: Right on the water with some rooms offering panoramic views of the harbor. Very short walk to downtown.
→ Spruce Point Inn: Where to stay outside of downtown for a more secluded resort feel that’s very relaxing.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor during your visit 😉
14. Marblehead, Massachusetts
A truly underrated town along the New England coast, Marblehead is a quaint and cozy historic destination lined with cobblestone streets, and is home to a beautiful harbor, a charming downtown, and lots of nostalgic nautical vibes.
Rooted in seafaring history, you’ll find lots of 17th-century architecture in the historic district, which is such a treat to explore. But even if history isn’t your thing, Marblehead some something that appeals to everyone. You’ll find beaches, waterfront parks, cute shops, and great restaurants to enjoy during your getaway.
A few of my favorite things to do when visiting is taking in the sunrise from Castle Rock, enjoying the views from Chandler Hovey Park, walking through Old Burial Hill (where scenes from Hocus Pocus were filmed!), and shop on Main Street and at Shubie’s market.
Where To Stay In Marblehead:
→ Harbor Light Inn: One of my all-time favorite New England inns! Historic, cozy, upscale but relaxed, and is walkable to most everything in Marblehead. Just a very short walk to shops and dining on Main Street.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best things to do in Marblehead, MA during your visit!
15. Provincetown, Massachusetts
I wanted to end this list with one of my absolute favorite towns along the New England coast, which is located at the verrrrrrrry tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts – Provincetown.
Of all the places on this list, I’ve visited Provincetown the most, as I’ve been coming to Cape Cod since I was a kid. Provincetown, even in my earliest memories, continues to stick out as one of the most unique and beautiful places in the northeast. It’s vibrant and lively, while simultaneously relaxed, beachy, and casual. It’s also home to two Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, which are some of the best in the area.
Known as a haven for artists and the LGBTIQA+ community, Provincetown has a very welcoming and special atmosphere that I’ve never found anywhere else. It’s also packed with coastal charm around every corner, and offers fantastic dining, shopping, and art galleries to explore.
Where To Stay In Provincetown:
→ Crown Point Hotel & Spa: Where to stay in the heart of town that’s adults-only, and has a pool, hot tub, and spa, with breakfast included.
→ Salt House Inn: Where to stay that’s walkable to town, but tucked away on a quieter, residential street. Both historic and modern, they also offer a wonderful breakfast with your stay.
→ White Porch Inn & Art Hotel: Walkable to everything in town, this beautiful inn is a wonderful option. Breakfast is included and delivered to your room each day, and they also host seasonal wine hours on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best things to do in Provincetown during your visit 😉
Honorable Mentions!
While exploring the New England coast, you’ll also want to see if you can swing over to these towns because I think they’re very much worth your time, and many of them are close to the the places I mentioned above:
- Lots of towns around Cape Cod, including Chatham, Wellfleet, and Harwich Port
- Salem, Massachusetts
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- York, Maine
- Plymouth, Massachusetts
What’s The Best Way To Explore New England’s Coast?
To explore the New England coast, you’ll need to have a car, as public transportation around this area is not conducive for tourism. If you’re sticking to cities like Boston or Portland, you’ll be able to get around with public transportation, but once you’re outside the cities, a car is necessary.
If you’re flying in, I recommend flying into Boston Logan International Airport, and renting a car directly from the airport. If you’re planning to spend some time in the city, fly into the airport and make your way into the city without the car, and then pick it up on your way out.
Best Time Of Year To Explore The New England Coast
The New England coast is best explored June – late September, as this is when you’ll experience the best weather, and all the seasonal businesses like seafood shacks and boat tours will be open.
The busiest time along the coast in this region is July and August, which is considered the high season. During these months, you’ll find the biggest crowds, and the highest prices for accommodations. Do I think it’s worth it? Yep! I love visiting the coastline this time of the year, especially the beach towns, because as mentioned, everything is open, and the weather is perfect for swimming.
That said, if swimming isn’t a priority, and you’re hoping to avoid some of the crowds, I love to recommend visiting late May, June, and after Labor day until mid-October. It’s good to know that there are many places along the coast that are seasonal, so boat tours and some restaurants may not open until Memorial Day or early June, and boat tours usually begin to run mid to late May through Indigenous People’s weekend in October.
Best New England Coastal Towns To See In The Fall
Planning a fall visit? I love it! And as mentioned, October is a nice time to visit the New England coast, while saving some money on hotels, and avoiding a lot of the crowds. There are some really great coastal towns that put on stunning displays of fall foliage, so you can get the best of both worlds. Here’s where I recommend visiting along the New England coast in October where you can also see fall foliage:
- Camden, Maine
- Boothbay Harbor, Maine
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Newburyport, Massachusetts
- Marblehead, Massachusetts
- Kennebunkport, Maine
The Best Beach Towns Along The New England Coast
Just because it’s along the coast doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great town for beaches, so that’s something to keep in mind! Maine, for example, has some beautiful beaches, but much of the coastline is very rocky, and the same can be said for parts of Massachusetts.
In my opinion, these are the absolute best beach towns along the New England coastline that offer great beaches for sun, sand, and swimming:
- Ogunquit, Maine
- Provincetown, Massachsuetts
- Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Edgartown, Massachusetts
- Block Island, Rhode Island
Which New England State Has The Prettiest Coastal Towns?
While most of the New England states have beautiful coastal towns (except Vermont, since it doesn’t border the Atlantic!), I personally think Maine and Massachusetts have the prettiest towns along the water. Additionally, these two states have the most options when it comes to exploring idyllic towns along the coast, as well as top things to do in all of New England.
Tips For Planning A Trip To New England’s Coast
→ Cell phone service is generally reliable, but I still recommend off-lining Google Maps before your trip, as there are places along the coast that are cell phone dead zones. Better safe than sorry!
→ Even if you visit in the summer, be sure to pack some lightweight, warm layers like sweaters or jackets for the evenings, and plan to take these with you on any boat tours. It’s always chillier by the water, especially if you’re out on a boat.
→ Know that New England is generally more expensive than a lot of other areas around the U.S., so hotel rates are often more than people realize. During July and August, there’s a pretty high risk of sticker shock! But know that it’s all worth it.
→ If you get seasick, be sure to pack Dramamine, or whatever you use, if you plan to hop on a boat.
More posts you may enjoy:
- Summer In New England: Where To Go & What To Do!
- Incredible Stops To Make On A Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park Road Trip
- Fun Stops To Make Driving Boston To Portland, Maine
- The Most Perfect 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary
- My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Places To Visit In New England
That’s A Wrap On The Best Towns On The New England Coast
And there you have it! That’s the inside scoop on the best towns to visit when exploring the New England coast. Needless to say, there are so many gorgeous places in this area that are incredible charming, offer tons of things to do, and will provide you with some of the best scenery this region has to offer. Happy planning!
