Beach Vacation Ideas in New England

Miles of unspoiled coastline, white sand, and beautiful dunes are what make Crane Beach in Ipswich MA, the perfect slice of paradise. This gorgeous stretch of beach opens at 8am daily, closes at sunset, and requires a $25 parking fee upon entry on weekdays.

Take a refreshing dip in the water, build a sandcastle, or walk through the beach’s beautiful 5.5 miles of coastal dunes and observe the natural wildlife. Crane Beach is known as one of the most popular nesting sites for the Piping Plover bird, so if you’re lucky enough, you may get to catch a glimpse of this threatened species while walking through the dunes!

This stretch of beach is also home to a pitch pine forest, so be sure to bring your hiking shoes and hop on the Castle Neck trail to enjoy a scenic and unforgettable walk.

Thankfully, Crane Beach is owned and maintained by Massachusetts’ Trustee of Reservations, which ensures that it and its facilities remain sparkling clean for visitors to enjoy for years to come.

If you are looking for a luxurious and convenient place to stay, the nearby Inn at Castle Hill is a great option for you and your family.

This cozy and historic bed and breakfast offers 10 luxury rooms, all with breathtaking views of the salt marshes, sand dunes, and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy comfortable beds, delicious breakfasts, and an attentive staff throughout your stay. Hiking, boating, and whale watching activities can all be booked through the front desk.

Explore Unique Beach and Coastal Lodging in Massachusetts

Narragansett Beach in Narragansett, RI is another popular New England beach destination that features long stretches of unspoiled coastline.

You can sit back, relax and enjoy the ocean view, or enjoy a nice walk on the soft, white sand until you make your way to the stunning Narragansett Towers, a popular and historic event venue that dates back to the 1880s.

Luckily the beach is just a stone’s throw away from the center of town, so after you’re done soaking up the sun enjoy a pleasant walk to downtown Narragansett for shopping, dining, or some sightseeing.

Another great Rhode Island beach is Easton’s Beach located in Newport, RI, which is the city’s longest stretch of public beach. This bustling surfer’s beach is ¾ miles long and features a boardwalk, a 1950’s style carousel, the Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium, and plenty of areas to picnic and grill.

For a delicious meal, head on over to the Easton’s Beach Snack Bar, which features the famous Twin Lobster Roll as well as other delicious seafood options.

If you want to get a little closer to nature, Easton Beach is a great place to begin the well-traversed 3.5-mile Newport Cliff Walk, which guides hikers along Newport’s coast. During the walk you can take in views of the city’s Gilded Age mansions, and of course, the Atlantic.

A great nearby option for family-friendly lodging is The Attwater, located in the central historic district of Newport. This uniquely designed boutique hotel features 17 individually and eclectically designed rooms with complimentary iPads and Apple TV.

Make sure to head on over to the front desk to inquire about activities such as stand up paddle boarding, boating, and sailing.

Find The Perfect Rhode Island Beach Vacation

If you’re considering Cape Cod for your next family vacation, a visit to the Cape Cod National Seashore is an absolute must. This national park was officially established in 1961 by John F. Kennedy and encompasses a total of 43,607 acres including ponds, woodlands, and beachfront.

Visitors to The Cape Cod National Seashore are treated to an abundant mix of wildlife, cultural landmarks, and rich Cape Cod history for an unforgettable family vacation.

To fully enjoy all that the park has to offer, be sure to block at least a few days off to explore. The Chatham Bars Inn in the city of Chatham is a great place to rest your hat, and provides you direct access to this national treasure.

This luxury seaside resort sits on ¼ of a mile of Cape Cod coastline and offers lavishly adorned guest rooms and private suites.

When you’re ready to explore, the resort offers a tour of the National Seashore, which departs every 30 minutes from its pier. A private shuttle will take you to and from the outer beach, which has been named one of Cape Cod’s most beautiful barrier beaches.

The park also provides ranger-guided programs during the summer that guide visitors on walks, canoe trips, campfires, educational tours, and much more.

Discover Cape Cod Lodging and Vacations

Long Sands Beach in York, ME is another great family-friendly beach option in New England. This beach offers 1.5 miles of white sandy coastline and is a popular tourist attraction from mid-June until Labor Day.

The beach is nestled between the villages of York Harbor and and York Beach, and is a popular spot for surfers for its excellent waves. Grab a kite, build a sandcastle, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the silky soft sand. York’s famous Nubble Lighthouse can be seen in the distance from the beach shore, and if you decide to take off on foot to see it, it’s only a short 30-minute walk away.

If you have some more time on your hands and want to explore beyond the beach, York's Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park is less than a mile away and offers an array of landscaped exhibits, rides, food, and a gift shop.

The zoo’s butterfly kingdom is an especially unique exhibit, and features a number of colorful species from Central and South America.

Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport is another Maine staple that dishes up miles of white, sandy coastline. Managed by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, this beach is offers a slightly more private experience than Long Sands, with wide, uncrowded stretches of pristine, sugar soft sand.

If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, the Kennebunkport Inn is just a short drive away and offers all of the amenities to ensure you and your family have an excellent vacation. Located conveniently in the heart of Kennebunkport’s Dock Square, which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment, guests get the perfect mix of town and beach.

Be sure to stop by the front desk to book an activity such as boating, fishing, or golf.

As you can see, options for the New England summer getaway are endless. Between its sandy beaches, national parks, and great food, you’ll be sure to find a great mix of activities to create the vacation of a lifetime. Don’t hesitate, and book your next summer vacation in New England today!

Unique Maine Beach Vacations and Lodging