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Mom and daughter sitting on the white sand beach
Winnetu Resort

Coast & Beaches

Got Coast?

If you’re looking to go where the water meets the land, New England is the place to be. All told, New England offers more than 6,000 miles of coastline from stem to stern. You’ll find sandy beaches, rocky coves, tidal estuaries, and, perhaps most importantly, plenty of opportunities to sample a New England classic: The lobster roll. 

Whale jumps in front of small boat as people watch from the deck

A Whale of a Time

Whale watching and New England go together like, well, a Red Sox game and hotdogs. From the bottom of Rhode Island, to the very tippy top of Maine, you’ll find guided tours that know just where to find these beautiful, awe-inspiring creatures. Humpback whales are most likely to show themselves, though sightings of Finback, Pilot, Minke, and Right whales are not uncommon. Plan your trip for the warmer months, since once the colder weather sets in, most whales head south in search of warmer waters. 



Discover more of what the ocean has to offer

Sunset on boardwalk over the ocean

Three Spots Not to Miss

The New England coast is so abundant and varied that it’s hard to know exactly where to start. We’re here to make your decision easier with three of our top picks. 

  1. Cape Cod National Seashore - Featuring 40-miles of beautiful sandy beaches, lighthouses and cranberry bogs. 
  2. Ogunquit Beach - A classic New England beach (and beach town) experience.
  3. Narragansett Town Beach - Enjoy a walk along the wooden pathways of the boardwalk.

If you like water, you’ll love New England paddling 

Destination Downeast

Maines 47,000-acre Acadia National Park is home to 120 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads, and 300 species of birds. Not to mention some of the most pristine coastline anywhere. 

Lighthouse on cliff above ocean

Light Your Way

There’s arguably no better expression of New England’s beauty, charm, history, and working culture than the nearly 200 lighthouses that still dot the coastline. The majority were built in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, and played a pivotal role in guiding ships safely through storms. Today, some are open to the public, offering stunning views of the surrounding ocean and landscape, as well as a very unique view into the history of the region. 



Discover more of New England’s history 

Never a Dull Moment

Here’s just a partial list of the things you can do along the New England coast: 

1. Picnic on the beach

2. Talk a stroll in the sand

3. Fish

4. Go paddling

5. Fly a kite

6. Eat lobster rolls. And ice cream. And french fries. 

7. Go whale watching

8. Surf! (Yes, it’s true: New England offers excellent surfing)

9. Swim

10. Visit a lighthouse 

11. Take a nap

12. Go for a scenic drive

13. Take a cold plunge

Looking for more water adventures? Check out this itinerary 

New England Inns & Resorts Association Gift Cards are redeemable at over 300 lodging properties all over New England and are available in the amount of your choosing. It’s the perfect answer to all your gift-giving needs.

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Planning the perfect New England vacation is easy with our exclusive offers. From family-time to romantic getaways, from the mountains to the beach, find the perfect trip anywhere in New England with a few extra perks.

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