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