BEST BEACHES IN NEW ENGLAND
It is undeniable that New England has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the U.S. From the sandy Cape Cod beaches, to the red, rocky shoreline of Acadia, there is something special about the Northeast corner of the country.
I have been up and down the coast, and am breaking down some of the best/prettiest beaches in the New England region, and what makes them so special!
Steps Beach, Nantucket, Massachusetts
This beautiful spot is hidden away, down a small path that is nestled in a quiet neighborhood of Nantucket. As you can guess by the name, there are wooden steps that you take down, past the boat shacks and the beach flora, that lead you out to the sand. When I was there in early September, it was warm enough to swim, but the beach was nearly deserted. A lovely, quiet corner of the Island. TIP: the ocean waters in New England are at their warmest, August/September, so if you go just after Labor Day, everything is a lot less busy, and you can still swim!
Corn Hill Beach, Truro, Massachusetts
There are beaches galore along the nearly 600 miles of Cape Cod coast, but one of the real gems is Corn Hill Beach. It is on the inside of the Cape, which makes the waves a bit more calm and peaceful compared to the outer arm. The beach sits between the beautiful blue water, and the tall beach grass, and there is a lovely backdrop of a small hill, peppered with quintessential New England coastal homes.
North Hampton State Park Beach, North Hampton, New Hampshire
This one is a mouthful to say, but what a beach! N.H. has only 9 miles of coast, but this little beach stands out as a “must visit”. Much quieter than the rowdy Hampton Beach just south, North Hampton State Park Beach is full of surfers, families, and the cutest, colorful beach shacks you ever did see! There is a blend of sand and rocks along the shoreline, and views north show off the large, historic homes along the water. Jump just across the street for an ice cream cone as big as you face from Beach Plum!
OGUNQUIT BEACH, OGUNQUIT, MAINE
This busy beach is one of my favorites. The sandy spot sits out on a spit of land, accessible by bridge, and overlooking the rocky coast to the south. Along that rocky coast in the Marginal Way, a beautiful path that provides views of the main beach, and leads you out to the tiny Ogunquit lighthouse.
TIP: take you swim gear to any of the tiny beaches all along the Marginal Way for less crowds, and a more peaceful atmosphere.
If you bring inner tubes, you can put in up the river, behind the main beach, just past the footbridge, and float all the way back to the ocean as the tide goes out!
Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
The beautiful summer spot, tucked away on the southern end of Acadia National Park is perfection! The water is unbelievable blue/turquoise for a New England beach, and is the perfect place to spend a warm afternoon.
TIP: Take the climb up the Beehive Trail for unbelievable views out to the beach. Then, once you are all sweaty from the hike, head to the beach to cool off in the water!
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