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Best Small Beach Towns To Visit This Summer in New England

Jun 02, 2021 02:48PM ● By Kaitlyn Malone
After the winter and being cooped up in our houses, we welcome summer and the call of the ocean as it tells us to relax, take off our shoes, and walk on the sandy shores. There are so many delightful beaches and beach towns nearby to take your pick from. Getting out and exploring one of these charming beach towns is an excellent way to hit that reset button and refresh yourself. Breathe in that fresh sea breeze and stretch in the sun. Whether you want to pack in many activities like surfing, shopping in art stores, and riding a carousel by the ocean, or want to take it easy like relaxing on a beach and eating delicious food, we found some excellent options for you!

Here are 5 of the best small beach towns to visit this summer!

Ogunquit, Maine

This town has gorgeous 3.5 miles of white-sand beaches that are rare compared to the typically rocky Maine shoreline. You can also look into Ogunquit Beach ‘n’ Sport
for all your beach rental needs like chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards. Ogunquit also has the Marginal Way cliffs that you can traverse while taking in lovely views! The town is very pedestrian-friendly, and it's easy to explore the adorable antique shops, the art galleries and check out the theaters. There are many great wine bars and cafes to grab a coffee and stroll around town. The food is excellent, and you must go into a lobster shack or two. Ogunquit also has a summer trolley if you are inclined to take a ride and absorb the charm while gliding through the streets.


Newport, Rhode Island

Newport has a thriving music scene which is bolstered by their famous Newport Jazz festival this summer during the month of July! This town has historic Gilded Age mansions on Newport's Cliff Walk that takes you across beautiful coastal bluffs that look out over the water. A great beach in Newport is called Easton’s Beach, also known as First Beach. This is a family-friendly location with a stretch of sand to run and play on. Be sure to pick up a lobster roll at one of the vendor stands and some lemonade to wash it down! You can also explore the town's harbor side, which has lovely brick sidewalks and colonial architecture around Bowen’s Wharf.


Kennebunkport, Maine

A summertime beach town favorite is Kennebunkport. It has beautiful beaches to relax on and walk barefoot on soft sands. Goose Rocks Beach is an excellent one to choose and is within walking distance to the iconic lobster fishing village called Cape Porpoise. There are also many great places to surf and kayak here. The town of Kennebunkport has the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge with great walking trails and wonderful views! This town has beautiful New England architecture, charming craft stores, and delicious food. As you stroll around Dock Square, you can take your pick of fresh local seafood!


York, Maine

York is one of the oldest towns in the country, originally settled in 1624. This place has a lot of history to immerse yourself in as you take in the sights and enjoy York Village, York Harbor, and York Beach. Beach enthusiasts will love the beaches here. Long Sands beach is popular for its amusement park atmosphere! It has many shops, great restaurants, a playground, an arcade, and a carousel! If you make the trip, you have to check out the Golden Rod candy shop that’s been around since 1896 and watch them make their saltwater taffy as you munch on your own sweet treat.


Rockport, Massachusetts

There is so much to see and do in this beach town! Downtown Rockport has adorable colorful shops and art galleries. You must visit the iconic red fishing shack at some point during your time here. There are fantastic breakfast spots in this town and a great way to start your day! After breakfast and a walk through the streets, you can pick one of the beautiful beaches to relax on. You can make your way to Front Beach or try a hidden gem called Cape Hedge Beach, which is on the quieter side. It is recommended to bike to this beach. After your beach time, you might be ready for more food and can try one of the many great restaurants Rockport has to offer, like Roy Moore Lobster Co.


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