Coastal New England

When it comes to charm, postcard-worthy sights, pristine beaches, and lobster rolls, nothing can beat New England. It’s a place where you can enjoy long, lazy days by the beach, hike up the cliffs along the rugged shorelines, or explore historic sites, and shop local delights. The region is home to some of the most charming and quaint seaside towns, villages, and ports. It’s a really hard choice, but after a long debate, here are our favorite places in coastal New England state by state, cruising from Connecticut up toward the coast of Maine. (Don’t worry, Vermont lovers! We’ll cover a lot of Vermont back roads throughout the upcoming fall and winter seasons). Without further ado, here are our choices:

Mystic, CT

One of the country’s most historic ports and home of the world’s largest maritime history museum, Mystic is the classic coastal town with some of the most picturesque New England scenery.

Conveniently located between New York City and Boston, Mystic conjures old-timey vibes and a great mix of classic seaside activities — Main Street boats with amazing eateries, cafés, and shops. Pick up some local delights from the chic boutiques downtown, and be sure to explore the Olde Mistick Village. No visit to Mystic is complete without checking out Mystic Seaport Museum recreating a 19th-century fishing village. There is so much history around every corner in this beautiful coastal town. Film buffs might remember the 1988 movie “Mystic Pizza” starring Julia Roberts.

Stay at the quaint Mermaid Inn of Mystic, just blocks to downtown shops and restaurants, with beautiful views of the Mystic River.

Newport, RI

Newport, Rhode Island is the classic New England summer retreat. Its Gilded Age mansions will transport you to another time. And, you will surely enjoy the historic architecture with its Gatsby-style glamour, the yacht-filled harbors and its fresh seafood, and quaint beaches. Make sure to visit the National Museum of American Illustration and do not miss the two famous festivals that happen in Newport — the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival. 

Stay at the Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina on Goat Island, and take in the magical views of Narragansett Bay with a cocktail in your hand. The same as its sister location in Montauk, Gurney’s Newport offers top-notch amenities, like an outdoor saltwater pool, a full-service spa, and a lounge with fire pits.

Nantucket, MA

Nantucket is the quintessential New England town, and much of life here is spent on or near the water. It’s not so much a coastal town as an island town, with centuries of history and lots of things to do, to see, and explore. Nantucket will spoil your senses with its infinite beauty. The pristine beaches have some of the clearest waters in New England.

There is a wide variety of incredible restaurants and lodging options to choose from — antique shops, art galleries, and upscale shopping. When you walk the cobblestoned streets you’ll feel the magic of Nantucket. Summer is the best season to explore the island of Nantucket. 

But, it is worth noting that this idyllic town is a great place to visit any time of the year, and a permanent source of inspiration for those who love nautical style all year long. Stay at the legendary White Elephant, which has graced Nantucket’s waterfront since the 1920s. Read more about what this incredible resort has to offer for the whole family, including pet-friendly areas.

Portsmouth, NH

The Granite State has a small seacoast — only 13 miles long — but every inch of it is worth seeing. And the best of it (in our humble opinion) is Portsmouth, the third oldest city in the country. Settled in 1623, Portsmouth is incredibly rich in history and cultural attractions, so you should take the time to explore this jewel of New Hampshire.

History buffs can take a self-guided walk along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail and explore its 70-plus historic and scenic sites. Another must-see is the history museum Strawbery Banke — perfect to explore during the summer because it’s outdoors. The best way to explore Portsmouth ison foot. Take a walk around town to see the exquisite Victorian, Georgian, and Colonial architecture. Then, cruise up the Piscataqua River and explore the beautiful harbor with its scenic views. There are plenty of lodging options to choose from, but for an  authentic experience, we recommend staying at Portsmouth Hotel, a place where vintage meets modern.

With some of the most iconic locales in New England, perfectly located facing the river which divides Maine and New Hampshire, visiting Portsmouth is like taking a step back in time. 

Ogunquit, ME

The most northeastern state in the country is also one of the most beautiful. With a tidal shoreline longer than California’s, Maine has it all — beautiful, rugged coastlines; pristine beaches; some of the oldest lighthouses in the US; a huge list of lobster shacks serving the finest lobster rolls; art galleries, and the cutest antique shops. An entire summer on the coast of Maine still isn’t enough to see everything, so choosing one single coastal town seems unfair. If we must, though, our winner for a perfect summer getaway in Maine is Ogunquit.

Located on Maine’s southern coast, close to Kennebunkport (another Maine coastal treasure) and nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River, Ogunquit is majestic from every angle. Ogunquit literally means “beautiful place by the sea” in the native language of Algonquin Indians, and it’s become the town’s motto. The three-and-a-half miles of pristine beaches truly epitomizes the charm of New England coastal towns.