The Best Coastal Towns in New England for a Classic Summer Escape

If there’s something that New England gets right, it’s charm—and nowhere is that more visible than in the region’s beautiful coastal towns. The classic, nostalgic vibes at every turn have kept me coming back to these small villages and hamlets for years and, once you visit one or two, you’ll probably feel the same.

Walking past boats bobbing in the harbor, on historic streets through walkable downtowns, enjoying summer heat during the day but a cool breeze every night, eating your way through as many lobster rolls as you can…It’s, in my opinion, summer perfection.

But not all coastal towns in New England are the same. Some are more charming and traditional than others. So where should you go to soak up all the delightful Americana goodness? Here are some top suggestions across the region.

Bar Harbor is likely one of the most famous coastal vacation towns in New England, with visitors descending upon the town throughout the summer, including cruise ship passengers—and for good reason. Don’t let the potential for crowds scare you, though. I’ve vacationed here in mid-summer with no issue; you just have to do a little planning ahead, getting your reservations lined up and putting together a flexible itinerary.

So long as you stay in the main tourist hub, you’ll be able to walk around Bar Harbor with ease, whether you plan on spending your day visiting historic sites, going out on a boat tour, shopping, etc. The main thoroughfare boasts a large number of shops and restaurants.

If, though, you want to visit Acadia National Park, you will need to arrange for transportation or have your own vehicle. It’s well worth the extra effort. The national park not only offers hikes that are suitable for most skill levels, but also a one-of-a-kind beach: Sand Beach.

To the south, Newport, Rhode Island, shines in all of its Gilded Age glory. You’re going to want to set aside plenty of time to see the historic mansions here, as well as taking in the views from the picturesque Cliff Walk.

Newport admittedly isn’t as compact as some of these other destinations, if you want to explore broadly, as well as visit the beach (there are a few beach options to choose from, too). That said, if you have a vehicle to get around, you can easily choose a central hotel and then drive to whatever area in which you’ll be spending the day, park, and then explore on foot from there before heading back to your room in the evening.

It’s also worth noting that, while some destinations further north may essentially shutter in the colder months, leaving you with less to do if you want to visit outside of peak summer vacation season, Newport remains vibrant and charming all through the fall and winter, including over the holiday period, when it’s decked out in all its Christmas finery.

Salem is technically a city, but it really does have a small-town feel. 

Yes, it is an excellent fall destination if you love tourism that’s on the spookier side of things. From haunted tours to all things witch trials, stopping into crystal shops to wandering historic cemeteries, you’ll find no shortage of ways to fill your time.

However, I’d urge you to consider Salem for a trip outside the fall months as well. This is a coastal city after all. There are nearby beaches and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Plus, if you visit outside September and October, you’re more likely to see fewer crowds.

Apologies to any stalwart fans of New Hampshire tourism. The state offers a ton to do and so many amazing experiences, but it’s not exactly the New England state with the most coastline to explore, so it’s only going to end up on this list once. That said, if you have your heart set on visiting the Live Free or Die state, but you want a coastal town, charming feel, consider Portsmouth.

Historic structures, local museums, shops, restaurants, and more give the area a small-town vibe, but all the while you’re within easy distance of city amenities, as well as the beaches of southern Maine. Visit the Portsmouth Harbor and the waterfront for dining with a view, and downtown Market Square for a walking tour.

In contrast, if we’re talking New England states that really stand out for the amount of coastline and charming coastal towns that deliver, Massachusetts really does earn a top spot (it may or may not tie with Maine, for me personally). When it comes to coastal destinations in Massachusetts, though, a lot of attention is put on Cape Cod and Nantucket (both great and worth the discussion!), but look beyond, and even beyond Salem, to somewhat lesser known (at least to the broader traveling public) Rockport.

Situated a bit north of Salem, Rockport is easy to access, walkable and offers lots of great beaches. Restaurants, shops and galleries are plentiful, as you stroll along the waterfront, with Rockport Harbor on one side and Sandy Bay on the other. Rockport is also home to one of the country’s oldest art colonies, and so the arts scene is vibrant, with more than 30 galleries.

If you’re deterred by the popularity of Bar Harbor, consider the slower pace that you’ll find in Camden, Maine. Camden is still a premiere Maine seaside destination, but things are a bit quieter, without sacrificing any charm.

Visit the High Street Historic District with its grand homes, go hiking at Camden Hills State Park, take in the views of the beautiful boat-filled harbor, and make sure to take full advantage of the traveler-favorite dining scene.

The southernmost New England state, Connecticut may not be the first that comes to mind when you’re thinking of planning a New England shoreside getaway, but once you learn about Mystic, all that might change.

This wonderfully charming town (which you might recognize from the Julia Roberts film, “Mystic Pizza”—which, yes, is a real place) is probably most significant for its maritime history, which you can learn all about at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Also make a point to visit the Mystic Aquarium, and get out on the water, whether via a tour or on your own, with a rental. Shop for souvenirs at Olde Mistick Village and then consider a visit to the oldest steam-powdered cider mill in the country, BF Clyde’s. 

There are, admittedly, a lot of really charming towns and villages on Cape Cod, and you of course can’t overlook the main hub of all activity, Provincetown. However, if you want the most charming of them all, it’s generally agreed that Chatham has cute quaintness down pat.

You’ve got a walkable downtown, the architecture, the lighthouse and beaches. History is abundant, there are museums to go to and you can find a wide range of shopping along Chatham’s Main Street.

It’s classic, iconic, and an excellent choice on the Cape.

When you talk Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine, it’s important to realize that these neighboring villages, divided by a river, are so close together that you can experience them both during one vacation. As such, there’s no reason to choose between the two.

Take advantage of all that both destinations offer, including myriad beaches, scenic cruises, historic sites, and the many great restaurants and historic inns and bed and breakfasts. Love a good tour? Kennebunk offers a free walking tour (called Museum in the Streets), for an at-your-own-pace exploration of the area’s history and traditions. Culinary tours are available via Maine Day Ventures and whale watching tours are also on tap.

You’ll quickly see why Kennebunkport and neighboring Kennebunk were presidential favorites.

Situated off Cape Cod, to get to Nantucket, you’ll take the ferry to the island and then you’ll be free to explore the many beaches and attractions. One highlight is the Nantucket Whaling Museum, as well as the Brant Point Lighthouse. Explore on foot but also don’t pass up the opportunity to check out the scenic cycling paths, when you rent a few bikes. (You can also rent a boat, if that’s more your speed.)

This classic, small beach destination is quieter and definitely affluent, and boasts some truly excellent beaches. The village is actually surrounded by water on three sides, including the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound. Beaches and the main street are within walking distance of one another (kind of hard not to be, as the village is technically less than one square mile), and Watch Hill can lay claim to one of the oldest carousels in the country, at Bathing Beach.

Taylor Swift also owns a home in Watch Hill—and that’s a stamp of approval that I can get behind.