New England Beaches

• Beaches must NOT have high-rises, hotels, or boardwalks on the waterfront.
• Preferrence givien to warmer swimming waters, therefore a bias to So. NE.

The Top 10 New England Beaches

1. Horseneck Beach, Westport, Massachusetts

A Southern New England, SE Mass favorite. At eastern Rhode Island Sound and the western mouth of Buzzards Bay, this beach may be the largest, northernmost public beach with the warmest water during mid-summer. With a mild surf you can lounge in waves and body surf a bit. No stores, all beach. Lifeguards. Slight undertow, and a little sea weed never hurt anyone.

2. South Beach, Katama, in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard

Beautiful, but steep sandy beach with some wave action for body surfing. Not cold; possible undertow. Lifeguards. Take a long walk from Katama/South Beach west on sandy beaches.

3. Town Beach, West Island, Fairhaven, Mass.

Known by the locals and [West] Islanders, this small cresent-shaped gem offers great swimming in calm waters. Swimming best at high tide. If you don't want to drive, then go by boat: at the western heart of Buzzards Bay, facing Falmouth. Take a nature walk, see the estuaries and birds on the uninhabited "back-side of the island". Sunrises on Town Beach; sunsets at the causeway. Find your peace here.

Buzzards Bay: the warmest swimming in New England.

4. First Beach, Newport, Rhode Island

Happiness is - a beach close to downtown Newport. Great swimming!

5. Second Beach - any & all of the beaches in Middletown, Rhode Island

These are the coolest beaches. Nice scenic drives on the way there. Go to any where you can get a parking space. Surf, swim or nature walk. Newport is next door for mansion-hopping, dinner, ice cream, or night life.

6. Truro & Wellfleet, Cape Cod

Facing the Atlantic, the beauty of the Cape Cod National Seashore dunes is stunning, and surf-fishing relaxing. The water is cold, and Cape traffic a hassle.

7. Nantasket Beach, Hull, Mass.

The first major, clean beach south of Boston. Easy to get to for folks in the metro Boston area. The water's chilly, but who cares when it's sunny. Walk to nearby attractions, shop, and people-watch.

8. Rockport, Cape Ann, Mass.

Departing from the southern, warm-water, sandy beach theme on this page, picturesque Rockport stands out. Home to: pebble beaches, pounding surf on rock breakers and cliffs, scenic Motif No. 1, lobster restaurants, fishing, and whale-watch cruises. Check out the Rockport beaches link.

9. Moshup, Martha's Vineyard

Walk east on uninterrupted sandy beaches. Join in with the nudists as you wish.

10. Nauset Beach, Orleans

Wonderful beach, sand dunes, seals off shore. Perfect Cape Cod Beach

External Sources

1. Beware the Rip-Tide. See NOAA EDUCATES BEACHGOERS ON HOW TO BREAK THE GRIP OF THE RIP and Rip Current Safety.
2. See copy of text from "Your Perfect Beach", By Janice O'Leary and Stephen Jermanok, The Boston Globe, May 21, 2006.
3. See Boston.com and The Boston Globe's Explore New England.
4. See Explore New England's Special Feature on Beaches, and Summer in New England.
5. Check out northern New England's best beach at GrampysBeach.com
6. "Best Beach in New England for 2012" is Ogunquit Beach in Southeastern Maine, as voted by YANKEE MAGAZINE in their most recent issue (July/August). See Yankee Magazine for pictures. If bringing your dog, checkout the Dolphin Den pet-friendly inn

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