The 20 Best Laid-Back Beach Towns in the Northeast

Looking for a great beach vacation? Maybe something a bit different than traveling down south or to the Caribbean? Consider the Northeast US. It offers so many amazing options. Stroll through quaint downtown marketplaces, indulge in fresh seafood, and soak up the sunshine with beautiful ocean views and sand between your toes up and down the northeast coastline. 

This guide dives into the best beach towns of the United States Northeast - Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. We explore eighteen of the best laid-back beach towns you can consider exploring, pinpointing what makes each one special. 

 

The Best Beach Towns in Maine 

Ogunquit 

Its name means beautiful place by the sea, with three miles of sandy beaches and ocean views. Downtown features a thriving arts scene, highlighting local artists in mom-and-pop coffee shops and pop-up galleries. It is also home to the Marginal Way, a nearly one-and-a-half-mile cliff walk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure you visit Perkins Cove, a cozy village of small shops and seafood restaurants. 

Kennebunkport

Famous for Goose Rocks Beach, a three-mile stretch of sandy shorelines between Timber Island and the northeast coast. The fishing village within Kennebunkport, known as Cape Porpoise, overlooks a historic harbor, still pulling in fresh seafood for restaurants in the main town.  

Bar Harbor 

Want to explore the ocean? Bar Harbor I one of the best beach towns in the northeast for whale-watching. This iconic area is situated on Mount Desert Island, adjacent to Acadia National Park, a destination worth its own vacation. Take a boat tour around the coastline, photograph panoramic views of Cadillac Mountain, or hike the Shore Path. The town has abundant maritime heritage, and you’ll likely hear stories and urban legends from locals with generations of families in the area. You also won’t find any shortage of restaurants and shops.

 

The Best Beach Towns in New Hampshire 

Hampton Beach 

Family-friendly at its best, this town features a long boardwalk on sandy shores, where travelers can watch weekly fireworks shows, indulge in delicious homemade crab cakes, and spend coins at old-fashioned arcades. The town thrives as a tourist hotspot with live music, street performers, and a lively atmosphere. It is festive, often decorated for major holidays with flashy decorations and vibrant colors. There are plenty of vacation rentals if you are bringing a large group. 

Portsmouth 

For history buffs, this town features well-preserved architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. The downtown area combines historic and modern, with winding streets and sidewalks between various boutiques, restaurants and bars, and one or two galleries that celebrate local artists. The Strawbery Banke Museum is a popular must-see, an old-timey “village” museum of historic houses, craft demonstrations, and fresh-baked goodies. 

Honorable mention: Lake Winnipesaukee for the fresh water beach lovers. 

 

The Best Beach Towns in Massachusetts 

Rockport (North Shore)

Famous for Motif Number 1, a red fishing shack that adds artistic appeal to the town, Rockport sits on Cape Ann in Massachusetts. The town is quaint with a creative background, and many make their living here selling handmade pottery, paintings, and other wares, usually with a nautical theme. There are a good number of restaurants and galleries. There are also many small shops. It is a great mix of something for everyone. 

Chatham (Cape Cod)

Dubbed the elbow of Cape Cod, this northeast beach town features beautiful beaches like Lighthouse Beach and Harding’s Beach. It is home to the iconic Chatham Lighthouse and historic Main Street, where the sidewalks are lined with cozy eateries and specialty shops. Chatham continues to be a family-favorite destination. 

Nantucket (Cape Cod Islands)

An upscale island that doubles as a paradise town, Nantucket features many well-preserved homes from the 18th century, cobblestone streets, and a unique Whaling Museum. To sunbathe and swim, travelers can visit either Surfside or Madaket Beach. Walking paths weave throughout the island, perfect for biking and hiking to watch the sunset from seaside clearings. Enjoy the view of the water and the marinas from one of the many ocean view bars and restaurants.

 

The Best Beach Towns in Rhode Island 

Narragansett 

This northeast beach town is known for local landmarks, like Point Judith Lighthouse, a traveler destination that offers history and adventure. Described as lively, Narragansett offers beachside relaxation, especially in the summer, and it has become a popular destination for families and beachgoers in Rhode Island. 

Watch Hill 

The Ocean House Hotel is a historic landmark in Watch Hill, while the rest of the town offers a relaxed atmosphere of charming bed-and-breakfasts, chatty locals, and delicious, fresh-made New England clam chowder. This town is well-known for its seafood, and there are half a dozen restaurants to choose from, several that boast ocean views while you dine. 

Newport

In Newport, most travelers come for Easton’s Beach and its sunshine and crystalline waters. However, the town offers a rich history of expansive, historic mansions, many that you can tour, and a harbor where you can dip your toes into the water off the docks. The city also has many shops and restaurants, which make it suitable for most people to enjoy.

 

The Best Beach Towns in Connecticut 

Mystic 

This maritime town features an old-world charm. Explore its history at The Mystic Seaport Museum, then see oceanic wildlife at the Mystic Aquarium. The downtown area offers the hubbub of a small city with shops and restaurants, but you can stroll the sidewalks overlooking the Mystic River. 

Old Saybrook 

Named a quintessential northeastern beach town, Old Saybrook is most known for Saybrook Point and Harvey’s Beach. The town is quiet and relaxed, offering tours of Saybrook Point Lighthouse and an otherwise peaceful seaside retreat. 

 

The Best Beach Towns in New York 

Montauk 

Travelers have said Montauk has a bohemian vibe. Its artsy downtown area is where street performers and artists peddle their wares. Hike the Montauk Point State Park trails or take a self-guided tour of the Montauk Lighthouse. 

Greenport 

This quaint town is located on Long Island’s North Fork and has a leisurely and relaxed atmosphere. Its focus is on beach life, with scenic views from the harbor, a handful of seafood eateries, and plenty of sandy miles to encourage seaside strolls. 

 

The Best Beach Towns in New Jersey 

Cape May 

This New Jersey beach town grew up in Victorian history, complete with well-preserved mansions and Victorian architecture. The bed-and-breakfasts accommodate travelers, and downtown hosts a few souvenir shops, but many love Cape May for its classic beach vibe. Folks would rather spend their days soaking up sunshine here than shopping or dining elsewhere. 

Ocean Grove

The Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove is a must-see. It hosts organ concerts, an annual choir festival, and Sunday worship services. The streets are lined with Victorian-style homes, and the beaches feature miles-long boardwalks with the occasional hotdog, pizza, or ice cream vendor nearby. 

Wildwood & Ocean City

If you want to explore a classic boardwalk experience, you can check out both Wildwood and Ocean City. The world famous Wildwood Boardwalk is 38 blocks (2.5 mile) long, packed with rides (amusement rides and water rides), attractions, restaurants, arcades, and more. The Ocean City boardwalk also stretches 2.5 miles and is packed with similar attractions. Both are situated along stretches of the Jersey Shore. 

 

The Best Beach Town in Delaware 

Rehoboth Beach 

This town is festive and lively, hosting annual seasonal events like the Rehoboth Beach Jazz and the Sea Witch Festival. Beachgoers flock here yearly for the one-mile-long Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Funland (an amusement park with arcade games, rides, and a haunted house), and the Delaware Seashore State Park wildlife paths and seaside trails. 

 

Experience the Charm of the Best Laid-Back Beach Towns in the Northeast! 

Northeast beach towns operate a relaxed, slower pace, invoking island and paradise vibes while catering to all types of travelers. When you seek adventure and serenity, or maybe a bit of both, northeast beach towns are the perfect destinations to make memories with your loved ones. 

Pack your bags and leave your worries on the back burner. Map out a road trip where you hit every northeastern beach along the coastline. The best laid-back beach towns in the northeast await your arrival! Make sure you have fun no matter where you go or what you do. It sure Beats Workin'!

 

Sources: 

https://www.strawberybanke.org/

https://jotzle.com/best-northeast-beach-towns/

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-laid-back-beach-towns

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-beach-towns-on-the-east-coast-8641088

https://northforker.com/2021/02/4-northeast-beach-towns-for-a-grown-up-spring-break/