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Are you planning a New England trip and want to visit the prettiest coastal towns? You’ve come to the perfect place!
New England has some of the best coastline in the United States.
From the beaches of Connecticut and Rhode Island up to the rugged shores of Maine. It’s dotted with harbors, lighthouses, lobster shacks and some truly beautiful seaside towns.
Here are 14 of the most beautiful coastal towns to visit in New England.
⚓ 1. Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic is one of the most famous seaside towns on the Connecticut coast.
Set on the Mystic River, it’s kind of a Connecticut version of Key West. It has a lively downtown with loads of bars and restaurants, a historic lifting drawbridge, and many attractions.
Mystic Aquarium is one of the best in the country and definitely worth your time. You can also visit the Mystic Seaport Museum and for a more unique stop, Olde Mistick Village.
Grab a slice at the famous Mystic Pizza (yes, the one from the movie!) and some fish and chips by the water, and you’ll see why it’s such a favorite.
🏝️ 2. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is an island about 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod.
The only way over is by ferry, and the trip across is part of the experience.
It was once a busy whaling hub, and that history has left it beautifully preserved. Expect cobbled lanes and weathered grey-shingled cottages at every turn.
Spend time exploring the historic town, where the streets are lined with independent shops and restaurants.
For a beach day, head to Jetties Beach, which is closest to town, or Madaket Beach, which is known for its sunsets.
🦞 3. Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is one of the best coastal towns in Maine.
The center of it all is Dock Square, lined with independent shops, galleries and places to eat. It’s a nice spot to browse and grab a bite.
From there, follow the waterfront and watch the fishing and pleasure boats come in and out of the harbor.
Set aside time for a drive down Ocean Avenue too. It winds past grand oceanfront mansions, including Walker’s Point, the summer compound of the Bush family, which you can see from the road.
And you’re on the Maine coast, so a fresh lobster roll is a must before you go!
⛵ 4. Edgartown, Massachusetts
Edgartown is the prettiest town on Martha’s Vineyard. Here you’ll find elegant white whaling captains’ homes making it picture-perfect.
Downtown is walkable which is very convenient as you can have a little wander.
Take your time browsing the boutiques and cafes, then walk out to the Edgartown Lighthouse for lovely water views.
If you’d like to explore further, hop on the little ferry across to Chappaquiddick Island. It only takes a few minutes and it’s a fun thing to do.
🏔️ 5. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, though it’s a beautiful spot in its own right.
Its downtown is packed with shops, cafes and lobster shacks, perfect for a wander.
For the best views, take the Shore Path along the water. At low tide, you can also walk across the sandbar to Bar Island.
Most people base themselves here to explore Acadia. Make sure you drive the Park Loop Road or head up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the US East Coast.
🧙 6. Salem, Massachusetts
Just north of Boston, Salem is one of the most famous towns in the United States.
With its famous witch-trial past, it’s the perfect place to visit if you love history.
Start on the waterfront at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, then wander the historic streets and visit some of the museums.
Make sure to leave time for the Salem Witch Museum if you’re interested in the town’s history.
Salem is atmospheric year round, but it’s at its most fun in October, when the whole town celebrates Halloween.
🚢 7. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a small, historic port city on the New Hampshire coast.
Start at Market Square, where you’ll find independent shops and restaurants. It’s a great spot for a coffee and a wander.
Make sure to visit Strawbery Banke, a living-history museum with restored homes and costumed guides.
From there, take a stroll along the waterfront on the Piscataqua River.
🌊 8. York, Maine
York is a classic southern Maine coastal town and a great spot for a relaxed seaside day.
Spend some time at York Beach and Short Sands, both lovely for a swim or a walk.
Make sure to visit the Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick. It sits on its own little rocky island and it’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country.
⛵ 9. Milford, Connecticut
Milford is a coastal town in Connecticut. Unlike Mystic which is very busy, Milford is a lot more chilled.
It has a pretty downtown that’s easy to walk around, with lots of independent shops to browse and great coffee shop options.
Also, fun fact, it has one of the longest greens in New England!
Head down to Milford Landing Marina. It’s a lovely spot for a walk along the water.
Make sure to visit Silver Sands State Park too. At low tide, a sandbar appears and you can walk across to Charles Island. Just keep an eye on the tides as they come in fast!
🏖️ 10. Charlestown, Rhode Island
Charlestown is a low-key beach town on the Rhode Island coast.
The main draw is Charlestown Beach. As you drive to the beach, you’ll pass rows of houses up on stilts, which makes the whole place even more magical.
I would also recommend going to Dave’s Coffee, just off Route 1. The coffee is excellent and there’s a lovely garden tucked away at the back.
Before you leave, head to Ninigret Park to track down the two giant troll sculptures. It’s a short, easy loop around the pond to find them.
⛰️ 11. Camden, Maine
Camden is one of the most beautiful towns on the Maine coast, where the mountains meet the sea.
Start at the harbor, which is full of classic windjammer sailboats. It’s a lovely place to sit and watch the boats.
Make sure to head up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park. You can drive or hike, and the view over the harbor and islands is stunning.
Back in town, take a look at the falls in Harbor Park too.
🏛️ 12. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is Rhode Island’s crown jewel, famous for its Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers and Marble House.
Make sure to walk at least part of the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path with the ocean on one side and the grand mansions on the other.
From there, drive along scenic Ocean Drive and explore the buzzing harbor and Bellevue Avenue.
🎨 13. Rockport, Massachusetts
Rockport is a lovely little town on Cape Ann, north of Boston.
Its most famous sight is Motif No. 1, a red fishing shack that’s said to be the most painted building in America. You’ll spot it right on the harbor.
Make sure to wander Bearskin Neck, a narrow peninsula packed with shops and galleries set in old fishing shacks.
🎭 14. Provincetown, Massachusetts
Right at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a lively and artsy town surrounded by beaches and dunes.
Start on Commercial Street, the main drag, full of galleries, shops and restaurants.
Make sure to climb the Pilgrim Monument for the view over the town and the water. It’s the tallest all-granite structure in the country.
From the harbor, you can also head out on a whale-watching trip. It’s a colorful, fun place to end a Cape Cod trip.
🗺️ Map of these New England Coastal Towns
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