The 20 Best Hotels in New England for Beach Lovers

Join Yankee magazine as we take a tour of some of the famous, and not-so-famous, seaside destinations in New England. Discover where your next vacation or weekend excursion will take you.

Castle Hill Inn, Newport Rhode Island

Join Yankee magazine as we take a tour of some of the famous, and not-so-famous, seaside destinations in New England. Discover where your next vacation or weekend excursion will take you.

Is there anything better than the sound of the ocean? Every New England beach has its own distinct rhythm. They ebb and flow with the tides, change subtly from dawn to dusk, and soothe our souls. From the rocky shores of Maine to the warm, sandy beaches of Rhode Island, there may be no greater luxury in New England than spending a night sleeping by the ocean, letting the sound of the waves lull us into slumber. In the era of steamboats and trains, our New England beaches were dotted with seasonal beachside lodging. Some of these jewels survive, and some new ones have popped up amid the cookie-cutter motels and pricey rentals. Look closely and you’ll find these sandcastles, brimming with charm and situated so you can walk from your door to the beach and into the shimmering waves. And though most of these sandcastles have four walls, one of our favorites is a 255-acre island that boasts 270 campsites. You won’t find electricity or running water at this campground (though they are located close by). You will, however, find secluded campsites that overlook the Atlantic Ocean, hiking trails through woods and meadows, and plenty of summer memories. Of course, you don’t have to sleep outdoors to enjoy a beach vacation. One Cape Cod resort is home to a golf course, tennis courts, four restaurants, a secluded spa, a fleet of sailing, fishing, and tour vessels, and nearly 200 guestrooms. On any given day, you may find a buffet-style lobsterbake at the inn, watch seals sunbathe on a sandbar, or enjoy the sunrise over the sea as a nearby fishing fleet heads out. Provincetown, Massachusetts And in case Cape Cod isn’t on your itinerary, but you still want that exciting resort energy, one New Hampshire location is known for free concerts, sand-sculpting contests, and plenty of fried dough. And since this section of New Hampshire shoreline is rated one of the cleanest beaches in the country, you don’t have to worry about getting powdered sugar all over your swimsuit; just jump into the water. Sometimes, though, we want to escape the activities and spend a few quiet days and nights breathing in the salt air and letting the water wash away our cares. That’s exactly the ocean vibe you get at this beachside B&B in Rhode Island. Wake up each morning to a generous buffet breakfast, then take in expansive ocean views as you sit on the wraparound porch enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres. And you never have to worry about feeling crowded, since there are only nine rooms (one with an Aquatic Serenity air tub)! Is your sunscreen packed yet? Can’t you already hear the splashing waves? Find out where all 20 of our favorite beach escapes are, in Sandcastles by the Sea: Favorite New England Beachside Lodging! In Sandcastles by the Sea: Favorite New England Beachside Lodging you’ll discover a quiet, family-friendly beach that’s been a favorite for generations of beachgoers. You can read about a seasonal Cape Cod motel that offers sweeping water views and its own private beach, or find out where you can bask in the luxury of an inn built in 1874 atop an oceanside bluff. Some of these spots may not be as famous as others, but they still fill up fast, so if you want to find out where they are and start planning your summer vacation, you’ll have to read Sandcastles by the Sea: Favorite New England Beachside Lodging. With your Yankee All-Access Charter Membership, you can start planning your summer vacations right away. Look through our Yankee Special Collection: Summer Destinations to discover the perfect getaway, the best lobster roll, the local favorites, and the wonders that make New England so special. We’ll share our favorite day trips, weekend getaways, beach destinations, and more all across New England. It’s never too early–or too late–to plan your New England summer. Find out more in our Yankee Special Collection: Summer Destinations! From a hidden lake in Vermont to a bucolic beach town in Massachusetts, or an antique-shoppers paradise in Connecticut to the lobster shacks of Rhode Island, and from the lakes of Maine to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, you’ll discover what makes summer in New England so special. Our Yankee Special Collection: Summer Destinations takes you across New England to explore the wonderful world that we call home. With your Yankee All-Access Charter Membership, you have full access to everything in the Yankee Special Collection: Summer Destinations, including: New England Beach Houses on Water [preview_boilerplate]