The 10 Best Beaches in New England

Learn from the editors of Yankee, and from our readers, where the best beaches in New England are.

Have you ever wondered where to find the warmest water, or the least crowded beaches in New England? How about where to catch the best surfing wave, or the best bird-watching? The beaches that stretch along New England’s coastline beckon both locals and tourists to their sandy shores. With so many choices, how do you decide which of the best New England beaches are worth the trip? For the kids at heart, our pick for the best honky-tonk beach is a family favorite of New Englanders, generation after generation. At this beach in Maine, you can start with the small amusement parks; then move on to the carousels, arcades, and miniature-golf courses; top it off with cotton candy, fried dough, and, of course, fudge and taffy. Immersed in the carnival-like atmosphere, you almost forget there’s a beach here. And it’s a doozy. The legendary seven-mile-long sandy beach is also 700 feet wide, so you’ll always find a spot, even on the hottest day. For those who prefer the earth to the surf, you’ll love our pick for the best freshwater beach, a striking lake in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. As you approach, you will see the deep, dark glacial waters come into view, dwarfed by the majestic granite cliffs that stand almost directly across from each other.