10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England
Not sure which New England coastal towns to visit? Here are the 10 prettiest coastal towns in New England, from Down East harbors to Victorian island resorts.
By Tracey Minkin|Aug 08 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanWe picked the 10 prettiest coastal towns in New England, from Down East harbors to Victorian island resorts. These New England coastal towns are perfect for your next daytrip or weekend getaway. Have a look and see if you don’t agree.
10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England
Photo Credit : iStock.com/edella
Kennebunkport, Maine
Often named one the best coastal towns in Maine, Kennebunkport has it all. The Kennebunk River adds even more waterline charm to the small shops, elegant ship captains’ homes, and fishing ports of this vibrant Southern Maine town of 3,474.
Unique View: The quintessential fishing village of Cape Porpoise, Maine.
See More: From the river and harbor on Rugosa Lobster Tours.
Learn More: Exploring Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise.
Photo Credit : iStock.com/PictureLake
Bar Harbor, Maine
Some Maine coastal towns have an unfair advantage. Perched on Mount Desert Island at the gateway to Acadia National Park, this historic resort town still resonates with the Victorian splendor of bygone days, not to mention the backdrop of Cadillac Mountain.
Unique View: From Bar Island, which you can walk to at low tide (plan ahead).
See More: Lighthouse and National Park Tour via catamaran.
Photo Credit : iStock.com/jiawangkun
New Castle, New Hampshire
One of the loveliest New Hampshire coastal towns, this town of 968 residents at the mouth of the Piscataqua River is made up entirely of islands. The Victorian charm of the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel makes the setting even lovelier.
Unique View: Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
See More: From the water with Portsmouth Kayak Adventures’ tour of Little Harbor.
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Camden, Maine
The self-dubbed “Jewel of the Coast” is a well-deserved moniker, and this Mid-Coast harbor town of 4,823 on Penobscot Bay is tucked where mountains reach down to the sea.
Unique View: Three windjammers making this narrow harbor their home.
See More: From the water, on the Schooner Surprise.
Photo Credit : iStock.com/DenisTangneyJr
Newport, Rhode Island
Spectacular at every turn, from broad, sandy beaches to deep harbors bristling with schooners, racing yachts, and pleasure craft; from cozy Colonial taverns to opulent Gilded Age mansions.
Unique View: The twinkling span of the Pell Bridge just after twilight.
See More: From a historical point of view, with Newport History Tours.
Learn More: Check out our Guide to Newport, RI and the Newport Mansions
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Block Island Tourism Council
New Shoreham, Rhode Island
All of verdant, windswept Block Island, just 13 miles off Rhode Island’s southern coast, is technically New Shoreham, but it’s the Victorian harbor-front that makes landing here forever captivating.
Unique View: Granite-blocked Southeast Lighthouse, perched at one of the island’s iconic bluffs.
Rockport, Massachusetts | Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England
Rockport, Massachusetts
Artists love Massachusetts coastal towns, and Rockport in particular. Painters turned this fishing village into an art colony for a reason—it’s an inspiration. Perched at the tip of Cape Ann, there are rugged shorelines, hidden coves, and a bustling, historic village.
Unique View: Motif No. 1, the most painted building in the world.
See More: By jeep, in personalized tours from Sweet Shots Secret Spots.
Learn More: Exploring Rockport, MA.
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Ingrid Feddersen
Stonington Borough, Connecticut
Connecticut coastal towns don’t always get the attention they so justly deserve. This delightful village of fewer than 1,000 residents boasts a wealth of 18th-19th-century buildings on its own narrow peninsula that juts into Fisher’s Island Sound and Little Narragansett Bay, with views in all directions.
Unique View: From “The Point,” a view of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.
See More: On foot, with a self-guided walking tour available at the Old Lighthouse Museum.
Photo Credit : iStock.com/KenWiedemann
Oak Bluffs (Martha’s Vineyard), Massachusetts
The brightly colored gingerbread Victorian cottages make this laid-back enclave on Martha’s Vineyard a true New England confection. And on one night each summer, the cottages lights up with Chinese lanterns, making it likely the loveliest place on earth.
Unique View: The nation’s oldest platform carousel.
See More: Of the historic cottages on the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association Tours.
Learn More: Exploring the Gingerbread Cottages at Oak Bluffs Campground.
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Set at the outermost tip of Cape Cod, surrounded by water on three sides and backed by vast sand dunes on the fourth, Provincetown is a colorful gem that’s drawn artists and writers for generations.
Unique View: A bird’s eye, from the top of the Pilgrim Monument.
See More: By jeep, of Provincetown’s famous sand dunes, with Art’s Dune Tours.
Learn More: Exploring Provincetown.
What are your picks for the prettiest coastal towns in New England?
This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.
SEE MORE:
10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in Maine
The 25 Best Beach Towns in New England
10 Best Seaside Inns in New England
Best Connecticut Coastal Towns
No Nantucket? You’re kidding.
I am so excited that Camden made the list! We fell IN LOVE with this perfect New England town! We can’t wait to go back! It truly is where I want to retire to someday!
No Mystic, CT???? It is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Thanks for including our hometown of Stonington, CT. This is the place to be. Between all the bustle of the Rhode Island beaches, the landmarks in Mystic and the fantastic shops and restaurants here in Stonington, there is something for everyone. I love it here and rarely feel a need to ‘escape’ on vacation, we are already in the New England paradise.
Roberta, if it makes you feel better, east of the drawbridge is technically Stonington 😉 btw, Clyde’s opened today in Old Mystic. if you are local, the donuts and hard cider are waiting. (not sure when the sweet cider starts to flow)
I have been to all of them and Nantucket is be far the most beautiful, Watch Hill, Shelter Harbour, and Jamestown are very beautiful as well.
can’t believe bar harbor made it. it’s to commercially built up. booth bay harbor is way better than bar harbor and should have been on the list.
Where is the beautiful town of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts on this list? It should be.
Awesome list for exploring the coastal gems in New England. Rockport, Massachusetts a mere one hour from Boston is a gem in all seasons.
I agree. I would have been disappointed if Rockport didn’t make it. It is a 20 minute drive for me, and my mini – day-cation destination.
it ‘s so wonderful and beautiful beach-coast.i wish to visit it one day .
You missed Mystic Seaport. Much prettier than Kennebunkport.
Watch Hill was beautiful stayed there for several summers. Many great memory’s it’s like Mayberry quiet nice views
Got married in Mystic Seaport, honeymooned on Block Island. Love the coast, when I can get there from Colorado.
New England is a beautiful place!
Newburyport, MA should be on the list.
As I recall, Motif #1, Rockport, MA, was swept away in a storm a few years ago.
Motif #1 was rebuilt after the blizzard of ’78 took it down. This building is called Motif #2.
It’s still called Motif No. 1; Motif #2 is the blue building behind it.
Morris Cove the east shore of New Haven harbor will always be the “prettiest” to me. I have fond memories of growing up on the Connecticut shoreline. ❤️
How about Cape Cod…so many beautiful towns on CC
These are great towns, some other ones would be Watch Hill, Cape Cod, Nantucket. I also find York, Maine an awesome place.
there’s sooooooo many nice towns in New England, it’s hard to choose which is the “prettiest”. my vote would go to either Concord, Mass or Essex Village, Conneticut. two towns worth visiting any season of the year
Please check out Scituate,Ma. It is a wonderful place.
It was washed away years ago, but rebuilt. I still visit Rockport every year, even since moving out of state 14 years ago.
NO MYSTIC really Stonington?
I agree with an earlier comment that Newburyport should have been listed. That however would lead to more people discovering this gem of a city. Never mind.
Wickford Rhode Island should be included.
I can’t believe that Marblehead Ma., is not on there.!!!
Take everything great about coastal New England, distill it down to the purest essence and spread it across 4 square miles of land…Ogunquit, Maine.
If you are adverse to glitz and crowds go further Downeast from the maddening crowds. Eastport Me
I think you should include Nantucket, Marblehead and Wellfleet.
Burlington, Vermont on the West Coast of New England
I’m also surprised that Nantucket didn’t make the list, but as a Rhode Islander I’m happy to see we have 2 spots there. As the smallest state Rhode Island is frequently overlooked with the exception of Newport and Providence. I would also like to add one more town to that list – Little Compton, Rhode Island. It ranks right up there with the prettiest places in New England!
Rockport,Maine
Please, let me forward you my Beautiful photos of EASTHAM , MA. Thank you. Jean
You forgot Nantucket! It’s okay, I’ll forgive you!
All magnificent. What’s not to like in any part of New England
What about Wiscasset Maine which claims to be the prettiest town?
Always our choice to return every October.
I too can not believe Nantucket did not make the cut, I think Martha’s Vineyard is beautiful, but think there are a few other towns on MV that are prettier than oaks bluff.
One GORGEOUS spot that did not make the list is Cohasset, Ma. Google Jerusalem rd.
I agree! little Compton is absolutely gorgeous and, best of all, pretty much undisturbed!!n
Ogunquit is wonderful…and don’t forget did get rated best beach in New England : ))
Missing Plymouth and Onset, MA as another couple of good ones…
The view of the lighthouse in Block Island is the South Light. Wonderful to see all those harbors most of them I have visited in my boat.
It is indeed, Dorothy.
I, too, am surprised that Nantucket did not make the list. A timeless place with so much ambiance and class.
Gloucester Massachusetts.
I’m with you Richard!
New Hampshire coast is beautiful, small and beautiful!!!
You did a fine job of “rounding up the usual suspects.”
For future reference I invite you to my Borough of Woodmont, CT. Woodmont is a part of the City of Milford.
It’s a small community, once just a summer place that has been a year round residence since the late 1950’s. Beautiful sandy public beaches, unique homes and it’s beautiful year round.
The Borough Givernment maintains the public areas with assistance from the City of Milford with respect to daily beach maintainance.
The shoreline is picturesque and has a sidewalk that makes it possible for walkers (and runners) to enjoy the seashore beauty all year round.
My sister and I travel up the New England Coast for two weeks the last week of Sept and into Oct. This was by far the best trip of my life. Everyone we meet were so nice! We both loved Boothbay and I think it should have made the top 10 as well. However, everywhere you go along the coastal route is awesome. We would love to return there again this year!
Just returned from my second trip this summer to Boothbay Harbor where I go twice every summer. How could you overlook it???
Okay, so technically Wolfboro, NH is not a coastal town. But it’s on the water and a very cute place! Change the parameters just a bit and it woulda, coulda, shoulda made the list. Hands down!
Really thought Christmas Cove in Maine was unique.
Truly surprised that Nantucket was not on the list….MV is quite nice but Nantucket is a bit more special.
WHAT HAPPENED? No Duxbury, MA or Southport, CT?
SHEEZE!!!!
No Prudence island RI
I agree with so many of everyone’s comments- It’s hard to compare coastal towns which include not only the beautiful views when looking out to sea and then how does the immediate village & community look when facing the towns.
The list could easily have been 25 locations to incorporate all the beautiful towns omitted. I am glad Camden, ME was on it because I feel the view from the hill of the Harbor with the tall sailing ships and the immediate shore-front buildings as you are looking out to sea is the best in New England. Places like Boothbay Harbor, Rockport, Vinyl Haven and Wolfeboro (on the Lake) have quaint village homes, shops, marinas, etc. Looking forward to your #11 – #25 list very soon 🙂
Camden is a very special place in my mind and memory bank. It is the place that my wife and I were married some 40 odd years ago aboard the SCHOONER ADVENTURE . It was early September on a gorgeous Fall day and we were moored at the dock with a couple of hundred people in attendance. The local newspaper had gotten wind of an unusual event was scheduled for that Sunday afternoon thus a crowd gathered to see what was going on !!
The captain of the Adventure, Jim Sharp, conducted the ceremony on the stern of the ship ,with the approval of several seagulls flying about squawking their approval of the activities. In all, we ended up with three wedding cakes. One we ordered from a local bakery in Camden, one was baked by the ship’s cook an the third was brought by the bridesmaid. The crew and passengers would not let us do any work all week, and of course there were plenty of honeymoon jokes spread around all week !
While I was born and raised in New England, but no longer live their, no place on earth tugs at my heart more than Camden, Maine.
Each has its own beauty…Essex Ma ..along the Essex River, Gloucester waterfront..architectural buildings, quaintness of the area, historical places, parks and beaches, lakes, ponds along with waking trails..
Friendship, MA water, water, water, everywhere.
Where is Friendship?
C. might mean Friendship, Maine. I have never been there, but close by……
All of these towns are worthy but I am especially happy to see my hometown of Newport RI on there. Growing up in such a place you tend not to realize how beautiful it is until you are gone. I have lived in Texas over half my life now having moved away at age 25. I try to make it “home” every few years and I appreciate it’s beauty more and more each time.
I’ve lived in Newport most of my life and unfortunately have witnessed the decline. No waterfront for the public, major stores like GAP while small local stores closing, a bar in every other corner (and sometimes vomit in the yard from the college) and atrocious roads on which to sit in traffic for an hour. Come in winter and enjoy!
We live near Newport, across the bay in R.I. Love to go over the bridges and drive along Ocean Drive to the Mansions. It does get busy in the summer. Many cruise ships visit too.
Newburyport MA is a wonderful New England spot on the waterfront.
I agree and it has incredible historical value. I am happy for them to skip over so it can be our little secret!
Mystic. Really?? Maybe in the 30’s and 40’s. Not now. Too commercial.
Mystic is still gorgeous!
I totally agree Diedre about Mystic. I went to the historic village on a trip in high school (Stonington) I lived close…Pawcatuck! I also agree with Stonington borough as I also lives there in fourth grade..then moved to Pawcatuck. Went swimming @ the point ever look beach quite often. charming town. Just order subscription to Yankee magazine just to get back to my roots. I live in Texas now for over thirty years, but did have the chance to go back two Octobers ago…I was in heaven and didn’t want to go home. Thank for your comment.
Nantucket for sure should be included, so quaint and artsy.
I throw my vote for Nantucket. I love the entire atmosphere.
All of these towns are deserving. Everyone’s comments are laughable. Not every Seaside town in America can be on the top 10 list
I’m surprised Newburyport MA did not make the list. The main drag is alive with flower boxes in the summer, and wonderful shopping opportunities. Off of the main street are picturesque homes and small businesses. Definitely worth the trip.
Live in a great New England coastal town not on your list. I’m glad.
Glad you missed Mattapoisett, Massachusetts!! A small town with a lot of friendly heart!!
Wow.Maine is pretty but you are looking for pretty coastal TOWNS.No Newburyport?Portsmouth NH?Nantucket?
I’m shocked that Boothbay Harbor is not mentioned. It is certainly unique in that there are so many spots where you can actually walk right along the waterfront without having to go down behind buildings as is necessary in Camden. Also, Boothbay Harbor sports a good selection of fishing boats, lobster boats as well as excursion boats right there in the harbor. And, please do not forget, we are only 3 hours from Boston and just off the beaten path. Boothbay harbor is the center of the mid-coast area!
I love Boothbay too. A lot to do, boat rides, lighthouses to visit etc.
Goodness! Oak Bluffs Martha’s Vineyard? Rather tacky I think.
You couldn’t say something positive?
Visit Marblehead, Ma in the summer. Get to Ft. Sewell and tell yourself the view from the Boston skyline north through the Cape Ann shoreline isn’t deserving of the top 10!
Agree with Marblehead. Should be on this list.
Have you never been to Marthas Vineyard Island? Six lovely, interesting towns.
Top ten in this region should have been a top 100. People are giving great examples of beautiful places.
I wonder why Fairhaven wasn’t in there…beautiful seaside fishing town akin to Gloucester…hmmmm
We who live in Vermont on the shores of Lake Champlain sometimes refer to where we live as “the west coast of New England.” While I am not sure if Lake Champlain’s shore is strictly considered a coast, North Hero might have been a novel and interesting addition to this list. It is a tiny, unspoiled, and truly beautiful village on a northern island, facing Vermont’s beautiful Green Mountains.
Newburyport would be my first choicewith Ogunquit a close second (neither on the list.) Burlington Vermont is special and Gloucester. But lets face it, the glow we feel in our heart towards any one of these places lies in the memories of goodtimes spent there. Smiles shared, confidences traded and laughter echoed among the backdrop of sunsets, moonbeams and roaring tides. Wherever that happens, it is the sweetest place on earth!
ALL THESE AND MORE BELONG ON THIS LIST. OGUNQUIT REMAINS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE. THE QUAINT VILLAGE, PERKINS’ COVE, THE SANDY BEACH, AND THE MARGINAL WAY HELP MAKE IT A ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCE!
Born and raised in Newburyport, I agree.
Rockport, Maine may be nice sometimes, but when the UPS truck unloads in the middle of the street (US 1) the traffic jam can be 3 miles long.
Please tell me when you have ever seen traffic backed up for 3 miles on Route1 in Rockport? If as you say it was causedby a UPS truck, tell me Exactly where and what time does this happen.
My wife and I visit Rockport often and traffic on the weekend is always backed up. UPS or no UPS. Still a great town to visit.
Just visited Mystic, CT and most impressed. Grew up in Ludlow, Vt,home of Okemo,lived in Springfiled, MA1957-68 and have visted over years most of 10, but had never gone to Mystic. You should add as one of your 10
The NH coast may be small, but my daughter’s wedding on the shore in Portsmouth, NH was gorgeous. You can’t beat it.
My daughter’s also! I was lucky enough to live there for 6 years but now live at bottom of outer banks in NC. It is also beautiful but I always go back to Portsmouth❤️
Marblehead!!
Apparently the person who did their research for this article forgot to visit Chatham, MA! And someone else mentioned Nantucket wasn’t included? Both are splendid seaside communities!
What about Damariscotta. Maine? Talk about a picture postcard.!
My favorite has to be Newport, RI, since I grew up near there.
Harrisville, New Hampshire. I spent a year as a “Master” at Thomas More School. At 645 population, voted New Hampshire’s most pitoresque town. The zucchini capital “of the world”. Right next to Dublin, home of the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Beautiful view of Mount Monadnock. Is any place more diverse than the New England landscape.?
Judging from all the replies, New England is the perfect place on earth! Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
I lived in Rockport, MA for a few years. It is my top choice. I’d like to return.
We had the pleasure of visiting Rockport last Fall and it was my favorite place! I actually have a picture of it sitting on my desk at work . One of the most beautiful places I have ever been in the US
Can’t wait to visit beautiful New England again. Hard to choose one spot.
We live in Westchester NY and are looking to do a 10 day road trip up the coast of New England. Can anyone suggest a planned route? Thank you!
So many choices, so little time! Factors are avoiding as much traffic, crowds and drive time to give you a couple days at every port. Unfortunately you cant stop at every gem on the shore. My picks to accomplish that are: start at Galilee RI and ferry to Block Island, once returning to land head straight to Rock port Mass, visit Plum Island as you head up the coast, Portsmouth/New Castle NH, to Ogunquit Maine and don’t miss Kennebunkport, then to Wisscassette and Boothbay Harbor and Damriscotta ending up in Camden Maine. If you go further I think you won’t have enough time to enjoy the previous stops. Hope your vacation is everything you dream it will be!!
How come Watch Hill, RI with its beautiful sweep of Napatree Point wasn’t listed?
Suzanne
Most scenic places in New England?
1. Newport, RI – Mansions, sweeping views of the ocean for miles – breathtaking
Travel over Jamestown Bridge (again, sweeping views, gorgeous) and cross over to Point Judith
2. Take ferry from PJ to Block Island, spend day on Block Island
3. Go from PJ to Westerly into Mystic, CT (beautiful quaint shops, very scenic
4. Travel up to the Cape (Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard) spend on day on each island or one. I am Martha’s Vineyard person but Nantucket is equally as nice. Depends on if you want more night life (Nantucket) or beauty, countryside, quaint villages, artsy (Martha’s vineyard),
5. Rockport, MA
6. New Castle, NH, Rye, NH and Portsmouth, NH all together – spend a day in total
7. Drive up scenic Rte 1 in ME until you get to Acadia National Park, Cadilliac Mountain (breathtaking), first place in the US the sun comes up each day. Bangor , ME is breathtaking. If you are a hiker, you can’t go wrong.
Thanks for the great road trip idea Terry.
Excellent. Will save this itinerary for my next trip to NE.
No Vermont? Unimaginable.
Vermont is not on the coast. It has no pretty coastal town. Check your geography.
I’m pretty sure it was meant as a joke. No need for sarcasm.
Vermont doesn’t need ocean front. It’s lakes and mountainous scenery far exceed many coastal towns. I’m from Long Island, we’re surrounded by water and quaint ocean front towns, but there’s something very special about Silver Lake and Lake Champlain VT.
If you’re not from an ocean community you can’t be an ocean snob. So consider Vermont’s lake life for a relaxing and lovely vacation. You won’t be sorry and you may just learn something about New England and yourself.
I grew up in Vermont. It shouldn’t even be part of New England. The locals dislike out of staters.
As a New Yorker I have not had that experience in Vermont. Lovely country towns and Stowe and Manchester are beautiful, so are the mountains.
Spent most of my youth living in beautiful Jamestown, Rhode Island. In those days, there was no bridge to Newport, so we had the pleasure of riding a ferry for a 20-30 minute excursion cruise across Narragansett Bay into Newport Harbor. All the tourists driving in from New York would be in ecstasy as we rode across the harbor, with its unequaled views.
The most picturesque, quintessential Maine coastal town in Stonington on the tip of Deer Isle. It is an authentic lobstering port that has not been commercialized or overrun with tourists. It has kept its authentic New England charm, and it’s very special!
I agree! I don’t know why Stonington didn’t make the list.
Rockport is truly a hidden gem! Only an hour north of Boston by car or train, it’s so easy to get to and offers seaside serenity.
You always leave out Newburyport,MA in your “prettiest” articles. It’s lovely in the summer with all it’s quaint shops and window boxes, to say nothing of the harbor its’ self.
I guess we are very lucky to live near so many beautiful seaport towns.
Just scrooling throough comments and noticed I had sent comment May 17,2017 having not visited Mystic, CT. Well we did on our way to Ludlow, VT may 2018 and was most impressed, especially with their great museum. Keep the articles on beautifull NE villages coming. John
My wife and I would like to make a trip to the N.E. area the 2nd week of October. Have never been and want to visit quaint seaside villages, enjoy great seafood and enjoy the views. A relaxing trip – no touristy areas. We welcome all recommendations!
Don, be sure to go north and south of Boston after you do the Freedom trail. North is rocky and more wild, more like the west coast and more rich in history. Salem, Glouster, Rockport. South is sandy and many towns look similar. Can leave from Province town by boat and visit Martha’s Vineyard. The fall is a great time for the foliage and no heat. What you choose I know you will be glad you did!
Take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard from Woods Hole, not Provincetown
Mohawk Trail (Rt 2) thru western MA, Rt 100 thru Woodstock VT, and the Kancamagus Highway Rt 112 in NH all offer spectacular foliage. Try all 3 if you can manage it! Each one is only 2 to 3 hours driving. Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. Fall in New England is the best time of year to visit. Let us know how you made out!
My husband and I took a month off a couple of years ago to visit New England. We drove from California there. We wanted to experience a trip without airports. Our favorite was Bar Harbor, Maine. We absolutely loved it. The people, the quaint shops, the water, the food, the views. I can’t say enough. We were there the month of October and it was magnificent. He retires in a year and we are moving to Bar Harbor. We can’t imagine not being a part of this beautiful place.
Growing up in Rye Beach and being seventh generation it is hard to write because yes it is so beautiful . But it is not the same! I wish it was!!! I live in Florida now and it is so hard to go back there, in fact I cannot even go back there in the summer. It has been destroyed in my opinion. Thank the Lord you can still drive by the coast line and still see some of the old fish houses that have been preserved but sad to say it will probably be only a matter of time before someone takes those down too. Lets just hope its when I am on the other side of the grass in ” Rye ” so I won’t have to see it.
Without a doubt, Stonington, Maine, has a rightful place at the top of this list. Not only is it non-commercial and a true working lobstering hub, but also it offers gorgeous harbor views, a lovely Deer Isle ocean thoroughfare where you can see the ships go by, and a fantastic picturesque “downtown” that is a joy to stroll.
Doing a 5 day road trip in October. Mainly for the color. Any suggestions. Wanted to have a plan for the best routes. Coming from Pennsylvania. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
My husband and I are planning a 5 day trip to Vermont the first weekend of November. Any suggestions of places to see and things to do?
Not too many coastal town in Vermont.
Well, there’s always Burlington.
Manchester is a gorgeous area, plan to go there.
Hildene, home of Abraham Lincoln’s son, Todd. As a widow, his mother visited. Highlight for me was seeing a top hat of Abraham’s, in a protected case. To think it actually sat on that great man’s head, all those years ago!
As a native New Englander, I’d suggest that the most perfect New England coastal town is Newburyport, MA., (not mentioned here).
Not only is it a feast for your eyes, but it’s large enough to hold your interest for many hours while you wander from place to place. When you’ve had your fill of looking at the huge yachts parked on the shore, and the sailboats out in the harbor, you can explore the numerous shops, and the elite, upscale restaurants with outdoor tables, and the maritime museum, and the Audubon museum, or relax on the shaded grass of the large town green, or get seats on a touring boat, or explore the gigantic barn filled with antiques (“Oldies Marketplace”), etc., etc.
Many of the towns mentioned in this article are truly beautiful, but they’re very small, and there’s not much to DO in them. If you want to spend half a day in a gorgeous NE coastal town, I strongly recommend Newburyport, MA. 😉
You always leave off Newburyport, MA. I think it is a beautiful town, especiallly in the summer when all the flower boxes are in bloom.
You always leave off Newburyport, MA. It is a beautiful town, especially in the summer when all the flower boxes are in bloom.
Marblehead, hands down!!!
Coming from someone who doesn’t live in New England any longer, I am shocked that Newburyport did not make this list! It is one of our favorite coastal gems….so quaint, so historic, so so lovely. Wow……
No mention of pretty Wiscasset, ME??? The loveliest of towns, how about an “Honorable Mention” follow-up of places that are beautiful but didn’t make the list ( like Nantucket…)
Yes! What happened to Wiscasset? Historical as well as beautifully scenic!
Nantucket, all the way. Further out to sea than the Vineyard. Makes it tougher to get to. No street lights, and no riff-raff. Air is pure, sky unbelievably blue, beaches unsurpassed. People are all cut from the same cloth and very friendly. The most beautiful place on earth! Pack half your clothes and bring twice your money. You’ll need it and worth every penny.
Nantucket also has so many 100+yo American Elm trees lining the streets and yards with their beautiful canopies❣️ They are a sight to behold❣️
It is obvious that being far from the mainland, these trees escaped Dutch Elm Disease that decimated the American Elms throughout the USA‼️
Newport just keeps getting better and better.
North of Boston my top 3 are: Newburyport, Portsmouth, Bar Harbor. We are so fortunate to live in New England and have easy access to an abundance of so many beautiful coastal towns, north and south of Boston!
May want to add Padanaram Village I’m So. Dartmouth, MA to the list. It’s a lovely waterfront village, recently voted best harbor in the United States by US Harbors.
Plymouth mass is a great little town with the Mayflower and plymouth plantation is. The waterfront is beautiful and its little gift shops. Parks and history (I love Plymouth)
THANK YOU FOR NOT TELLING ANYONE ABOUT SHELTER HARBOR,RHODE ISLAND. TRULY,THE MOST UNDISCOVERED BEACH TOWN IN NEW ENGLAND.
Very good info! Lots of opinions based on personal experiences there—why not?
How could America’s hometown be left out?! Plymouth, MA, of course, as well as just up the road, Duxbury, MA; as well as just down the road, Sandwich, MA. Essex, CT; Westerly, RI; Jamestown, RI; Rockport, MA; Newburyport, MA; Ipswich, MA; Marblehead, MA. Wow! I could go on and on……………..Love NE !
Don’t forget about Scituate or Hingham harbor! Both gorgeous places in Massachusetts.
So glad that Provincetown made the list. My favorite New England town.
Since you left off Marblehead Harbor, it’s sad you did have enough staff to do any research.
Chatham MA is my favorite very pretty little town on Cape Cod
Shhhh. 😉
My sister has a home on Main St. not far from the ball field. Wonderful.
I spent a week in Chatham – wonderful place.
Cohasset, MA
We honeymooned in Ogunquit, 63 years ago.
I recently watched the show “Bizarre Murders”. In this particle episode, the murder took place in the beautiful little New England coastal community of (wait for it … ) “Happy Days” !! I never did hear in what state this little enclave exists. It was very lovely looking – despite the nature of the show. I have looked high & low online to find it. Might you be able to shed some light?
Thank you in advance,
Ned (Crystal Cove, Winthrop, MA)
Hi Ned. I’m watching the same show. After researching the history of this topic, it appears to be from 1980 in Marshfield/Scituate, Ma. (James. P Riva is his name.) I miss all of the beautiful places up there, but not in winter. TX is warmer.
Interesting list. A lot of subjectivity for sure when you start choosing pretty places, I guess. I’d personally insert Newburyport, Chatham, or Nantucket, Mass., and remove Provincetown, which is more of a freak show than a beautiful place to visit.
Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard…gorgeous harbor, lighthouse, shops, restaurants. What a gem.
I am an American living in beautiful England. But if I were to move back to the US it would be some small pretty town on the New England coast.
Camden, Maine is just so beautiful and enjoyable to browse throughout this gorgeous area; I’ve lived in New England all my life, and that’s quite a while; NE must be GOD’s paradise!
I currently live in Coastal California, but I’m picking up the stakes shortly and headed to coastal NH with my wife, mother and three kids.
Having spent time up and down the New England coast over the years I have concluded that there is no place better. People argue with me on that often, but I care not as my heart says otherwise.
Mr. S. I’m also a CA girl moving to Rye in September. Would love to meet you and your family when you get there.
Hey Lori!! How are things in Rye? Great choice btw
What about Scarborough R.I. beach 2 miles of pretty ocean.
What about York Beach Maine?
I have lived in New England all my life, travel many parts of the world but could never live anywhere else. From reading all these comments there are a lot of people who feel the same. There are so many places along the coast to see all of them can’t possibly be mention in one space. Most of the town have something unique to see. We often get in the car and head for the ocean and just drive til we see something that catches our eye (or stomach) Truly is God’s country!
You and me both, way too much family history!
We live here on the Downeast Miane coast. Please, the winters are frigid and long; the winter days short and dark. We gather for drinks following the Winter solstice at 3:00 PM. The power outages during the frequent storms are arduous. Plan on San Diego or Orlando, pretty please. 🙂
You are kidding about California, are you not?
I think A.j. G. just doesn’t want a flock of tourists underfoot. Can’t say I blame them. Hoards of interlopers makes a place lose its “quaint” status real fast…
I am surprised that Ipswich did not make the top 10. We have beautiful Crane Beach and the most antique homes in the US.
It’s very difficult to judge ANY coastal town in New England against ANY other coastal town in New England. Their All the cat’s meow, and…TO EACH THEIR OWN! Love from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (Past Vermonter, Connecticutier).
What about Ogunquit, ME ?
grew up in beautiful mystic,ct. now live in escondido,ca. new england is the prettiest place in the U.S.
would love to return for the summers —- but NOTHING beats the weather out west ! ! !
just started getting the Yankee —– LOVE IT —– go new england