Best Coastal Activities and Attractions in New England: Beaches, Trails & More

12 Best Coastal Activities and Attractions in New England

Best Beach Strolling:
Napatree Point, Watch Hill, RI

Saunter along Block Island Sound on Napatree Point, which begins at the historic Watch Hill carousel, and be soothed by the waves as you spot the small harbor of Stonington, Connecticut, and the dome of trees atop Fishers Island, New York, in the distance. On the return trip, savor the view of the Victorian houses that cling to the Watch Hill bluffs.

Beachcombing:
Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester, MA

Wingaersheek’s shallow waters are ideally suited for that curious child—or child at heart—who loves to poke around tidal pools and clamber along the rocky shoreline to spot crabs and sea glass. More-energetic visitors will want to walk the ocean floor at low tide and glimpse the gleaming white lighthouse jutting out from neighboring Annisquam.

Bird-Watching:
Greenway Trails, Block Island, RI

Ramble along this nearly-30-mile network of trails that winds from the middle of Block Island to the southeastern coast, and you’ll soon be surrounded by the aptly named Enchanted Forest, a deep, dark thicket of pines, spruces, and maples. In summer, pause to hear the call of goldfinches and watch graceful marsh hawks; in spring and fall, look for colorful migrating warblers.

Camping:
Hermit Island Campground, Phippsburg, ME

With this region’s abundance of coastline, you’d think there would be many options to camp on the beach—not so. But the 255-acre Hermit Island Campground offers the rare opportunity to spend the night on the shore or atop the rocky cliffs, near tidal pools nestled within the forest. From there, you can go swim, fish, or paddle Casco Bay in the heart of midcoast Maine. Craving seafood? The camp store sells fresh clams and lobster (and will rent you the pot to cook them in).

Kid-Friendly Beach:
Second Beach, Middletown, RI

On summer weekends, you may need some patience to grab a parking spot at coveted Second (Sachuest) Beach. But the rewards are delightfully warm water and waves that are tailor-made for boogie boarding. Families will find all their needs covered here, from showers to picnic tables and grills, plus concessions that include a Del’s lemonade truck.

Kite Flying:
Chandler Hovey Park, Marblehead, MA 

Make a beeline to this strip of land on a peninsula across the bay from the Marblehead Historic District for views of sailboats heading out to sea. Better yet, bring a kite and make the most of the same consistent winds those sailors enjoy, especially as you make your way around the picturesque lighthouse.

Movie Magic:
Joseph Sylvia State Beach, Edgartown, MA

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws this summer by heading to American Legion Memorial Bridge, otherwise known as the “Jaws Bridge,” which connects Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. It was here that director Steven Spielberg set the infamous shark attack at the docks, and today the fearless delight in launching themselves from the bridge into the water below.

Sand:
Nauset Light Beach, Eastham, MA

It’s preferable to bike to Nauset Light Beach in the early morning, when the fog might still cast a hazy glaze on the water. Then take off your sandals and plant your toes in the soft white sand, not yet hot. Stroll down the beach, and the dunes meld with sand, sea, and sky as your unencumbered feet appreciate each new footprint.

Scenic Stop:
Marginal Way, Ogunquit, ME

Newport’s famed Cliff Walk boasts glorious views and Gatsbyesque mansions. Prouts Neck, Maine, is renowned as the backdrop for many of Winslow Homer’s masterworks. But we give the edge to the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, where the 1¼-mile-long paved path atop the rugged shoreline, hemmed in by century-old pines and cedar trees, leaves you awestruck by the thrashing of water against the rocks below. Give in to the temptation to linger and settle into one of the 39 numbered benches along the way.

Secluded Beach:
Madaket Beach, Nantucket, MA

The best way to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Nantucket’s day-trip scene is to rent a bike and ride along the paved five-mile path to Madaket Beach, located at the island’s westernmost point. Better yet, grab provisions in town and have dinner on this narrow, wild strip of sand that quickly drops down to the waters of the Atlantic. If you’re too tired to bike back after sunset, grab the local bus (which can also collect your bike).

Sunsets:
Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown, MA

Any bayside beach on Cape Cod can lay claim to being the finest spot to watch the sun set, with perennial favorite Skaket Beach in Orleans being a prime candidate. Yet there’s something special about being on the curve of land at P-town’s Herring Cove Beach when the yellow-orange-red orb melts into the horizon. The hues linger long after the sun goes down, enhancing the magic.

Surf Casting:
Wasque Point, Chappaquiddick, MA

Let’s face it: No angler is going to give up their favorite fishing spot. But the word is out on Wasque Point, a glorious strip of sand at the edge of Chappaquiddick, run by The Trustees. Its strong currents lure the kinds of prime specimens hauled in at the fabled Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, which marks its 80th anniversary this fall.

This feature was originally published as “Liquid Assets” in the July/August 2025 issue of Yankee.

See More: Best Lakeside Activities and Attractions in New England:  Fishing, Sunsets & More

Steve Jermanok

More by Steve Jermanok