I’ve been around the world, but coastal New England will always have a special place in my heart. From childhood memories, to gorgeous coastal views, there’s something for everyone year round. Here are a few of my favorite spots that can be easy day trips for those living in New England.
MAINE
With over 3,000 miles of coastline, Maine has some of the most beautiful (and chilly) beaches in the country. It’s most well known city, Portland, is nestled on the coast with an insane amount of breweries and stunning coastal views. You can view my full guide to Portland here.
Here are a few of my other favorite spots in Maine:
Camden, Maine: This quaint coastal town boasts amazing views and food, with many other spots close by worth a visit. Rhumb Line in Camden has some great eats, while Cellardoor Winery offers tastings close by. One of the best places to end the evening in this area is Young’s Lobster Pound in Belfast. Watch the sunset as you enjoy a freshly caught lobster, all while sipping on your own wine and sides, as the place allows you to BYOB and snacks.
Outlet shopping: For outlet shopping followed by a meal of fresh seafood, head to Kittery, just over the NH border, or Freeport, home of LL Bean.
Beaches: There is no shortage of beaches in Maine, but if you want a large beach with amenities like classic old school boardwalks complete with arcades and hand pulled taffy in the window, head to York, Wells Beach, or Old Orchard. Ogunquit, Bar Harbor and Saco are great places to enjoy sand and sun as well. If you head to York, be sure to check out the Nubble Lighthouse as well, an iconic photo opportunity.
Acadia National Park: Jagged coastline, mountains to hike, and stunning sunsets make this a must visit place in Maine.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
I have to admit, growing up in New Hampshire, I couldn’t wait to leave. Now I love to vacation here and spend some time enjoying the outdoors. While the coastline is small, one of my favorite ‘cities’ is located right on the water: Portsmouth. I could probably do a whole guide to Portsmouth, but will try to include the best spots in this post.
Portsmouth: Must see/do: Strawberry Banke, Prescott Park, a harbor cruise, a drink on the decks, and walking through all the great shops downtown. There are so many good spots to drink and eat any time of day, here are a few of my favorites: Popovers on the Square, Flatbread Company, The Friendly Toast, The Works Bakery Cafe, BRGR Bar, Earth Eagle Brewings, Portsmouth Gas Light, Portsmouth Brewery, Ri Ra, Barrio, Pocos, The Goat, and The Thirsty Moose.
Beaches: A small amount of coastline, but pretty nonetheless. Rye Beach is a great place to lay out for the day, or just take a drive down Ocean Boulevard. Make sure to stop at KB’s Bagels for breakfast and a coffee. One of my other favorite places is Odiorne Point, a beach spot that’s also home to the Seacoast Science Center and a great spot to picnic and enjoy the coast.
Honorable mentions: Not on the coast, but a great summer day trip option:
Lakes Region: Lake Winnipesaukee, Steele Hill Resort, hiking at Sky Pond and Mount Major (also great in fall), Funspot arcade
White Mountains: Flume Gorge, Loon Mountain Resort with an adventure center and gondola ride, Nordic Village Resort, and Franconia Notch State Park.
MASSACHUSETTS
After living in Massachusetts for nine years, I visited a lot of amazing coastal towns. My old home of Boston is my favorite city on the coast, and you can find all of my guides to the city here: spots for winter here, favorite things to do here, rainy day activities here, and finding events to go to here.
Rockport: A town that looks like the Cape but is much smaller and less crowded. Enjoy fresh seafood and ice cream, plenty of cute shops, and even a very small strip of beach. Front beach is just steps away from the train, and further down you’ll find Bearskin Neck with lots of cute shops, a sea walk, and even kayaking. While small, there are lots of good places to eat, like Roy Moore’s for fresh lobster, Feather + Wedge for fine dining, Bean + Leaf cafe for coffee, 7th Wave for water views, Two Little Birds eatery for breakfast on the beach, and The Ice Cream Store for (duh).
Newburyport: A cute downtown with plenty of shops and boat trips out of the port (including whale watching). Farther down you’ll find the ever charming Plum Island beaches, complete with plenty of ice cream stands. Newburyport is also home to some of my favorite dining spots on the coast; Plum Island Coffee Roasters, Starboard Galley, The Poynt, Agave Mexican Bistro, and the Black Cow.
A few more up and down the coast of MA: Drinks on the harbor in Hingham, Fisherman’s Beach Swampscott, Castle Hill Estate and beach in Ipswich, Horseneck Beach in Westport, and Salem - good for more than just witches with coastal views peaking in summer.
The Cape: Traffic can take forever but the charm of the Cape is always worth it. I’ve been lucky enough to mostly tag along with friends in beach houses, with a few of my favorite stays in Mashpee, Sandwich, and Barnstable. If you want the beach and a fun time out at night, look no further than PTown; I have a whole guide to this fun spot here.
RHODE ISLAND
The only place I’ve been to enough to have advice on is the town I have a whole other guide to: Newport.
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