20 Charming New England Coastal Towns to Visit This Summer

Are you ready for a New England summer? Picture sunburnt noses, beach hair, lobster rolls, and cute New England coastal towns awash in the blues and purples of hydrangea blooms and pinks of meandering beach roses. Imagine walking by the ultimate cottage core aesthetic with cedar shingles, colorful lobster buoys, and crushed shell pathways.

Throw on your Vineyard Vines or coastal grandmother fashions and plan a trip to the New England coast this summer. From historic towns, yachting capitals, fishing villages, and hipster small cities, Coastal New England is lined with quaint gems.

After spending over 20 years living in Rhode Island and exploring the nooks and crannies of over 6,000 miles of coastline, here are my favorite New England coastal towns. To make it easy, I’ve listed them moving from south to north, and provided a handy reference map. Since I’ve visited these places many times, I’ve also linked to articles with more information about many of these coastal New England towns and given my recommendations on where to stay.

Charming New England Coastal Towns

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Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic, Connecticut is typically known for two things…the early Julia Roberts movie Mystic Pizza, and the historic village recreation at Mystic Seaport. Mystic is a historic seafaring town with a rich maritime heritage that became a significant shipbuilding center in the 19th century. It’s location along the Mystic River provides a perfect backdrop for the Seaport and the lively town center.

While in town, be sure to stop for a cone at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream or sugary treats at Sift Bake Shop. If you aren’t in the mood for pizza, Engine Room is a perfect setting for New American comfort food.

It is easy to spend a full day at the Mystic Seaport, but also leave time for some of the town’s other attractions. Mystic Aquarium is a family favorite, showcasing marine life including beluga whales, sea lions, and penguins, along with interactive exhibits. Both Mystic Aquarium and the adjacent Olde Mistick Village outdoor shopping complex were featured heavily in the Hallmark movie, Mystic Christmas.

While Mystic is fun to visit year-round, it shines in the summer when you can also take a boat tour along the Mystic River, which offers scenic views and a chance to learn about the town’s maritime history.

Read more: Things to do in Mystic, CT with kids

Where to stay: Try camping or glamping at the KOA Mystic, or try the Hyatt Place Mystic

Watch Hill and Westerly, Rhode Island

If you are looking for a beach vacation, Watch Hill and the nearby town of Westerly are charming towns in Southern Rhode Island that fit the bill. After all, there is a reason why Taylor has a home here! In Watch Hill, you will want to hit the beach and take a ride on the historic flying horse carousel, which is said to be the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States. 

Afterward, you can walk out to the Watch Hill Lighthouse or try to catch the sunset at Napatree Point Conservation Area. Later, you can head into Westerly for a beer at locally-brewed Grey Sail’s tap room or enjoy dinner with a river view at Cinder.

Later, head to Ninigret Park to go star gazing at the Frosty Drew Observatory, or visit during the day to find Rhode Island’s first Thomas Dambo trolls, Erik Rock and Greta Granite.

Given its proximity to the Connecticut border, it is easy to combine a visit to Westerly with a day trip or overnight in either Mystic or Watch Hill.

Read more: Things to do in Rhode Island

Where to stay: Margin Street Inn or Weekapaug Inn

Wickford, Rhode Island

One of the lesser-known New England coastal towns, but also one that makes a perfect day trip is the historic village of Wickford. Named one of the “10 Best Main Streets in the U.S.A,” Wickford Village is lined with boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants.

Wilson Park is a perfect spot to sit and watch the sailboats come and go into the Wickford Harbor, or you can rent kayaks or paddleboards from The Kayak Centre in town and get out on the water yourself.

For a quick lunch, pick up a delicious sandwich from Shayna’s Place and grab a scoop at the Village Ice Cream Co. If you prefer sit-down service with a view, book a table at Wickford on the Water. If you can, try to time your visit to one of the many Wickford Harbor Fire summer nights, featuring live music, food trucks, and bonfires in the harbor.

Where to stay: Shepherd’s Run, North Kingstown (hotel, winery, and spa)

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is the Sailing Capital of the World and the Classic Coast is a popular summer getaway destination (although it is pretty cool in the winter too!) There is so much to do you can easily pack a weekend with wine tasting, sailing, touring mansions, shopping, and soaking up the sun.

In the summer, you can’t miss watching the sunset from Brenton Point State Park, sipping cocktails from the Rooftop of the Vanderbilt, the Lawn at Castle Hill, or the deck at the Newport Harbor Island Resort. If you have some extra time, take in a Newport Polo Match or take the ferry to Jamestown.

While in town, be sure to try a cup of chowder from the Black Pearl and some lobster at one of the many restaurants on Bowen’s Wharf or oysters at Midtown Oyster Bar.

Read more: Things to do in Newport

Where to stay: Newport Marriot, Brenton Hotel, Newport Harbor Island Resort

Chatham, Massachusetts

Chatham is one of the most charming towns on Cape Cod, with a Main Street lined with fashionable boutiques, white-steepled churches, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. During the day, head to the Chatham fishing pier to watch the boats come and go and the seals that gather to feast on rejects.

On summer evenings, you can enjoy a picnic on the grass at the Chatham Band Concert in Kate Gould Park. You can also take a seal-watching tour with the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary or visit the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Chatham Shark Center to find out why the Great Whites prowl these waters.

Those looking for the quintessential New England lighthouse photo are in luck as Chatham has two lighthouses: Stage Harbor Light, located near Harding’s Beach, and Chatham Light, which overlooks Lighthouse Beach and currently serves as an active U.S. Coast Guard station.

Read more: Things to do on Cape Cod

Where to stay: Chatham Bars Inn

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Provincetown is a hip and welcoming town, especially for those in the LGBTQ community. Its streets are lined with shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. If you are looking for a fun day trip, take a whale-watching cruise from the Provincetown Harbor and you may be treated to the sight of humpback whales breaching and minke whales feeding.

Whether you visit in the summer or in the off-season, Art’s Dune Tours is a fun way to explore the remote dunes on the tip of Cape Cod. They can even arrange sunset tours with dinner and a bonfire!

Where to stay: Surfside Hotel & Suites

Edgartown, Massachusetts

If you are visiting the island of Martha’s Vineyard for the first time, Edgartown is a beautiful town to choose as a homebase. Oak Bluffs is very family friendly and great for a day trip by ferry, but it has a more touristic feel as a result. In contrast, Edgartown is more relaxing and upscale.

Edgartown was a former whaling port and still has many historic homes lining the harbor. In town, you will find nice restaurants, expensive boutiques, and art galleries. If you are staying longer than a day trip, you can bike, walk or drive to nearby attractions such as the Edgartown Harbor Light, enjoy a beach day at Katama Beach, or take a jump off of Jaws Bridge.

Just remember that if you want to bring your car to Martha’s Vineyard, car ferry reservations need to be made months in advance for prime summer travel days! Otherwise, take the passenger ferry and rent bikes to explore the island or utilize the local bus system.

Read more: Things to do on Martha’s Vineyard for first-time visitors

Where to stay: Winnetu Oceanside Resort

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket may just be the prettiest town on this list of New England coastal towns. The smaller of the two main islands off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is just 14 miles in length and 3 1/2 miles wide. Nantucket town has cobblestoned streets and wharves from its days as a major whaling center. In fact, one of the fun rainy day things to do in Nantucket is to visit the Whaling Museum!

In town you will find delicious restaurants, clothing boutiques, galleries, and gift shops. Pick up some Nantucket Red shorts or pants at Murray’s Toggery Shop. The adjacent residential streets are lined with cedar-shingled homes that are bedecked with bursts of hydrangeas.

From town, it is easy to hop on The Wave shuttle to check out the dune-lined beaches, or you can rent bikes in town to explore the island’s many miles of dedicated bike paths.

Read more: 3 Day Nantucket itinerary

Where to stay: Brass Lantern Inn

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Plymouth may be best known as the landing place of the Pilgrims and the famous Plymouth Rock, but I can assure you that this small, inscribed boulder is the least exciting thing about Plymouth. I’ve often visited in the fall or winter, but Plymouth is a lovely coastal town in the summer.

This is a great spot to take a whale watching cruise or even a lobster excursion or sunset harbor tour. Of course, Plymouth is also brimming with history to be explored, starting with the Mayflower II, Plimoth’s full-scale reproduction of the tall ship that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620, which is berthed at the Pilgrim Memorial State Park.

Also make time to explore the Plimouth Pawtuxet Museum, which tells the stories of the Indigenous people and English colonists in the 17th century.

Read more: Things to do in Plymouth

Where to stay: John Carver Inn & Spa

Salem, Massachusetts

Everyone loves to visit Salem in October during the Halloween Happenings events, but this seaside town is lovely year-round and, like Plymouth, packed with history. Whether you want to explore the Salem Witch Trial history at the Salem Witch Museum, understand the literary connections at the House of Seven Gables, or explore the town’s rich maritime roots at the Salem Maritime National Historical Site or the Pirate Museum, there is plenty to fill a weekend.

Along the waterfront, there are interpretative displays about the Maritime history, and in the summer, you can climb on board the Friendship of Salem, a replica of a 1797 East Indiaman sailing vessel now operated by the National Park Rangers.

The Peabody Essex Museum is also a little treasure and families will enjoy seeing some of the filming locations for the Hocus Pocus movie. Pickering Wharf is home to restaurants and shops, if you are craving some fresh seafood and kids will appreciate a visit to Ye Olde Pepper Companie, America’s oldest candy company.

Read more: Things to do in Salem with kids

Where to stay: Hawthorne Hotel

Gloucester, Massachusetts

It is possible to combine some of the New England coastal towns on Cape Ann or the North Shore of Massachusetts into one visit, but each has its distinct personality. As America’s oldest seaport, Gloucester has historic charm but also an authenticity as a working fishing village that you don’t find elsewhere.

Many people first heard of Gloucester from the George Clooney movie, The Perfect Storm. But more recently, TV fans visit to see the bluefin fishing boats featured in the Nat Geo show Wicked Tuna. If you are interested in seafaring, Gloucester offers some of the best whale watching in the world. 7 Seas Whale Watch visits the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary for regular sightings of humpback and minke whales.

There are other ways to experience the waters around Gloucester, including sailing adventures on the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon or the Harbor Water Shuttle. For fresh seafood on the water, try some tasty and crispy fried clams at Blue Collar Lobster.

Read more: Things to do in Gloucester

Where to stay: Beauport Hotel Gloucester

Rockport, Massachusetts

Rockport is a progressive, charming, and cute-as-a-button hamlet on Cape Ann, just north of Gloucester. If you are driving up from Gloucester, take the scenic drive along the coast on Atlantic Road to enjoy beautiful views of the rocky coast of Cape Ann, including lighthouses, and the stunning houses that line the cliffs.

Once in town, head first to Bearskin Neck. This highly-touristic area offers so many cute shops, galleries, and restaurants. Grab some ice cream at Sunday’s (go early for their homemade waffle cones!) or pick up a lobster roll to go at Roy Moore Lobster Co.

Also, take a walk to the end of Bearskin Neck and across the breakwater jetty for a great photo opp of the Rockport Harbor.

Where to stay: Addison Choate

Newburyport, Massachusetts

Newburyport, close to the border with New Hampshire, is one of those towns where every time I visit I say “I could live here.” It has its touristy spots, but it is also very livable with great restaurants, coffee shops, juice bars, and local bookstores. Stroll along the Harborfront or enjoy a picnic in Market Landing Park. In the summer, you can also take a whale-watching tour or a harbor cruise along the Newburyport Harbor and Merrimack River.

There are plenty of great shops and boutiques to browse in Market Square or look for antiques at Oldies Marketplace. Stop for oysters at Brine or grab a quick bite at Changing Tides Cafe.

If you stay for the weekend, you can explore a little further afield with a day trip to Crane Beach at the Crane Estate in nearby Ipswich. Or, visit Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Where to stay: Essex Street Inn & Suites

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I hesitated on whether or not to include Portsmouth, since it is more of a small city than a town, but the downtown still has that charming New England coastal town feel. You will find many similar stores that you see up and down the New England coast, like Sea Bags and Stonewall Kitchen, but there are also Portsmouth favorites like Off Piste and Portsmouth Soap Company.

Like every New England town, there are historic sites as well including the Strawbery Banke Museum, the John Paul Jones House, and the Moffatt-Ladd House. You can even take a guided walking tour on the Black Heritage Trail.

In the summer, you can take a boat cruise in the Portsmouth Harbor past Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse for a sunset and lights cruise, or in the fall you can take an Inland River and Fall Foliage cruise. If you like craft beer, stop into Earth Eagle Brewings. For breakfast, visit the Portsmouth location of The Friendly Toast, a mini New England chain. Lunch has plenty of options including Flatbread Company for pizza or The Works for salads and sandwiches. For dinner, I love Row 34 for fresh seafood and oysters.

Read more: Things to do in Portsmouth

Where to stay: AC Hotel Portsmouth Waterfront/Downtown

Ogunquit, Maine

If you are looking for a beach vacation and a cute New England town, head to Ogunquit in Southern Maine. Known for its beautiful beaches, Ogunquit feels like a typical New England beach town until you head into the Perkins Cove area. This historic working fishing cove has more than 30 charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. Footbridge Lobster is a popular spot for lobster rolls.

Nearby, you can go outlet shopping in Kittery, visit the Nubble Lighthouse in Cape Neddick, or walk the Cliff Walk in York.

Read more: Where to stop on a Coastal Maine road trip

Where to stay: The Anchorage by the Sea

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport has always been one of my favorite coastal towns in Maine. In its cute Lower Town centered around Dock Square, you will find plenty of shopping and dining options such as Federal Jack’s, Alisson’s, Mabel’s Lobster Claw, or the famous Clam Shack.

We also like to head out of town to Cape Porpoise Chowder House, which is popular with locals and tourists alike. Just be warned that parking is hard to find so you may need to walk a bit. I’d highly recommend a scenic drive around Cape Arundel, although it will cause some serious house envy!

If you are looking for beach time, Gooch’s Beach is wide and long and great for families, but street parking is limited so get there early. You can also try nearby Goose Rocks Beach or Colony Beach.

Where to stay: The Inn at English Meadows

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Boothbay Harbor is a great choice for families on Maine’s Midcoast. The quaint downtown is filled with family-friendly restaurants and shops. Kids will appreciate a stop at Downeast Ice Cream Factory for some blueberry ice cream and everyone will love eating on the dock at the Boothbay Lobster Wharf while watching the boats come and go.

One of my favorite things to do is take a whale watching, or even better, a puffin cruise from the Boothbay Harbor. Nearby, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of Maine’s top attractions. The Gardens offer over 300 acres of ornamental and themed gardens, mature forests, wetlands, and tidal shoreline with interpretative trails. But the real attraction for kids are the giant trolls from Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Read more: Things to do in Boothbay Harbor

Where to stay: Harborage Inn on the Waterfront or Tugboat Inn

Rockland, Maine

Rockland is known as Maine’s Art City and is home to many art galleries and two primary art museums, along with many street art murals. In the harbor, you will find cruise ships, fishing vessels, and even Maine Windjammer Schooners. If you visit in August, try to coordinate your time to overlap with the Maine Lobster Festival, which takes place in Rockland Harbor Park.

If you are up for a walk, located just outside of town, the Rockland Breakwater extends 7/8th of a mile into the Rockland Harbor and at the end sits the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. You need to watch your step and avoid high tide, but it offers a great perspective and view of the harbor.

For lighthouse lovers, there are plenty of others to see nearby Owl’s Head Light, which s located just outside of town in Owls Head State Park on a hill above the water. Just 30 minutes south of Rockland you can visit the Marshall Point Lighthouse, which was featured in the movie Forest Gump. About an hour to the south you can also stop at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol.

Read more: Things to do in Rockland

Where to stay: 250 Main Hotel

Camden, Maine

Just 15 minutes north of Rockland, Camden is another cute coastal town, making it easy to visit both Rockland and Camden on the same trip. Take some time to explore the boutiques and shops along Main Street. The Smiling Cow gift shop has a great selection of Maine-made products and gifts. There are also some great home goods stores, yarn/wool shops, and outdoor outfitters.

After exploring the town, head over to Camden Hills State Park. You will want to either drive or hike to the top of Mt. Battie. If you have more time, you can also hike the Maiden’s Cliff Trail with a view of Megunticook Lake, or take the Megunticook Ocean Lookout Trail.

Where to stay: Camden Maine Stay Inn

Bar Harbor, Maine

One of the most famous coastal New England towns is Bar Harbor, located just outside of Acadia National Park. In the summer, the town is packed with tourists that arrive by cruise ship or car. Downtown is lined with cute shops and restaurants with streets leading down to the Harbor, where you can walk along the Bar Harbor Shore Path.

Of course, Acadia National Park is one of the big attractions of the area. Whether you simply drive the Loop Road or hike the nerve-wracking Beehive Trail, visiting the park is a must. Just keep in mind that if you plan to drive Cadillac Mountain, you need to obtain a permit during certain times and dates.

To avoid the crowds, head to the Schoodic Peninsula section of the park to enjoy similar scenery without the tourists. And beyond the National Park, there are many other scenic areas to explore nearby such as the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge. You can even take a puffin cruise or watch the reversing falls at Tidal Falls in Hancock.

Read more: Things to do near Acadia National Park

Where to stay: Terramor Outdoor Resort

Looking for more New England ideas? You may also be interested in…

• Best family vacations in New England (for every season)
• New England fall road trip ideas
• Things to do in New England with kids
• Best vacation spots in Maine for families

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