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- How the reader poll found New England’s most-loved beach towns
- Fourth place: Eastham, Massachusetts — Cape Cod’s windswept escape
- Third place: Edgartown, Massachusetts — Martha’s Vineyard’s polished getaway
- Second place: Bar Harbor, Maine — Gateway to Acadia National Park
- First place: Ogunquit, Maine — The walkable beach town crowned #1
- Compare the four towns: choose your ideal New England beach style
- Quick travel checklist and safety reminders
- Find your perfect beach town — a short quiz to guide your choice
- Practical booking pointers for New England beach visits
Boston.com asked readers to choose their favorite New England beach towns and more than 10,000 travelers answered. Out of 32 seaside places, four destinations rose to the top, and they all landed in just two states: Massachusetts and Maine. Read on to explore each town, why visitors love them, and quick tips for planning your own coastal escape.
How the reader poll found New England’s most-loved beach towns
The contest matched 32 coastal communities across New England. Voters paired towns in brackets until the field narrowed.
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New England’s top 4 beaches: travelers reveal the must-visit spots
- The tally came from readers and travelers who know the region well.
- Popular trends: quieter beaches, iconic lighthouses, and nearby parks scored highly.
- The final four represent classic New England shorelines and island life.
Fourth place: Eastham, Massachusetts — Cape Cod’s windswept escape
Why visitors picked Eastham
Eastham stood out for its open dunes, coastal views, and a relaxed Cape Cod feel. It’s less glitzy than the busier Cape towns.
Top activities and sights
- Walk the windswept dunes and enjoy long sandy stretches.
- Visit historic lighthouses and shoreline lookouts.
- Bike along local trails and spot seals offshore.
- Eat at small seafood shacks for classic New England fare.
Good to know: Eastham feels developed enough for comfort, but still quiet and scenic.
Third place: Edgartown, Massachusetts — Martha’s Vineyard’s polished getaway
What makes Edgartown special
Edgartown delivers island glamour: manicured yards, white clapboard houses, and upscale shops.
Must-do experiences
- Stroll Main Street for boutiques and restaurants.
- Bike toward Katama and explore South Beach.
- Take the Chappy Ferry to Chappaquiddick for quieter beaches.
- Relax at Fuller Street Beach, a favored nearby spot.
Visitor tip: Expect higher prices and pristine beaches. It’s a top pick for travelers who want island luxury with classic New England charm.
Second place: Bar Harbor, Maine — Gateway to Acadia National Park
Why Bar Harbor ranks high
Bar Harbor combines a lively coastal town with immediate access to Acadia’s dramatic landscape.
Outdoor highlights
- Explore Acadia National Park’s rocky shoreline and trails.
- Take whale-watching and puffin tours from May through August.
- Visit rustic lobster shacks and enjoy nautical-themed shops.
Pro recommendation: Book a puffin or whale-watching cruise early in the season. Bar Harbor is an outdoors-first destination.
First place: Ogunquit, Maine — The walkable beach town crowned #1
What visitors loved about Ogunquit
Ogunquit earned top honors for its long sandy beaches, photo-ready dunes, and compact, walkable center.
Best beaches and where to stay
- Ogunquit Beach — a broad stretch of soft white sand.
- Footbridge Beach — quieter, highly rated by visitors.
- Several small inns and hotels line the waterfront; Beachmere Inn is a popular mid-range pick.
Insider note: Ogunquit offers classic Maine charm without the size or bustle of larger coastal towns.
Compare the four towns: choose your ideal New England beach style
Each top town has a distinct vibe. Match your priorities to pick the best fit.
- Eastham: Quiet dunes, lighthouse views, classic Cape Cod calm.
- Edgartown: Island luxury, boutique shopping, pristine beaches.
- Bar Harbor: Outdoor adventures, Acadia access, wildlife tours.
- Ogunquit: Walkable town, long sandy beach, easy Maine charm.
Quick travel checklist and safety reminders
- Check local travel alerts and entry rules before booking.
- Reserve summer tours and ferries early; island spots fill up fast.
- Pack layers; New England coastal weather can shift quickly.
- Respect local wildlife and protected areas, especially in Acadia.
Safety tip: Verify tour operators’ schedules and boat safety ratings for whale and puffin trips.
Find your perfect beach town — a short quiz to guide your choice
- Pick the vibe you want:
- A. Upscale island life — go Edgartown.
- B. Wild nature and hiking — go Bar Harbor.
- C. Quiet sands and lighthouses — go Eastham or Ogunquit.
- Favorite afternoon activity?
- A. Shopping and dining on Main Street — Edgartown.
- B. Whale-watching or puffin tours — Bar Harbor.
- C. Biking dunes or walking long beaches — Eastham or Ogunquit.
- Ideal meal by the sea?
- A. Fine dining with ocean views — Edgartown.
- B. Casual lobster roll from a shack — Ogunquit or Bar Harbor.
- C. Fried clams at a laid-back seafood shack — Eastham.
Practical booking pointers for New England beach visits
- Search lodging early for peak summer weeks.
- Compare ferry and parking options on islands like Martha’s Vineyard.
- Read recent reviews for beaches and tour operators.
- Bring cash for small seafood stands that may not take cards.
