The Northeast is a tan-dappled wonderland of beaches. From Maine to Delaware, the coast is dotted with sandy shores and lighthouses. The region’s charms are easy to fall in love with, from quaint fishing villages to picturesque lighthouses. To celebrate the area’s natural beauty, we’ve rounded up some of the best beaches in the northeast USA

1. Old Orchard Beach in Maine

Old Orchard Beach in Maine

One of the best beaches in the north is Old Orchard Beach with its retro atmosphere. Here you will find a wooden pier that cuts into the waves, small ice cream shops, and 7 miles of golden sand. Around the beach, however, there are nearby luxury hotels that offer all the amenities.

Can you swim in Old Orchard Beach Maine?
It is an excellent location for both swimming and sunbathing.

Why is the water red at Old Orchard Beach?
Algal blooms are the root cause of red tide because they cause the release of toxic phytoplankton into the water. It is possible for the waters along the coast to take on a reddish hue if the algal bloom is large enough.

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2. Kennebunk Beach in Maine

Kennebunk will surprise you with fine granite sand, many accommodation options nearby (from large hotels to accommodation BandB), and a beautiful beach landscape. The section called Mother’s Beach is surrounded by low cliffs, which are absolutely safe for children to play, while on Parsons Beach you will find dunes and more beach fun.

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3. Race Point Beach in Massachusetts

The beach is part of Cape Cod National Seashore and will surprise you with sand dunes, waves perfect for surfing, and enough space to feel comfortable. The waves here are not particularly suitable for swimming, but you can indulge in beach sports and relaxation.

Nearby is Gooch’s Beach, which is located around the Kennebunk River. Parking opportunities near the beach are quite limited, but you have the opportunity to park by the main road and walk a few meters.

Why is it called Race Point Beach?
The name Race Point was given because of the powerful cross current, or “race,” that made it difficult for mariners to navigate around Cape Cod’s terminus.

How much does it cost to park at Race Point Beach?
Daily parking costs $15. There are amenities like bathrooms, lifeguards, and showers.

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4. Wells and Ogunquit Beaches in Maine

Drake Island, Wells, Crescent, Moody, Footbridge, and Ogunquit are the beaches that form this magnetic beach stretching from the town of Wells to Ogunquit.

Not far from the beach, in the town of Ogunquit itself, you will find many small local shops, luxury resorts, and places for a delicious lunch or dinner. From here you can start your walk along the Marginal Way to discover some more secluded beaches and beautiful landscapes. There are places around with a gradual change in the depth of the ocean, which are ideal for families with children.

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5. Hampton Beach in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is quite rich in seashores and has as many as 13 public beaches. The biggest of them is Hampton. One of the main attractions here is the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, which has existed since 1899 and currently operates as a hall for concerts and public events.

As well as being one of the best northeast beaches, Hampton is also known as one of the cleanest beaches in the United States. In the city part, which is in the immediate vicinity, you will find all the amenities and entertainment for a perfect vacation.

How much does it cost to go to Hampton Beach?
For the parking area at South Beach, there is a $15 per passenger vehicle parking fee. 65 and older New Hampshire residents are admitted free. There are season passes available. RVs are subject to a $30 fee because they need two parking spaces.

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6. Long Beach – Long Island

Long Beach is located on Long Island and is so named because it stretches for more than three miles along the island’s southern shore. It’s a popular gathering spot for New Yorkers, with large crowds on sunny summer days. However, during the week, Long Beach can be nearly deserted. Therefore, whether you’re looking for a cozy, intimate setting to spend some quiet time with your loved ones or a more vibrant vibe, this northeastern beach has it all. In the Ocean Beach Park area, you’ll find playgrounds, restrooms, stores, and concessions.

Is Long Beach the same as Long Island?
Long Beach is a beachfront city in Nassau County, New York, USA. It occupies a central section of Long Beach Barrier Island, the westernmost of Long Island’s outer barrier islands off the South Shore.

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7. Coopers Beach – Long Island

Coopers Beach, located on Long Island, is consistently recognized as one of the best beaches in the northeast, if not the entire United States of America. It boasts some extremely silky smooth sands as well as a variety of enjoyable activities. This beach hosts regular live entertainment, including outdoor concerts, and the area is lined with opulent expensive homes belonging to the rich and famous. The vistas are magnificent, the dunes are a blast to climb, the waters are ideal for a variety of activities, and the surrounding region is full of necessary utilities and delicious restaurants. In a nutshell, this is one of the nicest beaches in the Hamptons.

What town is Cooper beach in?
Southampton

Can you swim at Coopers Beach?
Yes

Do you have to pay to go to Coopers Beach?
Parking at the beach costs $50 per day, and there are amenities like concessions, a bathroom, and chair and umbrella rentals.

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8. Misquamicut State Beach in Rhode Island

Misquamicut State Beach, located in the village of Misquamicut in the Town of Westerly, has a half-mile of beachfront and a modern beach facility that includes a playground, concessions, outdoor showers, and shade gazebos. Misquamicut State Beach has always had a summer population that is balanced between Westerly residents and large influxes of non-residents. As the state’s most popular beach, parking is frequently at capacity on hot summer days.

How much does it cost to get into Misquamicut Beach?
For residents of the state, daily parking at Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly is now $10 during the week and $15 on the weekends and holidays. For out-of-state visitors, daily parking is now $20 during the week and $30 on the weekends and holidays.

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9. Head of the Meadow in Massachusetts

Also located in Cape Cod, these two beaches have dunes over 100 feet high and if you want to visit them you have to cross paths between the dunes. Head of the Meadow is divided into two zones – one that belongs to the city and another that is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

The waves are great for surfing and other water sports.

10. Ballston Beach in Massachusetts

Ballston Beach is an ocean beach at the end of South Pamet Road. The parking lot requires a Truro Beach Parking Sticker, which is available online during the season. There are no lifeguards on duty at this beach.

11. Wingaersheek Beach in Massachusetts

The crystal clear waters of this northeast beach are located between Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay. Gloucester beach is ideal for families with children because the water becomes deep very smoothly, and the rock formations on the beach are interesting for any little explorer.

In summer there are more amenities such as vending machines for drinks and food and small souvenir shops.

12. Singing Beach in Massachusetts

The fame of this beach as the “singing beach” comes from the perfect combination of sand containing silica and a humid atmosphere. When you walk the compression creates a slight humming sound.

The other attraction here is the bathhouse built in the 1920s. Although Manchester-by-the-Sea is close to Boston, it manages to retain its historic and ancient atmosphere.

Misquamicut State Beach will provide you with complete relaxation with designated picnic areas, evening concerts, fireworks, and soft fine sand. Nearby is Watch Hill, a small historic town with a carousel for children and many luxury resorts.

13. Narragansett Bay Beaches in Rhode Island

The 1-mile Narragansett Town Beach is an ideal place for surfers. If you want to go south you will find several more beaches offering all the amenities to your visitors – Matunuck Beach State Park, East Matunuck State Beach, Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, Scarborough State Beach, and Narragansett Town Beach. Each of them has a convenient parking lot.

14. Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut

Hammonasset Beach State Park is an ideal place to relax with the family because of the calm waters, the boardwalk that runs all over the beach and is ideal for a long walk and the Meigs Point Nature Center, which offers many exhibitions and educational programs for children.

Apart from being one of the best northeast beaches, it is also the largest beach in Connecticut.

15. Coney Island Beach in New York

Want to immerse yourself in an old-school setting with lots of fun? Coney Island is the right place. Here you will find the famous Cyclone roller coaster, many neon signs, souvenirs, as well as the famous hot dogs of Nathan’s Coney Island restaurant.

Not far from the long beach are the two amusement parks, which guarantee your wonderful time.

16. Brighton Beach in New York

East of Coney Island is another favorite New York beach that has a completely different atmosphere. Often called the “little Odessa”, this area will offer you a typical Turkish and European feeling.

You will hardly find Coney Island`s hot dogs here, but you will definitely enjoy pierogies and Georgian flatbread.

17. Stone Harbor Beach in New Jersey

Stone Harbor Beach borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west. Part of the beaches of New Jersey, this is the perfect place for sunbathing, relaxation, or shopping in the nearby boutiques.

18. Jones Beach in New York

This is one of the most extensive and popular beaches on the East Coast. The easiest way to get here is through the Long Island Rail Road, but you will hardly want to leave, captivated by the calm waves and fine sand. Along the beach stretch two miles of the boardwalk where you can walk or jog.

If you are an avid explorer, visit the Wetlands Institute to learn more about the formation of the beach and the surrounding flora and fauna.

19. Sandy Hook in New Jersey

Sandy Hook State Park is one of the favorite beaches in the north because of its long bike path and beautiful views of busy New York. Located on the Jersey shore, the beach offers camping, swimming, and canoeing opportunities.

You will also find wonderful accommodation here, and if you decide to walk to New York you are only 35 minutes away by ferry. Much of the area here is protected, promising a wide variety of wildlands.

20. Cape May Beach in New Jersey

The atmosphere of this beach will take you back to the Victorian era but in a slightly more modernized version. The area is best known for Victorian gingerbread beach cottages, many of which have become accommodations.

Cape May is one of the oldest resorts in America, so this situation is not accidental. The largest resort here (and one of the oldest in the country) is Congress Hall, which opened in 1816. If you want to immerse yourself in a historic vacation, away from the modern city noise, this is the right place.

21. Wildwood Beach in New Jersey

Not far from the relaxed atmosphere of Stone Harbor is Wildwood, which is the complete opposite, filled with lots of neon signs, noisy parties, entertainment, and souvenir shops.

The decor here is ancient, reminiscent of the Middle Ages, and the beach is strewn with golden sand, which invites you to an unforgettable vacation.

22. Boothbay Harbor in Maine

Boothbay Harbor has been named “New England’s Boating Capital.” There are over 25 daily boat trips leaving right from the bustling harbor, so there’s something for everyone! Harbor excursions are a terrific way to visit the area and adjacent islands like Burnt Island and Monhegan Island, which are further out to sea. There are also numerous tours that allow visitors to get up up and personal with Maine wildlife such as puffins, seals, and even whales! Enjoy a romantic sunset schooner ride or a thrilling windjammer excursion with captains who have traveled the globe. Local boat yards can also be visited to discover how the tradition of world-class boat building is still alive and well today.

Conclusion

The North Coast offers several completely different types of experiences. You can choose a quiet place conducive to relaxation, or a beach full of attractions for young and old, shops or opportunities for water sports.

The research-oriented people will also find their own place to observe the marine life. If you are adventurous, you can make your trip to discover a secluded beach. As for the most famous places mentioned in our list, remember that it is good to visit them earlier in the morning to find a suitable parking space and enough space to stay on the beach.

FAQs

What beaches in the northeast USA allow dogs ?

There are a number of beaches in the northeast USA that allow dogs. In New Jersey, Island Beach State Park allows dogs on their 1.3 mile beach. In New York, dog-friendly beaches include Fire Island National Seashore, Robert Moses State Park, and Jones Beach. In Rhode Island, Charlestown Breachway and Scarborough State Beach are both dog-friendly. In Massachusetts, Cape Cod National Seashore and Nantucket Town Beach both allow dogs. In Connecticut, Sherwood Island State Park and Hammonasset Beach State Park both permit dogs on their beaches.

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