Best New England Coastal Towns to Spend the Weekend

There are so many beautiful coastal towns in New England that when it comes to picking the best, it's a tricky job.

The result is a superb blend of seaside towns, offering visitors a chance to discover rich heritage sites, charming shopping streets, excellent fresh seafood restaurants, outdoor pursuits, wildlife opportunities, dreamy beaches, and incredible views of the New England coastline.

Continue reading to discover the best coastal towns in New England for a weekend break.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island is a small coastal island located off the coast of Rhode Island and can be easily reached by ferry. It’s renowned for its natural beauty, featuring stunning sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and the iconic Salt Lake at its heart. 

On our first trip to Block Island, we immediately understood why visitors loved it so much. In addition to being very beautiful, it has a local, relaxed vibe that instantly puts you at ease. 

Touring the island by bike or moped is one of the best things to do on Block Island and a great way to acquaint yourself with this charming island. Stop at the most popular beaches like Crescent, Ballard’s, and Mansion Beach. Don’t miss the Mohegan Bluffs, with amazing views, and the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, where you can see the protected wetlands and walk to the North Lighthouse.

When you’re ready for a delicious lunch, head over to The Oar. You can sit on the chairs overlooking the Great Salt Pond while enjoying a lobster roll and their signature Mudslide drink.

Summer is the best time to visit, when the weather is warm, and there are fun summer events, such as the Block Island Triathlon. If you want something more lively, check out the live music at Ballard's. Walking around the quaint coastal town to explore the shops and grab some ice cream is also enjoyable.

In addition to being one of the best islands on New England’s coast, Block Island is one of those places you will want to return to again and again!

Watch Hill, Westerly, Rhode Island

With beautiful beaches, classic New England restaurants, and boutique shopping, Watch Hill in Westerly, Rhode Island, is the perfect New England coastal destination for an ocean getaway.

It is a peaceful, upscale community with soft sand beaches and historic sites, such as Watch Hill Lighthouse and The Ocean House, and it avoids many of the summer crowds that plague Rhode Island's other beach spots.

Spend the day soaking up some sun on Watch Hill's many beaches. Watch Hill offers a variety of activities, including fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, clamming, and sailing. Visit nearby Napatree Point Beach and take a dip in the sea. 

Shop for unique boutique or art gallery finds downtown, and finish off your evening with a delicious meal at one of Watch Hill's seafood restaurants. I'd recommend Olympia Tea Room, a classic New England family-owned restaurant from the 1930s with a bistro-style menu and a “famous, not fancy” motto.

Watch Hill is also the summer residence of Taylor Swift. For visiting fans, the best view of her white mansion overlooking the water is from East Beach!

Boothbay Harbour, Maine

Boothbay Harbour is one of the most beautiful coastal towns to visit in New England. Sitting along Maine's Midcoast region, this cute little town makes for a perfect weekend getaway when visiting the Pine Tree State and is surrounded by stunning scenery and coastal charm at every turn. 

One of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbour is head out on the water. This coastal town offers a wealth of fantastic boat tours, including lighthouse tours, wildlife cruises to spot puffins and seals, and scenic sailing tours. The puffin tour is unique and takes you to Eastern Egg Rock to see the local puffin colony. 

For the picture-perfect Maine experience, book a traditional clam bake on Cabbage Island. This excursion departs from the docks in Boothbay and takes you to a gorgeous island where an expertly prepared clam and lobster bake dinner awaits!

Lastly, don't leave without strolling through the charming downtown. The colourful storefronts offer the perfect Maine souvenirs to take home, and the pedestrian footbridge provides some of the best views of the harbour (this is best enjoyed with ice cream from Downeast Ice Cream Factory!). While shopping downtown, you'll also stumble upon Sherman's, Maine's oldest bookstore. 

For a delicious lunch or dinner, Shannon's Unshelled is a must. This casual seafood joint serves traditional Maine-style lobster rolls and some of the freshest seafood in town.

The best time to visit Boothbay Harbour is in the summer, between late June and Labour Day. This is when you'll experience the best weather, and all the businesses will be open for the season. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, early June and late September are also great times to visit. 

Lubec, Maine

The beautiful village of Lubec, Maine, is the most eastern coastal town in the United States. It is located along Maine’s Bold Coast on the Bay of Fundy, a vast body of water with the largest tides in the world. Lubec is known for iconic lighthouses, small-town charm, and breathtaking sunrises.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse can’t be missed. It’s painted in unique red and white candy stripe colours. My favourite part is walking across the ocean floor at low tide to reach the lighthouse. There are breathtaking views of the coast here, and I’ve seen whales spouting and feeding in the seas around the lighthouse. Hikes on the trails through the fragrant fir forests have brought me to bogs with rare carnivorous plants.

Lubec is located on the Canadian border, so consider taking a day trip across the international bridge to Campobello Island to visit the Roosevelt Campobello International Park. Here you can visit Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s magnificent summer home. I’ve particularly enjoyed Eleanor’s Tea, a special event where you learn the story of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life while enjoying tea and homemade cookies.

Lubec is the perfect place to see working lobster boats and enjoy the freshest seafood. The fisherman’s platter at the historic Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant is amazingly fresh and served dockside with a view of the open ocean. We rent kayaks from the Wharf for sea kayaking on the Bold Coast. Be aware of the significant tides here when taking a boat out.

My favourite time to visit the beautiful coastal town of Lubec is in the summer, when the lupines are in bloom and the wild blueberries are ripe.

Camden, Maine

With its portside streets, rich maritime history, and bustling harbour location, it’s hard to beat Camden, Maine, for sheer New England charm, and when you think it can’t get more Americana, the layers reveal even more to enjoy.

Located in the heart of the midcoast, around a safe harbour off Penobscot Bay, the coastal town of Camden, Maine, has plenty to do and see. 

Downtown, the multi-coloured building facades beckon you to come and spend the day strolling and browsing the many cafes, coffee shops, tourist shops, antique stores and galleries.

Then, walk a few more paces down to the harbourfront. Here you can spend a few more hours exploring or relaxing on the lawn, watching the antique windjammer cruises sail in and out. For a panoramic harbour view, drive uphill to Mount Battie, just a few minutes away.

Camden is a beautiful 3-season destination, although winter isn’t too harsh on this part of Maine’s coast. The town can offer excellent price breaks on accommodations that remain open year-round.

Summer in midcoast Maine starts on the 4th of July. Before this, you’ll have warm days with cooler evenings. July and August bring warmer nights, accompanied by unbeatable culture and food festivals, such as the Maine Lobster Festival in nearby Rockland.

Camden has several excellent restaurants, but two favourites include The Waterfront for fresh local seafood and Long Grain for vegetarian Thai cuisine.

Oak Bluffs (Martha’s Vineyard), Massachusetts

Located just 11 km (seven miles) from the mainland of Cape Cod, the idyllic Martha’s Vineyard is the third-largest island on the East Coast. Here, you will find the picturesque coastal town of Oak Bluffs. It effortlessly combines historic charm with modern allure.

Known for its vibrant gingerbread cottages, pristine beaches, and lively downtown area, this holiday destination offers an enchanting blend of relaxation and excitement, captivating the senses and leaving visitors yearning for more. It's also a great day trip from Boston.

With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and a plethora of recreational activities, Oak Bluffs stands out as a must-visit coastal location in New England. Head to Oak Bluffs Town Beach for calm, shallow water, Long Point Beach for great swimming or Katama Beach if you prefer a few waves. 

Oak Bluffs boasts a diverse range of eateries, from seafood shacks serving fresh catches from the Atlantic Ocean to upscale establishments offering delectable farm-to-table dishes. There's something to satisfy every palate. Whether you're a foodie seeking culinary adventures or simply looking to taste traditional American dishes at places like the Barn Bowl and Bistro, you will find a restaurant in Oak's Bluff that you'll love.

Book a room at the historic Summercamp Hotel for the perfect place to stay. It is located in a renovated 1879 property and offers superb oceanfront views.

Chatham, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is the premier destination for a beach vacation in New England. Its most picturesque town, Chatham, is one of the best places to stay. Between beautiful beaches, a charming downtown, excellent restaurants, and postcard-worthy scenery at every turn, it'll be hard not to think about moving there during your visit. 

One of the best things to do in Chatham is to walk along the gorgeous Lighthouse Beach. Backdropped by Chatham's lighthouse, this beach offers incredible views of the sand dunes and ocean. If you're lucky, you could also spot seals swimming in the water during your visit!

If you're looking for a definite seal spotting location, you'll want to head over to the Chatham Fish Pier & Market. You will find seals swimming right by the docked boats, hoping for snacks from the local fishermen. There's even a superb viewing platform to enjoy the water views and watch the seals up close. The Fish Market is also the perfect spot for amazingly fresh seafood, making it a great place to plan a casual lunch.

If you visit during July, Chatham is the best town on Cape Cod for hydrangea gardens. Walking around to see the fluffy blooms bursting with pinks and blues is such a treat. Combine that with picture-perfect cottages and stunning oceanfront mansions, and it'll feel like a dream. 

For a memorable dinner out in Chatham, book a table at the Impudent Oyster, which serves elevated seafood dishes that are to die for. 

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is one of the quaint New England towns near Boston that you must visit! This beautiful coastal town is easily accessible by train from Boston, making it a must-visit destination for a day trip.

Salem blew me away with its beauty. Winding cobbled streets and gorgeous historic buildings look straight out of a storybook. Plus, the ocean is just a few minutes' walk from the town centre. 

Of course, Salem is most famous for its connections to the Salem Witch Trials, and most of the best things to do in town revolve around this. The Salem Witch House is visually fascinating. Its black wooden panels bring all the spooky Halloween vibes. Head over to the House of the Seven Gables, and you'll be met with yet another creepy yet gorgeous historic mansion.

The best time to visit Salem is in spring and summer, when you can enjoy the town's charm without the Halloween craziness. Autumn in New England is the most beautiful time of year to visit; however, you can barely move through the streets of Salem in late October and November due to all the Halloween tourism!

Salem boasts numerous fabulous independent restaurants. For some authentic Italian food, look no further than Bambolina. The pasta here is to die for!

Mystic, Connecticut

Located on the Long Island Sound, Mystic, Connecticut, offers a unique combination of history, stunning natural beauty and culture. It's one of my favourite New England coastal towns for a girl's getaway or a mother-daughter day trip.

The city's main attraction is the Mystic Seaport Museum. It features interactive exhibits, historic ships, and a variety of educational programs. The museum is a great place to learn about Mystic's maritime past and gain an appreciation for the city's cultural heritage. And don't forget to do the guided downtown ghost tour to learn about things that go bump in the night.

Olde Mistick Village is another popular spot in Mystic. This outdoor shopping centre is home to a diverse range of stores and restaurants, making it an ideal destination for a sunny day out. For a break from shopping, visitors can head to one of the cafes or restaurants in the village.

Check Out Mystic Aquarium

The Mystic Aquarium is a world-class facility. It features touch tanks and interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the wonders of the ocean. It also offers activities and educational programs for both children and adults. After exploring the aquarium, visitors can take a boat tour of the harbour.

Thanks to its location on the coast, you can explore several local beaches and hike through Bluff Point State Park in nearby Groton, Connecticut.

One of my favourite restaurants in the city is Red 36. It's situated right on the water, offering beautiful views and excellent seafood.

Please PIN for future travel to North America

HEADING TO NORTH AMERICA? PLEASE CHECK OUT MY TRAVEL GUIDES ↓

8 Best Western Ski Resorts In The United States

Top 10 Best Things To Do In New England In The Fall

How to Spend 24 Hours in Yosemite in May

How To Do A Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour from Vegas

Everglades Alligator Tour Review: Miami’s Fun Family Experience

The Perfect Festive Guide To Christmas In New York City

9 Most Spooky Places To Celebrate Halloween in the United States