15 pretty New England coastal towns to check out this summer

Sometimes it’s the little places that have the biggest pull. If your daily routine is action packed and nonstop, then the gentle pace of a small town might be just the thing you need on your next vacation. Pair relaxed vibes with a splendid coastal location, and you’re all set for the perfect trip.

In each of the charming New England locales below, you’ll find plenty of vacation rentals, in a variety of sizes and styles to fit comfortably within your budget. So whether its a romantic escape for two or a family getaway for six, you’ll find a rental that suits your needs, with the added bonus of homely amenities like a full kitchen, laundry, and multiple bedrooms. Once you’ve settled on your preferred New England coastal town, you can book your tours, activities, and attractions on our site, too!

Beachside ice creams, bowls of steaming chowder, fresh salty air, and views that go on forever—everything you need for the relaxing seaside getaway of your dreams. Here’s our latest list of delightful New England coastal towns.

Cliff walks, yacht-studded waters, and jaw-dropping Gilded Age mansions. It’s all here in Newport. Don’t be fooled, though—this Rhode Island town is much more than a getaway spot for the rich and famous. Try a morning fishing sail around Narragansett Bay—it’s suitable for all abilities and ages. If you prefer to sightsee on the water rather than fish, you can cruise Newport Harbor in the morning or at sunset. Get to know Newport on this trolley tour, which includes a good look at those famous Ocean Drive views.

There’s no shortage of things to do in this charming Connecticut town. Board a wooden whaleship at Mystic Seaport Museum, soar on a high-flying zipline experience, or try a guided walking tour of this charming seaport hub. Visiting between September and December? Swing by to pick up cider and apple wine, or see a cider-making demo, at B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the country. Don’t forget to drop in for a slice at Mystic Pizza, the famous setting of the 1988 film of the same name.

It’s gorgeous location on Mount Desert Island makes Bar Harbor a great place for spotting sea birds, seals, whales, and more. Stroll along Sand Beach, and enjoy the beautiful walking terrain in Acadia National Park, with its winding roads and lush forest. The Shore Path and Ocean Trail are great ways to get some exercise and breathe the fresh sea air, or acquaint yourself with the town’s history and flavors on a highly recommended Bar Harbor walking and food tour.

Camden, perched on Penobscot Bay, is often known as the jewel of the Maine coast. This sparkling seaport town is a mecca for all types of travelers, from outdoor adventurers to shopaholics. Here you can pick up a one-of-a-kind find at an antique store downtown, savor a picnic on the waterfront, and take in the sights from the sea on a classic windjammer sail. Hikers will love the trails of Camden Hills State Park and the wonderful harbor and bay views from the top of Mount Battie.

Portsmouth's historic center bustles with activity, with its well-regarded restaurants and packed calendar of events, from lectures to art openings. The best place to learn about the rich history of Portsmouth is at Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum staffed by costumed workers creating traditional crafts. Cross the Piscataqua River to see Peirce Island and Four Tree Island on this bike tour, great for getting off the beaten path to explore New Hampshire’s beautiful Seacoast region.

Provincetown sits on the tip of Cape Cod and is known for its coastal views, white sands, and friendly LGBT community. Here you can catch a quiet beach sunset and some raucous cabaret in the same evening. You’ll find lots of top-rated places to eat and drink—make your way to Commercial Street to see for yourself. Why not try a history and culture biking tour, or a cruise taking in the best local landmarks and wildlife? Don't miss the fantastic Race Point Beach, awarded as one of the top 25 in the US by travelers.

This little Martha's Vineyard town makes a terrific coastal getaway. It's got historic cottages, pretty beaches, delicious seafood, and kids will love the restored Flying Horses vintage carousel, originally from Coney Island. If you want to see more of this idyllic island, this 3-hour island tour or sunset cruise will do the trick. Now all you need is a place to rest your head. We like this pretty house a mile outside the center. Barbecue on the deck, anyone?

America's oldest fishing port still has an authentic seafaring soul, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. The whale watching is some of the best in New England, so get yourself on a wildlife tour if that’s your thing—this tour comes highly rated by travelers. You can also shop for thrift-store finds and quirky gifts along Main Street, surf with lighthouse views off Good Harbor Beach, and dive into hearty seafood dishes as the sun goes down.

New London has a maritime history more than 350 years old, which you can learn about at the United States Coast Guard Museum. The town also boasts an emerging street art scene, with many travelers raving about the Hygienic Art Gallery. You can stroll the boardwalk and white sands at Ocean Beach Park, where you’ll find plenty of entertainment for kids, or raise the sails on a 110-foot vessel and set off for a relaxing cruise with a seasonal Sunday brunch. Just outside town, the Connecticut College campus has a stunning arboretum, which is free to visit. There's also Fort Trumbull State Park, where you can learn about Revolutionary War history.

Kennebunkport welcomes visitors all year round, with its pleasant beaches, such as Goose Rocks, and historic landmarks, such as Saint Ann's Church. The Brick Store Museum celebrates the stories and culture of the local region and the Seashore Trolley Museum has a fleet of charming vintage streetcars. Get onto the waves for some whale watching or join a lobster boat tour. When you’re back on land, Nunan's Lobster Hut is a good place to try local clam chowder and lobster rolls. Or, for a more varied taste of the town, try this lunchtime walking food tour.

This is an old-school beach destination with that cotton-candy-on-the-boardwalk feel. There are seven miles of flat beach to enjoy, with visitors considerably swelling the sunbathing population over the summer months. Check out the reconstructed pier, a slightly shorter, sturdier version of the 19th-century original, complete with places to eat. Plus, be sure to visit the Palace Playland amusement park with its Ferris wheel, rides, and games right on the sand. This cute condo is a great home base during your trip, only a quarter mile away from all the action.

Just an hour’s drive from Boston is idyllic Rye, a peaceful option when it comes to New England coastal towns. Jenness State Beach and Wallis Sands State Beach are the town’s two sandy stretches and are just ten minutes’ drive apart. If you want to avoid the summer beach crowds, Odiorne Point State Park provides 330 acres of oceanfront views and plenty of tide pools to explore.

Go crabbing at Dubois Beach, browse the boutiques along Water Street, see the cannons of Cannon Square, and visit the town's lighthouse, now home to the Stonington Lighthouse Museum. Take a look at its maritime artifacts before climbing to the top for views of the surrounding area. There's a great Saturday morning farmer's market where you can stock up for your post-swim picnic on the beach.

Falmouth has a relaxed pace and a pleasant, walkable town center. You can enjoy Buzzards Bay views at Old Silver Beach, or linger on the popular green lawns around the town’s library. The Shining Sea Bikeway is a lovely walkway and cycle path stretching over 10 miles from North Falmouth to Woods Hole, passing marshes, cranberry bogs, and pine trees. Stop off along the way to visit Nobska Point Lighthouse. You can also ferry over from Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard for a day trip.

With daily harbor and island tours departing from pretty boat-filled Boothbay Harbor, you can see why this place is known as the Boating Capital of New England. You can even visit the boatyards to see vessels under construction. Discover the many nearby inlets and waterways by kayak—rentals are widely available locally, and you can paddle off with a guide or without. The area is also good for hikers, with 20 miles of trails available. For some beach time, seek out Barrett’s Park, Knickerbocker Lake, or Grimes Cove.

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