11 Charming New England Seaside Towns for Your Family Vacation
After months of snow and ice, summer and early fall in New England feel like a collective sigh. Families flock to the northeast’s lake towns and coastal villages for quintessential New England vacations that go all‑in on the regional charm. Think clapboard houses, rows of bright blue hydrangeas, and lobster shacks covered in colorful buoys.
On a New England family getaway there’s plenty of space for long, lazy beach days, cliff hikes along protected seashores, and savoring those short‑but‑sweet months before temperatures plunge again.
Coastal New England Vacations and Seaside Villages
When you think of New England vacations, you’re probably picturing one of these adorable coastal towns. While each has its special touch, every one offers gorgeous ocean views, rows of clapboard Colonials and bungalow‑style Capes, and no shortage of walk‑up ice cream windows and seafood shacks for hungry travelers. Don’t miss these seaside villages and coastal towns on your next New England family getaway.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Home to Acadia National Park, tiny Bar Harbor is the perfect launch point for any family getaway to Maine. With family‑friendly and accessible trails like the Ocean Path (where you can gaze into the depths of the mighty Thunder Hole) and 45 miles of scenic carriage roads to bike, there’s something for everyone.
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Stop at Jordan Pond House for high tea and popovers before hiking up the Bubbles, an easy 800‑foot peak. Or drive up Cadillac Mountain for the first sunrise anywhere on the east coast—permits required from mid‑May to mid‑October—or for the more intrepid, hike up in time for breakfast.
Where to Stay in Bar Harbor
Maine’s Down East region has no shortage of lovely inns and B&Bs. To make the most of your New England vacation at Acadia National Park, stay at one of the three available campgrounds—Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods—each offering running water, bathrooms, and RV hookups. If you prefer indoor comfort, the Harborside Hotel, Spa, and Marina downtown is a perfect family retreat.
Camden, Maine
Midcoast Maine is one of the prettiest spots for a New England vacation, and at just an hour and a half from Portland, it makes for a great day trip destination. Camden Hills State Park, home to 780‑foot Mt. Battie, offers a short‑but‑scenic hike with a great view of Penobscot Bay, one of the best sailing spots along the coast. Don’t miss lunch at the award‑winning Long Grain restaurant and finish with River Duck’s ice cream for dessert.
Where to Stay in Camden
Stay cozy at the historic Captain Swift Inn, a charming B&B just a four‑minute walk to Camden’s restaurants and harbor. For classic waterfront views you associate with postcard‑perfect New England vacations, try the luxurious Grand Harbor Inn.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is a classic Maine beach destination for a reason (and not just because you can spot the Bush family at Walker Point). Families and four‑legged friends can spend the entire day at Gooch’s Beach or Goose Rock Beach. If beach time isn’t enough, explore the quirky Seashore Trolley Museum, which showcases the history of buses, trains, and automobiles from across the United States. Order ahead for beach‑ready lunches from the popular Clam Shack, a Kennebunkport institution.
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From Kennebunkport, head up southern Maine’s charming Route 1. Spend a day at Old Orchard Beach or nearby Ogunquit—one of the best family beach vacations in the country—for more great views, charming antique shops, and delicious lobster rolls.
Where to Stay in Kennebunkport
For a waterfront view and classic Maine sensibility, stay at the Yachtsman Hotel and Marina Club or the Cottages at Cabot Cove—both within walking distance of downtown activity but quiet enough for a restful evening after a day at the beach.
Rye, New Hampshire
New Hampshire may have only 18 miles of Atlantic shoreline, but the Granite State makes it count. For families looking for a beach option only an hour away from Boston, Rye is a great choice. With a collection of oceanfront state parks featuring playgrounds and picnic tables—Wallis Sands, Odiorne Point, and Rye Harbor—you have plenty to choose from.
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At Odiorne Point, stop by the Seacoast Science Center to learn about the marine ecosystem, from whales to guided tide‑pooling excursions and an indoor touch tank.
Where to Stay in Rye
Opt for a house rental right by the water in Rye, or stay in nearby Portsmouth to experience it all. For a real splurge, stay at the Wentworth‑by‑the‑Sea in New Castle.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Historic Portsmouth is the perfect New England vacation gateway to explore New Hampshire’s seacoast. The port town offers plenty of delicious eats along Market Street and Congress Street overlooking the harbor. Step back in time with a tour of the Strawbery Banke Museum, the site of the first Portsmouth settlement; or visit the U.S.S. Albacore, a decommissioned naval submarine. Most weekends, you’ll find live music or entertainment oceanside at Prescott Park.
Where to Stay in Portsmouth
For a family‑friendly hotel right in the center of town, try the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown—just steps from Market Square. For a more historic New England getaway, stay at the Sailmaker’s House Inn, lovingly restored in an 1800s home.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Use Newburyport as your home base to explore Massachusetts’ historic North Shore. With a relaxed feel compared to nearby Rockport or Salem, you’ll find live music on the waterfront, cute cobblestone streets, a walkable downtown, and great food.
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The North Shore is known for its roast beef sandwiches with ocean views, and you’ll find some of the best at Port City Sandwich Co. or Black Cow.
Where to Stay in Newburyport
Newburyport offers several great B&B options for New England vacations, including the Essex Street Inn and the Compass Rose Inn—both paying homage to the town’s history as a prominent harbor for captains and merchants before they shipped out to sea during the colonial era.
Chatham, Massachusetts
Locals call Cape Cod “the Cape,” and for quintessential New England vacations on the Cape, start with cute‑as‑a‑button Chatham. Located in the “elbow” of the Cape, you’ll find some of the best family‑friendly beaches in the Northeast at Lighthouse Beach (home to the Chatham Light), Hardings Beach, and Ridgevale Beach. Take a break from the beach with walking trails at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge or learn about deep‑sea creatures at the AWSC Shark Center.
Where to Stay in Chatham
The iconic Chatham Bars Inn is worth a splurge on any New England getaway for its panoramic ocean views and beach access—stop for lunch even if you’re not staying, as it’s a landmark on its own. For a cottage‑style family vacation experience, try the pet‑friendly Pleasant Village Resort.
Newport, Rhode Island
Step into the world of gilded mansions and Gatsby‑style glamour in Newport, Rhode Island. But the town is much more than tours of the Breakers or the Elms. Go mansion‑spotting by walking the scenic 3.5‑mile Cliff Walk or drive into town for the International Tennis Hall of Fame. If you have budding music lovers in the family, don’t miss the annual Jazz Festival or Folk Festival, which both take place every summer.
Where to Stay in Newport
Stay at your own stately home in one of Newport’s historic inns, like the iconic Castle Hill Inn. For more townhouse‑style living, go downtown at the Newport Bay Club and Hotel—walking distance to plenty of restaurants, museums, and shops.
Narragansett, Rhode Island
You can’t beat Narragansett Beach for a relaxing day, but it’s not the only option if you’re headed to Narragansett. Walk along the cliffs to Point Judith Lighthouse for great views. Catch the ferry to Block Island, which runs several times an hour all summer, to explore the seven‑mile long spit of land just off the coast for a day trip. For dinner, stop at one of the best clam shacks in New England—Monahan’s Clam Shack by the Sea.
Where to Stay in Narragansett
Rent a clapboard house of your own for an easy and relaxed vacation in Narragansett, or stay overnight on Block Island, where you can find a charming room at the Darius Inn or the Victorian Hotel Manisses.
Mystic, Connecticut
Situated between the Mystic River and the Atlantic, Mystic offers the perfect mix of classic seaside activities like sailing and beach days alongside great learning opportunities for the family. Spend a day wandering around the sprawling Mystic Seaport Museum, which recreates a 19th‑century fishing village down to the apothecary and shipbuilding warehouse. Or say hi to sea lions, manta rays, and more at the Mystic Aquarium.
Where to Stay in Mystic
Mystic has been a waystation since its founding in 1654, and today you’ll find a wide selection of hotels at different price points, including the Hilton Mystic, Hyatt Place, and the historic House of 1833.
Madison, Connecticut
Hang out at Hammonasset Beach State Park or Meigs Point Nature Center in the classic beach town of Madison, Connecticut. Stroll the historic Madison Green district for a glimpse of colonial architecture (on the National Register of Historic Places). For book lovers, grab your next great vacation binge read at RJ Julia Booksellers, one of the country’s cutest independent bookstores.
Where to Stay in Madison
Enjoy a slice of beach all to yourself at the Madison Beach Hotel or opt for a boutique option at the Homestead Bed and Breakfast, which gives you easy access to beaches, restaurants, and shopping downtown.
