As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, classic Northeastern cities and beach towns come alive. From the island region of Martha’s Vineyard to Connecticut’s famous Gold Coast, sun-filled summertime fun awaits travelers looking for a beach escape. We’ve rounded up some of the top destinations and coastal enclaves along the Northeast, and the best places to stay. Here are our top picks:
Kennebunkport, Maine
Home to the freshest New England cuisine, beautiful beaches, rocky shores, and even the Bush family summer home, Kennebunkport is made up of everything that makes Maine well…Maine, but on a much smaller, less touristy scale. Get the true Maine experience and stay in a former sea captain’s home, a quaint B&B called The Captain Jefferds Inn, conveniently located within a short walking distance to Dock Square, Kennebunkport’s town center. Enjoy a full, three-course breakfast each morning in their beautiful dining room before hitting the town and taking in all of the gorgeous lighthouses and preserves, pristine local beaches, golf courses, and more. Each of the inn’s 16 charmingly appointed guest rooms are individually decorated and feature impressive amenities such as private baths and some with gas fireplaces or wood-styled stoves to add to the romantic ambiance.
Ledyard, Connecticut
Set along the Thames River and located just minutes from the famous coastal town of Mystic, Ledyard is a water-lover’s haven. Abbey’s Lantern Hill Inn is the perfect place to stay for summer travelers seeking the best of both worlds: the intimacy of a secluded getaway alongside the thrill of nearby attractions. So very close to the famous town of Mystic and casinos such as Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, the inn is within optimal proximity to entertainment and attractions, yet feels so far away from it all. Serving as a quiet getaway in the country and nestled on six acres of picturesque woodlands, the B&B is situated among the beaches of Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. A boutique bed and breakfast, Abbey’s Lantern Hill Inn features six rooms as well as a dog-friendly cottage, all tidy and inviting, complete with wood-burning fireplaces and Jacuzzis to soak in the serenity.
Cape Cod: Brewster, Massachusetts
With a quiet, bucolic feel and a laid-back pace, the Lower Cape town of Brewster is home to a number of stunning conservation areas, biking, quaint antique shops, and beaches. If you’re looking to experience a colonial seaside town filled with history, lined with tree-shaded streets, and quaint shops, you’ll love the “Olde Cape Cod” feel that Brewster embodies. Brewster By The Sea Inn, a 9-room, luxury boutique bed and breakfast, includes modern baths with artisan amenities, farm-to-table breakfasts, and a bright, calming, and comfortable ambiance. Built in 1846, the gracefully restored Main House offers four exquisite guest rooms and a grand parlor complete with a cathedral ceiling, perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day exploring. Dine alfresco on the inn’s sun-filled patio among gorgeous gardens, then return to your room and indulge in homemade lavender spritzers and salts, while getting cozy in their plush, robes and sumptuous Turkish towels.
Ocean City, New Jersey
From boardwalk eats and candy shops to beautiful beaches and nearby parks, Ocean City has received the title of “The #1 family beach community in the country” by the Travel Channel. Boasting with eight miles of sparkling ocean and bay beaches, two and a half miles of boardwalk, and free outdoor entertainment during the summer season, this Northeastern coastal town is especially popular among families. Located away from the downtown crowds, Inn The Gardens B&B is set in what is known as New Jersey’s quiet residential “Gardens” section but is also only 8 miles from Atlantic City for those looking to explore the nightlife scene. Start your day with a mouth-watering breakfast before walking a short distance to the beach and bustling boardwalk. You’ll even receive complimentary beach tags when staying at the inn (a huge bonus!). With 7 modern guest rooms and two first floor apartments, this charming colonial property offers everything you need for an Ocean City getaway: accessibility to the beach, boardwalk, bay, and eateries, a bike rack to store your bikes, free Wi-Fi, and year-round specials.
Martha’s Vineyard: Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Effortlessly blending both the past and present with a touch of bohemian, Vineyard Haven is home to the Martha’s Vineyard ferry port, boutique shops, restaurants, golf courses, beautiful beaches, and a myriad of water activities. Laid-back, relaxed and unassuming, this Martha’s Vineyard town also hosts a number of celebrities – you may very well bump into David Letterman or the Obamas. The Nobnocket Boutique Inn is the definition of island luxury, but with a twist. Set on 1.5 acres of lush gardens and woods, Nobnocket’s pristine exterior exudes luxury. Designed with curated collections of contemporary furnishings from leading modern designers and artists (Marcel Wanders, Moooi, Caligaris, Knoll, and Sarah Holl to name a few), the inn boasts spacious and airy common areas, a bright sunroom, a sun-filled outdoor patio, and a private veranda. Each of the artfully designed rooms features chic decor, en-suite bathrooms, individually controlled heating and AC, Bluetooth radio/speakers, luxurious Frette linens and towels, sophisticated Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, and more.
