When you crave a beach, you don't necessarily want to deal with the massive chain hotels and swarms of people. Sometimes you want a small, old-fashioned beach town where you can blend in with the locals and enjoy the weather. There's still plenty of beautiful Summer weather to be had for the year, so if a sleepy beach town is what you seek, try any of these New England options that offer everything from boutique shopping and sunbathing to boat rides and bike trails.
Old Saybrook, CT
This picturesque beach town [2] is one of the oldest towns in Connecticut. There are plenty of slips if you have a boat, but the real stunner is the Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse.
Kennebunkport, ME
The old town of Kennebunkport, ME [3], has a huge variety of mansions from hundreds of years ago that have since been turned into beautiful inns. Stay in any one of them while checking out this quaint beach town.
Jamestown, RI
Jamestown, RI [4], can be found in Narragansett Bay and has a unique blend of rural flavor mixed with traditional village vibes. Because of the abundance of walking and biking trails, it's a great place to experience the outdoors.
Lubec, ME
The easternmost town in the US [5] is the best place in the country to check out the sunrise, considering it's the very first place the sun rises here. Aside from that, you can experience true small-town charm in Lubec — no crowds to be found.
Hyannis, MA
There's a rich history in Hyannis, MA [6], that centers on the Kennedy family, so if you want to learn more about them while also enjoying a beach vacation, this is the place for you. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is a great place to start.
Chatham, MA
You can find miles of beaches in Chatham, MA [7], which are beautiful spots to get some sun, do a little yoga, or take part in some water activities. There's a little something for everyone in this beach town.
Martha's Vineyard, MA
This island getaway [8] is beautiful year-round, though Summer is peak beach weather. You can find stunning places to stay here, surrounded by the brisk New England waters.
Dewey Beach, DE
Dewey Beach, DE [9], is the epitome of small-town beach life. The population is under 500, but this beach town offers a great atmosphere for parasailing in the water or a rousing game of beach volleyball in the sand.
Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, NH [10], is one of the oldest cities in the country and sits near the mouth of the Piscataqua River and just in from the ocean. Here you can find old-fashioned homes from hundreds of years ago and plenty of museums telling of the country's history, which you can enjoy if you feel like taking a break from boating on the water.