erin

Ok here I am with more questions! If you wanted to vacation in MA what would be the best beach to stay at for a couple days? Nice beach, nice swimming, and nice town! We haven't had a trip to a beach all summer and feel the need to incorpoate it in our vacation to Mass. Thanks for your feedback!

Beth

Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard, and South Beach (aka Katama) is by far my favorite New England beach. Only it may well not be a very practical place to go. My second favorite beach is Crane's Beach on the north shore, maybe staying in Essex or Ipswich. The downside there is that although the beach is beautiful, the water is very cold. Third place goes to Nauset Beach on Cape Cod, although its been many years since I've been. Still Orleans or Chatham on the Cape are very nice towns.

Boss Ton

I second that vote for Katama on Martha's Vineyard.

You also can't go wrong with any of the beaches on the Cape Cod National Seashore, which is on the outer Cape, and is also a bit out of the way.

Another favorite of mine is "Singing Beach" on the North Shore. It is in town called "Manchester by-the-sea" (or is it plain old 'Manchester', I get them mixed up). However there is a steep parking fee, which can be avoided by taking commuter rail or parking at a 'legal' spot in town (if you can find one!) and walking to the beach.

Good luck!

nj

Gay Head beach on Martha's Vineyard gets my vote. Very picturesque, unspoiled, worth the trip. One of the major travel magazines ranked it as America's most beautiful beach 3 or 4 years ago. A downside: parking's restricted to residents. A bonus: if you can wait a little longer, crowds begin to dissipate.

francesca

If you want an ocean beach with real surf, Plum Island is perfect. And Newburyport is a lovely town.

ET

The National Seashore on Cape Cod is wonderful. Nauset Beach and even Marconi are spectacular beaches. Martha Vineyard beaches are also wonderful but they involve taking a ferry to MV and a car to tour once you are there. Chatham, Orleans, Brewster on the Cape are close to the National Seashore but are further down than Hyannis or Falmouth. If you can stay at the Chatham Bars Inn and explore from there.
Spend a day on MV and several days exploring the rest of Cape Cod.

Have a great trip.

Whitey Bulger

Malibu Beach or Carson Beach in the Pleasure Bay area are both beautiful beaches with nice clean warm waters and soft white sand. Perfect for those barefoot strolls.
As for accomodations, there are several inviting irish bed & breakfasts within a short range. Also you could meander up Braodway to dine at some elegant eateries and take in some of the local flavor.

Joan Doyle

Dear Erin: I'd rewrite my question if I were you. You're not likely to get a lot of info about New England beaches in the LOUISIANA forum. Joan

Another Erin

(What is Joan Doyle talking about?)

Erin: your heading asks for best beaches in New England, but your posting says you will be in Massachusetts? I feel some of the best beaches in New England are in Maine. If you're willing to drive, I'd go to Ogunquit, Long Sands and Short Sands beaches in York, any of the beaches in the Kennebunk area, and I'm sure someone else can talk about those further north.

Annette

I agree with Another Erin on her selections. I also like Popham Beach State Park in Maine.

james

erin,

I recommend Rhode Island beaches. Specifically Narragansett Beach and Misquamicut State Beach, both within 1:45 of Boston.

Also, Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island is terrific. Rent a house and relax.

I agree with all the Cape Cod fans too. Try Provincetown at the very tip of the Cape.

Have fun!

James

dhannafo

I don'g go near the cape , the vineyard or nantucket during the summer. Unless you have a private plane or boat it is crowds and hotels are over priced.
About 90 minutes from Boston you can be in Maine. The water can be a little chilly but there is no better place and you will find better restaurants and nicer hotels that are reasonable.
And, who is the wise-guy posting a reply under the infamous Mr. Bulger? Pleasure Bay and Malibu beach? What a cruel joke

Rob

After visiting Cape Cod many times, I've always found the beaches in the town of Wellfleet the most scenic, enjoyable and uncrowded (at least the ones off the side streets). Wellfleet's prices for lodging and food are somewhat reasonableas well. Nauset Beach and the nearby town of Orleans is also nice but comes in second.

Jack

I thought this was the Wyoming forum? How did N.E. get in here?

Sue

JUST CAME BACK FROM MAINE/NEW HAMPSHIRE.
YORK,MAINE WAS/IS BEAUTIFUL!! THERE R 2 BEACHES, SHORT SANDS & LONG SANDS. WATER IS A BIT CHILLY, BUT SO CLEAR. JUST A SMALL RESORT TOWN. HAS ALL PRICES OF LODGING. GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN

Louise

I live in New England. Spent many summers on Rhode Island shore and Cape Cod. This August, I spent one day at First Beach (Easton's Beach) in Newport, RI, and LOVED it. So clean. Not huge, but big enough. Clean water, clean beach, not a lot of rocks and gravel like most New England beaches. Not crowded either. We are getting a season pass next year!

Judi Larkin

Dear Erin,
I agree with an earlier post, Ogunquit Me. is the best place for the beaches. MY personel favorite is the Footbridge Beach. It's only a little way's up from the Maine beach on Rt.1. I only live a half hour from there, so I'm a beach bum when I can get off work. Lots of great lodging there. The beaches are pristine and picturesque! You can take the trolley anywhere for $1.00. Marginal Way is a wonderful stroll along the coast from the center of town to Perkin's cove. (about 1 to 2 miles walk) At the start of the walk is an abundance of flowers & plants that are extremely well taken care of and for all of us to enjoy!
Have a great vaca no matter where you go.

emalloy

This is a 13 yr old thread!

china_cat

and I posted on it...proof, I've been here 13 years. Yikes!