New England beaches in the summer run the gamut from peaceful miles of white sand with cool ocean water temperatures, to family-oriented and high-energy beaches where the waters tend to be more protected and warmer.

My New England summer just isn’t baptized without a trip to an ocean beach, even if it means joining a jam of cars and paying outrageous parking fees.

I admit I’m a long-suffering beach fan, and a good book just isn’t good until the pages are sand-infested.

If water temperature matters to you then look to the warmer southern New England beaches, or those in a protected bay area.

Maine tends to have the coolest waters in the region but some of the most scenic.

In my quick scan of the most popular and best New England beaches you’ll find one to suit all tastes… and families.

HAMMONASSET BEACH, CONNECTICUT:

Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over 2 miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf. During the season the Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors. The beach can be found off Route 95 exit 62 in the Madison area.

OCEAN BEACH PARK, CONNECTICUT:

Maybe not the prettiest or most secluded of New England beaches, but it can certainly merit as one of the most popular. A long favorite for families, it not only has a ½ mile sugar-sand beach, but a swimming pool, miniature golf, carousel rides, and a popular boardwalk. The beach park is located in New London off Route 95 exit 83.

HAMPTON BEACH, NEW HAMPSHIRE:

A short ride up Route 95 from Boston will get you to a beach and town with as much activity during the evening as the day. This is a beach where high energy takes over. The town consists of a number of beaches but the main beach provides year-round recreation, and a band shell amphitheatre for seasonal events and festivals. Expect to share the beach with a young crowd and stay for the fireworks during the summer season on posted weekdays.

OGUNQUIT BEACH, MAINE:

Beautiful though they are Maine ocean waters tend to be a little too cool for my toes. But for sheer splendour and delight there's Ogunquit Beach. It's three miles of a stunning white sandy beach situated in one of Maine’s most picturesque and popular villages and along the famed coastal Route One. To find more seclusion take the trolley from town center to Footbridge Beach, or walk the Marginal Way footpath to sample the Caribbean-colored white sand region.

CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE, MASSACHUSETTS:

The Cape Cod National Seashore, in my humble opinion, has the best beaches on the eastern seaboard, with beautiful white sand and miles of open beach for walking and easy access to nature trails. Nauset Beach in Orleans remains one of my favorites – the beach is sign-posted from the town center on Route 6A. But also stunning are Head of the Meadow beach in Truro and Race Point in Province lands. And there’s a whole bunch of beaches in between along Route 6 and easy to spot. Beaches on the Cape Cod Bay side tend to be better for families as the waters are warmer and less under-tow. Tip: To avoid the parking fees and full lots, bike to the beaches.

CRANE BEACH, MASSACHUSETTS:

Crane Beach is also a managed area for wildlife and the dunes, and a superb white sand beach with over 5 miles of trails and 1,200 acres of recreation and conservation. This is a beach not only to take a doze while listening to the waves, but also discover a habitat where protection is first job. Though the parking fee is expensive it remains my preferred ocean beach in the Boston area. Crane Beach is on Argilla Road in Ipswich, on the North Shore of Boston.

EASTON’S BEACH/FIRST BEACH, RHODE ISLAND:

The Newport area has a marvelous set of New England beaches. First beach is adjacent to the Cliff Walk in Newport. A wonderful family beach with changing facilities, playground, showers, carousel, and a snack bar and beach store. If you’re wondering if there’s a second and a third beach – there is – located next town over in Middletown. But go here first, and take a stroll along the easy section of the Cliff Walk for stunning views.

MISQUAMICUT STATE BEACH, RHODE ISLAND:

About as far west as you can go on Route 1 to Westerly, Rhode Island before you hit Connecticut lays Misquamicut Beach. Seven miles of marvelous white sand beach with restrooms, a new pavilion, and picnic facilities. Here you’ll find clean and clear water, and a place that fits the tag of one of the best beaches of New England.

So there you have my pick of New England beaches to think about for summer vacations, and walks during the cooler months. No trip to coastal New England is complete without taking the time to enjoy a sample of its thousands of miles of ocean beaches.

For more details on other attractions near these New England beaches and to pick up your free travel and vacation reports go to Cliff Calderwood’s New England Vacation Guide site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com

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