USA TODAY 10Best
Don't miss out on the 10 best beaches in the Northeast this summer
Best Beach in the Northeast (2023)
Beaches in the Northeast offer a variety of attractions for travelers who love the sun, sand and sea. Whether you prefer a lively boardwalk with amusement parks and ice cream shops or a secluded cove with natural beauty and wildlife, you can find your perfect beach destination.
From Massachusetts to Maryland, there are plenty of options to suit every taste and budget. Here are the 10 best beaches in the Northeast, according to readers.
Photo courtesy of Ridofranz // Getty Images
No. 10: Atlantic Avenue Beach - Amagansett, New York
Atlantic Avenue Beach "features scenic dunes, crashing waves and beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean," according to Jenny Peters, 10Best contributor. Located in the exclusive Hamptons area of Long Island, this is a lively, lifeguard-protected stretch of beach with golden sand and a reputation with surfers for having a consistent break. Beachgoers need to purchase a parking permit.
Photo courtesy of www.Beach-Fun.com
No. 9: Rehoboth Beach - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
The getaway of choice for many in Washington, D.C., Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, aka the "Nation's Summer Capital," features a beautiful, wide sandy beach that stretches for miles with plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Rehoboth Beach is also known for its vibrant boardwalk, a mile-long stretch of eclectic shops, restaurants and attractions including amusement rides and arcades.
Photo courtesy of Morsa Images // Getty Images
No. 8: Belmar Beach - Belmar, New Jersey
Located on the Jersey Shore, Belmar Beach is a popular beach destination with a long stretch of sandy shoreline that offers plenty of room for sunbathing, swimming and other beach activities. The beach also features plenty to do off the sand with a vibrant boardwalk and promenade lined with shops, restaurants and attractions. Belmar Beach charges a daily beach access fee during the summer season.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Cox
No. 7: Good Harbor Beach - Gloucester, Massachusetts
Good Harbor Beach is located in Gloucester, Massachusetts, a historic fishing town known for its maritime heritage, art galleries and fresh seafood. Boasting a wide stretch of sandy shoreline and family-friendly amenities, this popular beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and sandcastle building. The beach also offers picturesque views of the iconic Thacher Island Twin Lights and small islands off the shore that you can walk to at low tide.
Photo courtesy of Ross Draper
No. 6: Mohegan Bluffs - New Shoreham, Rhode Island
The Mohegan Bluffs are towering cliffs rising 200 feet above the ocean. If you don’t mind descending 141 steps down a steep wooden staircase, you will be rewarded with spectacular seaside landscapes and a secluded beach. Located on Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island, this picturesque spot is known for its pristine sandy shores, crystal-clear waters and unique rock formations.
Photo courtesy of Ocean City Maryland Tourism
No. 5: Ocean City Beach - Maryland - Ocean City, Maryland
With 10 miles of beautifully maintained sandy beach, Ocean City Beach in Maryland is a popular tourist destination for swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, fishing and water sports. Next to the beach is the iconic, 3-mile-long Ocean City Boardwalk, popular for its shops, eateries, arcades and amusements. Ocean City Beach is also known for hosting vibrant events and festivals such as sandcastle building competitions, beach bonfires and concerts.
Photo courtesy of Tina Giaimo
No. 4: Cape May beaches - Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is New Jersey's southernmost point and Cape May beaches feature 2.5 miles of sandy shoreline with multiple access points along Beach Avenue. The southern end features dining options and a boardwalk while the northern end showcases elegant hotels and historic homes. Known for its family-friendly and laid-back atmosphere, the beaches here are generally less crowded compared to other popular beaches in the region.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Candella
No. 3: Bethany Beach - Bethany Beach, Delaware
With soft sand, gentle waves and a sizable shallow area, this quiet and family-friendly beach is ideal for swimming and safe for small kids. There's also a beach patrol that provides lifeguards and first aid. Children and adults alike will enjoy the boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and ice cream stands.
Photo courtesy of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
No. 2: Jones Beach State Park - Wantagh, New York
Over 6 million visitors per year flock to Jones Beach on the south shore of Long Island, popular for its iconic boardwalk and wide stretch of sandy shoreline. A favorite with families looking to swim, sunbathe and picnic, additional activities range from miniature golf and pickleball to attending a concert at the beach’s famous outdoor amphitheater.
Photo courtesy of Nadezhda1906 // Getty Images
No. 1: Ocean City Beach - New Jersey - Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City in New Jersey features a wide sandy shoreline that stretches for about 8 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. With a family-friendly atmosphere, there are lifeguards on duty during the summer season and various amenities available to make it safe and convenient for families. When you need a break, adjacent to the beach is a lively and bustling boardwalk that is lined with dining, shopping and entertainment options.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer... Read More
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos have appeared in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to working for Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos have appeared in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to working for Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los... Read More
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in... Read More
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family – pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family – pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in... Read More
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.