Discover the 6 best beaches in New England

Highlights: Famous for its 7-mile stretch of sandy shoreline, amusement park and family-friendly atmosphere.

Ride the waves—and the rides! Old Orchard Beach has been a beloved New England escape since the 1800s and has been attracting visitors for generations. With a wide, sandy shoreline that extends for 7 miles, it's the perfect spot for a day of relaxation or family fun. The beach is known for its lively atmosphere, particularly around the Old Orchard Beach Pier, where you'll find a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment options.

One of the beach's main attractions is Palace Playland, a beachfront amusement park that offers rides and games suitable for all ages. It's a great place to spend a few hours enjoying traditional seaside fun. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll along the shore, grabbing a bite to eat at one of the nearby seafood shacks or letting the kids enjoy the rides, Old Orchard Beach provides a quintessential New England beach experience.

Just a short drive from the port in Portland, Old Orchard Beach is an easily accessible excursion during your cruise. It’s a convenient option for those looking to enjoy a day at the beach without straying too far from the ship.

Highlights: Popular for its excellent surfing conditions, family-friendly amenities and lively boardwalk.

Catch a wave or just soak up the sun—Narragansett Beach is where surfers and sun-seekers unite. As one of Rhode Island’s most beloved beaches, this coastline is known for its expansive shoreline and vibrant atmosphere. The beach spans 19 acres and offers something for everyone, from surfers riding the waves to families enjoying the sea. The beach’s consistent surf conditions make it a favorite among local and visiting surfers alike.

In addition to its natural beauty, Narragansett Beach features a bustling boardwalk grab a lobster roll, browse seaside shops or cool off with a cone from one of the many ice cream stands.. The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including restrooms, showers and picnic areas, making it a convenient choice for families.

Narragansett Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Newport, where Princess Cruises docks, so it’s pretty accessible for a shore excursion.

Highlights: Renowned for its wide, sandy beach; scenic 1.25-mile Marginal Way coastal walk; and charming village atmosphere.

With its sweeping dunes, soft sands and stunning views of the Atlantic, Ogunquit Beach is one of Maine's most picturesque coastal destinations. This beach offers more than 3 miles of fine sand, so you’ll find people sunbathing, beachcombing and just generally enjoying the ocean. The beach's gentle slope into the water also makes it a safe and enjoyable spot for swimming, especially for families with children.

One of the unique features of Ogunquit Beach is its proximity to the Marginal Way, a scenic 1.25-mile coastal walk that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Maine coastline. The path is lined with benches where visitors can sit and take in the views, so many people go here for a nice stroll.

Ogunquit Beach is about a 45-minute drive from Portland, so it’s a feasible day trip during your shore time. You can experience the charm of this quaint coastal village and its beautiful beach.

Highlights: Visited for its stunning 150-foot cliff views, scenic hike to the secluded beach and beautiful photo opportunities.

Mohegan Bluffs offers one of Rhode Island’s most magestic coastal landscapes where dramatic cliffs meet endless ocean views. Located on Block Island, the bluffs rise 150 feet above the sea, giving visitors a stunning panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. The site is famous for its steep, scenic trail that leads down to a secluded beach at the base of the cliffs, where people enjoy the beauty and solitude of the area.

The journey down to the beach involves a staircase of about 141 steps, making it a bit of an adventure. However, the effort is well worth it for those who enjoy nature and want to experience a more remote and rugged side of New England’s coastline. The bluffs are also rich in history, named after the Mohegan tribe that once inhabited the area. The Mohegans were a Native people with deep roots in New England, known for their skilled fishing and maritime traditions. Today, visitors can reflect on this heritage while taking in the coastal views.

A word to the wise: While Mohegan Bluffs is accessible from Newport, it does require a ferry ride to Block Island, followed by a short trip on the island itself. Be mindful of time if you need to make it back to your ship by a certain time.

Highlights: Known for its long, wide sandy shoreline, excellent surfing conditions and great for families.

Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk, Maine, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This one is considered a classic beach—visitors love to play in the sand with beach games and sunbathe. It’s also a popular spot for surfers, thanks to the consistent waves that roll in, particularly in the early morning.

The family-friendly environment at Gooch’s Beach makes it an ideal destination for those traveling with children. The beach features tidal pools at low tide, which are perfect for young ones to explore and play in. 

Located just a 35-minute drive from Portland, Gooch’s Beach is easily accessible for Princess Cruise guests. Known for its half-mile stretch of smooth, sandy shoreline, it’s a favorite spot for a morning stroll, especially during low tide when tide pools reveal sea creatures like starfish and crabs. The beach’s gentle waves are perfect for bodyboarding and surfing beginners—or you can sit back and watch for seabirds and seals in the Kennebunk River mouth.

Highlights: Liked for the family-friendly atmosphere, historic carousel and the start of the Cliff Walk.

The perfect blend of recreation, family fun and scenery right near the port? Check, check and check.

Easton’s Beach, also known as First Beach, is one of Newport’s most popular coastal spots. The beach offers soft sands and calm waters, making it perfect for families with young kids. The gentle waves provide a safe environment for swimming, while the beach’s historic carousel adds a touch of nostalgia and charm.

With soft sands and gentle waters, it provides a safe environment for swimming (particularly for families with young kids),  while the historic carousel adds a touch of nostalgia and charm.  

One of its most unique aspects is the beach's location at the start of Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail that offers stunning ocean views and access to some of the area's historic mansions. 

Located just minutes from the Newport cruise port, Easton’s Beach is incredibly convenient for Princess Cruise passengers.

Ready to make the most of your time on land? If you’re looking for things to do in New England, look no further. By choosing a Princess Cruise, you have the perfect opportunity to explore these stunning coastal spots with the convenience of guided shore excursions. 

From the peaceful sands of Gooch’s Beach in Maine to the secluded charm of Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island, each destination offers a unique slice of New England's stunning coastline. You can unwind by the water or explore scenic trails along the coast—however you like to vacation, these New England beaches are fit for every traveler.

And beyond the beaches, New England’s coastal towns offer rich history and charming excursions that make your Princess cruise a truly memorable journey. Discover more about the food, landmarks and other adventures awaiting you with Princess Cruises.