Whether you love the pool or the beach, you’ll get the best of both worlds at Ocean Beach Park in New London, CT. Build castles in the soft golden sands, then cool off in the Olympic-sized swimming pool featuring not just one, but three thrilling water slides. After a day in the sun, head to the onsite amusement park for a round of mini-golf, a spin on the carousel, or a game of Pac-Man in the arcade.

Stretching along two miles of shoreline in Madison, Hammonasset Beach is Connecticut’s largest beach. Stroll along the boardwalk and choose from one of the many lobster shacks, or bring your bike to ride the three-mile BURT trail, which takes you from West Beach to Meigs Point. Feel like staying overnight? With 558 campsites and eight rustic cabins, this park has plenty of options for falling asleep to the sound of the ocean.

Soft brown sand, sparkling blue water, and sparse crowds make Clinton Town Beach a great spot for a relaxing beach day in Connecticut. From here, you’ll find a walkway to an old stone bridge crossing the Hammock River, the perfect place to cast your line. Whether you’re enjoying the beach at high tide or exploring the sand bar during low tide, you’ll get stunning views of Long Island Sound, Cedar Island, and Old Harbor Marina.

With seven miles of white sandy shoreline, an amusement park, and several hiking and biking trails, you could easily spend the entire day at Old Orchard Beach in Maine. Lay out in the sun, play a round of sand volleyball, or spin around on the teacups at the onsite amusement park. Don’t miss this beach’s weekly fireworks display while snacking on an ice cream cone from one of the boardwalk shops!

Bright blue water, powdery white sand, and sand dunes edged with roses make this beach look straight out of a postcard. Hop in the water, rent a canoe, or catch some rays on this 3.5-mile stretch of shoreline. For a scenic walk, lace up your sneakers and hike the paved 1.25-mile Marginal Path, showcasing cliff-side views before leading you to Perkins Cove, a village filled with art galleries, restaurants, and local shops.

With its powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and shallow tide pools, Wingaersheek Beach feels like a slice of the Caribbean in New England. The shallow water and summer lifeguards make this a great place for kids who love to swim. Before you leave, snap a picture of the iconic Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse, built in 1897—it’s just across the river and offers a perfect backdrop to your day at the beach.

Race Point Beach has the best of both worlds: a rugged location on the tip of Cape Cod, but with modern amenities like restrooms and showers. Explore the surrounding sand dunes, bike along scenic paths, or take a boat tour to see migrating whales. Feeling adventurous? Walk alongside the sand road next to this beach for about two miles – eventually, you’ll hit Race Point Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1816.

Hampton Beach’s golden sands and blue waters are a summer staple along New Hampshire’s 17-mile coastline. Explore the lively boardwalk and grab a slice at one of the pizzerias, browse for treasures in the souvenir shops, or treat yourself at one of several ice cream parlors. Bring the family for free Movie Night Mondays on the sand, or check out the Seashell Complex for nightly live music from big-name bands and musicians.

This small beach in Rye, New Hampshire, is perfect for a quiet day of building sand castles, cooling off in the water, or just relaxing with a good book. The mix of sand and rocks along the shore makes it an excellent spot for beachcombing, and the stronger waves attract surfers from all around. Forgot your gear? No problem—there’s a surf shop right across the street.

Located near the entrance to Colt State Park, Bristol Town Beach showcases 47 acres of pebbly shoreline and peaceful waves. With summer lifeguards, a playground, and a large grassy area, this beach has something for everyone in the family. This beach also has a large sports complex – shoot some hoops from the basketball courts, try your hand at a game of Bocce, or play a round of tennis at the onsite courts.

Easton’s Beach, known locally as First Beach, encompasses a ¾ mile stretch of beige sand and sparkling blue water. This beach is best known for its Cliff Walk – on this 3.5-mile path, you’ll catch sea breezes, panoramic views, and crashing waves against the rocks. After this hike or a long day of swimming, recharge with a bite to eat from one of the beachside food trucks.