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10 Best Beaches in New England
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Best Southern Maine Beach for Avoiding Crowds
Footbridge Beach, Ogunquit
"Beautiful place by the sea" or ogunquit is how the Algonquin Indians described this 3.5-mile stretch of flat sand along the southern Maine coast. Add the Marginal Way, a paved footpath that leads from Main Beach up the rugged shores to the picturesque fishing harbor and seafood restaurants of Oarweed and Perkins Coves, and you have one of the most popular summer destinations in New England.
Thankfully, there is one way to avoid the traffic jams near Main Beach and unfurl your towel on a slice of paradise. Take a trolley two miles north of town to Ocean Street, where you'll find the entrance to Footbridge Beach. This section of Ogunquit's shoreline is far less congested. It's also a wonderful way to walk back to town along the shore.
ogunquit.org
Best Honky-Tonk
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Everyone's a kid at Old Orchard Beach, a family favorite of New Englanders, generation after generation. Start with the small amusement parks like Palace Playland; then move on to the carousels, arcades, and miniature-golf courses; top it off with cotton candy, fried dough, and, of course, fudge and taffy. The South Beach Diet will never fare well in these parts. Immersed in the carnival-like atmosphere, you almost forget there's a beach here. And it's a doozy. The legendary seven-mile-long sandy beach is also 700 feet wide, so you'll always find a spot, even on the hottest day. Old Orchard's pier was originally built in 1898 to house a casino, restaurants, and even animals for a makeshift zoo. Not exactly the Maine coast Winslow Homer was painting at the same time just up the road in Prouts Neck.
oldorchardbeachmaine.com
Read more:Sand Sculpture Contests
Read more:Sand Castle Tips
Read more: 5 Beaches and a Grand Hotel
Reader Comments
Comment from Nelson Carter on June 9, 2008
We now have lived in Naperville Illinois for 28 years, but continue to return to Wallis Sands Beach and Hoyt's Cottages in Rye, NY...the best...and, yes, travel to Oqunquit and Perkins Cove, too!!!!
Comment from Alan Brouillet on August 21, 2009
I have always liked Sandy Neck Beach Park in Barnstable on Cape Cod. Don't ask me why, I just do!
Comment from Don Ulltich on August 2, 2011
A lot has changed since 2007 - you need to update this info !!!
Comment from Norma Deston on August 3, 2011
The Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine is such a beautiful place. It takes your breath away! Don\'t miss it NJD
Comment from Donald McAvoy on August 3, 2011
Walked from 5 AM until 10AM with my brother and grandfarther from Salisbury thru Hampton and returned for breakfast with the family.That was way back in 1946 or so. Still remember the sand, water and fresh smells and the wonderful time we had just walking and talking. May not make the best beach rating but I loved it. Have not been back for the last 50 or so years and its probably not like anything I remember, but its New England and a New England beach so it will still be just great.
Comment from Linda Wall on August 5, 2011
Another beautiful beach is Drake\'s Island, Wells ME. Get there early if you want to get into the jetty parking lot. Great kids beach.
Comment from Ann Fisher on August 9, 2011
OOB is a tradition for us Mainers; from the \'70s to now it\'s changed a lot. Go before Memorial Day and after Labor Day to get the best experience.
Comment from Francisca Sabadie on August 11, 2011
i cannot believe you did not mention Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport or Powder Point beach in Duxbury, Mass though i don\'t know some of these other beaches
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