Kelly Burch is a freelance writer from New Hampshire. I’m shocked that Boothbay Harbor is not mentioned. SHEEZE!!!! Eastport Me. Any suggestions of places to see and things to do? Perched at the tip of Cape Ann, there are rugged shorelines, hidden coves, and a bustling, historic village. But lets face it, the glow we feel in our heart towards any one of these places lies in the memories of goodtimes spent there. Really thought Christmas Cove in Maine was unique. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Unique View: From “The Point,” a view of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. Just returned from my second trip this summer to Boothbay Harbor where I go twice every summer. The view of the lighthouse in Block Island is the South Light. It was very lovely looking – despite the nature of the show. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Painters turned this fishing village into an art colony for a reason—it’s an inspiration. It functions as a “network city” composed of several historic urban nodes – Portsmouth, Dover, Durham, Newmarket, Exeter, Hampton, et al. We are near hiking, ocean, museums, vibrant local music, mountains and within an hour of Boston. Another lake on the shores of Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro provides small-town charm with views from the southern side of the lake. Learn More: Exploring Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise. My favorite has to be Newport, RI, since I grew up near there. Growing up in such a place you tend not to realize how beautiful it is until you are gone. New Hampshire's beautiful seaside towns include Hampton, North Hampton, Seabrook, Rye, New Castle and Portsmouth. Thank you! The crew and passengers would not let us do any work all week, and of course there were plenty of honeymoon jokes spread around all week ! Here are 8 charming waterfront towns where you can start your celebration of spring. Thank you in advance, What are your picks for the prettiest coastal towns in New England? Rockport is truly a hidden gem! I have fond memories of growing up on the Connecticut shoreline. Love the coast, when I can get there from Colorado. Very good info! While the history is preserved and well-maintained, modern-day amenities and a vibrant city feel give Portsmouth new life. Please, let me forward you my Beautiful photos of EASTHAM , MA. I love the entire atmosphere. Have you never been to Marthas Vineyard Island? Welcome to Seacoast NH Houses, your one stop shop for everything you need to know about real estate on the NH Seacoast. Rather tacky I think. All of these towns are worthy but I am especially happy to see my hometown of Newport RI on there. Drive up scenic Rte 1 in ME until you get to Acadia National Park, Cadilliac Mountain (breathtaking), first place in the US the sun comes up each day. It has no pretty coastal town. Each has easy access to the great outdoors, a community with a sense of adventure and a culture that values keeping it local. Exeter is a New Hampshire Seacoast town with scenic views of the Squamscott River. No Duxbury, MA or Southport, CT? See More: By jeep, in personalized tours from Sweet Shots Secret Spots. You won’t be sorry and you may just learn something about New England and yourself. Glad you missed Mattapoisett, Massachusetts!! Take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard from Woods Hole, not Provincetown. And, please do not forget, we are only 3 hours from Boston and just off the beaten path. My picks to accomplish that are: start at Galilee RI and ferry to Block Island, once returning to land head straight to Rock port Mass, visit Plum Island as you head up the coast, Portsmouth/New Castle NH, to Ogunquit Maine and don’t miss Kennebunkport, then to Wisscassette and Boothbay Harbor and Damriscotta ending up in Camden Maine. I don’t know why Stonington didn’t make the list. I have lived in Texas over half my life now having moved away at age 25. Tucked in the middle of New Hampshire in the Shadow of Mount Sunapee, this small lakeside town is brimming with charm. How come Watch Hill, RI with its beautiful sweep of Napatree Point wasn’t listed? A small town with a lot of friendly heart!! Set at the outermost tip of Cape Cod, surrounded by water on three sides and backed by vast sand dunes on the fourth, Provincetown is a colorful gem that’s drawn artists and writers for generations. News Sports Edge Lifestyle Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries E-Edition Legal - NH. I agree! 2. The Victorian charm of the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel makes the setting … As the smallest state Rhode Island is frequently overlooked with the exception of Newport and Providence. A bit further up the coast from the bright lights and big crowds of Hampton Beach, North Hampton offers a quieter and more rugged view of the New Hampshire coast. Mohawk Trail (Rt 2) thru western MA, Rt 100 thru Woodstock VT, and the Kancamagus Highway Rt 112 in NH all offer spectacular foliage. Makes it tougher to get to. Town of North Hampton NH North Hampton is a small New Hampshire town with beautiful seacoast views. April 21, 2020. Wanted to have a plan for the best routes. What’s not to like in any part of New England. Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts | Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England. Vermont is not on the coast. I’ve lived in Newport most of my life and unfortunately have witnessed the decline. Kennebunkport, Maine | Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England. Since you left off Marblehead Harbor, it’s sad you did have enough staff to do any research. Growing up in Rye Beach and being seventh generation it is hard to write because yes it is so beautiful . Best Coastal Towns in New England for Every Traveler, 9 New England Inspired Warm Weather Getaways, The “Upper Valley” | A Place of ‘Unexpected Discoveries’, Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association Tours, Gingerbread Cottages at Oak Bluffs Campground, Yankee Magazine’s Ultimate New England Winter Guide, Yankee Magazine’s Ultimate New England Summer Guide, 63 Reasons Why We Love the Cape & Islands, Yankee Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Autumn in New England, 6 Moosehead Lake Cabins You Can Rent | Maine Getaways. Oak Bluffs Martha’s Vineyard? After researching the history of this topic, it appears to be from 1980 in Marshfield/Scituate, Ma. 4. I’m watching the same show. Harrisville, New Hampshire. 3. That makes us uniquely qualified to represent you in your next real estate transaction whether buying or selling. The small town on the shores of the lake is a stop for the Mount Washington boat, which brings tourists into town. Unique View: The quintessential fishing village of Cape Porpoise, Maine. Our favorite was Bar Harbor, Maine. It’s a lovely waterfront village, recently voted best harbor in the United States by US Harbors. Please read more about our services which include excavation, grading, erosion control, and sand & … My daughter’s also! Thank the Lord you can still drive by the coast line and still see some of the old fish houses that have been preserved but sad to say it will probably be only a matter of time before someone takes those down too. Let us know how you made out! The brightly colored gingerbread Victorian cottages make this laid-back enclave on Martha’s Vineyard a true New England confection. NH updates: Seacoast beaches to open June 1; state’s first case of child syndrome . Also, Boothbay Harbor sports a good selection of fishing boats, lobster boats as well as excursion boats right there in the harbor. The Old Country store has everything you could possibly want or need, and if you venture away from the lakeâs shores the Castle In The Clouds offers breathtaking views from an old mansion overlooking the lake. We were there the month of October and it was magnificent. Still a great town to visit. Change the parameters just a bit and it woulda, coulda, shoulda made the list. Seacoast NH Excavation is your industry-leading excavation contractor in Portsmouth NH and the surrounding area. I can’t say enough. No street lights, and no riff-raff. Should be on this list. Nantucket for sure should be included, so quaint and artsy. Ready to Explore Portsmouth, NH Neighborhoods? I never did hear in what state this little enclave exists. The school system is SAU 16 … (pop. there’s sooooooo many nice towns in New England, it’s hard to choose which is the “prettiest”. Bangor , ME is breathtaking. Chatham MA is my favorite very pretty little town on Cape Cod. Get to Ft. Sewell and tell yourself the view from the Boston skyline north through the Cape Ann shoreline isn’t deserving of the top 10! Some Maine coastal towns have an unfair advantage. South is sandy and many towns look similar. Got married in Mystic Seaport, honeymooned on Block Island. Okay, so technically Wolfboro, NH is not a coastal town. New Hampshire Seacoast Region. charming town. Check out restaurants and shopping, and be sure to look into the summer concert series. He retires in a year and we are moving to Bar Harbor. My sister and I travel up the New England Coast for two weeks the last week of Sept and into Oct. 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In those days, there was no bridge to Newport, so we had the pleasure of riding a ferry for a 20-30 minute excursion cruise across Narragansett Bay into Newport Harbor. We wanted to experience a trip without airports. Dartmouth, MA to the list. I have never been there, but close by……. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Truly surprised that Nantucket was not on the list….MV is quite nice but Nantucket is a bit more special. Camden, Maine | Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England. It’s okay, I’ll forgive you! Not now. There’s nothing quite as great as strolling around a waterside town in the spring sunshine. Among the highlights of the region are family-friendly Hampton Beach and the hip little city of … I was lucky enough to live there for 6 years but now live at bottom of outer banks in NC. I’d like to return. A comprehensive guide to Portsmouth NH restaurants and dining across the Seacoast, including in Portsmouth, Kittery and York, Dover, Hampton and other Seacoast towns. Judging from all the replies, New England is the perfect place on earth! At Seacoast NH Hardwood Flooring, we offer wood flooring installation, refinishing, repair, & much more. My sister has a home on Main St. not far from the ball field. 4. I try to make it “home” every few years and I appreciate it’s beauty more and more each time. I am glad Camden, ME was on it because I feel the view from the hill of the Harbor with the tall sailing ships and the immediate shore-front buildings as you are looking out to sea is the best in New England. We would love to return there again this year! It's our way of saying welcome to Portsmouth, NH Salem, Glouster, Rockport. Settled in the 1600s, New Hampshire's seacoast communities have intrigued visitors and residents alike over the centuries, so it's little wonder why so many people want to live in this area! I live in Florida now and it is so hard to go back there, in fact I cannot even go back there in the summer. C. might mean Friendship, Maine. We are a group of people from various towns in the Seacoast area that work to advance progress on social justice and equality issues. It has been destroyed in my opinion. I would have been disappointed if Rockport didn’t make it. This was by far the best trip of my life. But it is not the same! The majority of Seacoast communities are moving ahead with their first half … Niche User: Seacoast NH area is geographically beautiful and diverse. ALL THESE AND MORE BELONG ON THIS LIST. Never mind. We are so fortunate to live in New England and have easy access to an abundance of so many beautiful coastal towns, north and south of Boston! This charming riverfront city was settled in the early 1600’s and maintains its historic appeal with colonial homes and brick-lined sidewalks. Unique View: Granite-blocked Southeast Lighthouse, perched at on one of the island’s iconic bluffs. 5. Newburyport MA is a wonderful New England spot on the waterfront. I went to the historic village on a trip in high school (Stonington) I lived close…Pawcatuck! In all, we ended up with three wedding cakes. However, everywhere you go along the coastal route is awesome. Craft fairs are common during the summer, and the Mill Falls shopping space offers great browsing year round. Portsmouth, Hampton Beach, Exeter and the entire NH seacoast is a popular vacation destination – the busiest months are July and August when beach goers flock the sand and surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Check out the historic downtown, and be sure to check out the Wright Museum of WWII and the New Hampshire Boat Museum. Staff and wire report, news@seacoastonline.com Friday May 22, 2020 at … Thank you! If you’re not from an ocean community you can’t be an ocean snob. Might you be able to shed some light? Google Jerusalem rd. You forgot Nantucket! Holderness is smaller than other waterside towns, but what it lacks in shopping it makes up for in natural beauty and adventures. And on one night each summer, the cottages lights up with Chinese lanterns, making it likely the loveliest place on earth. Subscribe. Dec 20, 2018 - When you plan a visit or have an event at the Seacoast Science Center, what else should you check out in the area? Go from season to season in New England with this delightful wall calendar. I think you should include Nantucket, Marblehead and Wellfleet. Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard…gorgeous harbor, lighthouse, shops, restaurants. Published: December 23, 2020. Delivering exceptional service to all of our amazing customers, serving Portsmouth NH, Dover, Rochester, Greenland, Durham, and surrounding Seacoast NH towns. Learn More: Check out our Guide to Newport, RI and the Newport Mansions, New Shoreham, Rhode Island | Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England. Visit Marblehead, Ma in the summer. Travel over Jamestown Bridge (again, sweeping views, gorgeous) and cross over to Point Judith Is any place more diverse than the New England landscape.? Lets just hope its when I am on the other side of the grass in ” Rye ” so I won’t have to see it. Spectacular at every turn, from broad, sandy beaches to deep harbors bristling with schooners, racing yachts, and pleasure craft; from cozy Colonial taverns to opulent Gilded Age mansions. I wish it was!!! This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated. One we ordered from a local bakery in Camden, one was baked by the ship’s cook an the third was brought by the bridesmaid. Rockport, Massachusetts | Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England. Seacoast Region Winding up the Atlantic Ocean with a breath of fresh New England charm, New Hampshire’s Seacoast is the place to be if you love hip cities with historic roots and fun people. The fall is a great time for the foliage and no heat. Unique View: From Bar Island, which you can walk to at low tide (plan ahead). TRULY,THE MOST UNDISCOVERED BEACH TOWN IN NEW ENGLAND. Artists love Massachusetts coastal towns, and Rockport in particular. The Seacoast Area can include 30-40 area towns and has been recognized consistently in local as well as national polls, as one of the BEST PLACES in which to live. Unique View: Three windjammers making this narrow harbor their home. Check out the historic downtown, and be sure to check out the Wright Museum of WWII and the New Hampshire Boat Museum. The … Thank you. Have never been and want to visit quaint seaside villages, enjoy great seafood and enjoy the views. Coming from Pennsylvania. Water Street, the main downtown road, is lined with trees and locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, cafés, and more. Where is the beautiful town of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts on this list? Unfortunately you cant stop at every gem on the shore. can’t believe bar harbor made it. I throw my vote for Nantucket. Mary Cook, M. Ed, CHES Public Health Emergency Preparedness Manager mcook@seacoastphn.org Maria Reyes Continuum of Care Facilitator 603-244-7312 mreyes@seacoastphn.org Lindsey Messina Substance … I have looked high & low online to find it. The shoreline is picturesque and has a sidewalk that makes it possible for walkers (and runners) to enjoy the seashore beauty all year round. Too commercial. 1, the most painted building in the world. 7. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been in the US. No need for sarcasm. Due to New Hampshire's limited Atlantic coast, North Hampton is the ideal location for residents and a popular destination for vacationers. Wonderful. The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. We can’t imagine not being a part of this beautiful place. Fall in New England is the best time of year to visit. Unique View: The twinkling span of the Pell Bridge just after twilight. Agree with Marblehead. You should add as one of your 10. Beautiful view of Mount Monadnock. See More: From a historical point of view, with Newport History Tours. As I recall, Motif #1, Rockport, MA, was swept away in a storm a few years ago. Connecticut coastal towns don’t always get the attention they so justly deserve. Thanks for including our hometown of Stonington, CT. Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. My wife and I visit Rockport often and traffic on the weekend is always backed up. The population of East Kingston is 2400 with a tax rate of $26.05 per thousand of assessed home valuation. These are some of our suggestions. I think it is a beautiful town, especiallly in the summer when all the flower boxes are in bloom. ❤️. It is a beautiful town, especially in the summer when all the flower boxes are in bloom. You did a fine job of “rounding up the usual suspects.”. Both Route 1 and I-95 run through the town, making for easy travel to and from. I agree and it has incredible historical value. It is also beautiful but I always go back to Portsmouth❤️, Just visited Mystic, CT and most impressed. I am happy for them to skip over so it can be our little secret! Learn More: Exploring the Gingerbread Cottages at Oak Bluffs Campground. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Air is pure, sky unbelievably blue, beaches unsurpassed. I actually have a picture of it sitting on my desk at work . little Compton is absolutely gorgeous and, best of all, pretty much undisturbed!!n. She shares stories of travel, adventure and anything else that catches her interest. I agree with an earlier comment that Newburyport should have been listed. We fell IN LOVE with this perfect New England town! Boothbay harbor is the center of the mid-coast area! Off of the main street are picturesque homes and small businesses. See More: From the water with Portsmouth Kayak Adventures’ tour of Little Harbor. The main drag is alive with flower boxes in the summer, and wonderful shopping opportunities. Perched on Mount Desert Island at the gateway to Acadia National Park, this historic resort town still resonates with the Victorian splendor of bygone days, not to mention the backdrop of Cadillac Mountain. It is my top choice. Learn More. We can’t wait to go back! One GORGEOUS spot that did not make the list is Cohasset, Ma. 6. I can’t believe that Marblehead Ma., is not on there.!!! Plymouth, MA, of course, as well as just up the road, Duxbury, MA; as well as just down the road, Sandwich, MA. It’s lovely in the summer with all it’s quaint shops and window boxes, to say nothing of the harbor its’ self. Between all the bustle of the Rhode Island beaches, the landmarks in Mystic and the fantastic shops and restaurants here in Stonington, there is something for everyone. Read 9 Reviews Newport, RI – Mansions, sweeping views of the ocean for miles – breathtaking This charming town in the White Mountains is tucked between two rivers, with the Ammonoosuc running through town and the Connecticut River providing a border. All of these towns are deserving. My wife and I would like to make a trip to the N.E. What you choose I know you will be glad you did! You always leave off Newburyport, MA. Further out to sea than the Vineyard. Live in a great New England coastal town not on your list. Historical as well as beautifully scenic! It is a wonderful place. Don’t forget about Scituate or Hingham harbor! I am Martha’s Vineyard person but Nantucket is equally as nice. You missed Mystic Seaport. See More: By jeep, of Provincetown’s famous sand dunes, with Art’s Dune Tours. Any suggestions. Please tell me when you have ever seen traffic backed up for 3 miles on Route1 in Rockport? The NH coast may be small, but my daughter’s wedding on the shore in Portsmouth, NH was gorgeous. John. What a gem. OGUNQUIT REMAINS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE. You always leave out Newburyport,MA in your “prettiest” articles. I’m pretty sure it was meant as a joke. We had the pleasure of visiting Rockport last Fall and it was my favorite place! Both are splendid seaside communities! Unique View: A bird’s eye, from the top of the Pilgrim Monument. See More: On foot, with a self-guided walking tour available at the Old Lighthouse Museum. it ‘s so wonderful and beautiful beach-coast.i wish to visit it one day . A timeless place with so much ambiance and class. Check out Fuller Gardens where the man-made beauty will take your breath away, look at the historic mansions and then head over to the rocky beach to watch the surfers, who are out year round. Welcome to Portsmouth, New Hampshire—the heart of the seacoast! New Hampshire's 1st congressional district covers the southeastern part of New Hampshire.The district consists of three general areas: Greater Manchester, the Seacoast and the Lakes Region.. It is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Democrat Chris Pappas.. Each has its own beauty…Essex Ma ..along the Essex River, Gloucester waterfront..architectural buildings, quaintness of the area, historical places, parks and beaches, lakes, ponds along with waking trails.. Camden is a very special place in my mind and memory bank. Art01852/flickr. Each one is only 2 to 3 hours driving. Unique View: The nation’s oldest platform carousel. Always our choice to return every October. Our Seacoast - it captures People's hearts. Looking forward to your #11 – #25 list very soon . We picked the 10 prettiest coastal towns in New England, from Down East harbors to Victorian island resorts. All of verdant, windswept Block Island, just 13 miles off Rhode Island’s southern coast, is technically New Shoreham, but it’s the Victorian harbor-front that makes landing here forever captivating. Ray Farm - use 183 Epping Rd, Exeter NH in your GPS! It’s a small community, once just a summer place that has been a year round residence since the late 1950’s. Lots of opinions based on personal experiences there—why not? Wow.Maine is pretty but you are looking for pretty coastal TOWNS.No Newburyport?Portsmouth NH?Nantucket? If you want to spend half a day in a gorgeous NE coastal town, I strongly recommend Newburyport, MA. It is certainly unique in that there are so many spots where you can actually walk right along the waterfront without having to go down behind buildings as is necessary in Camden. Aimee Seavey. This setting should only be used on your home or work computer. Beginning at Portsmouth to the north and stretching 17 miles south to the town of Seabrook, the New Hampshire Seacoast has many personalities along the way. Hi Ned. Learn More: Exploring Rockport, MA. Motif #1 was rebuilt after the blizzard of ’78 took it down. THE QUAINT VILLAGE, PERKINS’ COVE, THE SANDY BEACH, AND THE MARGINAL WAY HELP MAKE IT A ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCE! Hope your vacation is everything you dream it will be!! But it’s on the water and a very cute place! Learn More: Exploring Provincetown. Can anyone suggest a planned route? All the tourists driving in from New York would be in ecstasy as we rode across the harbor, with its unequaled views. Adventure Towns: Coastal NH Our "Adventure Towns" series is all about the basecamp towns. What about Wiscasset Maine which claims to be the prettiest town? I still visit Rockport every year, even since moving out of state 14 years ago. . Try all 3 if you can manage it! Because we live in Portsmouth we are very familiar with all areas of the New Hampshire and southern Maine Seacoast. Dover seeks deal with Seacoast cities, towns … two towns worth visiting any season of the year. Bar Harbor, Maine | Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England. Depends on if you want more night life (Nantucket) or beauty, countryside, quaint villages, artsy (Martha’s vineyard), Right next to Dublin, home of the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Though Newmarket may be smaller than other Seacoast towns, it is a friendly and safe community that has much to offer from restaurants and breweries, to outdoor activities, and local shopping fun! East Kingston, NH. THANK YOU FOR NOT TELLING ANYONE ABOUT SHELTER HARBOR,RHODE ISLAND. It is an authentic lobstering port that has not been commercialized or overrun with tourists. (James. Suzanne. I, too, am surprised that Nantucket did not make the list. Thank for your comment. You can’t beat it. Only an hour north of Boston by car or train, it’s so easy to get to and offers seaside serenity. Portsmouth & Hampton Beach star in a family vacation New Hampshire’s slice of Atlantic Ocean waterfront is slight – only 18 miles of shoreline. (not sure when the sweet cider starts to flow). I’m surprised Newburyport MA did not make the list. Jean. Both gorgeous places in Massachusetts. It should be. It was washed away years ago, but rebuilt. Most scenic places in New England?