5. Singing Beach, Massachusetts
There will always be debate among Bay state residents as to their favorite place to have fun in the sun, but Singing Beach more often than not ranks close to the top. Located in the quintessential New England town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, this half-mile stretch can be reached by public transportation from Boston.
The name comes from the sound the sand makes when, under the right conditions, visitors swear they can hear it singing as they make their way to the water. In any event, you’ll find a spot surrounded by a historic bathhouse and stately mansions high atop the rocky coastline.
Amenities include public restrooms, a small snack bar, and changing rooms. In season, lifeguards keep watch in a designated swimming area. Picnicking is popular in an upper area, where trees provide shade from the sun.
6. Old Orchard Beach, Maine
History and tradition mark the nostalgic vibe at Maine’s Old Orchard Beach. Welcoming visitors for more than 170 years, the seven-mile stretch offers beachgoers the only beachfront amusement park in New England. Sitting on four acres of prime property, Palace Playland Park features a Ferris wheel, a vintage carousel, a huge arcade, and more than 20 rides for both children and the young at heart. This is the only remaining ocean-view Ferris wheel in New England.
While Mother Nature has taken her toll on the different restored versions of the park, the rebuilt pier stretches out 500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is the center of family fun. Fireworks light the sky at least once a week (check the calendar). Lifeguards are on duty during the season. The miles of dune-backed beach are among the cleanest in the east, thanks to a nightly team of sweepers during the entire summer.
Nearby are whale watching or birdwatching tours. Golf is available at the Dunegrass Club, and Amtrak offers the convenient Downeaster to avoid traffic and deliver you within steps of the beach after a relaxing journey.
