7. Crescent Beach, Maine
On Cape Elizabeth, not far south of Portland, Crescent Beach has something for everyone who loves being by the sea. The mile-long curving beach has golden sand with occasional rock outcrops, backed in places by dunes and cut by small coves.
A loop trail that leads along the beach and into Kettle Cove, also part of the Crescent Beach State Park, is a popular with bird and wildlife watchers, and there is plenty of space for fishing and water sports. Rent paddleboards or join a kayak tour at the park, where you’ll find a snack bar and rest rooms.
Above a stretch of the beach is the environmentally responsible Inn by the Sea, whose entire front «lawn» overlooking the shore is devoted to native grasses and plants as a habitat for wildlife.
8. Silver Sand State Park Beach Milford, Connecticut
When you decide that the icy waters of the North Atlantic are just too cold, head to the warmer shores that slope into Long Island Sound. The shallow waters of Silver Sands State Park are a bit off the beaten path, insuring visitors more privacy than many of the other parks and private town beaches in Connecticut.
The park lies adjacent to Walnut beach and consists of 297 acres of a variety of habitats. Visitors will find dunes, beach, woods, and salt marsh, all offering different opportunities for exploration.
Across the water, Charles Island is a bird habitat and additional area for walking. Perhaps the kids can treasure hunt, as local lore has Captain Kidd using it as a stop in the late 1700s. Just take note to cross at the proper low tide, and make sure to get back before high tide arrives, so you’re not stranded with new-feathered friends.
