The Best Beach Hotels and Beach Homes to Rent in New England

This landmark property exudes classic Nantucket charm, especially whilst enjoying sundowners on the lawn facing boats bobbing in the harbor. The location is popular with those who want to walk to town and Children’s Beach – rental beach gear is available. Start your day with house-made granola then venture to the outdoor pool, fitness center and spa, which incorporates natural healing products like algae. In the evening, tuck into a signature two-pound stuffed lobster before retiring to one of the elegant rooms, suites, lofts or shingled cottages.

On the north end of the Cliff Walk in Newport is this palatial mansion, dating back to the 19th century. There are just 20 themed rooms here that are individually decorated with opulent furnishings and elegant fabrics – many come with soaking tubs, fireplaces and terraces with ocean views. Spend your days at nearby Easton’s Beach, or take a spin on the hotel’s loaner bicycles. Locals and travelers adore the on-site restaurant, Cara, with views of the Newport shoreline and blind tasting menus featuring sustainable New England ingredients. Complimentary car service offers access to even more restaurants in town.

With two private beaches on a remote part of Nantucket island, this boutique resort with 32 rooms and four cottages feels a lot bigger than it is. There are a dizzying array of activities for all types of weather – rain gear is available – from biking and playing tennis, to hiking, fishing and cooking demonstrations. Beautiful rooms have luxe linens and cotton robes, and there are plenty of special touches from the hard-working staff, such as popcorn deliveries during movie nights. Topper’s is one of the island’s best restaurants, with local oysters and a wine list with 20,000 bottles. Save room for port and cheese served nightly in the library.

On the banks of the Kennebunk River, which buzzes with summertime activity, this charming, seasonal resort represents the best of New England beach resorts. It attracts families for its plethora of activities – there’s a kids’ club, kayak and bike rentals, whale watching, golfing and a complimentary shuttle service for trips to nearby beaches. You can also stick by the outdoor pool or while away the afternoon on a rocking chair. The resort is big on charm, and the well-known Maine lobster roll is never far away – perhaps best enjoyed on the upper deck.

This stylish hotel in downtown Newport, overlooking the marina, draws a trendy crowd of locals, boaters and tourists alike who come for the views – especially at sunset. All room types come with Frette linens, spa showers and gas fireplaces, and larger cottages are available for groups – weddings are popular here. Upscale bars and restaurants include an open-air dining area serving splurge items like seafood towers and a 45-day dry-aged prime porterhouse. There’s also an Asian-inspired restaurant, if you need variety.

Maine-goers will get a prime position between the woods and the oceanfront with this historic inn, which has attracted summer vacationers for over a century. Rooms are cozy with a range of types offering various amenities like private porches and wood-burning stoves. An all-day restaurant offers fresh seafood and flatbreads, while more fine dining options are available in the evening. Activities include tennis courts, a gym, spa and hot tub, as well as acres of mature woodlands, gardens and trails.

This sprawling hotel on Long Island Sound has a lovely waterfront location on a private beach. Rooms come with nautical tones and seagrass carpet, and many include fireplaces and balconies; condo-style units have kitchenettes and living spaces. There are indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, plus a fitness center and spa with several treatment rooms. With a roaring fireplace, the cozy Seaview Bistro serves original menu items like bourbon and teriyaki filet mignon tips.

Close to Boston on the south shore, just a 15-minute ferry ride away, this relaxed, family-friendly hotel features fireplaces, mini-fridges and microwaves in all rooms – many with balconies and ocean views. A heated swimming pool and hot tub is on site, or you can work out in the fitness center. There’s also a sunny rooftop terrace and cafe serving healthy smoothies and acai bowls with additions like bee pollen and collagen.

Extensive renovations have firmly planted the historic Harbor View Hotel at the top of the best hotels in Martha’s Vineyard. The outdoor pool is the centerpiece with covered cabanas in cheerful coral stripes, where you can order a round of bloody marys. The grounds are not to be missed either, with sandy beaches and tons of lawn space for long walks. Luxurious room types come with custom textiles and shiplap walls. There’s also a fitness center, and upscale dining options serving chilled gazpacho and slow-braised oxtail ragu.