12 Romantic Coastal Towns in New England You Need to Explore

ByRachna Chandira

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A peaceful harbor at sunset in Menemsha, Martha’s Vineyard, with fishing boats docked along wooden piers and coastal cottages reflecting on the still water.
Kristal Ham/Unsplash

New England’s coast is filled with timeless towns perfect for a romantic escape. From Maine’s rugged shoreline to Rhode Island’s elegant harbors, each destination offers charm, history, and seaside magic. Whether you’re strolling a scenic boardwalk or sharing seafood by the bay, these coastal gems provide the perfect setting for two. Ready to reconnect, recharge, and make unforgettable memories? These 12 romantic coastal towns are ideal for couples who love ocean views, quaint streets, and quiet moments together.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Fishing boats in the harbor at sunset in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Skyler Ewing/Pexels

Nestled beside Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers a dreamy blend of ocean views and mountain air. Couples can walk the Shore Path at sunrise, kayak in Frenchman Bay, or explore nature trails hand in hand. Charming shops, harbourfront restaurants, and cozy inns line the village. Whale watching tours and lobster boat rides and adventure. Whether hiking Cadillac Mountain or sharing blueberry pie downtown, Bar Harbor wraps nature, romance, and small-town charm into one unforgettable coastal getaway for two.

Camden, Maine

Aerial view of Camden Harbor in Maine with boats and surrounding autumn trees.
King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Camden sits on Penobscot Bay with a harbor filled with sailboats and postcard-perfect views. Its main street offers quaint boutiques and welcoming cafés, ideal for strolling together. Adventurous couples can hike Mount Battie for sweeping vistas or sail aboard a classic windjammer. Sunset by the water is pure magic. With a mix of outdoor beauty and intimate charm, Camden is a storybook setting where couples can slow down, reconnect, and savor the peaceful rhythms of the Maine coast.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Snow-dusted street with holiday-lit shops and parked cars in a small town.
Dudesleeper, CC BY 2.5/Wikimedia Commons

This upscale Maine gem blends beachy elegance with New England tradition. Explore Dock Square’s art galleries, enjoy fresh lobster rolls, or cruise along the rocky shore on a sailboat. Goose Rocks Beach offers a peaceful spot for long walks, while the town’s inns provide cozy nights in. With historic homes, ocean breezes, and candlelit dining, Kennebunkport is a favorite for couples seeking a refined yet relaxed coastal retreat filled with simple pleasures and seaside memories.

Ogunquit, Maine

Large Victorian-style inn with wraparound porches and lawn chairs on a green grassy hill under a clear blue sky.
Captain-tucker, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Ogunquit’s name means “beautiful place by the sea,” and it lives up to it. The Marginal Way footpath is a mile-long ocean front walk that feels made for couples. Perkins Cove offers waterfront dining and working fishing boats. Spend the day on the sandy beach or browsing local art galleries. As the sun sets, enjoy a quiet dinner or catch a show at the playhouse. With coastal views, creative energy, and peaceful charm, Ogunquit is a romantic classic for seaside lovers.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Three red tugboats docked at the waterfront in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with historic brick buildings and a clear blue sky in the background.
mroylbca/Pixabay

Portsmouth mixes historic charm with a lively arts and food scene. Stroll hand-in-hand through Strawbery Banke Museum or browse waterfront shops. Take a harbor cruise, stop for oysters, or enjoy live music downtown. Cobblestone streets, colonial homes, and cozy inns set the scene for romance. Whether sipping coffee by the river or exploring together, this small seaport offers big character. It’s a perfect coastal city escape with all the intimacy of a much smaller town.

Rye & Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

A quiet street along the Hampton Beach boardwalk in New Hampshire, lined with white beachfront buildings and restaurants under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Ken Gallager, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

New Hampshire’s sliver of coast delivers big-time beach vibes for couples. Rye offers quieter sands like Jenness Beach and scenic views at Odiorne Point. Hampton Beach brings concerts, fireworks, and boardwalk charm. Split your time between peaceful nature walks and lively oceanside fun. Grab seafood at sunset, stroll tidepools, or just relax under a shared beach blanket. These twin towns balance serenity and energy, making them a perfect duo for a spontaneous romantic road trip.

Newport, Rhode Island

Elegant mansions sit along the rocky coastline of Newport, Rhode Island, with a bright blue ocean in the foreground and a cloudy sky above.
Rich Martello/Unsplash

A Newport escape feels like stepping into a Gilded Age dream. Explore opulent mansions, stroll the Cliff Walk, or cruise Narragansett Bay by boat. Downtown brims with waterfront cafés, harbor views, and cobblestone streets. Whether you’re wine tasting, sailing, or watching waves from Ocean Drive, every corner feels rich with history and charm. At night, enjoy jazz, candlelit dinners, or sunset strolls by the water. Newport’s blend of glamour and romance is unmatched in New England.

Narragansett, Rhode Island

A stone towered building with an archway, known as The Towers in Narragansett, Rhode Island, overlooks gentle ocean waves under a bright blue sky.
ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Narragansett offers relaxed beach vibes with just enough buzz. The famous Towers overlook a long stretch of sandy shore, perfect for couples to soak in the sun or take long walks. Surf shops, seafood shacks, and breezy cafés dot the town. Try paddleboarding together or book a lighthouse cruise. With fewer crowds than other beach towns, it feels like a private retreat. Whether watching the surf or sharing chowder on a seaside patio, love is always in the air.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

A peaceful harbor scene in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with wooden boats floating near charming gray-shingled seaside cottages and American flags fluttering in the breeze.
Bobak, CC BY-SA 2.5/Wikimedia Commons

Nantucket’s cobblestone streets, weathered cottages, and windswept beaches create a timeless escape. Couples can bike through flower-lined paths, sip wine on the sand, or explore lighthouses and art galleries. Surfside Beach and Jetties Beach offer romance by the waves, while downtown’s charm feels frozen in a gentler era. Even the ferry ride over feels like part of the adventure. If you’re looking for a quiet, elegant island full of coastal beauty and simple joys, Nantucket delivers.

Edgartown, Massachusetts

Aerial view of Edgartown, Massachusetts, showing a scenic harbor lined with boats, historic white homes, tree-filled neighborhoods, and a dramatic cloudy sky over the ocean horizon.
D Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

This Martha’s Vineyard favorite is a vision of classic New England elegance. Whaling captain mansions, picket fences, and serene harbors define its character. Couples can wander the waterfront, dine in upscale restaurants, or watch boats glide by from a cozy bench. Visit the Edgartown Lighthouse, take a sunset sail, or explore the island by tandem bike. Everything here feels polished yet peaceful, ideal for couples who want romance with a touch of timeless charm and island luxury.

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

A sunny view of Church’s Pier in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, showing docked boats, waterfront homes, and people strolling along the marina under a bright blue sky.
Benjamin R./Unsplash

Oak Bluffs charms with colorful gingerbread cottages, nostalgic boardwalks, and lively harbor views. Ride the historic Flying Horses Carousel, stroll Circuit Avenue, or rent a moped to explore the island together. Share ice cream on the dock or catch live music at sunset. The vibe is relaxed and playful, perfect for couples who love character and charm. With beaches, bright houses, and ocean views at every turn, Oak Bluffs is a romantic escape full of happy color and cozy fun.

Chatham, Massachusetts

A charming street view of Chatham, Massachusetts, featuring a white clock tower, flower-filled sidewalks, and local shops under clear blue skies.
Irishman19, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Chatham combines coastal beauty with refined Cape Cod charm. Wander hand-in-hand through Main Street’s boutiques and galleries, or visit the iconic lighthouse overlooking roaring surf. Picnic on Lighthouse Beach or explore Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge by boat. Time moves slower here, letting couples fully soak in the moment. Watch seals play in the surf or sip wine by a fire pit as the sun fades. For understated romance and nautical elegance, Chatham hits the mark perfectly.

Rachna Chandira is a travel writer and communications professional known for her culturally rich and emotionally resonant storytelling.
With a background in development journalism, she brings a nuanced perspective to her writing, focusing on people, place, and purpose. Her work spans India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, often exploring slow travel, solo adventures, and underrepresented local narratives.
From crafting immersive city guides to curating thoughtful itineraries, Rachna combines journalistic depth with a storyteller’s heart. She views travel as a way to connect cultures, inspire empathy, and leave a meaningful impression on readers seeking more than just destinations.