When I found the Top Ten Beaches in New England I wondered: Just exactly what is a “Honky-Tonk” beach? I can’t remember a time when I’ve heard someone describe a beach in those terms! But, if you ask Stephen Jermanok of Yankee Magazine he’ll tell you exactly where you can enjoy the “Best Honky-Tonk”  beach along with nine other Best Beaches in New England!

The “10 Best Beaches in New England” will help you find the Best Surfing, Best Sand, Best Freshwater Beach, and yes – the Best Honky-Tonk beach in the region!

Charles Island from Silver Sands State Park, Milford, Connecticut (Photo by RJFerret/Wikimedia Commons)

According to the Yankee Magazine article, the Warmest Water beach in New England is the remote Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Connecticut.  (It probably doesn’t hurt that Milford, Connecticut is pretty far south on the map of New England! ;-)) Silver Sands State Park comes complete with a legend!  According to CT.gov:  “The early history of Silver Sands focuses on Charles Island. The Island is connected to the mainland by a sand/gravel bar (tombolo) that is submerged at high tide. Captain Kidd is reputed to have buried his treasure on the island in 1699.”

Block Island South East Light and Mohegan Bluffs (Photo by Swampyank/Wikipedia)

The Best Bird-Watching on a New England beach can be found at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire. Odiorne Point State Park is perfect for year-round recreation. Here, in addition to birding, you can enjoy picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking, nature walks,  and cross country skiing along the largest stretch of undeveloped shoreline on New Hampshire’s 18-mile coast.

The beach that is Best for Solitude? Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island, Rhode Island. “Block Island features 17 miles of pristine beaches, protected by lighthouses and spectacular bluffs, and surrounded by rolling roads and winding paths….  Admission to all beaches, as well as parking, is free.” (BlockIslandInfo.com) The scenic route to the Mohegan Bluffs, on the southern shore of Block Island, includes an hour long ferry ride from New London, Connecticut, a three-mile bike ride and a trek down stairs to the beach “dotted with driftwood and sea glass.”

And, of course, the Best Honky-Tonk beach in New England: Old Orchard Beach, Maine. “It’s almost impossible not to have fun at Old Orchard Beach. The low surf makes this a favorite spot for swimming, sunbathing, and making new friends. …Catering to tourists and families is a way of life in Old Orchard Beach.” The beach, arcades, amusement rides, nightly entertainment, auto races and harness racing are highlights of the Old Orchard Beach area. “Old Orchard’s Pier is the center of the recreational activities. Extending nearly 500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, the Pier features shops, fast food, and games of skill. During the summer many special events are planned to entertain and mesmerize everyone in the family festivals, fairs, free concerts, street dances, and fireworks most Thursday nights.” (OldOrchardBeachMaine.com) So that’s a “Honkey-Tonk” beach!

The New England States (USGS Map/Wikipedia)

Rounding out the Top Ten Beaches in New England:

Best Southern Maine Beach for Avoiding Crowds – Footbridge Beach, Ogunquit

Best Sand – Coast Guard Beach, Eastham Massachusetts (Coast Guard Beach seems to pop up on a lot of “Best Beaches” lists!)

Most Scenic – Aquinnah Public Beach, Martha’s Vinyard, Massachusetts

Best Freshwater Beach – Lake Willoughby, Westmore, Vermont

Best Walk – Napatree Point, Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Best Surfing – Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett, Rhode Island

Check out the details and links to the 10 Best Beaches in New England in the article from Yankee Magazine! & Have a great day at the beach!