The April showers are blowing through, and soon sunshine and warmth will lure students to explore the outside world. As summer approaches, images of bathing suits, hot sand and sparkling water cloud over-studied minds. Here's a look at the best beaches in the New England area, all worth spending a few hours at or taking a road trip to enjoy the season.
"Most Popular": Misquamicut Beach - Westerly, R.I.
Misquamicut Beach attracts thousands of tourists every year with its decent-sized waves, white sand and immaculate waters. Regardless of how long the visit, there are plenty of activities to keep beachgoers busy. Besides the usual swimming, sunning and hanging out, Misquamicut Beach's official Web site tempts visitors with various other options.
Waterside golf courses, go-carts, water slides and plenty of places to find quality seafood and other beach cuisine sprinkle the seven-mile stretch of one of Rhode Island's finest beaches. The fun doesn't stop at sundown - the waterfront is populated with bars and clubs where concerts and karaoke nights flourish throughout the summer.
"Best Beach Nightlife": The Cape Cod Beaches - The Cape Cod area, Mass.
Cape Cod has a bounty of beaches to explore. The Provincetown beaches are especially easy to frequent because beach stickers are not required for parking, according to the Cape Guide Web site. These beaches are painstakingly maintained as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and are always picturesque.
Other Cape Cod beach districts include the Nantucket beaches, great beaches to bike along; the Orleans beaches, perfect for sunset viewing; and the Falmouth beaches, known for their appeal as family destinations.
Cape Cod beaches are filled with nightlife activities as well, so after bumming the day away in the sand, get ready to groove in one of the Cape's many bars and clubs, like the Chicken Box in Nantucket.
"The Cleanest": Hampton Beach - Hampton, N.H.
Hampton Beach is another beach boasting a family-friendly environment. According to MSNBC, it is one of the top three cleanest beaches in the United States.
A trip to Hampton Beach is like a trip back in time; not only does it feature pristine white sand and cool water, but visitors can walk the old-fashioned boardwalk and check out all the activities offered.
There are annual sand-sculpting contests, a few arcades and plenty of places to get a good lobster. Hampton Beach's official Web site has a calendar of events up for this summer, including Hampton Beach Idol and weekly fireworks displays.
"The Hidden Gem":
Calf Pasture Beach - Norwalk
Spanning 33 acres, Calf Pasture Beach is one of Connecticut's largest beaches. GoingOutside.com recommends that visitors book a room in a nearby hotel, because spending one day at this beach is not enough. It is a less crowded beach, so those looking for some quiet time with the waves and the sun should seek out this relatively unknown Connecticut treasure.
Aside from the waterfront, Calf Pasture Beach also features camping grounds and various outdoor activities. Beachgoers can trade in their towels for golf clubs at one of the beach's greens and go boating, fishing or whitewater paddling.
"Newport's Secret": Easton's Beach - Newport, R.I.
The shops and mansions of Newport, R.I., are the main attraction for tourists and visitors, so much so that many overlook the spectacular beaches the area has to offer. Easton's beach is the area's largest, complete with rentable beach houses.
DestinationNewport.com lists various other attractions, like the area's largest recreation area, equipped with ball courts and playgrounds to play around in. This beach is the home to Atlantic Beach Club, an outdoor restaurant and patio bar, where visitors can enjoy great food, concerts and drinks on nights and weekends.
"The Nontraditional": Rocky Neck State Park - East Lyme, Conn.
Rocky Neck is not just a beach - it's a landmark. The area has the usual sand and water that all beaches possess, plus plenty of land surrounding the beach, carved with hiking trails waiting to be explored.
Rocky Neck State Park's official Web site lists 160 sites for camping in both wooded and open areas, so campers of various levels can be in their comfort zone.
This is also the perfect beach at which to bird-watch: herons, hawks and cranes all frequent the area. A huge pavilion rests on the white sand, making Rocky Neck the perfect beach for those who particularly enjoy picnics.
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