2 MA Beach Towns Named Best In Region, New List Says

MASSACHUSETTS — Summer is almost here, and it's time to start thinking about those plans to get away involving surf, sand, and sun.

With that in mind, Condé Nast Traveler has named its top 17 beach destinations on the East Coast. The two representatives from Massachusetts on the list are Rockport and Oak Bluffs.

The new list includes everything from "charming, historic New England towns to tropical Southern getaways." The spots range from those perfect for family vacations to the shore to solo trips and group getaways.

Rockport made the cut with its "can't-miss natural gem in Halibut Point State Park" as well as its place in art history. The luxury lifestyle and travel magazine also points to the North Shore's "excellent seafood, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks," as well as the area's appearances in high-profile films like "Shutter Island" and "Manchester-by-the-Sea."

Oak Bluffs, on Martha's Vineyard, is dotted with "colorful gingerbread houses... straight out of a storybook." The town's Ocean Park is "a circular green overlooking the sea, encircled by said houses, with a frothy, delicate gazebo sitting in the center." The town is also home to the annual African-American Film Festival.

Other New England towns considered among the best on the East Coast include Hampton Beach, New Hampshire; Kennebunkport, Maine; Bar Harbor, Maine; Madison, Connecticut, and Newport, Rhode Island.

Check out the full list of "The 17 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast" at Condé Nast Traveler.

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