August 2025 trip

Question

We are coming to Boston for 4 nights from the UK and then have 6 nights before we go to New York for a couple of nights before we fly home. We would love to spend some time at the beach or at a lake with our 14 year old son we have looked at cape cod. Is that the best option or are there other alternatives? Thank you

Answer

August is one of the very best months to enjoy coastal New England, and with 6 nights between Boston and New York, you have several excellent options for beaches, lakes, and classic New England scenery. Cape Cod is a top choice, but it’s definitely not the only one. Below is a detailed breakdown so you can compare.

First, Cape Cod truly is wonderful in August: warm ocean temperatures, charming towns, bike trails, whale-watching, and long sandy beaches. However, it’s also the busiest time of year, so lodging can be expensive and traffic heavy—especially on weekends. Still, it remains one of the most popular and rewarding beach destinations near Boston.

That said, depending on the type of experience you want with your 14-year-old son—beach days, swimming, kayaking, biking, arcades, hiking, or quieter lakes—you have several alternatives. Here are the best ones:

Cape Cod – Best overall mix of beaches, family activities, and classic New England seaside towns.
Lake Winnipesaukee (New Hampshire) – Stunning lakes, swimming, boating, and mountains nearby.
The Maine Coast (Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, York) – Beautiful beaches closer to Boston, great food, relaxed atmosphere.
Newport & Rhode Island Beaches – Gorgeous beaches, mansions, great dining, and easier drive toward NYC.
The Berkshires (Western Massachusetts) – Nature, lakes, hiking, and a quiet rural feel.

Below are details on each option to help you decide what’s best for your trip:

1. Cape Cod (Excellent for beaches + family activities)

If you want the full New England beach holiday, Cape Cod is ideal. It’s about 1.5–2 hours from Boston (longer in August weekends). The Cape Cod National Seashore offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. Your son might enjoy biking the Cape Cod Rail Trail, mini golf, whale-watching from Provincetown, or kayaking on kettle ponds.

Best for classic beaches and summer towns
Great family activities, seafood shacks, sunsets
Can be crowded; book lodging early

2. Lake Winnipesaukee (New Hampshire; perfect for lakes + water sports)

If you’d prefer a lake holiday, Lake Winnipesaukee is one of the best in New England. It’s just over 2 hours from Boston. The lake is huge with crystal-clear water and lots of beaches and boating opportunities. Towns like Meredith and Wolfeboro are charming and family-friendly. You could go kayaking, rent a boat, swim, or do scenic drives in the nearby White Mountains.

Beautiful lake swimming and boating
Very family-friendly towns
Less crowded than Cape Cod; cooler nights

3. Southern Maine Coast (Ogunquit, York, Kennebunkport)

Only 1–1.5 hours from Boston, the southern Maine coast has long beaches, pretty towns, and great seafood. Ogunquit Beach is one of the nicest on the East Coast, and the Marginal Way walkway offers stunning coastal scenery. These towns feel relaxed but still have enough activity for a teenager.

Great beaches and beautiful coastline
Close to Boston and easy travel
Can be busy but usually less chaotic than Cape Cod

4. Newport & Rhode Island Beaches

About 1.5 hours from Boston and directly on the way toward New York, Rhode Island is an excellent alternative. Newport has beaches, cliff walks, sailing, mansions to visit, and a lively restaurant scene. Narragansett and Watch Hill also have beautiful beaches and family-friendly areas.

Ideal location if you want to travel toward NYC
Beautiful wide beaches
Historic mansions and coastal walks

5. The Berkshires (Western Massachusetts; perfect if you want quiet scenery)

If you prefer lakes and mountains and don’t need the ocean, the Berkshires offer great swimming lakes, nature walks, waterfalls, and quiet villages. August is warm and lovely. Good towns to stay in include Lenox, Great Barrington, and Stockbridge.

Peaceful lakes, forests, hiking
Much less crowded than Cape Cod or Maine
No ocean—better for those who prefer rural calm

Suggested 6-Night Itinerary Options

Option A (Beach-focused): 3 nights Cape Cod + 3 nights Rhode Island (easier drive into NYC)
Option B (Mixed lake + coast): 3 nights Lake Winnipesaukee + 3 nights Ogunquit, Maine
Option C (Relaxed + scenic): 6 nights on Cape Cod if you want a full beach holiday
Option D (Shortest total driving): 2–3 nights Maine Coast + 3–4 nights Rhode Island

Overall, Cape Cod is a fantastic option—especially if you want a classic New England beach trip— but southern Maine, New Hampshire lakes, and Rhode Island all offer excellent experiences without being quite as crowded. Your choice depends on whether you prefer oceanside beaches or calmer lakes and how much driving you want to do.

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