Iif you can handle its frigid water temperatures, Maine has some incredibly scenic beachfront to sunbathe and build sand castles on (or even to take a dip at, if you’re brave or a wetsuit owner). Here are ten of the very best, most beautiful beaches in the state of Maine.
Top Beaches in Maine
Maine Beaches
Long Sands Beach
Stretching about a mile and a half, Long Sands Beach lives up to its name. Yes, the tides in this area do render the sandy stretch invisible for hours at a time, but if you arrive at the right moment, you’ll have plenty of room to build a sand castle or go searching for shells. Metered parking spaces make it easy to find a place to stash your car while you’re enjoying the coast, and the nearby Nubble Lighthouse is just around the corner and well worth a visit.
Things to do near Long Sands Beach
Along with the Nubble Lighthouse, we recommend setting some time aside to check out the nearby York’s Wild Kingdom zoo and amusement park, which is home to a variety of furred and feathered friends as well as thrilling rides and attractions.
Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit is a word from the Abenaki language, given to it by the people who lived here first — and once you translate it, you can see why. The word means “beautiful place by the sea,” and that’s exactly what you’ll find when you visit this famous stretch of Maine coastline. It meanders about three miles along with sandy stretches, dunes, sea grasses and beautiful coastal rocks marking the way.
Things to do near Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit Beach is surrounded on all sides by waterfront — and plenty of other fun things to see, do, and explore besides. If you walk far enough north along the beach, you’ll encounter a separate stretch known as Footbridge Beach, named for the footbridge that connects that sandy stretch to the mainland.
Wells Beach
If you’re looking for a more natural, off-the-beaten-path beach day option, Wells Beach might be just the ticket. Surrounded by marshy wildlife and natural preserves, this beach is known for its beautiful scenery and, when the tides are right, tidal pools crawling with fascinating sea life. Kayak and canoe access is also available for those hoping to put in along this shoreline, but do be warned that the tides can be quite strong, so be sure you’re prepared.
Things to do near Wells Beach
Immediately adjacent to the beach is the sprawling Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is only a short drive further north. Webhannet Falls Park is a particularly popular can’t-miss in the area, thanks to its serene cascades.
Gooch’s Beach
Gooch’s Beach stands out from the crowd for its soft sands and ease of access, thanks to its immediately adjacent promenade. While rip tides are a possibility at any coastal shoreline, the wake and waves here tend to be shallow and soft, making it a good option for those looking for a swimmable beach.
Things to do near Gooch’s Beach
Check out the other nearby seascapes, including Colony Beach, Mother’s Beach and Parson’s Beach, not to mention the funky and historical town of Kennebunkport. Its Franciscan Monastery is definitely toward the top of the to-do list, as is its walkable historic district.
Goose Rocks Beach
Goose Rocks Beach is tucked between Cape Porpoise and Granite Point, offering a hidden, tucked-away respite of soft, white sands and cerulean seas. The beach is named for the rock formations that rise up in the midst of the waters, named East Goose Rocks and West Goose Rocks respectively. While the scenery is absolutely stunning, do be aware that the parking here is limited and permitted, so plan ahead to get the best spot
Things to do near Goose Rocks Beach
Just north of Kennebunkport, the Goose Rocks area is fairly remote all while being within easy reach of a more developed city. We do recommend stopping by the nearby Seashore Trolley Museum, which offers a unique peek into the history of this classic style of public transport.
Old Orchard Beach
If you are in search of a more classic, summertime, festival-atmosphere beach, Old Orchard Beach is just what you’re looking for. This popular vacation getaway destination is bordered by all the beachy must-haves, such as an amusement park and a developed historic pier. The golden sands and crystal blue waters make it easy to see why this place has blown up.
Things to do near Old Orchard Beach
Palace Playland offers roller coasters, fair games, and other thrills and amusements, and Aquaboggan Family Water Park is just a short drive away if you’re in need of even more major family diversions. Or, leave the kids with a sitter and take advantage of the area’s thriving nightlife scene.
Scarborough Beach State Park
As we make our way further north along the coast toward Portland, we come to some beautiful preserved wildernesses just outside of the town. One of these is Scarborough Beach State Park, which is one of the only beaches on this list to feature on-duty lifeguards. Along with its extra-safe shoreline, this beach features sweeping sand dunes, chair and umbrella rentals, a snack bar, and more. Be sure to check out the park’s official website for all the intel on beach conditions before you head out.
Things to do near Scarborough Beach State Park
Although this pristine paradise will make you feel as though you’ve traveled much further, it’s all actually only 20 minutes from the heart of Portland, Maine, a vibrant city known for its food, art, and other attractions. Plus, there are some excellent campgrounds in the area.
Crescent Beach State Park
Crescent Beach State Park boasts more than a mile of sandy shoreline, as well as picnic areas and forested walking trails to give you a well-balanced experience. Located only minutes away from Portland on scenic Cape Elizabeth, this beach is popular with those looking for a simple swimming-and-sunbathing type beach day as well as those after outdoor recreational pursuits. The park is also known amongst birders as a great place to spot herring gulls and other coastal species.
Things to do near Crescent Beach State Park
Nearby Kettle Cove is small, but easily one of the best sunrise spots in the area, and Two Lights Lighthouse is a piece of living history that’s well worth visiting for locals and those from further afield alike.
Willard Beach
Located in South Portland, we love Willard Beach for its urban accessibility, even if its shoreline offers almost as many pebbles as grains of sand. There are still plenty of soft spots to lay out with a great book and enjoy the sweeping views of the many small islands that dot the bay in this area. Better still, this beach offers dog friendly portions that make it possible to spend a day in the sun with the whole family, furry, four-legged members included. A play area, cafe, and on-site restrooms complete the scene and make for an easy and comfortable beach day getaway.
Things to do near Willard Beach
From this beach, all of the fun to be had in Portland lies just at your fingertips — not least of which is the Portland Head Light, which has amazingly been in operation since 1791. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad is another tourist attraction that begs the attention of history buffs but is sure to entertain literally anybody who climbs aboard.
The Best Maine Beaches for RVers
Sandy Beach
Acadia National Park is better known for its rugged granite peaks than its sandy beaches, but make no mistake, there is beachfront here, including Sandy Beach. Tucked between Great Head and Gorham Mountain, this beach gives the intimate impression of a hidden cove. Just in case you still need incentive to get there, get this: the sand has a shining pink hue, thanks to the fact that it’s crafted of shells that have been pulverized over the eons by the sea.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
RVers will be happy to learn that Acadia National Park has several onsite campgrounds. Additionally, the park is surrounded by private RV parks, making it easy to park very near the beach as well as everything else the park has to offer.
Things to do near Sandy Beach
The rest of Acadia National Park should certainly be high on your to-do list, as should its beautiful gateway town of Bar Harbor. Other area wildernesses like Holbrook Island Sanctuary and Branch Lake State Park would make it easy to spend a lifetime exploring this part of the state.
Planning an RV Trip to Maine
While you’re in the state, be sure to stay in the top Maine campgrounds. You’ll also want to check out all the best state parks!
