The 10 Best Maine Beaches
The East Coast state of Maine is home to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the US. With a quintessential New England backdrop of stunning landscapes and thriving coastal towns this is definitely one for the nature lovers.
Maine's rugged coastline and long, sandy beaches, offer something for beachgoers of all types. But beach life ihere is somewhat seasonal; nestled up against the Canadian border winters can be pretty harsh. So when the summer comes around both visitors and locals alike don't waste any time hitting the beach.
From the bustling seaside towns of Old Orchard and Ogunquit to the quieter, more remote beaches of the Schoodic Peninsula and the Isles of Shoals, Maine's got you covered. Home to pristine waters, towering dunes, and abundant wildlife, the Maine coast is as unique as it is breathtaking.
Maine's beaches offer no shortage of things to do either. Whether you're a beachcomber, surfer, angler, or simply looking for a tranquil place to relax and take in the scenery, there's a beach for you.
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1. Popham Beach
Paul VanDerWerf Great for:- Family
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Kitesurfing
Located at the mouth of the Kennebec River, Popham Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Maine coast. The sandy beach spans nearly two miles of sandy shoreline and is backed by dunes and marshland.
There are plenty of activities to do at the beach including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and windsurfing. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic on the beach or take a stroll to the historic fort… read more »
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2. Goose Rocks Beach
Peter Rintels Great for:- Family
- Swimming
Goose Rocks Beach is the kind of idyllic spot that conjures up images of perfect East Coast holidays. The beach runs between Cape Porpoise and Granite Point and is backed by an archetypal seaside village.
The beach itself is a picturesque sweep of white sand stretching for almost three miles. What you won't find at Goose Rocks is waves; the beach is sheltered by a number of small islands and reefs… read more »
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3. Sand Beach
Maddie.d.photography Great for:- Family
This imaginatively named beach can be found in the beautiful surrounds of Acadia National Park. A landscape of pine forests, lakes and glacially-carved granite peaks this is a true wilderness. The wildlife won't disappoint either with bears, moose and whales found in the area.
With a backdrop like this it wouldn't take too much for any beach to make it onto a list of Maine's best beaches. But Sand beach manages… read more »
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4. Higgins Beach
Ken Gallager Great for:- Fishing
- Surfing
Higgins Beach is located in Maine's Cumberland County, approximately ten kilometres south of Portland. With a length of just over half a mile, Higgins Beach makes for a charming and easy escape from the big city.
Its attractions include the quaint uncommercialised community of around 300 oceanside cottages, many of which are only occupied seasonally, alongside the shipwreck trapped by the beach's white sands and the chance to fish for striped… read more »
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5. Old Orchard Beach
Paul VanDerWerf Great for:- Family
- Surfing
Set in Saco Bay, towards the southern end of Maine's Atlantic coast is the thriving little resort town of Old Orchard Beach. The town has a long and colorful history and was once dubbed "The Garden by the Sea" which featured, you guessed it, an orchard!
However it wasn't until the late 1800s that the town took off as a holiday resort, with the near seven mile stretch of sand as… read more »
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6. Ogunquit Beach
Mark Bonica Great for:- Family
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Kitesurfing
Stretching for over three miles along the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches of Ogunquit are known for its white sand and crashing waves. The Main beach is easily accessible from the center of town via Beach Street and extends northwards for around a mile before seamlessly blending into Footbridge Beach. In general, the further north you head, the quieter it gets.
Ogunquit beach maintains something of a wild feel as it… read more »
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7. Goochs Beach
Wesley Fryer Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
One of the best beaches in the US according to US News, Gooch's Beach lies between the rocky promontory known as Oaks Neck and the mouth of the Kennebunk River in southern Maine. Curving gently around its Atlantic frontage, the beach's waters are partially protected by breakwaters at either end, while its rich sand is backed by beachside properties.
While only a few yards wide, Gooch's Beach stretches from roughly 600… read more »
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8. Ferry Beach
Gary Lerude Ferry Beach runs for several hundred glories yards on southern Maine's Saco Bay before its soft pale sands blend with those of Bayview Beach. Although relatively narrow, Ferry Beach is still a popular place to soak up the sun or take a dip in this part of the Atlantic Ocean. The adjoining state park features picnic benches, walking trails and a cluster of unusual tupelo (black gum) trees.
During the summer… read more »
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9. Short Sands
Fred Hsu Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
Short Sands Beach stretches for around 300 yards within the oceanfront community of York, southern Maine. Despite its name, Short Sands Beach still manages to form a suitable fine ribbon of sand within Ellis Park. On the highest tides, Short Sands can all but disappear temporarily.
Together with the park, Short Sands Beach provides amenities which include public restrooms, basketball courts, a children's sand playground and a grassy picnic area. During… read more »
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10. Wells Beach
Bud Great for:- Surfing
Wells Beach stretches for almost a mile just south of the town of Kennebunkport. It was named Wells Beach after the small resort town nearby, which has been referred to as both the antiques capital and the friendliest town in Maine. It's believed to be the third-oldest town in the state, having been founded as long ago as 1643.
The beach is particularly popular during the summer months, with visitors making… read more »
