Beaches
Enjoy Maine's Many Great Beaches
from Kittery and York, to the Mid Coast islands & Acadia
Thirteen beaches fall under the Maine state park system. Entry fees usually range from $1 to $8 per person (12 and older). See more information on state-operated beaches. Annual passes range from $45 to $105. Learn more about park passes. Most parks are open from 9 a.m. to sunset unless posted otherwise at the gate. Some are year-round; others are seasonal. Some have camping sites. Learn about specific parks here.
Acadia National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Some park roads close during the winter, as do most park facilities. The summer visitor season at Hulls Cove Visitor Center is early May through late October, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day. The park entrance fee is $30 for cars, $25 for motorcycles and $15 for bicyclists or walkers (youths age 15 and younger, walkers, and bicyclists are admitted free). The fee covers entry for seven days. An annual pass costs $55. The park has two beaches staffed with lifeguards during the summer: Sand Beach on the ocean and Echo Lake Beach. More information.
Click Here for Maine Tide Charts and Tide Tables
19 places to visit
Willard Beach
end of Willard Street South Portland, ME 04106 Willard Beach is a small sand and pebble beach off the end of Willard Street in a quiet resildentail neighborhood. It is on Simonton Cove, just southward of the campus of Southern Maine Community College. Enjoy views of Cushing Island and Ram Island Light in Casco Bay.
The beach has easy access to Spring Point Shoreway Trail, which leads to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse at the entrance to Portland Harbor.
Facilities:The bathhouse is open in summer, and has restrooms, a snack bar and showers. There is parking on nearby Willow Street. Dogs are allowed in summer, but only before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
The beach has easy access to Spring Point Shoreway Trail, which leads to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse at the entrance to Portland Harbor.
Facilities:The bathhouse is open in summer, and has restrooms, a snack bar and showers. There is parking on nearby Willow Street. Dogs are allowed in summer, but only before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
Sand Beach in Acadia National Park
Off Park Loop Road Mount Desert Island / Bar Harbor, ME 207-288-3338 Sand Beach in on the east side of the island within Acadia National Park. It is in a gorgeous setting between two large walls of granite and evergreen. The 300-yard beach is composed of sand from shell fragments. The ocean water is a cool 55 degrees F even in summer. Sand Beach is staffed with lifeguards during the summer. Beach is off-limits to pets from June 15 to September 8.
Sand Beach is reached via the Park Loop Road; you will need to have a park entrance pass. It is 5 to 6 miles from downtown Bar Harbor. All about park fees and entrance passes.
The Free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus Service makes regular stops (in season) at Bar Harbor beaches. View the #3 Sand Beach/Blackwoods Route and the #4 Loop Road Route for Sand Beach.
Sand Beach is reached via the Park Loop Road; you will need to have a park entrance pass. It is 5 to 6 miles from downtown Bar Harbor. All about park fees and entrance passes.
The Free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus Service makes regular stops (in season) at Bar Harbor beaches. View the #3 Sand Beach/Blackwoods Route and the #4 Loop Road Route for Sand Beach.
Long Sands Beach
Route 1A York, ME 03909 207-363-1040 This wide sandy beach is 1.5 miles long. It is a big favorite for everyone from families to sun bathers to surfers. There are designated surfing areas. Views of the famous Nubble Lighthouse from the beach. Lots of food shacks, motels, beach stores and general stores are located in easy walking distance along Route 1A.
Facilities: Beach is handicap accessible with ramps. Public rest rooms are at the Bathhouse near Oceanside Avenue. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Rentals of rafts and beach umbrellas. Trolley service.
Facilities: Beach is handicap accessible with ramps. Public rest rooms are at the Bathhouse near Oceanside Avenue. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Rentals of rafts and beach umbrellas. Trolley service.
Thomas Point Beach
Meadow Road (off Route 24) Brunswick, ME 04011 207-725-6009 Beautiful 85-acre park overlooking Maine’s Thomas Bay. Salt water swimming, picnicking, playground, snack bar, gift shop, camping area are all available activities. Home of the Maine Highland Games and Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival. Open mid-May to mid-September. Check the schedule on their website for scheduled events & activities.
Popham Beach State Park
711 Popham Road - ME Route 209 Phippsburg, ME 04562 207-389-1335 Spacious sand beach is located on the south side of the mouth of the Kennebec River in Maine. Big rollers attract both swimmers and surfers. Swimmers should be wary of strong surf and rip tides and stay near lifeguards. Visitors can walk to Fox Island at low tide. Shell collecting is a popular pastime. Lifeguards on duty during the summer. Facilities include bathhouses, freshwater showers, picnic area with charcoal grills, and trails.
Open: Year-round, 9am - Sunset unless otherwise posted.
Open: Year-round, 9am - Sunset unless otherwise posted.
Ogunquit Beaches
Beach Street Ogunquit, ME 207-646-2939 This long peninsula of sandy beach and grassy dunes stretches for three and a half miles, forming a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean from the Ogunquit River. Great for swimming and body surfing in the waves, sunbathing, or walking the wide sands, amid big ocean views. At the south end of the beach there is a large parking lot (fee charged), public restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. There is also a hotel, gift shops, snack bar and restaurants.
The midsection of Ogunquit Beach is known as Footbridge Beach, reached by a footbridge across the Ogunquit River. Lifeguards are on duty in-season. There is ample parking (fee charged), a boat ramp , and restrooms. The far end of Ogunquit Beach is called North Beach, where there is a large parking area (fee) and restrooms.
The midsection of Ogunquit Beach is known as Footbridge Beach, reached by a footbridge across the Ogunquit River. Lifeguards are on duty in-season. There is ample parking (fee charged), a boat ramp , and restrooms. The far end of Ogunquit Beach is called North Beach, where there is a large parking area (fee) and restrooms.
Old Orchard Beach
Grand Avenue (Route 9) Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 207-934-2500 Old Orchard Beach is Maine’s most popular beach resort because of its 7-mile long continuous stretch of wide, sandy beach. The centerpiece of the beach is the Palace Playland amusement park, which hosts an arcade area. The Pier is a famous oceanfront icon since 1898 that extends nearly 500 feet out offshore. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and body surfing, and building sand castles. Lifeguards in season. Handicap accessible. Surfing is allowed at designated areas.
The streets of the town have a carnival atmosphere, with arcades, amusement rides, restaurants and food stands, hotels and motels, gift shops, clubs and The Pier. On the strip you can find food, souvenir shops, rides, festivals, fairs, free concerts, street dances and fireworks on most Thursday nights.
Facilities: Parking is available at street meters and several lots. There are public restrooms and showers just off the strip on West Grand Avenue.
The streets of the town have a carnival atmosphere, with arcades, amusement rides, restaurants and food stands, hotels and motels, gift shops, clubs and The Pier. On the strip you can find food, souvenir shops, rides, festivals, fairs, free concerts, street dances and fireworks on most Thursday nights.
Facilities: Parking is available at street meters and several lots. There are public restrooms and showers just off the strip on West Grand Avenue.
Kennebunk Beaches
Beach Avenue Kennebunk, ME 04043 207-967-0857 There’s almost a mile of oceanfront at Maine's Kennebunk Beach, which includes three distinct beaches. All beaches require parking permits, which are available at Kennebunk Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall and Police Department.
Tucked into the rocks south of Lords Point is Mother’s Beach, a sandy pocket beach about 750 feet long. There’s a playground and restrooms; a lifeguard is on duty.
Just to the north is Middle Beach, quarter-mile of black pebbly beach. A sidewalk extends along the seawall.
Farther along is the main and most popular beach area called Gooch’s Beach. This is a crescent of fine sand more than 3,300 feet long. Lifeguards are on duty in summer and there are portable toilets nearby.
Tucked into the rocks south of Lords Point is Mother’s Beach, a sandy pocket beach about 750 feet long. There’s a playground and restrooms; a lifeguard is on duty.
Just to the north is Middle Beach, quarter-mile of black pebbly beach. A sidewalk extends along the seawall.
Farther along is the main and most popular beach area called Gooch’s Beach. This is a crescent of fine sand more than 3,300 feet long. Lifeguards are on duty in summer and there are portable toilets nearby.
Ferry Beach State Park
95 Bayview Road - ME Route 9 Saco, ME 04072 207-283-0067 Ferry Beach State Park is located off Maine Route 9 on Bay View Road between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis in Saco. This is a sweet little park with sandy beach for swimming. A picnic area, nature trails, guided nature programs, and changing room are available. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 30. Park is open daily from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, 9am - Sunset. Visitors may enter the park in the off season by parking outside the gate and walking in. Note that facilities are closed during the off season. - Trail Maps
Cape Neddick Beach (also call Passaconaway Beach)
U.S. Route 1A York, ME 03902 207-363-1040 Very small Maine beach when low tide exposes sandbar and tidal pools. Very limited parking, no facilities, and no shade.
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Dogs: Between May 20 and September 20, no dogs are allowed on the beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dogs may be on the beach on a leash from 6 p.m. to sunrise. Dogs may be on the beach unleashed, but under voice control, from sunrise to 8 a.m. Between September 20 and May 20, dogs may be on the beach with owner, under voice control, with leash in hand.
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Dogs: Between May 20 and September 20, no dogs are allowed on the beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dogs may be on the beach on a leash from 6 p.m. to sunrise. Dogs may be on the beach unleashed, but under voice control, from sunrise to 8 a.m. Between September 20 and May 20, dogs may be on the beach with owner, under voice control, with leash in hand.
Crescent Beach State Park
7 Tower Drive Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 207-799-5871 Mild surf and tepid waters create an ideal swimming and boating environment at Crescent Beach, and on the sandy shore you’ll find a scenic coastal vista.
Hours: Open daily 9am - Sunset unless posted otherwise. A fee is charged to enter the park.
Hours: Open daily 9am - Sunset unless posted otherwise. A fee is charged to enter the park.
Shackford Head State Park
Deep Cove Road Eastport, ME 04631 207-726-4412 Shackford Head State Park covers 90 acres on Moose Island overlooking Cobscook Bay. This undeveloped park on a peninsula has beaches, coves, and a dramatic headland at Shackford Head. Several miles of trails cross the headland. An easy hike of one mile from the parking area through the woods to the rocky headland allows beautiful views of Cobscook Bay. No admission fee. - Trail Map (PDF)
Fortune's Rocks Beach
Fortune's Rocks Road Biddeford, ME 04005 207-284-9307 This two-mile expanse of sandy beach in Biddeford, ME extends along the open ocean from Biddeford Pool to Fortunes Rocks, offering beach-goers lots of room to stretch out, relax, swim and play in the summer sun on a weekend getaway or a family vacation. Wave sports such as surfing, body boarding, and surf kayaking are popular here, and the hard-packed sand is great for walking and jogging. Lifeguards are on duty from late May to early September. There are no facilities at Fortunes Rocks Beach.
Parking: Limited parking is available at the south and north ends of the beach, accessed from Fortunes Rocks Road. Parking is by permit only, available from Biddeford City Hall, City Clerk’s office.
Parking: Limited parking is available at the south and north ends of the beach, accessed from Fortunes Rocks Road. Parking is by permit only, available from Biddeford City Hall, City Clerk’s office.
Goose Rocks Beach
Kings Hwy. off Route 9 Kennebunkport, ME 04046 207-967-0857 Goose Rocks Beach has nearly three miles of wide sandy beach. A barrier reef offshore known as Goose Rocks, visible at low tide, helps protect the soft, white sands of the beach. This beach has no lifeguard.
Parking: Parking permits are required (Kennebunk Beach permits cannot be used here) and are available at the Kennebunkport Police Department, Town Hall, Goose Rocks General Store and some accommodations.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed, but only before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. from June 15 to September 25. They are allowed on the beach all day the rest of the year. Leash and pick-up laws apply.
Parking: Parking permits are required (Kennebunk Beach permits cannot be used here) and are available at the Kennebunkport Police Department, Town Hall, Goose Rocks General Store and some accommodations.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed, but only before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. from June 15 to September 25. They are allowed on the beach all day the rest of the year. Leash and pick-up laws apply.
Short Sands Beach
Ocean Avenue (Route 1A) York, MA 03909 207-363-1040 Family-friendly, sandy, "pocket" beach. Limited shade. Summer evening concerts.
Facilities: Large metered parking area and private lots, restrooms, outside showers, and playground & basketball courts. Handicap accessible, lifeguards, shops & food within walking distance, benches along boardwalk.
Dogs: From May 20 to September 20, no dogs are allowed on the beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dogs may be on the beach on a leash from 6 p.m. to sunrise. Dogs may be on the beach unleashed, but under voice control, from sunrise to 8 a.m. Between September 20 and May 20, dogs may be on the beach with owner, under voice control, with leash in hand.
Facilities: Large metered parking area and private lots, restrooms, outside showers, and playground & basketball courts. Handicap accessible, lifeguards, shops & food within walking distance, benches along boardwalk.
Dogs: From May 20 to September 20, no dogs are allowed on the beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dogs may be on the beach on a leash from 6 p.m. to sunrise. Dogs may be on the beach unleashed, but under voice control, from sunrise to 8 a.m. Between September 20 and May 20, dogs may be on the beach with owner, under voice control, with leash in hand.
Harbor Beach (ME)
U.S. Route 1 York, ME 03909 207-363-1040 Sheltered, sandy Maine beach nestled against rocky shoreline. Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Limited parking, handicap accessible, walking trails, lifeguards, restrooms.
Between May 20 and September 20, no dogs are allowed on the beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dogs may be on the beach on a leash from 6 p.m. to sunrise. Dogs may be on the beach unleashed, but under voice control, from sunrise to 8 a.m. Between September 20 and May 20, dogs may be on the beach with owner, under voice control, with leash in hand.
Between May 20 and September 20, no dogs are allowed on the beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dogs may be on the beach on a leash from 6 p.m. to sunrise. Dogs may be on the beach unleashed, but under voice control, from sunrise to 8 a.m. Between September 20 and May 20, dogs may be on the beach with owner, under voice control, with leash in hand.
Fort Foster Beach
Pocahontas Road Kittery, ME 03905 207-439-2181 Located on Gerrish Island in Kittery Point, Fort Foster offers three small but sandy beaches, an extensive trail system, rest rooms in season, picnic areas, and old military fortifications to explore, and a long pier. Park is handicapped accessible. Scuba diving and small non-motorized water craft allowed in designated area. Fires in grills and fire pits only.
Hours: Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10am - 8pm.
Dogs: Dogs allowed on leash; owners must pick up dog waste.
Hours: Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10am - 8pm.
Dogs: Dogs allowed on leash; owners must pick up dog waste.
Seal Harbor Beach
Peabody Drive Mount Desert Island / Bar Harbor, ME This ocean beach is in the center of town on the southeastern side of Mount Desert Island. This is a quaint little beach with great views of expensive yachts immediately off shore. The beach is right next to Route 3 and across the street from the Acadia National Park Stanley Brook entrance.
One way to get to Seal Harbor is via Route 3 heading south from Bar Harbor. Another is the Park Loop Road. There is a turn-off south of Jordan Pond. Acadia National Park land surrounds the village. The Free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus Service makes regular stops (in season) at Bar Harbor beaches. View the #5 Jordan Pond Route for Seal Harbor Beach
One way to get to Seal Harbor is via Route 3 heading south from Bar Harbor. Another is the Park Loop Road. There is a turn-off south of Jordan Pond. Acadia National Park land surrounds the village. The Free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus Service makes regular stops (in season) at Bar Harbor beaches. View the #5 Jordan Pond Route for Seal Harbor Beach
Moody Beach
Ocean Avenue Wells, ME 04090 207-646-2451 Mile-long beach between Ogunquit and Wells, ME. Public parking at end of Ocean Avenue. Restrooms. Numerous access points for kayaks and boats. Bourne Avenue in Moody.