With more than 3500 miles of beautiful coastline and 4000 islands, Maine definitely has a beach just for you. Sandy or rocky, gentle or rugged, island or mainland, there is a stunning natural diversity here. Southern Maine is for long sandy stretches, the mid-coast boasts tidal pools and hidden coves, while the north has a more rough, unfiltered kind of beaches. Take a dip in the Atlantic waters, go surfing, picnic by the water, camp to the sound of the waves, try paddleboarding, or book an oceanfront vacation rental for spectacular views.
These are the best beaches in Maine for any kind of vacation.
Ogunquit Beach
One of the cutest beach towns in New England, Ogunquit is gloriously spacious. One of the best beaches in Maine and the icon of the south, this stretch is known for its expansive beauty and magnificent sunsets. When the tide is low, the sands take the central stage, and you can enjoy long walks collecting seashells and watching the marine life go by. Proximity to the quaint Ogunquit town is a huge plus allowing you to taste the seafood delights of the coastal cuisine, catch a performance at the Playhouse summer theater, and visit the charming Lobster Point Lighthouse.
Kennebunk Beach
Not one but three beaches are at your leisure disposal at Kennebunk. Mother’s, Middle, and Gooch’s are ideal for a full day next to the ocean. The infrastructure here is on point, the lifeguards are present, and playgrounds will keep your kids busy. Each beach has its own character, so be sure to experience all three for the best picture. Kennebunk is an ultimate family destination with tidal pools for your younger ones and gentler waters that make swimming easy. Keep in mind that parking next to the beach requires a permit and costs $25 daily for non-residents.
Goose Rocks Beach
Stretching for about 3 miles, Goose Rocks is among the best public beaches in Maine. The white sands meet the dark blue waves, the dogs are allowed off-season, and there are no lifeguards. It’s pretty much you one on one with Atlantic here. You will have a nice view of Timber Island and East Goose Rocks, setting a striking natural scene. Goose Rocks is not the most developed beach in the state, but that’s the beauty of it, you’re getting a more off-the-grid experience and wonderful panoramas.
Old Orchard Beach
The wooden pier goes far into the ocean, the Ferris wheel stands next to the amusement park, and the excited crowd fills the scenic boardwalk. It’s not South Carolina; it’s Old Orchard Beach in Maine, the go-to resort town destination for white sand lovers. The beach here is epic, to say the least. You have 7 miles of Atlantic perfection that calls for sunbathing, picnicking, surfing, doing sports, and swimming. No high-rise condos are found in Old Orchard Beach – we’re in Maine after all. Instead, there’s a nice choice of mid-range lodgings sporting porched balconies, ocean views, and attractive prices.
Long Sands Beach
A favorite seaside stretch for generations of Mainers and a hidden gem for new visitors, Long Sands is exactly what the name suggests. The shoreline here is wide and gorgeous, the sunsets are unforgettable, and the family-friendliness is absolute. Come early to park your car hassle-free, during the summer it may be quite problematic. Long Sands Beach is also a great idea for an off-season beach spot to dip your toes in the sand and take in some fresh air on an inspired walk.
Scarborough Beach State Park
Pristine nature awaits you in Scarborough Beach State Park. It’s a carefree place with a mixed crowd of surfers, families, locals, and tourists all admiring the Atlantic views, getting snacks from the Shack, and testing the notoriously cold Maine waters. Admission is $9 and parking is plenty. Bring your fido here for an additional $5, the leash is obligatory. If you’re not into chilly swimming, Scarborough is a fantastic Maine beach to simply enjoy the soft sand and relax surrounded by the coastal beauty.
Crescent Beach State Park
All that’s great about coastal Maine is found in spectacular Crescent Beach State Park. Not only do you have a mile-long sandy stretch, but there’s also scenic Cape Elizabeth to discover by walking. It’s a place of peace and contemplation with superb surf conditions, plenty of space to sunbathe, and many picnicking spots. Gentle waters make it perfect for embarking on a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure to see Cape Elizabeth from the water.
Higgins Beach
An idyllic beach in Maine’s south, Higgins is a little gem that is worth visiting for its easygoing atmosphere and marvelous ocean vistas. Soft sands, pretty townhouses, and lots of space are the features you’ll find here. Surfers will love the tide, there’s a shipwreck devoured by the sands for kids and adults to explore, and fishing is a popular pastime. Parking may be tough to find during the high season, so the first come first served rule is applied.
Sand Beach - Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the treasures of the U.S. Sand Beach found here is among the most striking beaches in Maine. You’ll be surrounded by the serene beauty of the park while profiting from the gentle shell-based sands and calm waters. The stretch is easily accessible from the Park Loop Road, and you have Great Head and Ocean Path trails starting from here. Magnificent at any season, Sand Beach is a must-visit of Acadia that will be sure to impress you.
Jasper Beach
Get away from it all at Jasper Beach. Entirely comprised of multi-colored rocks, it’s an aesthetic masterpiece of nature. Quite remotely located, Jasper Beach is found in the DownEast region of Maine and is absolutely worth a trip. Admire the diversity of the smooth rocks, explore the hidden alcoves, take panoramic walks, and listen to the music of the waves. Be aware that it’s not your classic swimming beach, Jasper works better as a place of relaxation and contemplation. The waters here are almost always cold and taking a dip wouldn’t be the best idea. Instead, enjoy hiking, collecting stones, and picnicking on the shore.
