A Guide To The Most Beautiful Beaches In Maine

Head to Sand Beach in Maine’s stunning Acadia National Park; located on Mt. Desert Island, Sand Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Tucked in a cove between Gorham Mountain and Great Head, this hidden treasure, although small in size, is what makes beach life so desirable: scenic views of aquamarine waters, pink-tinged sand made up of crushed seashells, rocky cliffs, and a pine tree-laden backdrop. While Sand Beach is fit with picturesque views perfect for sun worshippers, the waters are usually quite cold, so swimmers be warned.

At Popham Beach State Park, nestled along the mouth of the Kennebec River, low tide is prime time for beach goers; most of the shoreline has been eroded over time but, if you can catch Popham when the tide is low, it’s a trip worth venturing. Walk along the shoreline for miles, discover seaside treasures in the tide pools, or walk your way out to the Fox Islands, rocky pieces of land across the shore. For the outdoor adventurer, there’s also hiking, wildlife watching and grills for picnicking.

For big-time swimmers, head to Prouts Neck, a peninsula just south of Portland in the Saco Bay that is said to be the best swimming region in all of Maine. Here, you’ll find Scarborough Beach State Park on the northeastern end of the peninsula with a vast shoreline, sand dunes, and The Local Shack – a famed snack shack where visitors can rent chairs and umbrellas. While the warm summer waters make for a perfect swimming destination, the tides are usually rough, so be advised to swim in the lifeguard area. Alternatively, head to Higgins Beach, a short walk north of the state park, which is a small seaside village with beautiful white sandy beaches.

If you’re on the hunt for a secluded beach, opt for Reid State Park. Set on the Georgetown Peninsula, Reid State Park boasts grassy dune-lined shores, rocky cliffs, tide pools, glistening blue waters, and a lagoon – all without the crowds. Here, there’s plenty of tranquil scenery, sunshine, and natural beauty to keep you busy until sunset; for those staying until dusk, be sure to pop in to one of Maine’s famous lobster shacks for a seaside dinner.