Sun, Sand & Scenery: The 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Maine Revealed

Maine’s coastline offers some of the most breathtaking beaches in New England. From sandy shores perfect for sunbathing to rocky coves ideal for exploring tide pools, there’s something for every beach lover. These eight beautiful beaches showcase the best of Maine’s coastal charm and natural beauty.

1. Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit, ME

Stretching three miles along Maine’s southern coast, Ogunquit Beach feels like paradise with its powdery white sand that squishes between your toes. Families love the gentle waves and lifeguard protection during summer months.

The famous Marginal Way coastal path offers stunning views for those who prefer a scenic stroll rather than sunbathing. Local tip: arrive early on summer weekends to secure parking and your perfect spot on the sand.

During low tide, the beach expands dramatically, creating a massive playground for beachcombers and shell collectors. ‘Ogunquit’ means ‘beautiful place by the sea’ in the indigenous Abenaki language – a perfectly fitting name!

2. Popham Beach – Phippsburg, ME

Wild and wonderfully untamed, Popham Beach captivates visitors with its raw natural beauty and ever-changing landscape. The beach’s most magical feature appears at low tide – a sandy path emerges, connecting the mainland to Fox Island for adventurous explorers.

Locals gather here to watch spectacular sunrises paint the Atlantic horizon in brilliant colors. The beach stretches for nearly three miles, ensuring plenty of space even during peak summer days.

Beachcombers discover treasures washed ashore by powerful Atlantic currents – unique driftwood sculptures, colorful sea glass, and occasionally remnants from shipwrecks of centuries past. The nearby historic Fort Popham adds another layer of intrigue to this beloved coastal gem.

3. Sand Beach – Acadia National Park

Nestled between towering granite mountains and the mighty Atlantic Ocean, Sand Beach creates a breathtaking natural amphitheater unlike anywhere else in Maine. This 290-yard pocket of golden sand stands out dramatically against Acadia’s predominantly rocky coastline.

Brave swimmers might venture into the chilly waters (rarely exceeding 55°F even in summer), while photographers capture the perfect sunrise from this east-facing cove. Morning visitors often spot deer emerging from the surrounding forest for a quiet drink.

After enjoying the beach, follow the Great Head Trail that begins at the eastern end for spectacular elevated views of the cove and Mount Desert Island. The beach’s sand consists primarily of crushed shells, creating a uniquely crunchy texture underfoot.

4. Goose Rocks Beach – Kennebunkport, ME

Morning fog often cloaks Goose Rocks Beach in mystery before revealing its three-mile stretch of pristine white sand. The gentle surf makes this beach particularly appealing for families with young children seeking safe swimming conditions.

Offshore, Timber Island creates a natural breakwater, protecting the beach from harsh Atlantic waves. Kayakers paddle around the island, exploring hidden coves accessible only by water.

Unlike many Maine beaches, Goose Rocks maintains a laid-back atmosphere even during peak season. The close-knit community feel comes from generations of families returning year after year to the same cottage rentals. Early risers might spot great blue herons stalking the shallows for breakfast among the scattered rocky outcroppings.

5. Old Orchard Beach – Old Orchard Beach, ME

Carnival lights twinkle along the iconic pier as laughter and music fill the air at Maine’s most vibrant beach destination. Old Orchard Beach delivers pure nostalgic summer fun with its century-old amusement park, Palace Playland, right beside seven miles of golden sand.

Families build sandcastles while teenagers challenge each other to arcade games on the bustling pier that stretches 500 feet into the Atlantic. The scent of fried dough and saltwater taffy creates an irresistible sensory experience unique to this classic beach town.

Weekly fireworks light up summer night skies, visible for miles along the curved shoreline. The Downeaster train delivers visitors directly to the beach from Boston, continuing a tradition that began in the 1800s when this became New England’s first major beach resort.

6. Reid State Park – Georgetown, ME

Rare coastal sand dunes rise like natural sculptures at Reid State Park, creating one of Maine’s most diverse beach environments. Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach offer two distinct experiences – one wild and wave-battered, the other sheltered and serene.

Birdwatchers flock here to spot piping plovers and least terns that nest in protected areas. The warm lagoon known as Little River provides a safe swimming alternative when Atlantic waters prove too chilly or rough.

From the park’s highest points, visitors enjoy panoramic views stretching to Seguin Island Lighthouse. Reid was Maine’s first state-owned saltwater beach, donated in 1946 by wealthy businessman Walter E. Reid who wanted to preserve public access to this extraordinary coastline for generations to come.

7. Crescent Beach – Cape Elizabeth, ME

Shaped like a perfect smile along Cape Elizabeth’s coastline, Crescent Beach welcomes visitors with surprisingly warm, shallow waters and soft, fine sand. The beach’s natural crescent shape creates ideal swimming conditions, as waves break gently across the gradually sloping seafloor.

Fragrant wild roses border the dunes, filling summer air with sweet perfume. Families spread picnics beneath tall pines that provide natural shade just steps from the shoreline.

Despite being just 20 minutes from downtown Portland, this state park feels remarkably secluded. The mile-long nature trail winds through marsh and woodland, revealing a different side of Maine’s diverse ecosystem. Early September might be the perfect time to visit – warm waters, fewer crowds, and monarch butterflies pausing here during their migration south.

8. Higgins Beach – Scarborough, ME

Surfers paddle out at dawn, silhouetted against the rising sun at Higgins Beach, Maine’s premier surfing destination. The consistent waves and welcoming local surf community make this a favorite for both beginners and experienced wave-riders.

History emerges with each changing tide, as the wooden ribs of the 1897 shipwreck Howard W. Middleton appear from beneath the sand. Beachcombers discover sand dollars, sea glass, and occasionally ancient arrowheads along this archaeologically rich shoreline.

The charming surrounding neighborhood features colorful New England cottages and a small market selling homemade sandwiches perfect for beach picnics. Winter visitors might witness the rare sight of surfers in thick wetsuits catching waves while snow dusts the shore – a quintessentially Maine contrast of seasons.