The 15 Best Beaches in Maine in 2023 [With Detailed Map]

Maine is known for a few things: its thriving fishing industry, its title as the northernmost state in the continental U.S., and its beaches.

All along Maine’s coast, you’ll find beautiful beaches worth visiting. From natural beaches that show no signs of city life to touristy areas with all the amenities you could ever need, there’s a stretch of shore to fit any beach trip.

Each area has something special to make it stand out from the rest. Sifting through those important details is where we come in. We did the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best beaches in Maine that deserve to top your bucket list.

Map of the 15 Best Beaches in Maine

The Best Beaches in Maine

1. Birch Point State Park

Birch Point State Park has 62 acres of land made up of sweeping forest areas and a crescent-shaped beach that’s the largest in the area.

There are no lifeguards on duty here, but you can still swim safely as long as you’re careful. The beach’s shape protects the area from strong currents and tides to allow for safe swimming no matter what your experience level is.

The park is open to the public during the summer from Memorial Day in May until Labor Day in September. Keep in mind that even though this is a state park, it doesn’t have any on-site camping areas and the park closes at 9 p.m. every day unless otherwise posted.

The beach is a sandy one, but you’ll often find driftwood washed up on shore, which gives the coast a natural and somewhat wild look.

2. Crescent Beach State Park

If you’re looking for a beach that’s natural but also well-equipped for virtually any seaside activity, Crescent Beach State Park is the place for you.

The mile-long beach is covered in soft, even sand that’s perfect for sunbathing or walking. While the beach’s layout protects it from the strong tides that come with the open water, you’ll still be able to find a few gentle waves.

Kayaking and fishing are a few favorite pastimes here in the summer, but the beach is also open and worth visiting in the winter when the water’s surface freezes over. You can even cross-country ski through the park when there’s snow on the ground.

Since the beach is owned by the state, there’s a small fee to enter the park. However, that gives you access to the beach, the surrounding wooded areas, and the on-site picnic tables and grills.

3. Drakes Island Beach

Drakes Island Beach is a safe, family-friendly beach that’s a great destination for virtually any travel group.

The beach’s low tide makes the water shallow and safe to wade in. It gradually deepens so people of any age can swim safely without getting overwhelmed. Between May and September, lifeguards are on duty during the daytime for surveillance and security.

The beach is also known for its views. Maine’s coast is known for its sunrises, and Drake’s Island Beach is a prime example of how beautiful they are. The sun glitters on the water as it comes up on the horizon. Even sunsets are gorgeous here. The shadows give the beach a dramatic look.

The sand dunes offer visitors an interesting landscape to explore and climb when a break from the water is needed.

Hot Tip: The beach also has accessible entrances for people with mobility concerns.

4. Ferry Beach State Park

Nature lovers won’t want to miss Ferry Beach State Park. With a nature center, hiking trails, and acres of sandy beaches, you can easily spend an entire weekend enjoying Maine’s nature. Maine residents have spent their summers on the park’s shores for generations, and it’s not hard to see why.

The sand is soft and easy to walk on, but it’s also comfortable if you want to lay out a towel and sunbathe for a while. The water is clean and pleasantly cool if you decide to go for a swim on a hot summer day. There’s also plenty of shade, thanks to the trees and hiking trails that line the beach.

This beach hasn’t made it onto the radar of most tourists yet, but it can get crowded with locals on the weekends between May and September.

5. Higgins Beach

Maine’s beaches, in general, aren’t known for great surfing. Higgins Beach is the exception to that rule.

The tide here is higher than other Maine beaches, and there are more consistent waves, so bringing your board with you can be worth it. However, the beach is small, so surfing isn’t allowed on busy weekends when there are a lot of people in the water to look out for. Typically, that means between the end of September and the end of April and evenings during the May to September period.

This beach is maintained by the city, but there aren’t usually lifeguards on duty unless a lot of beach-goers are expected, like on Independence Day weekend. Make sure you keep an eye on any young children you might have with you if they decide to splash around in the water.

6. Fortunes Rocks Beach

Fortunes Rocks is another rarity in Maine, as it’s one of the few beaches with consistent enough waves to allow for surfing. It’s also a hidden gem. Not many out-of-towners know about it, so it’s a wonderful place to go if you want a little peace and quiet to unwind.

When the tide comes in, parts of the beach are flooded with water. There’s no current, and the water itself is shallow, but if you or someone you’re traveling with uses mobility aids to get around, check the tide times so you don’t get caught off guard.

The sand here is hard-packed and firm thanks to the tidal water that it absorbs. If you like going for long walks or jogging on the beach, you won’t get overly fatigued doing so here. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty, and there are some vendors who sell refreshments such as water and snacks.

7. Kennebunk Beaches

Kennebunk Beaches are mostly sandy but with pockets of pebbles as well. They are part of a trio of coastal stretches (Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach, and Mother’s Beach) that make up Kennebunk’s shoreline.

With lifeguards on duty daily between June and September from 10 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon, it’s a safe place for families to spend a day by the water. The surf is low, which means more adventurous activities like surfing or bodyboarding aren’t great options.

However, on the bright side, you can wade and splash around in the water without worrying about a strong wave coming out of nowhere. There isn’t much natural shade, but you’re free to bring a beach umbrella with you, though you might want to make sure you find a spot early in the day if you visit on a summer weekend.

8. Laudholm Beach

Laudholm Beach is part of over 2000 acres of protected land that’s free of construction and development to allow the wilderness to thrive.

The beach is often used as a prime example of the benefits that come with nature conservation efforts. The lack of human influence allows the area to maintain itself. The water is clean and blue, the sand is even and soft, and the surrounding plant life is lushly green. The beach is open from 7 a.m. until sunset, which can be as late as 9 p.m. in the summer.

The beach is well-loved by locals, but it often isn’t busy. If you want some seclusion, this is the beach to head to. You can swim in the water, or you can explore the nearby marshes. You can even sit back for a little bird-watching, especially in the spring.

9. Ogunquit Beach

Ogunquit Beach is a must-see destination, no matter when you visit Maine. The coast here has soft white sand as far as the eye can see and bright blue water that might make you think you’re somewhere much farther south.

The beach is always open, so you can plan to watch the sunset or the sunrise. The horizon is wide and open, which causes the water to glitter at both dusk and dawn. Eating is allowed on the beach. Guests are welcome to have picnics as long as they take any trash they create with them when they leave.

During the summer, this is a human-only beach. However, from September 9th until March 31st, dogs are also welcome because it’s the beach’s off-season. You can even watch whales in the distance between May and October without having to leave the shore.

10. Popham Beach State Park

Lovers of slightly obscure American history should plan a trip to Popham Beach. This part of Maine’s coast was an integral part of the very brief Popham Colony that was established in the early 1600s for a year.

Even if you’re not interested in learning about the area’s colonial origins, there’s still a lot to love about this beach. The shore is a wide sandy expanse that’s perfect for a day near the water. There’s plenty of room, so even on busy summer weekends, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot.

The beach has multiple tide pools you can explore during the day before the water comes in. You can also spend hours walking along the coast while hunting for seashells or pebbles that the tide has brought in. Like most of Maine’s state-run beaches, pets are allowed on the sand from September until March.

11. Reid State Park

Reid State Park is a state-maintained recreational area. With 770 acres of land within its territory, it’s a favorite outdoor spot for families in the area.

The park is known for its exclusively sandy beach and its sand dunes which are relatively rare in the state. The beach’s tide pools, nearby marshes, and lagoons also make it a diverse area where the native flora and fauna can thrive.

The Atlantic Ocean tends to be pretty cold here, but that can be a welcome change to the warm summer temperature. Swimming is allowed as long as you’re vigilant, but lifeguards aren’t usually on duty.

The park is open to visitors all year, but it closes at sunset every day. That means operating hours will vary depending on the season you visit. No matter what, it opens at 9 a.m. unless otherwise posted.

12. Sand Beach

Sand Beach is a small section of the coast in Acadia National Park, measuring just under 300 yards in length. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm.

Situated between Maine’s mountains and rockier sections of the coast, this beach is like a little oasis in the state. You’re also near hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs. The beach’s current is generally pretty gentle, but it can be unexpectedly strong at times.

The state has implemented a “designated swimming time” between June and September to help ensure swimmers are safe. During these months, you’ll find lifeguards on duty and the waves should be minimal.

You’re free to stay on the beach after dusk, unlike many other beaches in the state. On cloudless nights, you’ll even get a great view of the stars. The Milky Way specifically can be seen from the sand.

13. Tassel Top Beach

Sebago Lake is an important natural resource for Maine. An estimated 10% of its water is used in homes and businesses locally and throughout the state.

At nearly 48 square miles, there are plenty of places to swim if you’re interested in staying in freshwater. Tassel Top Beach is the perfect beach for swimmers and nature lovers to go visit for a day in the sun.

Open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. (7:30 p.m. during July and August), you’re free to hike through the park’s 0.9-mile walking trail or lay out on the sandy shore to get some sun. There’s also a snack shack to keep you fed and hydrated during your visit.

Thanks to the surrounding forests, the lake has a natural filtration system that keeps leaves and other debris out of the water for a clean and pleasant experience.

14. Willard Beach

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves being social, Willard Beach is a great destination for a beach weekend.

This public beach is within a residential neighborhood, but out-of-towners are welcome. You’ll see mostly locals on the shore no matter what time of year you visit. The beach is a community park area, so multiple times a year, you’ll notice events held nearby that you can participate in.

If you plan on swimming, stay close to the shore or be prepared to stay aware of your surroundings, as this part of the coast is a popular area for recreational boating. Don’t worry, though. The water naturally filters with the tides, so the ocean is still clean.

Hot Tip: The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles. If you plan to go for a walk, bring shoes for extra comfort.

15. York Harbor Beach

York Harbor Beach is a favorite spot for families with small children. The pebble-covered shoreline offers hours of fun for kids who want to go rock or shell hunting. Even the water is safe. There are gentle waves and shallow depths that are perfect for families.

If you or anyone you’re traveling with needs a break from the water, the beach borders with a grassy park for fun on dry land. The beach can get busy, though, especially during the summer. While it’s usually pretty calm, it can get loud if there are a lot of families, especially near the center of the beach where the access point is. You may have to walk a bit to find a quieter spot.

This is an ideal place to get to know the locals as it’s not very trafficked by tourists. Most of the people you’ll encounter are area residents.

Final Thoughts

Clearly, Maine has no shortage of beaches. Whether you prefer staying on dry land or you’re itching to get in the water, there’s a beach in the state to suit you. Hopefully, this list has helped you sort out your travel preferences, so you can have an ideal coastal Maine getaway.