Nicknamed the Pine Tree State, Maine is the northernmost state in America.
It’s home to the endpoint of the Appalachian Trail and an actual desert.
The state is filled with moose and famous for its delicious blueberries.
Not to mention the glorious lobster caught off the Maine coast.
Be sure to grab a lobster roll if you visit.
Maine lobster accounts for 90% of the United States supply.
The population of 1.3 million people is known for its slow-paced lifestyle and friendly demeanor.
Earmuffs and the microwave were invented in Maine.
If you’re into ghost hunting, the small state has a ton of “haunted” inns and lighthouses.
Famed horror author Steven King has a Victorian mansion that is a must-see (there are spider webs designed into the wrought iron gates).
In addition to all this fun, Maine also hosts some of the best beaches in New England.
With almost 3500 miles of coastline, there’s a beach that’s right for everyone in Maine.
There are so many great beaches in the lobster capital, it’s hard to narrow them down.
But we scoured the reviews, inspected tons of photos, and websites to narrow it down to ten.
Contents
- 10 Best Beaches In Maine
- 10. Popham Beach State Park – Phippsburg, Maine
- 9. Goose Rocks Beach – Kennebunkport, Maine
- 8. Long Sands Beach – York, Maine
- 7. Scarborough Beach – Scarborough, Maine
- 6. Higgins Beach – Scarborough, Maine
- 5. Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit, Maine
- 4. Crescent Beach – Cape Elizabeth, Maine
- 3. Wells Beach – Wells, Maine
- 2. Kennebunk Beach – Kennebunk, Maine
- 1. Old Orchard Beach – Old Orchard, Maine
- Maine Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time of year to visit Maine beaches?
- Why are Maine beaches so rocky?
- Why is the ocean so much colder in Maine?
- What kind of fish can I expect to catch if I'm surf fishing on Maines beaches?
- Do you need to worry about shark attacks in the waters off the Maine coast?
- Can you camp out on Maine's beaches?
10 Best Beaches In Maine
10. Popham Beach State Park – Phippsburg, Maine
Uncrowded, unspoiled, and untouched are the best words to describe this unique beach that’s landscape and geologic formations are like no other in Maine.
Visitors can enjoy shell collecting, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and paddle boarding in the gentle surf.
Restrooms, picnic tables, and grills are available.
The beach is handicapped accessible and they offer beach wheelchairs.
In the off-season, horseback riding and dogs are welcome to play on the beach.
9. Goose Rocks Beach – Kennebunkport, Maine
Stunningly white sand graces the 3-mile stretch of gorgeous beach with breathtaking panoramic views.
It’s a great place for the entire family and even has an outdoor classroom camp for kids.
Seals can often be seen frolicking in the water, and it’s considered an essential habitat for the endangered plovers and terns.
Free parking is available on the road and restrooms are available.
There’s an awesome beach bar where adults can grab a drink, but food is also available for the whole family.
8. Long Sands Beach – York, Maine
This 2-mile stretch of beach is lined with quaint cottages and pretty bluffs.
You can relax and listen to the waves hit the rocks, go for a walk, or play in the surf with the kids.
This beautiful, peaceful beach also offers great views of the Nubble Lighthouse.
There’s plenty of room to play some football or frisbee.
Restrooms and parking are available.
There are a number of great restaurants right off the beach as well.
7. Scarborough Beach – Scarborough, Maine
Located in Scarborough Beach State Park, this beach offers 60 acres of sand, surf, and nature.
It’s perfect for folks who like to surf and enjoy bigger waves.
Shell collectors will love strolling around this beach and finding treasures.
Restrooms and showers are available.
Picnic tables and food trucks are on site all summer long.
There is a flat fee for admission and parking.
There’s even free WiFi.
6. Higgins Beach – Scarborough, Maine
One reviewer compared the green, floral hills along the dunes to the beaches in Ireland.
That’s just one of the unique characteristics of Higgins Beach.
Another is the 1897 shipwreck that remains in the surf and can be seen clearly during low tide.
This well-maintained beach is family-friendly and is great for surfing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and exploring the many tidal pools.
The water is also unusually warm by Maine standards.
Another plus is the great restaurants that are just steps away from the sand.
5. Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit, Maine
The native people named this area Ogunquit, which means “beautiful place by the sea”.
It remains the perfect description of this 3.5 miles of beach.
It’s often listed among the top beaches in Maine and New England.
Shallow water and sand bars are the norm, so it’s fun and safe for smaller kids.
The water is crystal clear and the surf is usually mild.
Restrooms and parking are available.
The beach is right near the quaint town of the same name.
There you will find tons of shops and restaurants that welcome beach visitors.
Many people say this is the best beach to visit during the off-season as well.
4. Crescent Beach – Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Said to be one of the prettiest spots (beach or not), Crescent Beach is packed with saltwater coves to explore.
Hiking trails are right alongside the water to allow for wildlife watching, shell collecting, or just taking in the views.
The dunes are full of sea grass and other vegetation which makes for great pictures.
There are restrooms, picnic areas, and a snack bar on site.
Visitors can also rent chairs, umbrellas, and paddle boards.
Kayak tours are also available from the beach.
There are many restaurants within walking distance.
If you care to have a weekend or full-on vacation at Crescent, there are a number of beautiful resorts dotted along the beach.
3. Wells Beach – Wells, Maine
This “postcard perfect” beach is home to beautiful sea grass dunes and rugged rock formations.
The tidal pools and marshes are great for kids to explore.
There’s a large jetty extending far into the ocean that’s great for fishing and searching for marine life.
The teal-colored water is great for swimming, wading, and kayaking.
There is a fun boardwalk just steps from the beach.
Here you’ll find restrooms, snack stands, an arcade, gift shops, and restaurants.
Many visitors have remarked that the staff is exceptionally friendly and accommodating.
2. Kennebunk Beach – Kennebunk, Maine
Also known as Mother’s Beach, due to the landscape making it easy to keep an eye on the kids, Kennebunk is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Maine.
The sand has been described as feeling like talcum powder, so it’s great to walk on and play in.
There are many rocky sections and tide pools that make for great exploration.
Lifeguards are on duty during the day and bathroom facilities are available.
There is a playground for the kids, and regular activities, music, and festivals throughout the summer for everyone.
A mobi-mat is installed on the beach and beach wheelchairs are available.
1. Old Orchard Beach – Old Orchard, Maine
This 7-mile stretch of beach has been welcoming sun worshippers for over 170 years.
The resort town of Old Orchard basically revolves around the beach and the adjacent amusement park (the only beachfront amusement park in New England).
The Palace Playland is 4 acres of rides, arcades, games, and shops to help make your day at the beach even more fun and memorable.
There is a lively pier that extends 500 feet out onto the ocean and has restaurants and live entertainment.
Frank Sinatra even sang there! Visitors can also look forward to weekly fireworks during the summer.
Back on the beach, sit back and bird or whale watch, play football, or volleyball, or just relax and soak up the sun and sea air.
Maine Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Maine Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Maine beaches?
The best time of year to visit is from late spring through early fall.
The days are mostly sunny and warm but have cooler nights.
Why are Maine beaches so rocky?
Much of the coast began as mud, sand, and volcanic ash.
This mix was deposited in the very early ocean and pressurized over thousands of years, into rock.
Why is the ocean so much colder in Maine?
The current flies southeast from the Arctic, along Canada, and into the Gulf of Maine.
This brings Arctic water in throughout the year.
What kind of fish can I expect to catch if I'm surf fishing on Maines beaches?
If you’re a fisherman, you can look forward to possibly hooking some flounder, bluefish, sea bass, haddock, and pollack.
Do you need to worry about shark attacks in the waters off the Maine coast?
Any time you’re in the ocean, you should be aware that there is a possibility of a shark attack.
However, in Maine, the risk of an attack is quite low, due to the colder water temperatures.
There has only been one recorded fatal shark attack in Maine history, and that was a woman who sadly was wearing a black wetsuit.
It’s believed the shark mistook her for a seal.
Can you camp out on Maine's beaches?
There are very few public places to pitch a tent and watch the waves overnight in Maine.
Most places are private.
However, Camden State Park has campsites with direct access to the beach.
