Discover the best beach towns in Maine, handpicked by locals! Explore Ogunquit's stunning Marginal Way and Kennebunkport's charming Dock Square. Enjoy Old Orchard Beach's classic amusement park or relax in serene York. Find hidden gems like Popham Beach or Reid State Park. Experience coastal charm and Maine beaches like never before. Your Maine vacation awaits!
Ogunquit, translating to "beautiful place by the sea" in the Abenaki language, lives up to its name. Its biggest draw is the stunning Ogunquit Beach, a three-mile stretch of pristine sand that's consistently ranked among the best beaches in the US. Stroll along the Marginal Way, a scenic cliff walk offering breathtaking ocean views. Local tip: grab fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbor.
More than just the summer home of the Bush family, Kennebunkport boasts beautiful beaches like Goose Rocks Beach, known for its soft sand and gentle waves, perfect for families. Explore Dock Square, filled with unique shops, art galleries, and delicious restaurants. Don't miss a lobster roll – it's a Kennebunkport tradition! Locals recommend visiting during the Christmas Prelude for a truly magical experience.
York offers a blend of history and coastal charm. Visit the iconic Nubble Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. Long Sands Beach is a popular spot for surfing, while Short Sands Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a playground and arcades. Explore the museums and historical sites in York Village to step back in time. Locals suggest catching a sunrise at Nubble Lighthouse for an unforgettable view.
Wells is known as "Maine's Beach Capital" for a reason! It boasts miles of sandy coastline, including Wells Beach, Drakes Island Beach, and Crescent Beach. Explore the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Locals rave about the clam shacks and seafood restaurants along Route 1.
Old Orchard Beach is a classic New England seaside resort town with a vibrant atmosphere. The Old Orchard Beach Pier is a must-visit, offering amusement rides, games, and food vendors. Enjoy the seven-mile stretch of sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Locals know that the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for fewer crowds.
Popham Beach State Park offers a unique beach experience with its dramatic tides and views of Seguin Island Lighthouse. Popham Beach is popular with surfers, and you can explore Fort Popham, a historic Civil War-era fort. Be aware of the strong currents and tides. Locals love exploring the nearby Morse Mountain Conservation Area for hiking and stunning views.
Located in Harpswell, Bailey Island offers a true taste of island life. Admire the iconic Cribstone Bridge, a unique granite bridge connecting Bailey Island to Orr's Island. Explore the small beaches and rocky coastline. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Locals recommend taking a boat tour to explore the surrounding islands.
Scarborough offers a variety of beaches to choose from, including Scarborough Beach State Park, Higgins Beach (popular with surfers), and Ferry Beach State Park. Explore the Scarborough Marsh, Maine's largest salt marsh, a great spot for kayaking and birdwatching. Locals appreciate the quieter atmosphere compared to some of the more popular beach towns.
Located in Georgetown, Reid State Park boasts miles of sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and a fascinating dune system. Explore Mile Beach and Griffith Head for stunning ocean views. Be aware of the strong undertow. Locals enjoy hiking the nature trails and picnicking overlooking the ocean.
Tucked away in Acadia National Park, Sand Beach is a unique gem. This small beach is made of crushed seashells and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The water is surprisingly cold, but the experience is worth it. Locals recommend combining a visit to Sand Beach with hiking the surrounding trails in Acadia National Park. Remember to purchase a park pass before visiting.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you plan your trip to the best beach towns in Maine:
Town Beach Highlight Activities Local Tip Ogunquit Ogunquit Beach (3-mile sandy beach) Marginal Way walk, Perkins Cove shopping, art galleries Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the harbor. Kennebunkport Goose Rocks Beach (soft sand, gentle waves) Dock Square shopping, Bush family summer home tours Visit during the Christmas Prelude. York Long Sands Beach (surfing), Short Sands Beach (family-friendly) Nubble Lighthouse, historical museums, York Village Catch a sunrise at Nubble Lighthouse. Wells Wells Beach, Drakes Island Beach, Crescent Beach Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, clam shacks Explore the clam shacks and seafood restaurants along Route 1. Old Orchard Beach Old Orchard Beach (7-mile sandy beach) Old Orchard Beach Pier, amusement rides, arcades Visit during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds. Popham Beach Popham Beach (surfing) Fort Popham, Morse Mountain Conservation Area Explore Morse Mountain for hiking and views. Bailey Island Small beaches and rocky coastline Cribstone Bridge, boat tours, peaceful island atmosphere Take a boat tour to explore surrounding islands. Scarborough Scarborough Beach State Park, Higgins Beach, Ferry Beach State Park Scarborough Marsh, kayaking, birdwatching Enjoy the quieter atmosphere. Reid State Park Mile Beach, Griffith Head (sand dunes) Hiking nature trails, picnicking Be aware of the strong undertow. Sand Beach, Acadia Sand Beach (crushed seashells) Hiking in Acadia National Park Combine beach visit with hiking. Purchase a park pass.
Trip Ideas
Exploring What It Means to Be an Aboriginal Australian Today
Trip Ideas
This 'Ultra-accessible' Theme Park in Texas Was Created so Guests of All Abilities Could Have Fun Together
Trip Ideas
The New Ned Hotel Just Opened in Doha With 7 Restaurants, an Olympic-size Pool, and Views of the City's Most Stunning Buildings
Trip Ideas
Running With Suitcases Featuring Marriott Executive Diana Plazas-Trowbridge: 'Let's Go Together' Season 2, Episode 20
Trip Ideas
15 Volcano Hikes in Stunning Destinations Around the World
Trip Ideas
6 Adventure Hikes That Will Take You Around the World
Trip Ideas
These Are the Cheapest Times to Fly to Italy
Trip Ideas
The 15 Best U.S. Resorts for Families, According to T+L Readers
Trip Ideas
3 Destinations Leading the Charge for Sustainable Tourism
Trip Ideas
The Best Places to Visit in Colorado — National Parks, Small Towns, and Hot Springs Included
Trip Ideas
What to Do on a Trip to Namibia — One of the Most Beautiful Countries in Africa
Trip Ideas
7 Best Places to Retire in Tennessee, According to Experts
Trip Ideas
How to Plan the Perfect Ski Trip to Deer Valley Resort
Trip Ideas
You'll Be Able to See Planets in the Sky Almost Every Week in March — What to Know
Trip Ideas
10 Best Ski Trips to Take in the U.S., Plus Tips for the Perfect Winter Vacation
Trip Ideas
Holidays You Thought You Couldn't Take with Kids
