Best Beaches in Maine

Maine’s coastline boasts an incredible variety of beaches, from the expansive sandy stretches of the south to the pebble-strewn coves of Acadia. This comprehensive guide explores the best beaches for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, tide pooling, and scenic walks, helping you find your perfect spot along the rugged Maine shore.

Understanding Maine Beaches

Maine has 3,478 miles of tidal coastline, but sandy beaches make up only a small fraction. Most are concentrated in the southern third of the state, from Kittery to Portland, where glacial outwash created the conditions for sand accumulation. As you travel north, beaches become rockier, smaller, and more secluded—but often more beautiful.

Water Temperature Reality

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Maine ocean water is cold. The Labrador Current brings icy Arctic water down the coast, keeping summer temperatures between 58°F and 65°F. Some call it “refreshing,” others call it “numbing.” Mainers jump in anyway, often with a triumphant yell. Visitors should consider:

July and August are warmest (62-65°F in southern beaches)
Wetsuits are popular for extended swimming or surfing
Acclimation happens—locals genuinely stop noticing after a few swims
Southern beaches are slightly warmer than Downeast

Best Beaches by Type

For Classic Beach Days

Ogunquit Beach is the gold standard—a 3.5-mile ribbon of fine white sand backed by dunes. It’s consistently ranked among America’s best beaches, and for good reason. The beach is accessible via a charming footbridge over the Ogunquit River (arrive early in summer) and has gentle waves perfect for body surfing.

Old Orchard Beach is Maine’s answer to Coney Island. The 7-mile beach has a carnival atmosphere with a vintage pier, amusement park, and beachfront arcades. It’s crowded, lively, and unapologetically touristy—locals avoid it, but visitors love it.

Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport offers 3 miles of wide, flat sand at low tide. A barrier reef offshore keeps the waves gentle, making it ideal for families. The vibe is quieter and more residential than Ogunquit.

For Dramatic Scenery

Sand Beach in Acadia National Park is only 290 yards long, but it’s one of the most photographed beaches in New England. Framed by mountains and pink granite cliffs, with water that glows turquoise in the sun, it’s worth visiting even if you don’t swim. Get there before 9 AM or after 5 PM to avoid the crowds and parking hassles.

Reid State Park in Georgetown features mile-long stretches of sand interspersed with rocky headlands and tidal pools. It’s one of the few sandy beaches on the Midcoast, making it a local treasure. The park has facilities, changing rooms, and nature trails.

Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth offers a classic crescent of sand with views of Richmond Island. It’s less crowded than the southern beaches and has a family-friendly atmosphere.

For Surfing

Long Sands Beach in York is a surf mecca, especially in fall and winter when storms generate consistent swells. The beach is lined with surf shops and rental outfits.

Higgins Beach in Scarborough has a dedicated surf break and a tight-knit community of year-round wave riders. Summer brings gentle rollers perfect for beginners; winter brings serious swells.

Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk is known for its sandbars that create hollow waves. It’s less crowded than Long Sands but equally respected by surfers.

For Solitude

Seawall Beach in Phippsburg is a locals-only secret at the end of a long dirt road. The beach faces east toward open ocean, so it’s dramatic and wild.

Jasper Beach in Machiasport isn’t sandy—it’s made entirely of smooth, polished rhyolite stones that “sing” as waves retreat. It’s geological oddity and stunning beauty.

Roque Bluffs State Park in Roque Bluffs (Downeast) has both a freshwater pond (for warm swimming) and a wild ocean beach (for wave watching). It feels like the end of the earth.

Practical Tips

Tides Matter

Maine has some of the highest tides in the world—up to 25 feet in the Bay of Fundy. At many beaches, high tide can reduce the beach to a narrow strip, while low tide exposes vast sandbars. Always check tide charts (available at any bait shop or online) before you go.

Best strategy: Arrive 2 hours before low tide for maximum beach space and the best tide pooling.

Parking is Competitive

Beach parking in summer (especially July and August) fills up fast. Strategies:

Arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM
Use town trolleys (Ogunquit, Wells, Old Orchard Beach)
Stay within walking distance of the beach
Visit on weekdays instead of weekends
Consider September for perfect weather and no crowds

What to Bring

Wetsuit or rash guard if you plan to swim more than 5 minutes
Tide chart and weather app (conditions change fast)
Windbreak or pop-up tent (Maine beaches can be breezy)
Layers (mornings are often cool even in summer)
Boogie board (more practical than surfboards for most beaches)
Beach shoes for rocky areas and barnacle-covered tide pools

Safety

Rip currents can occur at any beach. If caught, swim parallel to shore.
Jellyfish are rare but do appear in July and August (usually harmless moon jellies)
Sharks are not a concern in Maine (water is too cold)
Hypothermia is a real risk—don’t overestimate your cold tolerance

Best Times to Visit

Summer (July-August)

Peak season means crowds, but also warmest water, lifeguards on duty, and full beach services. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.

Shoulder Season (June, September)

The secret weapon. Water is nearly as warm in September as July, but crowds vanish after Labor Day. June is beautiful but water is still quite cold (high 50s).

Off-Season (October-May)

For storm watching, solitary walks, and dramatic photography, Maine beaches in winter are spectacular. Bring layers and expect wind. Several beaches, like Ogunquit and Kennebunk, are popular with dog walkers in the off-season.

Etiquette

Dogs are allowed on many beaches in the off-season, but restricted in summer
Leave No Trace principles apply—pack out all trash
Beach fires require permits (check with local town offices)
Respect dunes and stay on designated paths—dune grass is fragile and crucial for erosion control
Tide pools are mini-ecosystems—look but don’t take

Beyond the Beach

Many of Maine’s best beaches are near excellent restaurants, shops, and attractions:

Ogunquit has Perkins Cove and the Marginal Way cliff walk
Old Orchard Beach has pier nightlife and Palace Playland
Kennebunkport offers upscale shopping and Dock Square
Reid State Park is near Five Islands Lobster Co. (excellent lobster rolls)

Final Thoughts

Maine beaches aren’t about lying still and baking in the sun—they’re about experiencing the coast in all its moody, dramatic glory. The water is bracing, the wind is present, and the scenery is unmatched. Come prepared, embrace the chill, and you’ll understand why Mainers wouldn’t have it any other way.