Maine’s rocky cliffs and lengthy sandy seashores entice households yr after yr. Throughout New England’s sizzling summers, locals and vacationers head north to benefit from the cool ocean breeze. The Southern coast of the Maine Seashores characteristic vast sandy seashores that are good for constructing sand castles, whereas the rocky shore additional north makes for thrilling tide pool adventures. Experience amusement park rides and watch fireworks at Previous Orchard Seashore, or swim within the light waters of Goose Rocks Seashore. Right here I’ll break down the very best seashores in Maine for households.
Maine has all the time been my household’s favourite summer season trip vacation spot. Once I was little we regularly went to Wells Seashore, Previous Orchard Seashore, and Lengthy Sands Seashore. Ogunquit Seashore was nice for exploring the charming close by downtown as a preteen. Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor have been additionally in style locations. You may string collectively visits to some of those seashores on a Maine Coast street journey.
If you’re looking for a selected sort of seashore, try these high picks:
Greatest Seashores in Maine for Households
Maine seashores are identified for large tides, leading to smaller seashores at excessive tide and plenty of tidepools and area at low tide. There are greater tides the additional North you go, so I counsel utilizing the Tide Alert app to examine the tides throughout your keep. The Maine Seashores web site is one other useful software for common info and close by actions.
(Resulting from latest coastal flooding as of 2024, it’s suggested to remain updated on present street restrictions and short-term closings)
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Greatest Southern Maine Seashores
Lengthy Sands Seashore, York
Simply south of Cape Neddick in York is without doubt one of the hottest seashores, Lengthy Sands Seashore. Right here there’s a laid-back environment but a vibrant seashore crowd. At low tide the seashore could be very spacious with room to play seashore soccer, volleyball, or spike ball. There are good waves for physique browsing, however total the water is calm. The world is protected and eating places are shut alongside Quick Sands Seashore. From the seashore you’ll be able to even see Nubble Lighthouse.
Parking might be onerous so it’s really useful to get there earlier within the day. There may be metered parking and personal parking. The loos are newly reworked and lifeguards are on responsibility. With household enjoyable sights close by like York’s Wild Kingdom and the Golden Rod sweet store, York is a good coastal city for a full trip.
Ogunquit seashore, Ogunquit
Ogunquit Seashore is the quintessential Maine expertise, named one of many high 25 seashores within the U.S. by Journey Advisors Vacationers Alternative. Drive north previous Cape Neddick to get pleasure from three miles of sentimental sand. You may stroll, swim, and take within the solar. There are first rate waves for wave leaping and physique browsing, and loads of area and to construct sand castles. The tides right here do change rather a lot, however there’s an inlet the place children can play with out sturdy waves or currents.
The placement is prime for it’s strolling distance from many accommodations, rental houses, and downtown. Nonetheless, there’s a tidal river that you need to cross both by bridge or boat. Nonetheless at low tide, it’s simple to stroll. Take a trolley experience into city and go to the outdated fishing village of Perkins Cove. Perkins Cove Candies and Barnacle Billy’s Restaurant are some nice meals choices. Between the seashore and downtown, it’s simple to spend a protracted weekend trip in Ogunquit.
Ogunquit is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot so be ready for crowds, costly parking, and pricier meals. There may be paid parking on the Maine seashore part for $7 per hour or $40 per day. Lifeguards are on responsibility throughout the summer season season and public loos are additionally accessible.
Wells Seashore, Wells
Wells Seashore is the right candy spot because it’s not too touristy however in style for a household seashore day. The seashore is over a mile of sand, however tends to be rockier than close by seashores. There’s a jetty for tide pooling and strolling for extra adventurous beachgoers. You may take lengthy walks, swim, and play within the sand. This seashore is a kind of that has drastic tides so it’s really useful to go to throughout low tide to get the very best expertise. The city of Wells has many sights just like the Rachel Carson Nationwide Wildlife Refuge the place you’ll be able to discover pure ecosystems, and Congdon’s Doughnuts.
Parking can get crowded so attempt to get there on the sooner aspect. Public parking tons are open 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day, nonetheless you solely need to pay between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; meter parking is $4 per hour. There are lifeguards and public restrooms.
Goose Rocks Seashore, Kennebunkport
With light waves, gentle white sand, and look at of islands within the distance, Goose Rocks Seashore is an off-the-beaten-path paradise. This public seashore goes for 3 miles and curves right into a crescent form. Goose Rocks Barrier Reef offshore slows down any massive waves, creating an incredible spot for swimming with younger youngsters. It’s an ideal place to spend the day with children after which spend the evening within the cute coastal city of Kennebunkport.
There aren’t any lifeguards and loos, however in return you get a extra secluded environment. Parking is allowed within the posted areas on King Freeway, Dyke Street, and New Biddeford Street. Permits are required from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day from 8:00 a.m. to six:00 p.m. Day by day permits are $30 and weekly are $100 and might be bought at GRB Basic Retailer or at Proctor and Kings Freeway. Seasonal stickers are $200 and might be bought on the City Corridor.
Mom’s Seashore, Kennebunk
Out of all of the seashores in Kennebunk, Mom’s Seashore is the very best for households with youthful children. Situated off of Seashore Avenue on the finish of Kennebunk Seashore, this small rocky seashore is a good looking tucked away cove. Youngsters can discover tide swimming pools inside protected supervision, and use the playground with swings, slides, and monkey bars. A day right here is filled with children taking part in collectively and oldsters chatting over the gorgeous surroundings.
The parking is proscribed and a bit of dearer, leading to fewer crowds. Lifeguards are on responsibility from the center of June to early September. Porta-potties can be found as nicely. Parking permits are required and might be bought on the City Corridor or through kiosk on the seashore. This seashore would make for an incredible day journey for the household.
Previous Orchard Seashore, Previous Orchard Seashore
Amusement park on the seashore, what may very well be higher? Previous Orchard Seashore’s seven miles of vast sandy seashore is accompanied by Palace Playland, New England’s solely beachfront amusement park. There are thrilling rides for all ages to get pleasure from and a Ferris wheel. Your loved ones may also get pleasure from purchasing, indoor karting, minigolf, parasailing, biking, and concessions. The Previous Orchard Seashore Pier stretches out over the water the place you’ll be able to stroll and eat recent seafood and fried dough. A firework present performs over the seashore each Thursday at 9:45 p.m. throughout the heat summer season months.
There are public loos all through the realm, however the closest ones are positioned close to the pier are in Palace Playland close to the Ferris wheel. Lifeguards are current for security and use a flag system to warn of rip currents. This seashore additionally has massive tides so the seashore’s measurement could change drastically all through the day. If you’re okay with strolling, there’s free parking additional away from the pier. Nonetheless, George’s Parking prices solely $20 for the day and it’s near the pier.
Higgins Seashore, Scarborough
If your loved ones is the adventurous sort, you’ll love Higgins Seashore. From kayaking and browsing, to fly fishing on the river, there are numerous water actions to select from. You may sunbathe, seashore comb for sand {dollars}, stroll the seashore or just watch the joggers. As a result of the seashore is farther from crowds and companies, the water is clearer. The environment is quieter as a result of it’s a residential space. Nonetheless, there’s public entry. Youngsters will likely be fascinated by the washed-up shipwreck seen at low tide. The one public loos are a couple of blocks away, and there aren’t any lifeguards. There are just a few metered parking spots that pay by the hour on Bayview Avenue.
Greatest State Park Seashores
Maine’s State Park System holds a few of the most stunning seashores, however all of them require an entrance charge. Every charge is per individual and primarily based on whether or not or not you’re a Maine resident. Youngsters below 5 are free, youngsters 5 to 11 are $1, and anybody 12 and older need to pay a certain amount primarily based on the park. Car season passes value $105, however don’t embrace Acadia Nationwide Park and Scarborough Seashore.
Scarborough Seashore State Park, Scarborough
As a part of the Nationwide Park System, Scarborough Seashore State Park is family-friendly and protected. This lengthy sandy seashore gives greater waves for older children who love wave leaping and physique browsing. It’s not too crowded, making a peaceable environment. In the summertime there’s a meals truck to seize snacks. Canines are allowed however need to be leashed.
The seashore hours are 9:00 a.m. to five:00 p.m., and pit bogs are open after March 1st for the summer season season. Summer time day charges are $8 for Maine resident adults and $10 for nonresidents. Youngsters 5 to 11 are resident $6 and nonresident are $8. It’s money solely and paid per individual. Bayley’s Tenting Resort is a good spot for tenting shut by. You might make an entire trip out of Scarborough as Enjoyable City Splash City will not be far.
Crescent Seashore State Park, Cape Elizabeth
If your loved ones loves nature, then Crescent Seashore State Park is a good seashore choice near Portland. Situated on Cape Elizabeth, the water is hotter and calmer, making it a great spot for swimming and boating. Admire the grassy sand dunes, or stroll the character trails. The seashore is a mile-long crescent form and the dearth of crowds makes it a quiet place. There’s a playground for the youngsters, picnic areas, and grills. Portland Paddle gives leases for paddleboards and sea kayaks.
The seashore opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at sundown year-round. Since it’s a part of the State Park system, there’s an entrance charge of $8 per grownup for nonresidents, and $6 per grownup if you’re a Maine resident. For youngsters 5 to 11, it’s $1 and youngsters below 5 are free. Bathhouses and chilly water showers can be found, and lifeguards are on responsibility. Parking doesn’t appear to be a giant situation. After a day on the seashore, cease by the Lobster Shack at Two Lights for a lobster roll.
Popham Seashore State Park, Phippsburg Midcoast
Out of all of the Maine State Park seashores, Popham Seashore State Park is the busiest vacation spot. If you’re on the lookout for an incredible sandy seashore for swimming, then this choose is a good choice. Kayaking and paddle boarding are additionally widespread right here and through low tide, shallow sections open up for teenagers to play. Resulting from latest seashore erosion, excessive tide causes the seashore to shrink. The waves listed here are smaller and the views are breathtaking.
The park hours are 9:00 a.m. to sundown and there are bathhouses, rinse-off showers, and grills. Lifeguards are right here from the center of June to the center of August, and parking fills up quick. There’s a State Park Entrance charge of $6 for grownup Maine residents or $8 for nonresidents. For youngsters 5 to 11, it’s $1 and youngsters below 5 are free.
Reid State Park Seashore, Georgetown
Reid State Park is a pure oasis with strolling trails, a good looking rocky coast and sandy seashore. Reid State Park Seashore is ranked the #1 seashore in New England for browsing. Massive sand dunes and rock formations encompass a flat sandy space to swim. The waves are nice for physique browsing and wave leaping. The very best half is the small lagoon which has hotter and safer water for teenagers to swim and play.
Some of the distinctive elements is the pure heritage hikes the place you’re guided by the geography, ecology, and tradition of the paths. Some nesting areas are marked off for endangered animals as nicely. Many shorebirds come right here for feeding so bear in mind your binoculars. On high of Griffith’s Head, you’ll be able to see lighthouses on Sequin Island. After your day on the seashore, there’s 5 Islands Lobster Firm for lobster rolls a couple of 10 minute drive away.
There’s a picnic space, lifeguards, bathhouses, altering areas, and dust tons for parking. Like different State Parks, operation hours are 9:00 a.m. to sundown, and there’s an entrance charge. For adults it’s $6 per individual for Maine residents and $8 for nonresidents. For youngsters 5 to 11, it’s $1 and youngsters below 5 are free.
Sebago Lake State Park, Naples, Casco
Maine’s lake seashores are additionally price mentioning, particularly for individuals who desire them. Sebago Lake State Park gives seashore entry to Sebago Lake, Maine’s deepest and second-largest lake. The water will not be too chilly, clear, and calm, good for swimming. Many individuals get pleasure from sport fishing, tenting, and boating. There’s a family-friendly campsite proper close to the seashore that could be very protected. It’s an incredible combine between glamping and off-the-grid. There’s a playground for the youngsters and biking trails.
The park is open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to sundown each day. There may be an entrance charge collected which is $6 per grownup Maine resident and $8 per nonresident grownup. For youngsters 5 to 11, it’s $1 and youngsters below 5 are free.
Sand Seashore, Acadia Nationwide Park
Acadia Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most visited and well-known elements of Maine. Acadia is positioned proper subsequent to Bar Harbor, a preferred vacationer vacation spot. Making your manner as much as Sand Seashore could be a entire household trip as you can too spend time exploring the park together with Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Gap. There are quite a few tenting choices to select from or mattress and breakfasts.
Sand Seashore, the most important sandy seashore in Acadia, is a white sand seashore with turquoise blue water surrounded by gorgeous cliffs. The water will not be the calmest as there are waves and powerful tides. Regardless of the water being fairly chilly, there are numerous enjoyable actions like tide pooling and climbing. It’s an incredible spot to absorb the views and join with nature, and perhaps picnic after a hike.
The Island Explorer Shuttle gives free rides right here in the summertime and there are bathhouses and altering rooms. Lifeguards are on responsibility and parking is obtainable, nevertheless it fills up rapidly so it’s endorsed to shuttle. As it’s near Bar Harbor, the seashore can get fairly crowded with vacationers and explorers, however the nature is actually breathtaking.
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Lily O’Neill is a contract content material author set to graduate from the College of Massachusetts Amherst in spring 2024. She additionally blogs on her personal web site, Humanscrapbook, the place she focuses on life-style, wellness and journey content material. With a background in psychology and cultural anthropology, Lily combines social sciences and her personal travels to craft significant tales.