Maine’s beaches range from warm southern sands to dramatic cliff-framed coves. After three decades running Maine’s resource guide, these are the beaches we recommend, matched to what you want – swimming, scenery, family fun, or solitude.
The best beaches in Maine are Ogunquit Beach, Old Orchard Beach, Sand Beach in Acadia, Popham Beach, Reid State Park, and Crescent Beach. Ogunquit is the best overall, Old Orchard is best for families, and Sand Beach is the most dramatic. Each is covered below.
1. Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit Beach is the best beach in Maine overall. Ogunquit offers three-plus miles of soft white sand, gentle surf, and the scenic Marginal Way cliff walk nearby. It is the rare Maine beach that combines warm-enough water, a charming walkable town, and genuine natural beauty. Ogunquit Beach is ★ 4.7 from 600+ Google reviews.
2. Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is the best beach for families and classic seaside fun. Old Orchard’s seven miles of sand, its pier, and its beachfront amusements make it Maine’s most famous and family-friendly beach, with the warmest, most swimmable water in the state. Its iconic pier is ★ 4.5 from 750+ Google reviews.
3. Sand Beach (Acadia)
Sand Beach (Acadia) is the most dramatic beach in Maine. Tucked among the pink granite cliffs of Acadia National Park, Sand Beach is spectacular – cold water, but an unmatched setting between mountains and Atlantic surf. It is ★ 4.8 from 1,000+ Google reviews.
4. Popham Beach
Popham Beach is the best wild, unspoiled beach. Popham Beach State Park offers a vast, wide expanse of sand at the mouth of the Kennebec, with sandbars, tide pools, and offshore islands. It is one of Maine’s most beautiful natural beaches, ★ 4.8 from 2,100+ Google reviews.
5. Reid State Park
Reid State Park is the best beach for solitude and nature. Reid State Park near Georgetown offers dunes, a mile-plus of sand, and far fewer crowds than the southern beaches – a favorite for those wanting wild Maine coastline. It is ★ 4.8 from 1,600+ Google reviews.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is the best beach near Portland. Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth, just minutes from Portland, offers a sheltered sandy cove ideal for families and easy day trips from the city. It is ★ 4.6 from 1,100+ Google reviews.
Best Beaches in Maine: FAQ
What is the best beach in Maine?
Ogunquit Beach is widely considered the best beach in Maine, with over three miles of soft sand, relatively warm water, and the scenic Marginal Way nearby. Old Orchard Beach is the best for families, and Sand Beach in Acadia is the most dramatic.
Which Maine beach has the warmest water?
Old Orchard Beach and the southern Maine beaches (Ogunquit, Wells, York) have the warmest, most swimmable water in the state. Maine’s ocean is cold everywhere, but the shallow southern sand beaches warm up most in July and August.
Does Maine have sandy beaches?
Yes. While much of Maine’s coast is rocky, southern Maine has excellent long sandy beaches – Ogunquit, Old Orchard, Wells, and York – plus wild sandy state-park beaches like Popham and Reid farther up the coast.
See also our most beautiful towns in Maine and best things to do in Maine. MaineGuide.com has been Maine’s resource guide since 1995.
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