Popham Beach is our answer when visitors ask for the best beach in Maine. It’s been our answer for a very long time. The drive down the Phippsburg Peninsula, Fort Popham at the river mouth, Fox Island at low tide — it’s a complete experience that Ogunquit Beach, for all its beauty, doesn’t quite replicate.
Quick facts: Open 9 a.m. to sunset year-round. Located at 10 Perkins Farm Lane, Phippsburg, ME — 14 miles south of Bath via Route 209. Phone: (207) 389-1335. Lifeguards on duty mid-June through mid-August. Pets prohibited on the beach April 1–September 30; allowed leashed October 1–March 31. Important tide warning: Crossing to Fox Island at low tide now requires fording the Morse River and rising tides can strand visitors — pay close attention to tide charts.
Popham Beach State Park is the finest beach in Maine — a sweeping, undeveloped arc of fine sand at the mouth of the Kennebec River where it meets the open Atlantic, with dunes, tidal pools, and views of offshore islands. Unlike the developed resort beaches of southern Maine, Popham is a state park — no boardwalk, no beach concessions, no hotels. Just the beach, the dunes, the river, and the sea.
The Beach
Popham Beach stretches about 3 miles — far enough that even on busy summer days it’s possible to walk to a quiet section. The sand is fine and pale, the surf moderate. The Kennebec River outlet at the south end creates a warm, sheltered river channel popular with families alongside the cooler Atlantic surf. Tidal variation is significant — at low tide the beach is enormous with sandbars extending offshore. Time your visit around low tide for the maximum experience. Fox Island becomes walkable via sandbar at low tide — check tide tables carefully before attempting the crossing.
Fort Popham
Fort Popham, at the northern end of the beach, is a remarkably intact Civil War-era granite fortification built between 1861 and 1869 to protect the Kennebec River approach to Bath. Never completed and never saw military action, but the surviving curved granite wall with cannon embrasures and magazine chambers is architecturally significant. Climb the staircases for views across the river mouth and outer islands. A Maine State Historic Site — free admission, open daily in summer. The Popham Colony of 1607 was established near this spot — the first English settlement in Maine, predating the Pilgrims by 13 years.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The sheltered Kennebec River at Popham is excellent for kayaking — protected from ocean swells and suitable for beginners. The paddle around the point into the Morse River coves is particularly good for wildlife watching — harbor seals, ospreys, and great blue herons are regular sights.
Birding
The tidal flats at low tide attract large concentrations of migrating shorebirds in late July and August. Common eiders, surf scoters, and terns are regular offshore. The dune habitat attracts migrating warblers and sparrows during fall migration — Popham is a known vagrant trap for rare birds.
Practical Information
Hours and Fees
Popham Beach State Park is open every day of the year from 9 a.m. to sunset. Entrance fees are collected at the gatehouse during operating season and at a self-service station outside operating hours. Verify current fees with the park (207-389-1335) or at the official park page before your visit — Maine state park fees update periodically.
Pet Rules
Pets are not allowed on the beach from April 1 through September 30 in order to protect federally endangered nesting shorebirds. From October 1 through March 31, pets are welcome on the beach but must be leashed at all times. We get this question constantly from travelers planning summer trips with dogs — the rule is firm and game wardens enforce it. If you’re traveling with a dog in summer, plan accordingly.
Parking
The main parking lot is large but fills early on summer weekends and any sunny weekday in July or August. Arrive before 10 a.m. for reliable parking. When the lot fills, the park stops admitting vehicles — there’s no shoulder parking on Route 209, and the road is winding and narrow. Some visitors who arrive after the lot is full drive 5 minutes east to Fort Popham State Historic Site, which has its own small lot and provides beach access from a different angle.
Facilities
Bathhouses with freshwater rinse-off showers, picnic tables, and charcoal grills are available. Note that the East Picnic Area was lost to winter storms in 2024 and the park has been working to re-establish picnic facilities on the western side — check current conditions before counting on a particular spot. The beach itself is wheelchair accessible, and a beach wheelchair is available on a first-come basis.
The Tide Question
This deserves its own section because we’ve heard from too many travelers who didn’t know. The walk to Fox Island at low tide used to be a famous Popham experience — out across exposed sandbars to a small offshore island. Recent erosion and sand movement now mean reaching Fox Island requires fording the Morse River, which can become dangerous quickly as tides rise. Two hours after low tide, the sandbars are typically covered with cold, fast-moving water. If you do choose to cross, set a hard turnaround time and don’t miss it. The Bureau of Parks and Lands updates beach conditions and tide-related advisories on the official park page.
Surf and Swimming Safety
- Parking: Fills quickly on summer weekends — arrive before 9am on peak days or risk being turned away
- Fees: Day use fee for non-Maine residents — check current fees at maine.gov/dacf/parks
- Facilities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, seasonal concession stand at main access area
- Dogs: Allowed on leash in designated areas — check current seasonal policy
- Camping: No camping at the park. Hermit Island Campground (3 miles away) is one of the finest coastal campgrounds in Maine
- Water temperature: Typically 55-65°F in summer — the river channel runs somewhat warmer than the ocean side
Getting There
About 14 miles south of Bath via Route 209, and about 1 hour from Portland via I-295 to Bath (exit 38) then Route 209 south. GPS: 10 Perkins Farm Lane, Phippsburg, ME.
Plan Your Trip
Check current park hours and fees at maine.gov/dacf/parks before your visit. For more southern midcoast Maine, see our guide to Things to Do in Boothbay Harbor Maine, our Things to Do in Wiscasset Maine guide, and our Maine road trip itinerary.
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