This article has been reviewed by Laura and Sumeet, travel enthusiasts who have travelled to 40+ countries. (Follow @Ciao.Namaste on Youtube). Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact at contact@exploremonde.com
There are plenty of beaches in Maine to choose from, each with its unique features. Some popular beaches in Maine include Wells Beach, which is known for its soft sand and long coastline. Another favorite is Scarborough Beach, which has a wide variety of activities available, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and windsurfing. No matter what your interests are, Maine has a beach that will suit you. So, grab your sunblock, towel, and swimsuit, and head to the nearest beach for some fun in the sun!
We have also included a list of the Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine. Check that out as well.
Here’s a list of the top 9 best beaches in Maine.
- Best Beaches in Maine
- 1. Reid State Park Beach
- 2. Popham Beach, Phippsburg
- 3. Higgins Beach
- 4. Kennebunk Beach
- 5. Wells Beach
- 6. Sand Beach at Acadia National Park
- 7. Crescent Beach at Cape Elizabeth
- 8. Ogunquit Beach
- 9. Old Orchard Beach
- Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine
Best Beaches in Maine
1. Reid State Park Beach
Reid State Park Beach is a saltwater beach in Maine. In 1946, Walter E. Reid, an entrepreneur, donated property to the State of Maine and that’s how Reid State Park in Maine became a reality. There are thousands of visitors that come to Reid State Parks’ beaches. The beach is also a nesting area for piping plovers (sandy-colored shorebirds).
Reid State Park Beach is one of the most beautiful places in Maine. The park is located on Georgetown Island, and it offers stunning views of the ocean. There’s a long sandy beach, and the water is crystal clear. You can also enjoy hiking and biking trails, as well as picnicking areas.
This beach is perfect for families, as it has a playground and a picnic area. It’s also great for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. If you’re looking for a great place to relax and take in the scenery, head to Reid State Park Beach.
Address – 375 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, United States
2. Popham Beach, Phippsburg
This beach in Maine is a great place to go surfing, fishing, or just swimming and sunbathing. It’s also known for its dramatic cliffs and beautiful views. If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to relax, maybe get a quick bite to eat and explore then Popham Beach and Phippsburg are definitely worth a visit.
Phippsburg town is located right next to Popham Beach. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a quiet, small-town atmosphere. There are several restaurants and shops in Phippsburg, as well as a few historical sites worth checking out.
Address – Phippsburg, ME 04562, United States
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3. Higgins Beach
The Higgins Beach area is located in Scarborough, Maine. It’s a beautiful beach in Maine that’s known for its soft sand and great waves. It’s perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is also great for fishing, as there is plenty of fish to be caught in the area. There is a parking facility close by, and it costs about $15 for an entire day, so that is very convenient and reasonable.
Higgins Beach has been a popular spot for visitors for many years. It’s one of the most visited beaches in Maine, and it’s a great place to spend a summer day. The beach is also dog-friendly (from sunrise to 9 a.m.), so feel free to bring your furry friend along! There are plenty of restaurants (Higgins Beach Association Clubhouse, Breakers, Harmon’s Dairy Bar, etc.) and shops nearby, so you’ll never run out of things to do.
Address – Higgins Beach (Parking): 41 Ocean Ave, Scarborough, ME 04074, United States
4. Kennebunk Beach
There are plenty of things to do in Kennebunk, Maine. You can visit the nearby beaches, go kayaking or fishing on the river, check out the local art galleries and shops, or enjoy a nice meal at one of the restaurants. There is something for everyone in this charming coastal town.
Kennebunk Beach is a famous tourist destination in southern Maine. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
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Kennebunk Beach is also well known for its annual summertime concerts. Held on the beach each Thursday night, these free concerts feature local bands and attract crowds of music lovers from all over New England.
Address – Mother’s Beach: 263-267 Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, United States
5. Wells Beach
This beach is a great place to go fishing, as there are many good spots for catching fish. It’s also great for swimming, sunbathing, and walking along the shore.
There are several restaurants (such as Rollover Cafe) and shops in the area, so you can easily find something to eat or drink. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of hotels and motels (Wells Beach Motor Inn, Driftwinds Motel, Lafayette’s Oceanfront Resort, etc.) nearby as well. So if you’re looking for a fun and relaxing beach getaway, Wells Beach is definitely worth considering.
Address – 100 Atlantic Ave, Wells, ME 04090, United States
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6. Sand Beach at Acadia National Park
Sand Beach at Acadia National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Maine. The park is situated on Mount Desert Island and is only a few miles from Bar Harbor. Sand Beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring tidal pools. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area, including the easy 1.1-mile Ocean Path trail that leads to Thunder Hole. Visitors can also enjoy the views from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the island.
Thunder Hole is a natural rock formation on the coast of Maine. When the tide is high, waves crash into a small inlet and create a thundering sound. The area is especially beautiful during sunset or when it’s raining. There are several viewing platforms at Thunder Hole, as well as a few benches where visitors can sit and take in the view.
Address – Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
7. Crescent Beach at Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth is located in southern Maine and is home to several beautiful beaches, including Crescent Beach. Crescent Beach at Cape Elizabeth is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway. The beach is one mile long and is known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities such as picnicking, hiking, and swimming. There are also several restaurants (such as Sea Glass, The Commander’s Shellfish Camp, Tony’s Pizza New York Style, Elkhouse Eatery, and Back 40 A1A) and shops in the area, so you’ll never run out of things to do. If you’re looking for a charming New England beach to visit, be sure to check out Crescent Beach!
Address – Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, United States
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8. Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit Beach is a popular large (3.5 miles long), white sand beach to go for a walk, sunbathe, read, swim, picnic, and gaze at the sunset during summer. Ogunquit in fact means “Beautiful Place by The Sea” in the Algonquin Indians’ language.
At the southern end of the Beach, the Ogunquit River joins the ocean. On a hot summer day, it’s a lovely freshwater place to float on an inner tube or raft.
There are also many places to eat in the area. Some of the best places to eat include Cornerstone Artisanal Pizza & Craft Beer, The Front Porch Piano Bar and Restaurant, Bonissoni Brazilian Steakhouse, Five-O Shore Road, Mornings in Paris, M.C. Perkins Cove, and That Place in Ogunquit, etc. Ogunquit Beach in Maine is definitely worth a visit!
Address – Ogunquit, ME 03907, United States
9. Old Orchard Beach
This beach is famous for its pier, which is a great place to walk, fish, or just relax and take in the views. The seven-mile-long broad sandy beach is, without a doubt, the main draw, but there is much more to see and do in Maine’s finest beach resort when visiting Old Orchard Beach.
There are things and activities to do in Old Orchard Beach and the surrounding area such as Indoor karting, mini golf, viewing the fireworks that occur weekly, fishing, parasailing, biking on the Eastern Trail, and of course, exploring the town is perhaps the best way to know the place.
Camping is another option that you can enjoy, and plenty of restaurants (Sheilas Country Store, Strike Zone Restaurant & Pub, Pirates Patio & Galley, Brunswick Lounge, and many others)and shops are nearby for all your food and shopping cravings.
These are just a few of the best beaches in Maine. Do you want to add any beaches to our list of the Best Beaches in Maine? Shoot us an email at contact@exploremonde.com. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a beach that suits your needs. So pack your sunscreen and head to the beach!
Read also: 63 Breathtaking National Parks in USA | Complete List
Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine
Here’s a list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Maine:
1. Fort Foster Park, Kittery Point
Fort Foster Park is a great place to go in Kittery Point. It has three small beaches with sand that’s perfect for building castles or playing games! There are also trails you can explore with your furry friend throughout the park, restrooms, and picnic areas where families have fun together while parents relax under the shade of trees watching kids enjoy themselves too much at their rate – this might be why some people call Fort Fosler “the happiest place next door.” There’s an excellent view overlooking Portsmouth Harbor including Whaleback Light, and Portsmouth Harbor Light.
Be aware of the ‘Dog Restriction Areas’ if you are with your pet. There are signages and also maps available to identify these areas where dogs are not welcome. But, not to worry, there is plenty of space to get the zoomies done!
Address – 76 Pocahontas Rd, Gerrish Island, Kittery Point, ME 03905
2. Willard Beach, South Portland
Visit Willard Beach for an invigorating swim with your pup! This scenic beach has cold but inviting water, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to cool down or just want something different than the norm. You must have a leash in hand at all times when you are with your dogs – they need some guidance from their owners as well! Make sure that off-leash pets stay under 100 feet from you (and under your voice control) and away from any humans who may not want them coming closer because those pups really love messing up everyone’s hair (not literally).
In the summer, your dog can run off-leash (under voice control) from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. This is an opportunity for them to get some fresh air and enjoy themselves!
It’s very important to keep pets from making a mess on the beach. If you have an active pet, please follow the helpful guidelines for proper disposal of their waste so that it doesn’t smell or become unpleasant when someone walks by later on! Entering the sand dune vegetation is strictly prohibited.
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Willard Beach is just 5 minutes away from Portland.
Address – Beach St & Myrtle Ave, South Portland, ME 04106
3. Wells Beach, Wells
Wells Beach is one of the dog-friendly beaches in Maine. However, some timings must be respected and the dogs must be on the leash and under the control of a responsible person. Cleaning up after the dogs is a common courtesy on this beach.
See the notice below for all animal lovers and owners, from the Police Department of Wells.
DOGS ON BEACH: April 1 through June 15 – ON A LEASH and under the charge of a responsible person. Please keep dogs away from Piping Plover nests. June 16 through September 15 – OFF BEACH from 8:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. ON BEACH from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Must be ON A LEASH and under charge of a responsible person.
PET OWNERS MUST REMOVE ANY FECES their dogs deposit on any public beach, beach access point, beach area road or anywhere within the boundaries of the estuary (marsh area) and DISPOSE OF SUCH FECES IN AN APPROPRIATE WASTE RECEPTACLE. The same regulations apply for the ENTIRE TOWN OF WELLS, except on property belonging to the animal’s owner or keeper. An offense carries a penalty. Please pick up your dog’s feces and dispose of it properly as it is a health hazard to the residential clamming program and to humans coming into contact with it, besides being socially unacceptable to the area.
DOGS MAY NOT RUN AT LARGE except on private property and then only with the consent of the owner. Otherwise, DOGS MUST BE UNDER THE CONTROL OF A PERSON whose personal presence and attention would reasonably control the conduct of the animal (leash, voice command, hand command). Note #1 above: beach area regulations.
MAINE DOGS MUST HAVE CURRENT LICENSE AND RABIES TAGS attached to their collars and be worn at all times. Dogs of visitors and seasonal residents should display their State license, Rabies and/or I.D. tags attached to their collars. This may be the quickest and cheapest way your lost dog can be returned to you. Handwritten “rescue” tags: $0.50 to $2.00.
ANY ANIMAL MAKING SOUNDS COMMON TO ITS SPECIES CONTINUOUSLY FOR 20 MINUTES OR INTERMITTENTLY FOR ONE HOUR or more shall be deemed to constitute a nuisance.
DOGS BEING TRANSPORTED IN THE OPEN PORTION OF ANY VEHICLE MUST BE PROTECTED in a manner that prevents the dog from falling or jumping or being thrown from the vehicle.
Maine State Law says that NO ANIMAL MAY BE CONFINED IN A CAR, BOAT, VEHICLE, building, enclosure or vessel of any kind WHEN EXTREME HEAT OR EXTREME COLD WILL BE HARMFUL TO ITS HEALTH. Temperatures in cars can reach 120 degrees F. in a few minutes on hot summer days; your pet can suffer brain damage or die. Truck beds can heat to over 160 degrees F. Please think about your pet’s welfare while you’re having fun in the sun.
If your pet is lost, call the Wells Police Department. We also recommend that you call our local shelter, the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk (985-3244) as well as Creature Comforts in Kittery (439-6674) to see if anyone has brought in your pet.
We hope this information will help all pet owners and their pets to have a safe, pleasant stay in Wells
Town of Wells, Police Department
Address – Mile Rd & Atlantic Ave, Wells, ME 04090
4. Kennebunk Beach, Kennebunk
Kennebunk Beach is another dog-friendly beach in Maine. You can bring your dogs here, but they must be on a leash. You can enjoy this beach with your furry friend, but be sure to respect the timings (pets are not permitted between 9 am and 5 pm during the summer months). Also, make sure to clean up after your pet!
Address – 100 Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043
5. Short Sands Beach, York
Short Sands Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Maine. There are some rules and timings to observe when you bring your dog here.
During Season: From May 20th to September 20th, no dogs are allowed between 8 am and 6 pm. Outside of these hours, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash at all times between 6 pm and sunrise the next day. Dogs can be without a leash, and in your voice control between sunrise and 8 am in the mornings.
During the offseason on Long Sands Beach, dogs are allowed anytime on a leash or under voice command.
Address – 13 Beach St, York, ME 03910
6. Long Sands Beach, York
Long Sands Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Maine. There are some rules and timings to observe when you bring your dog here.
During Season: i.e., from May 20th to September 20th, no dogs are allowed between 8 am and 6 pm. Outside of these hours, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash at all times between 6 pm and sunrise the next day. Dogs can be without a leash, and in your voice control between sunrise and 8 am in the mornings.
During the offseason on Long Sands Beach, dogs are allowed anytime on a leash or under voice command.
Address – 1 Long Beach Ave, York, ME 03909
7. East End Beach, Eastern Promenade Park, Portland
You can download a map here to identify the leash and off-leash areas on this dog-friendly beach in Maine.
Make sure to follow the leash guidelines, or else you might be subject to fines. A violation of the Leash Law is punishable by at least a fine of $75. Also, make sure you pick up and properly dispose of the dog’s poop, to avoid a fine of $250 per offence. The fines increase for repeat offenders!
Dogs are allowed off leash, under voice control, in these designated areas:
East End Beach and the Northwest Shore
The grassy hill area between Cutter Street down to the lower sidewalk and over to the exit side of the Fort Allen roadway (north side of the “U” drive)
The mid-slope nature path, accessible from the northwest corner of the parking lot on the north side of Cutter Street
Off-Leash Hours for Dogs on the Eastern Promenade:
Summer: Memorial Day to Labor Day, Before 9am and after 5pm
Winter: Day after Labor Day until Memorial Day – anytime during park hours (5am-10pm)
Friends of Eastern Promenade
Address – 86 Eastern Promenade, Portland, ME 04101
8. Bay View Beach, Saco
Bay View Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Saco, Maine. During the offseason, the dogs can stay off-leash all day, under the voice control of their owners. However, during the season, i.e., from April 1st to September 30th, dogs must be on leash and under the control of a responsible person.
Always help keep the beach clean by cleaning up after your dog!
Address – 107 Bayview Road, Saco, ME 04072
9. Gooch’s Beach, Kennebunk
Gooch’s Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Maine. There are some rules and timings to observe for bringing your pet here, in addition to cleaning up after your dog.
During season, i.e, from June 15 through Labor Day, dogs are only allowed on the beaches before 9 AM and after 5 PM. Dogs can be off-leash but must be under voice control.
During the offseason, i.e., from the day after Labor Day to June 14, dogs are permitted on the beach all day long. They can be off-leash but must be under voice control.
Address – Beach Avenue, Kennebunk, ME 04043
10. Laite Memorial Beach, Camden
Don’t forget to respect the hours and leash laws, and you will have a great time at this dog-friendly beach in Maine. During the season, i.e., from May 1st to September 30th, you can take your dogs on the beach (6 am to 8 am) in the morning as well as (6 pm to 10 pm) in the evening.
It is the responsibility of the dog owner or keeper to pick up their dog waste whenever they are walking on the beach, else they might face monetary fines.
Address – Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843
Other Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine
You may also consider these dog-friendly beaches in Maine.
Drake’s Island, Wells
200 Island Beach Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport
300 Kings Hwy, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Higgins Beach, Scarborough
Bayview Ave, Scarborough, ME 04074
Nubble Lighthouse, York
Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909
Seapoint Beach, Kittery Point
Seapoint Rd & Thaxter Ln, Kittery Point, ME 03905
Nudist Beaches in Maine
It is legal to be shirtless in Maine as under state law nudity only becomes illegal if the genitals are exposed. This being said, it is NOT very common you’ll find many women publicly being topless here either!
Maine used to have a few nudist swim spots but most seem unused at this time. If you use them, it is possible that the law will catch up with your actions and charge fines or even send people after you for being nude in public places like these beaches are supposed to be reserved just for clothing-optional activities only!
There are hundreds of square miles worth exploring however so feel free to find an empty stretch yourself wherever takes one fancy – all while escaping crowds & enjoying nature’s beauty without any distractions.
- Frenchman’s Hole
- Popham Beach
Previously the nudists used these two beaches, but nowadays they are not really popular nudist beaches. In addition, you might also get in trouble with the law, so use your judgment!
About Maine
Maine is a state in the northeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Canada to the north and New Hampshire to the west. The state capital is Augusta, and the largest city is Portland. Maine has a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers.
Maine was one of the original thirteen colonies and was admitted to the Union as the 23rd state on March 15, 1820. The state is named after the Maine River, which flows from its western border to the Atlantic Ocean. Maine is one of the least populous states, with just over 1.3 million residents. The economy of Maine is based largely on agriculture and natural resources.
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Note: The hours of operation, ticket prices, and admission criteria of museums, parks, etc. may change from time to time. For the most updated information, we recommend checking the official website of the attraction directly prior to your planned visit.
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