10 Best Family Beaches in Maine [for 2023]
Widely recognized as the Pine Tree State, Maine has an abundance of stunning natural areas and enchanting shorelines, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. Renowned for their pristine conditions, Maine beaches exude a sense of cleanliness and are meticulously maintained.
With picturesque views of the oceanfront, these beaches offer a plethora of family-friendly amenities, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all. Each beach in Maine has its own unique charm, providing a unique and special atmosphere.
Whether you want to relax under the warm sun, scour the beaches for treasure, adventure activities like boogie boarding and surfing, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, Maine’s family beaches cater to every taste. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure with your loved ones as you discover the unparalleled beauty of the best family beaches in Maine.
1. Ogunquit Beach, Ogunquit
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Ogunquit Beach, located in Maine, is a highly recommended destination for families. With an impressive 3.5 miles of sandy shoreline, this beach offers ample space for relaxation, fun, and a variety of activities. It’s consistently ranked among the best beaches in Maine in the United States, making it an ideal choice for a family-friendly getaway.
From thrilling whale-watching tours to kayaking adventures, there’s something for everyone here. There are many options for entertainment. Beach volleyball and bocce ball courts provide an opportunity for friendly competitions while sailing, rafting, and tubing adventures provide great experiences on the water. Clean restrooms ensure comfort and convenience, while nearby gift shops offer souvenir shopping and entertainment.
Allows you to find essentials for the beach. The presence of attentive lifeguards adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. When it comes to accommodations, Ogunquit Beach is conveniently located near some of the best family resorts in Maine. For example, Anchorage by the Sea, a highly regarded resort, is only a 5-minute drive to the beach.
This close proximity allows families to easily access the beach and its attractions while enjoying the comforts and amenities provided by the resort. For those concerned about meals and snacks during their stay, Ogunquit is close to several eateries and restaurants. Surrounded by ice cream shops. Families can relish the delicious local cuisine or have a snack to keep their energy levels up throughout the day.
2. Old Orchard Beach, Old Orchard Beach
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Old Orchard Beach in Maine is undoubtedly one of the most popular and liveliest beach destinations in the state. Stretching for almost 7 miles, this beach offers a plethora of activities and attractions making it an ideal choice for families looking for a dynamic and memorable holiday experience.
First and foremost, Old Orchard Beach boasts a picturesque shoreline with soft sand that invites beach-goers to bask in the sun and indulge in ultimate relaxation. The spacious beach is ample space for kids to engage in various activities like building sand castles, playing beach games, or simply running around with joy. The beach’s alluring and gentle waters are perfect for swimming, which is perfect in summer.
Acts as a refreshing respite from the summer heat. Whether you prefer a leisurely dip or an invigorating swim, the beach offers a delightful aquatic experience for all ages. One of the standout features of Old Orchard Beach is its extraordinary pier, which adds a unique charm to the destination.
The Ghat is home to an array of scintillating restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy delectable cuisine and plenty of live entertainment. Teens, in particular, will love the opportunity to dance the night away and show off their vocal talents through karaoke sessions, adding a lively nightlife element to the beach experience. For families seeking even more excitement, the Palace A visit to Playland is highly recommended.
Located right across from Sand Beach, this thrilling amusement park guarantees a day filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories as one of the best family beaches in Maine. From thrill rides like roller coasters and Ferris wheels to classic arcade games and family-friendly attractions, Palace Playland caters to the diverse interests of visitors of all ages.
3. Sand Beach, Bar Harbor
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Sand Beach, located within spectacular Acadia National Park, is a charming 290-yard stretch of sandy beach that truly epitomizes Maine’s natural beauty. This hidden gem known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, is an ideal place for a memorable family outing. The bright blue waters and pristine sands of the beach create a picturesque backdrop that will leave you in awe.
Your kids can unleash their creativity by building towering sand castles and intricate sculptures while you relax on the beach, enjoying the warm sunshine, or being engrossed in a captivating novel. One of the most charming aspects of Sand Beach of them is its relative solitude.
Unlike more popular beaches, it remains unaffected by large crowds and urban noise, allowing you to completely immerse yourself in the calmness of nature. Plus, during the summer months, the water temperature is perfect for a refreshing swim, and dedicated lifeguards ensure the safety of all beachgoers.
The beach isn’t just limited to its coastal attractions. Acadia National Park offers a wealth of hiking trails that showcase breathtaking views. Take a break from the sandy shore and venture into the park’s pristine forest to experience the invigorating mountain air and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace. For an unforgettable panoramic view of the vast ocean, head to the far end of Sand Beach and Hike the Great Head Trail.
This scenic hiking trail offers endless views that will captivate you and provide a refreshing respite from beach activities. As you traverse the trail, the rugged coastal landscape will unfold before your eyes, offering a remarkable blend of the grandeur of nature and the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Short Sands Beach, York
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Short Sands Beach in downtown York, Maine, is a local favorite and highly recommended for several reasons. Its convenient location and proximity to restaurants, stores, and hotels make it easily accessible to tourists. Whether you are a local resident or a tourist, this beach is the perfect place for a family vacation.
The beach has powdery sand, which is great for building sand castles and forts with your kids. The beach also has a large grassy lawn area, which presents ample space for a lovely picnic while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the basketball courts for a fun and competitive game. Safety is a top priority at Short Sands Beach, making it an excellent choice for families with children.
Lifeguards are stationed along the entire shoreline, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the water with peace of mind. The beach offers a well-maintained playground that will keep the youngsters entertained for hours. For those planning a visit during the peak season, the influx of visitors can actually be an advantage.
The beach hosts free concerts in the on-site gazebo, adding a pleasant musical touch to your beach experience. In addition, there are occasional fireworks displays, which make evenings at Short Sands Beach truly magical.
5. Long Sands Beach, York
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Long Sands Beach, though not as popular as its counterpart Short Sands Beach, is a treasure nonetheless. Located in the picturesque state of Maine, this beach boasts stunning natural beauty, which is no more breathtaking than other famous beaches. It’s an ideal destination for families who love to surf, as it’s widely regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in the region.
Beyond surfing, Long Sands Beach offers an array of water activities such as kayaking and rafting offers, allowing you to explore and enjoy the pristine coastal waters. Additionally, the beach’s proximity to a variety of shops, restaurants, and a convenience store ensures that you have easy access to any need or craving you may have during your stay.
To enhance the comfort and convenience of beachgoers For example, Long Sand Beach offers umbrella rentals for those looking for shade on hot days, as well as grills for delightful beach barbecues. Plus, a shower located next to the parking area ensures you’ll have access to convenient amenities.
It’s important to note that if you choose to visit Long Sand Beach during seasons other than summer, the water temperature It can get pretty cold. In such cases, it is recommended to wear a wetsuit instead of a normal swimsuit to increase your time comfortably in the water.
6. Popham Beach, Phippsburg
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With family-friendly amenities and breathtaking views of Fox and Wood Islands offshore, Popham Beach caters to a picturesque and enjoyable experience for all. Your family can indulge in a variety of activities such as surfing, boogie boarding, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and kayaking. may be attached. These activities provide thrilling and fun-filled experiences for both kids and adults alike.
The soft sand beaches of Popham Beach are great for your whole family to relax and sunbathe. Families can relax while sunbathing or get creative with their kids by making sand sculptures.
The beach also features several charcoal grills, allowing families to come together and enjoy a delightful barbecue at the water’s edge. For pet owners, Popham Beach is open to furry friends during the off-season from October 1 to March 31. accommodates visitors, making it a pet-friendly destination where the whole family can enjoy the beach experience together.
For experienced surfers looking for an adrenaline rush, Popham Beach is highly recommended for visiting during the winter. is recommended. This season offers some of the fastest waves, giving surfers an exciting opportunity to ride the big waves and challenge themselves in the water.
7. Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport
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Goose Rocks Beach, formerly known as Beachwood, is a spectacular white-sand beach located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the best family beaches in Maine, offering many reasons to come and enjoy its natural beauty. The beach’s soft white soft sand invites you to sunbathe and build sand castles.
Does The beach boast gentle waters, thanks to the protective barrier reef known as Goose Rocks, which shields the shoreline from large waves? This makes it an ideal place for swimming, especially for families with young children who can safely frolic in the calm waters. Beyond its serene atmosphere, Goose Rocks Beach offers visitors the opportunity to experience nature up close provides. Keep a watchful eye when you get into the water, as you might be lucky enough to spot seals coming ashore to rest.
This unique experience adds to the charm and allure of the beach. Convenience is key when it comes to family outings, and Goose Rocks Beach has you covered. It has a parking lot nearby, making it easy for families to unload and pack their beach essentials. Additionally, there is a grocery store nearby where you can buy delicious snacks like sandwiches and refreshing drinks to enjoy while you relax on the beach.
For a better experience, time your visit to Goose Rocks Beach during low tide Planning is recommended. This special time reveals an added attraction to the beach—shallow tide pools. These pools are formed during low tide and provide a safe and captivating place for children to splash around and explore. The opportunity for hands-on learning and discovery makes Goose Rocks Beach a truly engaging and educational destination for families.
8. Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth
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Crescent Beach State Park, aptly named for its crescent shape, offers an enjoyable experience for people of all ages. What sets this beach apart and makes it a top recommendation, especially for families with children, is its reputation as the safest beach in the state. The park’s location provides a protected cove that frames the shoreline Sheltered from strong waves, creating a calm and gentle water environment.
It’s great for little kids to have tons of fun splashing around and swimming without worrying about big waves or strong currents. Crescent Beach State Park employs attentive lifeguards who are well-equipped and prepared to ensure the safety of all beachgoers. To enhance the convenience of beachcombing, the park is equipped with various amenities.
A snack bar, picnic tables, and charcoal grills are available, making it easy for families to enjoy meals and snacks while spending a day at the beach. During peak season, food trucks stop by, offering a variety of delicious dishes the whole family can enjoy. There is no doubt that this is one of the best family beaches in Maine.
A notable addition to the park’s offerings is the availability of paddleboard and kayak rentals. This facility allows you to enhance your water experience by exploring the shoreline on a paddleboard or kayak. For those looking for guidance or a more structured adventure, guided kayak tours are also available.
These tours typically last about four hours and take participants from Crescent Beach State Park to Two Lights State Park, then down the coast of Richmond Island, before returning to Crescent Beach State Park.
9. Half-Mile Beach, Georgetown
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Half-Mile Beach, located in Reed State Park, attracts families and beach enthusiasts alike. With its sand and calmer waves than its larger counterpart, Half-Mile Beach’s soft sand is the perfect spot for sunbathing, relaxing, and building sand castles. Families can enjoy quality time together by engaging in fun beach activities such as throwing a ball, playing catch, or even a game of tag.
The vastness of the beach allows plenty of room for both children and adults to run, play and create lasting memories. One of the major reasons for the beach is its provision of basic amenities. The availability of showers, restrooms, and changing areas ensures that visitors can freshen up after a day of enjoying the sun and sea.
This feature adds to the overall comfort and satisfaction of beachgoers. Which is considered one of the best family beaches in Maine. For those who love to dine while enjoying the beach, this beach offers picnic areas where families can gather and have a meal. This makes it easy to grab a leisurely lunch or snack without leaving the beach.
If your older kids want a more adventurous experience, neighboring Mile Beach is worth a look. With strong surf and rocks to climb, it provides an opportunity for thrilling exploration and adds an extra element of excitement to your beach trip.
10. Birch Point State Park Beach, Camden
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One of the best family beaches in Maine is Birch Point State Park Beach, which is full of scenic views. What sets this beach apart is its laid-back atmosphere and gentle surf, making it perfect for families looking for a peaceful retreat. The sandy shoreline invites beach adventures, providing endless opportunities for collecting seashells and searching for coastal treasures.
The crescent shape of the beach creates a natural barrier, resulting in calm waters that are safe and ideal for swimming, especially for young children. Birch Point State Park Beach offers breathtakingly beautiful views of Penobscot Bay and an unforgettable picturesque backdrop for family photographs.
The serene atmosphere also makes it an excellent spot for a leisurely picnic with loved ones, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying a quiet meal. For those who enjoy fishing, Birch Point State Park Beach is an excellent presents opportunity. Don’t forget to pack your fishing gear, as this beach is renowned as a great shopping destination. Cast your line and try your luck at catching some local sh species, adding an extra element of excitement to your family beach outing.
There are no shops nearby for supplies. To ensure a hassle-free experience, it is recommended that you pack everything your family will need, especially food and drink. By doing so, you can completely immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this coastal haven without worrying about any forgotten essentials.