Oh Summertime! Southern Maine is full of amazing beaches, and everyone has their own idea of what the best beach day looks like to them. Use our beach guide to find the perfect place to set your chair in the sand this summer.
The best beach for a quiet day, relaxing near the breaking waves – Parsons Beach, York
Quiet and secluded. Bring your favorite book and melt into relaxation!
The best beach for all the action, volleyball, and lots of people – Old Orchard Beach
Enjoy the local amenities which include an iconic amusement park, pier, patio bars, surfing, shops and restaurants. This beach is a tourist favorite and offers activities from dawn until way past dusk!
The best beach for family fun – Ogunquit Beach
With soft sand, beautiful views, lifeguards, parking areas, restrooms and snack bars is a favorite for the whole family!
The best beach to bring your pup – East End Beach, Portland
This beach can’t be beat for pups, with walking trails. Soak in the views of Portland’s Promenade and the Portland Harbor.
The best beach for bird watching – Biddeford Pool Beach
This is one of the best tidal pool beaches around, with great rocks for climbing and a small sandy beach for starfish searching. The beach is situated near tall grass marshes, making this beach one of the premier beaches for bird watching in the northeast.
The best beach for a long walk – Old Orchard Beach
It’s seven miles of beautiful sand make it easy to forget how far you’ve walked! With views of Pine Point to the north, Camp Ellis to the south along with gulls and pipers playing at the shoreline, it’s a peaceful, beautiful walk.
The best beach to surf – Higgins Beach, Scarborough
A small, sandy beach, approximately .6 miles, but it has a big reputation of being a great spot for surfers all year long. The beach is also known as a great spot to hook striped bass.