The Beaches of Maine
If there’s one thing that Maine has plenty of, it’s beaches. With more than five and a half thousand miles along the coast, you’ll find hundreds of beautiful vantage points where you can sunbathe, build a sand castle with your children, or, if you’re brave enough to deal with the cold, go in for a dive. And don’t forget about all the lakes and rivers here — even if you’re not right next to the Atlantic, there’s sure to be a beautiful beach nearby. Here are some of Maine’s most intoxicating waterside spots.
Old Orchard Beach. Photo by maineloft
Old Orchard Beach, just south of Portland, is consistently voted as the #1 beach in Maine, and it’s not hard to see why. With seven miles of sandy shores, gentle waves, an arcade, an amusement part, a 500-foot pier that juts over the water, and a variety of great restaurants and shops, this beach is a summertime paradise for families, and the sparkling nightlife scene will keep you up way past your bedtime.
Ogunquit is the Algonquin Indian word for “Beautiful Place by the Sea.” Little wonder, then, that the three and a half mile stretch of white sand beach in the tiny village of Ogunquit, Maine, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Ogunquit’s beach is a haven for families looking for some relaxing outdoor fun — lie back and relax while the kids go searching for colored glass and seashells in the sand. The small town is also known as a mecca for artists of all sorts. While you’re there, take a stroll through the shopping area to see some of the beautiful work by local artisans who get their inspiration from this amazing beach.
The town of Wells is home to some of Maine’s prettiest and most secluded beaches, as well as the Rachel Carson bird sanctuary, making the area a must-see for nature lovers. At Crescent Surf Beach, you’ll find salt marshes, tidal pools, and beautiful snow-white sand. Make sure to bring your binoculars — you’re likely to see a wide variety of birds, and maybe even a few seals. Wells is also home to several other beautiful seafront areas, including Laudholm Beach, Drakes Island Beach, and Wells Beach.
If you want to do some swimming, and the ocean water’s a bit on the cold side for you, take a dip in one of Maine’s incredible lakes. The Sebago Lakes Region, only half an hour from Portland, is home to the 45-square-mile Sebago Lake, where visitors can fish, boat, and swim. There are public access beaches on Sebago Lake in several towns, but the best place to go is Sebago Lake State Park, in Casco. Here, you’ll find 1,400 acres of beautiful sand beaches, nature trails, and forests. And there’s no need to leave right away — the park has its own campground, if you’d like to make your visit last a little longer.
These are just a few of the stunning beaches that you’ll find in Maine. Driving through the state, you’re bound to find some other hidden gems. So pack up some beach towels and a picnic basket, and get ready to enjoy the best that Maine has to offer.
For more information on beaches in Maine, see: http://www.visitmaine.net/beaches.htm
Written by Kathy Hawkins on May 30, 2007
Filed Under Maine, Coastal
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