Don’t miss these 5 family-friendly beaches along the coast of Maine
When you cross the border from New Hampshire into Maine, one of the first signs that you’ll see reads: “Welcome to Maine. The Way Life Should Be.” There’s really no arguing. Maine is a New England paradise, especially its beaches. Each beach and respective beach town has its own unique local flavor. From the southern shore to Downeast Maine, you can’t go wrong along the coast!
We’re listed our favorite family beaches from south to north.
1. York Beach
Located in southern Maine, York Beach is a village within the town of York. You can head to either Long Sands or Short Sands. Short Sands is a tween and teen paradise where kids can mingle at the arcade. It’s right next to the quaint downtown with shops and restaurants aplenty. There’s also a fantastic playground right next to the beach. I actually prefer the much quieter Long Sands, which is just on the other side of the cliffside neighborhood that separates the two beaches. It has stunning views of Nubble Lighthouse, one of Maine’s famous coastal beacons. Warning, no public restrooms!
2. Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea.” True to its name, it’s a popular spot that can be fully enjoyed at low tide. Your little surfers will catch some great waves as the tide is coming in, too. I never find the water too cold (obviously, we’re talking July and August here). Kiddos love searching for shells – you can find some beauties – and digging out tide pools. It’s very close to Ogunquit Village with adorable, quintessential coastal Maine shops and restaurants.
3. Ocean Park
Ocean Park is a village in the popular town of Old Orchard Beach. The beach here was my childhood paradise. Try to time your visit so you can enjoy it at low tide, which creates a river that’s perfect for kids. It’s shallow, so they can get on their boogie boards and ride the current toward the ocean or climb the sand wall that it creates. Ocean Park is an adorable beach town with a small grocery store, candy store, and Ocean Park Soda Fountain, home of the famous Lime Rickey for grown-ups.
KidTripster Tip: Get here early and park at the Colby Avenue boardwalk. Pay attention to parking signs or risk getting a ticket. Public restrooms are located at the recreation center near the intersection of Colby and West Grand Avenues.
4. Popham Beach
Just south of Bath at the start of what’s considered mid-Coast, Popham Beach is a long strip of land located at the mouth of the Kennebec River. At low tide, you can walk onto Fox Island (just don’t get stuck) and explore the tide pools, where your kids will find all kinds of sea life. Popham Beach State Park is also a perfect place to picnic.
5. Sand Beach
Sand Beach is a tiny section of Acadia National Park, but it’s worth the visit if you’re in the park. You’re surrounded by the remarkable beauty of Mount Desert Island. The sand here is made up of tiny shell fragments and is great for sand castles. The water is cold, but once your kids are in, they’ll love the waves – not too big on a calm day. You can get in some great family photos and exercise by taking an easy hike along the Great Head Trail, which winds its way to the famous Thunder Hole, a must-see in the park. It’s named for the sound that the surf makes when it hits the stunning cliffs.
KidTripster Tip: Don’t bother trying to get your stroller down on the beach. It’s not handicap-accessible with only stairs leading down to the sand.
Jackie Labrecque, is a former journalist , now living in Orlando, Florida. She grew up in New England and lived in both eastern and southern Maine, enjoying plenty of beaches along the way. These days, she vacations there with her husband and young sons.
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