With more coastline than California, it’s no wonder Maine has some incredible beaches! But, the popular ones are certainly no secret. Maine families and tourists alike descend on places like Old Orchard Beach and Higgins Beach like they’re going out of style. The truth is, within a few weeks of Maine’s tourist season, they probably will! Maine only has so much warm weather to offer, so don’t waste your precious beach time nestled next to a stranger on a crowded coast. Instead, pack the car and head to the best hidden beaches in Maine. It might be a lot of beaches to cover in just one weekend, but if anyone can do it, it’s an ambitious Mainer! Let’s go check out some of the best beaches in Maine:
Google Maps / Design by Only in Maine
Stop #1: Laudholm Beach, Wells
nhoulihan / Flickr Not only is Laudholm Beach a bit of a secret, it also requires some effort to reach. Make your way through The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve and you’ll eventually reach this stretch of beach that will likely be deserted. The wooded trails to get there are beautiful and the view at the end is just as lovely. We love this selection because it’s open year-round… Because Maine beaches are sometimes best in the winter. Mile Road, Mile Rd, Wells, ME 04090, USA
Stop #2: Seawall Beach, Phippsburg
Jay Collier / Flickr Perhaps the most hard-to-reach of all the secret beaches in this article, Seawall requires some effort to see. But don’t worry - it’s nothing crazy! Seawall Beach is located over Morse Mountain, so you’ll need to get to the top (via an approximately 1-mile hike) and then over to reach the beach. Travel through the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area to the sand dunes, which are nesting areas for two species of endangered birds, the piping plover and least terns. You won’t be able to do much here - no recreation such as volleyball and frisbee are allowed. But, it’s worth the hike to check it out for its beauty. Honestly, it’s one of the best hikes in Maine! Morse Mountain Road, Morse Mountain Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
Stop #3: Birch Point State Park Beach, Owls Head
MrNjorl / TripAdvisor Birch Point State Park in Owls Head can often be overlooked. But that’s good news for those who like to have the beach to themselves! This crescent shaped beach is full of sand and a fairly calm surf. Get the chair from your trunk and look out over the Mussel Ridge Islands while enjoying a lovely picnic. It’s a bit hard to find, though, so follow the directions we’ve included above. And, check out the Owls Head General Store on the way! This is one hidden beach in Maine you can’t miss. 459 S Shore Dr, Owls Head, ME 04854, USA
Stop #4: Sandy Point Beach, Stockton Springs
robposse / Flickr Sandy Point Beach is nestled between two rocky headlands and surrounded by lots of nature. A day spent here means you’ll have a view of the area where the Penobscot River widens into Penobscot Bay, giving sweeping, lovely and very “Maine” vibes to anyone lucky enough to find it. Steamboat Wharf Road, Steamboat Wharf Rd, Stockton Springs, ME 04981, USA
Stop #5: Barred Island Preserve, Deer Island
JR P / Flickr This beach is so hidden, it’s only accessible for part of the day. You’ll be heading to Deer Isle for this one and then taking a light and easy hike through the Barred Island Preserve, leading to the shore. It’s here that, during low tide, you’ll find a truly hidden beach. This one is classic Maine! You’ll love this beach if you’re trying to find hidden beaches in Maine. Goose Cove Road, Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
Stop #6: Branch Lake, Ellsworth
Mark Scholl / Flickr While the coastline is lovely, don’t forget that Maine’s lakes have some great beaches as well! While others may know of the area, the rocks located along the beach itself make for a private area. So, hide away to your heart’s content! You’ll be arriving at the lake via Route 1 and it’s located between Bucksport and Ellsworth on Boat Launch Drive. It’s home to one of our favorite hiking trails in Maine, too! Branchview Drive, Branchview Dr, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
Stop #7 and Overnight: Lamoine State Park, Lamoine
Idget16 / TripAdvisor Time to stop for the day! Lamoine is a great option if you like waking up at the beach. And, this could be a great place to stop overnight on your road trip. The beach in this park offers secluded beach views, views of Mount Desert Island and will give you fairly easy access to Acadia. They’re open May through October and the campsites are great! 23 State Park Rd, Lamoine, ME 04605, USA
Stop #8: Roque Bluffs State Park, Roque Bluffs
SeniorTravelerME / TripAdvisor Wake up fresh and ready! Of all the spots on this list, Roque Bluffs might be the best if you want to spend an entire day alone in nature. If you love a natural beach, you’ll appreciate the rock and pebble that line the ocean here. Once you get tired of appreciating the view over Englishman Bay, you can try out a hike on a portion of the six-mile network of trails. 145 Schoppee Point Rd, Roque Bluffs, ME 04654, USA
Stop #9: Jasper Beach, Machiasport
Kim Carpenter / Flickr Jasper Beach is located south of Machiasport, overlooking Howard Cove. The beach is known for the many colored stones that can be found mixed among the pebbles. The ecology of the area makes it a great place for spotting wildlife, especially migratory birds. Learn more about this amazing, hidden beach in Maine in this article! Jaspers Beach Road, Jaspers Beach Rd, Machiasport, ME 04655, USA
Stop #10: Lily Bay State Park Beach / Dunn Point, Piscataquis County
ems18 / Flickr And, because we couldn’t resist sending you off the coast just a bit, here is just more proof that you don’t need an ocean to make a great beach! Located in one of our favorite state parks in Maine, this beach is fairly remote. You’ll find it on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake and you’ll have wonderful views of Sugar Island and the Misery Ridge mountains in the background. There are picnic tables for day-use and you can even camp in the area. 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441, USA
This incredible outdoor adventure will take you to the best beaches in Maine. Which of these breathtaking sites is your favorite? Do you have any favorite beaches to visit in Maine? Tell us about them in the comments.
Google Maps / Design by Only in Maine
nhoulihan / Flickr
Not only is Laudholm Beach a bit of a secret, it also requires some effort to reach. Make your way through The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve and you’ll eventually reach this stretch of beach that will likely be deserted. The wooded trails to get there are beautiful and the view at the end is just as lovely. We love this selection because it’s open year-round… Because Maine beaches are sometimes best in the winter.
Mile Road, Mile Rd, Wells, ME 04090, USA
Jay Collier / Flickr
Perhaps the most hard-to-reach of all the secret beaches in this article, Seawall requires some effort to see. But don’t worry - it’s nothing crazy! Seawall Beach is located over Morse Mountain, so you’ll need to get to the top (via an approximately 1-mile hike) and then over to reach the beach. Travel through the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area to the sand dunes, which are nesting areas for two species of endangered birds, the piping plover and least terns. You won’t be able to do much here - no recreation such as volleyball and frisbee are allowed. But, it’s worth the hike to check it out for its beauty. Honestly, it’s one of the best hikes in Maine!
Morse Mountain Road, Morse Mountain Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
MrNjorl / TripAdvisor
Birch Point State Park in Owls Head can often be overlooked. But that’s good news for those who like to have the beach to themselves! This crescent shaped beach is full of sand and a fairly calm surf. Get the chair from your trunk and look out over the Mussel Ridge Islands while enjoying a lovely picnic. It’s a bit hard to find, though, so follow the directions we’ve included above. And, check out the Owls Head General Store on the way! This is one hidden beach in Maine you can’t miss.
459 S Shore Dr, Owls Head, ME 04854, USA
robposse / Flickr
Sandy Point Beach is nestled between two rocky headlands and surrounded by lots of nature. A day spent here means you’ll have a view of the area where the Penobscot River widens into Penobscot Bay, giving sweeping, lovely and very “Maine” vibes to anyone lucky enough to find it.
Steamboat Wharf Road, Steamboat Wharf Rd, Stockton Springs, ME 04981, USA
JR P / Flickr
This beach is so hidden, it’s only accessible for part of the day. You’ll be heading to Deer Isle for this one and then taking a light and easy hike through the Barred Island Preserve, leading to the shore. It’s here that, during low tide, you’ll find a truly hidden beach. This one is classic Maine! You’ll love this beach if you’re trying to find hidden beaches in Maine.
Goose Cove Road, Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
Mark Scholl / Flickr
While the coastline is lovely, don’t forget that Maine’s lakes have some great beaches as well! While others may know of the area, the rocks located along the beach itself make for a private area. So, hide away to your heart’s content! You’ll be arriving at the lake via Route 1 and it’s located between Bucksport and Ellsworth on Boat Launch Drive. It’s home to one of our favorite hiking trails in Maine, too!
Branchview Drive, Branchview Dr, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
Idget16 / TripAdvisor
Time to stop for the day! Lamoine is a great option if you like waking up at the beach. And, this could be a great place to stop overnight on your road trip. The beach in this park offers secluded beach views, views of Mount Desert Island and will give you fairly easy access to Acadia. They’re open May through October and the campsites are great!
23 State Park Rd, Lamoine, ME 04605, USA
SeniorTravelerME / TripAdvisor
Wake up fresh and ready! Of all the spots on this list, Roque Bluffs might be the best if you want to spend an entire day alone in nature. If you love a natural beach, you’ll appreciate the rock and pebble that line the ocean here. Once you get tired of appreciating the view over Englishman Bay, you can try out a hike on a portion of the six-mile network of trails.
145 Schoppee Point Rd, Roque Bluffs, ME 04654, USA
Kim Carpenter / Flickr
Jasper Beach is located south of Machiasport, overlooking Howard Cove. The beach is known for the many colored stones that can be found mixed among the pebbles. The ecology of the area makes it a great place for spotting wildlife, especially migratory birds. Learn more about this amazing, hidden beach in Maine in this article!
Jaspers Beach Road, Jaspers Beach Rd, Machiasport, ME 04655, USA
ems18 / Flickr
And, because we couldn’t resist sending you off the coast just a bit, here is just more proof that you don’t need an ocean to make a great beach! Located in one of our favorite state parks in Maine, this beach is fairly remote. You’ll find it on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake and you’ll have wonderful views of Sugar Island and the Misery Ridge mountains in the background. There are picnic tables for day-use and you can even camp in the area.
425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441, USA
To take the trip without any confusion, remember to grab the official map for the exact directions. For another secret attraction in Maine, head straight for this hidden Maine waterpark!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Maine July 26, 2019 Nikki Rhoades What are the prettiest beaches in Maine? New England is an enchanting region full of spectacular views, and Maine boasts a notable collection of beautiful features. Mountains, rich woodlands, and of course, a beautiful coast line intrigue visitors and locals alike. Our state is famous for its seafood, and there’s nothing like enjoying it right on the beach. Some of the highest rated Maine beaches include Ogunquit Beach, Popham Beach State Park, and Casco Bay – all of which are some of the most spectacularly beautiful beaches in New England. If you’re craving a unique approach to beachgoing, consider adventuring down a saltwater creek to the beach. What are the best beach towns in Maine? What would New England be without its charming coastal beach towns? Magical and intriguing, communities like Scarborough are a beacon to beachgoers. This community boasts the best sandy beach in Maine, Higgins Beach, as well as an enchanting coastal culture. York is another enchanting community, and it’s coveted by resort-goers for its four beaches, lighthouse, and historical sites. York is also a great place to collect sand dollars! What beaches have the clearest water in Maine? Though the coast is beautiful, some of the most pristine spots can be found inland. If you’re in search of the beach with the clearest water in Maine, you might consider a dip in Rattlesnake Pool. Its blue waters look like a Caribbean paradise! Prefer to stay on the coast? No problem! Just be sure to check out Laudholm Beach during your stay.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Maine
July 26, 2019
Nikki Rhoades
What are the prettiest beaches in Maine? New England is an enchanting region full of spectacular views, and Maine boasts a notable collection of beautiful features. Mountains, rich woodlands, and of course, a beautiful coast line intrigue visitors and locals alike. Our state is famous for its seafood, and there’s nothing like enjoying it right on the beach. Some of the highest rated Maine beaches include Ogunquit Beach, Popham Beach State Park, and Casco Bay – all of which are some of the most spectacularly beautiful beaches in New England. If you’re craving a unique approach to beachgoing, consider adventuring down a saltwater creek to the beach. What are the best beach towns in Maine? What would New England be without its charming coastal beach towns? Magical and intriguing, communities like Scarborough are a beacon to beachgoers. This community boasts the best sandy beach in Maine, Higgins Beach, as well as an enchanting coastal culture. York is another enchanting community, and it’s coveted by resort-goers for its four beaches, lighthouse, and historical sites. York is also a great place to collect sand dollars! What beaches have the clearest water in Maine? Though the coast is beautiful, some of the most pristine spots can be found inland. If you’re in search of the beach with the clearest water in Maine, you might consider a dip in Rattlesnake Pool. Its blue waters look like a Caribbean paradise! Prefer to stay on the coast? No problem! Just be sure to check out Laudholm Beach during your stay.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
New England is an enchanting region full of spectacular views, and Maine boasts a notable collection of beautiful features. Mountains, rich woodlands, and of course, a beautiful coast line intrigue visitors and locals alike. Our state is famous for its seafood, and there’s nothing like enjoying it right on the beach. Some of the highest rated Maine beaches include Ogunquit Beach, Popham Beach State Park, and Casco Bay – all of which are some of the most spectacularly beautiful beaches in New England. If you’re craving a unique approach to beachgoing, consider adventuring down a saltwater creek to the beach.
What are the best beach towns in Maine?
What would New England be without its charming coastal beach towns? Magical and intriguing, communities like Scarborough are a beacon to beachgoers. This community boasts the best sandy beach in Maine, Higgins Beach, as well as an enchanting coastal culture. York is another enchanting community, and it’s coveted by resort-goers for its four beaches, lighthouse, and historical sites. York is also a great place to collect sand dollars!
What beaches have the clearest water in Maine?
Though the coast is beautiful, some of the most pristine spots can be found inland. If you’re in search of the beach with the clearest water in Maine, you might consider a dip in Rattlesnake Pool. Its blue waters look like a Caribbean paradise! Prefer to stay on the coast? No problem! Just be sure to check out Laudholm Beach during your stay.
