The 6 Best Maine Ocean Beaches
by Eric J. Hurwitz. Article updated on July 28, 2017.
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Maine ocean beaches have a special flavor of their own
making it worth a special destination. Natives know that the
combination of the rocky coastline, cool breezes and pristine waters
create a special summer place that is unlike any other in New England.
Choosing the top beaches in Maine is probably not fair as there are so
many popular and "secret" locations worth mentioning. The Visiting New
England.com staff (me) recommends starting with the following destinations
when planning your Maine summer vacation:
Long Sands Beach, York

The appropriately-named Long Sands Beach.
The two-mile stretch at Long Sands Beach is perfect for strolling,
sunning., or just meeting friendly people. If you don't mind the frigid
waters, it is also perfect for swimming. From Long Sands beach, the
famous Nubble Lighthouse is visible. Many fine lodging establishments
overlook Long Sands Beach. In addition to lodging options, there are some
great restaurants a step away from the beach, including a fine seafood
establishment Sun and Surf --with splendid views of the beach. If ice
cream is your forte, just look in any direction away from the ocean and
you'll find myriad hard and soft-serve concoctions. Long Sands Beach
is a great playground for children and adults, alike with more to do
than just hang out at the beach. Long Sands Beach is located on Route 1A in York Beach. Book a room near Long Sands Beach
Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport

Beautiful Goose Rocks Beach.
Perhaps one of the most forgotten great beaches in New England, Goose
Rocks is scenic and tranquil, the perfect spot to get away from the
hustle and bustle of the booming Southern Maine tourism industry. The
stunning views of Goose Rocks and Timber Island and a great three-mile
stretch of beach make Goose Rocks a personal favorite to those who have
had the fortune to discover this "road less taken" spot. It's
especially nice at sundown as the colorful flavor of the day sky weaves
magic around the splendid solitude of this grand New England beach. Goose Rocks Beach on the Kings Highway in Kennebunkport. Book a room near Goose Rocks Beach
Short Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine

Classic summer beach scene at Short Sands Beach.
Perhaps the blue print for what a family beach should be, Short Sands
Beach exudes fun as the sandy stretch of beach is perfect for picnics,
building sandcastles, swimming in the slightly-warmer-than-average
chilly Maine Waters, playing in the playground, shooting hoops,
watching free concerts at the gazebo, and the attractions of bowling,
arcade games, ice cream, and salt water taffy (courtesy of Goldenrods).
With charming York Beach center holding its hand and views of the great
rocky, Maine coastline, Short Sands Beach is Maine's true good-time
beach, the perfect soundtrack to a fun family summer. Short Sands Beach is located off Route 1A in downtown York Beach. Book a room near Short Sands Beach
Old Orchard Beach, Old Orchard Beach,
Maine

Old Orchard Beach. Photo source: VisitMaine at https://visitmaine.com/places-to-go/the-maine-beaches/old-orchard-beach/.
It's easy to be a child again at Old Orchard Beach. The miniature golf,
cotton candy, fried dough, French fries, cheeseburgers, carousel,
arcade games, amusement rides, festivals, fairs, concerts, fireworks,
boardwalk and oh, yes, a long strecth of unusually sandy beach for
Maine makes this a great family destination. It's all quite honky-tonk,
but in a clean, fun way. Old Orchard Beach has been a favorite family
destinations for generations, and remains that way in a big, fun way. Book a room in Old Orchard Beach
Ogunquit beaches, Ogunquit, Maine

Ogunquit Beach. Photo Source: Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogunquit.
The three mile stretch from the downtown Main Beach to the northern
Moody Beach ranks as one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in
New England. Seemingly endless, the flat, expansive sandy region has
more in common than Cape Cod beaches than the rocky coastline of Maine.
It's all quite family-oriented, with a safe feeling. When at the beach, don't forget to take a stroll at nearby Marginal Way, one of the most spectacular oceanside walks in New England. Book a room near Ogunquit Beach
Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine

Sand Beach at Acadia National Park, Maine.
Sand Beach is an instant memory as it is set between the spectacular
setting of the classic rocky Maine coastline and mountains. Just under
300 yards long, Sand Beach may be short in distance, but endless in
beauty -- so untouched and so small and intimate is this wonder of
nature that it makes you wish that you could bring this environment
home. Sand
Beach is located on the Loop Road in Acadia National Park, Maine
(entrance fee required to see Sand Beach and the rest of the
spectacular Acadia National Park). Book a room near Sand Beach
Related articles:
Things to do in York Beach
Why you should visit Kennebunkport
You just won't believe the beauty of Acadia National Park
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