Maine’s rocky cliffs and long sandy beaches attract families year after year. During New England’s hot summers, locals and vacationers head north to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. The Southern coast of the Maine Beaches feature wide sandy beaches which are perfect for building sand castles, while the rocky shore further north makes for exciting tide pool adventures. Ride amusement park rides and watch fireworks at Old Orchard Beach, or swim in the gentle waters of Goose Rocks Beach. Here I’ll break down the best beaches in Maine for families.
Maine has always been my family’s favorite summer vacation destination. When I was little we often went to Wells Beach, Old Orchard Beach, and Long Sands Beach. Ogunquit Beach was great for exploring the charming nearby downtown as a preteen. Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor were also popular destinations. You can string together visits to a few of these beaches on a Maine Coast road trip.
If you are seeking a specific type of beach, check out these top picks:
- Best for little kids
- Best for nearby attractions
- Best for nature lovers
- Best for body surfing
- Best for picnicking
Best Beaches in Maine for Families
Maine beaches are known for big tides, resulting in smaller beaches at high tide and many tidepools and space at low tide. There are bigger tides the further North you go, so I suggest using the Tide Alert app to check the tides during your stay. The Maine Beaches website is another helpful tool for general information and nearby activities.
(Due to recent coastal flooding as of 2024, it is advised to stay up to date on current road restrictions and temporary closings)
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Best Southern Maine Beaches
Long Sands Beach, York
Just south of Cape Neddick in York is one of the most popular beaches, Long Sands Beach. Here there is a laid-back atmosphere yet a vibrant beach crowd. At low tide the beach is very spacious with room to play beach soccer, volleyball, or spike ball. There are good waves for body surfing, but overall the water is calm. The area is safe and restaurants are close along Short Sands Beach. From the beach you can even see Nubble Lighthouse.
Parking can be hard so it’s recommended to get there earlier in the day. There is metered parking and private parking. The bathrooms are newly remodeled and lifeguards are on duty. With family fun attractions nearby like York’s Wild Kingdom and the Golden Rod candy shop, York is a great coastal town for a full vacation.
Ogunquit beach, Ogunquit
Ogunquit Beach is the quintessential Maine experience, named one of the top 25 beaches in the U.S. by Trip Advisors Travelers Choice. Drive north past Cape Neddick to enjoy three miles of soft sand. You can stroll, swim, and take in the sun. There are decent waves for wave jumping and body surfing, and plenty of space and to build sand castles. The tides here do change a lot, but there is an inlet where kids can play without strong waves or currents.
The location is prime for it’s walking distance from many hotels, rental homes, and downtown. However, there is a tidal river that you have to cross either by bridge or boat. However at low tide, it’s easy to walk. Take a trolley ride into town and visit the old fishing village of Perkins Cove. Perkins Cove Candies and Barnacle Billy’s Restaurant are some great food options. Between the beach and downtown, it is easy to spend a long weekend vacation in Ogunquit.
Ogunquit is a popular tourist destination so be prepared for crowds, expensive parking, and pricier food. There is paid parking at the Maine beach section for $7 per hour or $40 per day. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season and public bathrooms are also available.
Wells Beach, Wells
Wells Beach is the perfect sweet spot as it’s not too touristy but popular for a family beach day. The beach is over a mile of sand, but tends to be rockier than nearby beaches. There’s a jetty for tide pooling and walking for more adventurous beachgoers. You can take long walks, swim, and play in the sand. This beach is one of those that has drastic tides so it’s recommended to visit during low tide to get the best experience. The town of Wells has many attractions like the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge where you can explore natural ecosystems, and Congdon’s Doughnuts.
Parking can get crowded so try to get there on the earlier side. Public parking lots are open 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, however you only have to pay between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; meter parking is $4 per hour. There are lifeguards and public restrooms.
Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport
With gentle waves, soft white sand, and view of islands in the distance, Goose Rocks Beach is an off-the-beaten-path paradise. This public beach goes for three miles and curves into a crescent shape. Goose Rocks Barrier Reef offshore slows down any big waves, creating a great spot for swimming with young children. It’s a perfect place to spend the day with kids and then spend the night in the cute coastal town of Kennebunkport.
There are no lifeguards and bathrooms, but in return you get a more secluded atmosphere. Parking is allowed in the posted areas on King Highway, Dyke Road, and New Biddeford Road. Permits are required from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily permits are $30 and weekly are $100 and can be purchased at GRB General Store or at Proctor and Kings Highway. Seasonal stickers are $200 and can be purchased at the Town Hall.
Mother’s Beach, Kennebunk
Out of all the beaches in Kennebunk, Mother’s Beach is the best for families with younger kids. Located off of Beach Avenue at the end of Kennebunk Beach, this small rocky beach is a beautiful tucked away cove. Kids can explore tide pools within safe supervision, and use the playground with swings, slides, and monkey bars. A day here is full of kids playing together and parents chatting over the beautiful scenery.
The parking is limited and a little more expensive, resulting in fewer crowds. Lifeguards are on duty from the middle of June to early September. Porta-potties are available as well. Parking permits are required and can be purchased at the Town Hall or via kiosk at the beach. This beach would make for a great day trip for the family.
Old Orchard Beach, Old Orchard Beach
Amusement park on the beach, what could be better? Old Orchard Beach’s seven miles of wide sandy beach is accompanied by Palace Playland, New England’s only beachfront amusement park. There are exciting rides for all ages to enjoy and a Ferris wheel. Your family can also enjoy shopping, indoor karting, minigolf, parasailing, biking, and concessions. The Old Orchard Beach Pier stretches out over the water where you can walk and eat fresh seafood and fried dough. A firework show plays over the beach every Thursday at 9:45 p.m. during the warm summer months.
There are public bathrooms throughout the area, but the closest ones are located near the pier are in Palace Playland near the Ferris wheel. Lifeguards are present for safety and use a flag system to warn of rip currents. This beach also has big tides so the beach’s size may change drastically throughout the day. If you are okay with walking, there is free parking further away from the pier. However, George’s Parking costs only $20 for the day and it’s close to the pier.
Higgins Beach, Scarborough
If your family is the adventurous type, you will love Higgins Beach. From kayaking and surfing, to fly fishing on the river, there are many water activities to choose from. You can sunbathe, beach comb for sand dollars, stroll the beach or simply watch the joggers. Because the beach is farther from crowds and businesses, the water is clearer. The atmosphere is quieter because it is a residential area. However, there is public access. Kids will be fascinated by the washed-up shipwreck visible at low tide. The only public bathrooms are a few blocks away, and there are no lifeguards. There are only a few metered parking spots that pay by the hour on Bayview Avenue.
Best State Park Beaches
Maine’s State Park System holds some of the most beautiful beaches, but they all require an entrance fee. Each fee is per person and based on whether or not you are a Maine resident. Children under five are free, children five to 11 are $1, and anyone 12 and older have to pay a specific amount based on the park. Vehicle season passes cost $105, but do not include Acadia National Park and Scarborough Beach.
Scarborough Beach State Park, Scarborough
As part of the National Park System, Scarborough Beach State Park is family-friendly and safe. This long sandy beach offers bigger waves for older kids who love wave jumping and body surfing. It’s not too crowded, creating a peaceful atmosphere. In the summer there is a food truck to grab snacks. Dogs are allowed but have to be leashed.
The beach hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and pit toilets are open after March 1st for the summer season. Summer day fees are $8 for Maine resident adults and $10 for nonresidents. Children five to 11 are resident $6 and nonresident are $8. It’s cash only and paid per person. Bayley’s Camping Resort is a great spot for camping close by. You could make a whole vacation out of Scarborough as Fun Town Splash Town is not far.
Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth
If your family loves nature, then Crescent Beach State Park is a great beach option close to Portland. Located on Cape Elizabeth, the water is warmer and calmer, making it a good spot for swimming and boating. Admire the grassy sand dunes, or walk the nature trails. The beach is a mile-long crescent shape and the lack of crowds makes it a quiet place. There is a playground for the children, picnic areas, and grills. Portland Paddle offers rentals for paddleboards and sea kayaks.
The beach opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at sunset year-round. Since it is part of the State Park system, there is an entrance fee of $8 per adult for nonresidents, and $6 per adult if you are a Maine resident. For children five to 11, it’s $1 and children under five are free. Bathhouses and cold water showers are available, and lifeguards are on duty. Parking does not seem to be a big issue. After a day at the beach, stop by the Lobster Shack at Two Lights for a lobster roll.
Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg Midcoast
Out of all the Maine State Park beaches, Popham Beach State Park is the busiest destination. If you are looking for a great sandy beach for swimming, then this pick is a great option. Kayaking and paddle boarding are also common here and during low tide, shallow sections open up for kids to play. Due to recent beach erosion, high tide causes the beach to shrink. The waves here are smaller and the views are breathtaking.
The park hours are 9:00 a.m. to sunset and there are bathhouses, rinse-off showers, and grills. Lifeguards are here from the middle of June to the middle of August, and parking fills up fast. There is a State Park Entrance fee of $6 for adult Maine residents or $8 for nonresidents. For children five to 11, it’s $1 and children under five are free.
Reid State Park Beach, Georgetown
Reid State Park is a natural oasis with walking trails, a beautiful rocky coast and sandy beach. Reid State Park Beach is ranked the #1 beach in New England for surfing. Large sand dunes and rock formations surround a flat sandy area to swim. The waves are great for body surfing and wave jumping. The best part is the small lagoon which has warmer and safer water for kids to swim and play.
One of the most unique parts is the natural heritage hikes where you are guided through the geography, ecology, and culture of the trails. Some nesting areas are marked off for endangered animals as well. Many shorebirds come here for feeding so remember your binoculars. On top of Griffith’s Head, you can see lighthouses on Sequin Island. After your day at the beach, there is Five Islands Lobster Company for lobster rolls about a 10 minute drive away.
There’s a picnic area, lifeguards, bathhouses, changing areas, and dirt lots for parking. Like other State Parks, operation hours are 9:00 a.m. to sunset, and there is an entrance fee. For adults it is $6 per person for Maine residents and $8 for nonresidents. For children five to 11, it’s $1 and children under five are free.
Sebago Lake State Park, Naples, Casco
Maine’s lake beaches are also worth mentioning, especially for those who prefer them. Sebago Lake State Park offers beach access to Sebago Lake, Maine’s deepest and second-largest lake. The water is not too chilly, clear, and calm, perfect for swimming. Many people enjoy sport fishing, camping, and boating. There is a family-friendly campsite right near the beach that is very safe. It’s a great mix between glamping and off-the-grid. There is a playground for the kids and biking trails.
The park is open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily. There is an entrance fee collected which is $6 per adult Maine resident and $8 per nonresident adult. For children five to 11, it’s $1 and children under five are free.
Sand Beach, Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the most visited and famous parts of Maine. Acadia is located right next to Bar Harbor, a popular tourist destination. Making your way up to Sand Beach can be a whole family vacation as you can also spend time exploring the park including Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole. There are numerous camping options to choose from or bed and breakfasts.
Sand Beach, the largest sandy beach in Acadia, is a white sand beach with turquoise blue water surrounded by stunning cliffs. The water is not the calmest as there are waves and strong tides. Despite the water being pretty cold, there are many fun activities like tide pooling and hiking. It’s a great spot to take in the views and connect with nature, and maybe picnic after a hike.
The Island Explorer Shuttle offers free rides here in the summer and there are bathhouses and changing rooms. Lifeguards are on duty and parking is available, but it fills up quickly so it is recommended to shuttle. As it is close to Bar Harbor, the beach can get quite crowded with vacationers and explorers, but the nature is truly breathtaking.
Visiting Maine? You may also be interested in…
- Maine coast road trip
- Best places to go in Maine in the summer
- Weekend in Portland
- Things to do in Rockland Maine
- Things to do in Boothbay Harbor Maine
- Reasons to take a Maine Windjammer Cruise
- Maine Highlands road trip
- Downeast Acadia Maine road trip
Lily O’Neill is a freelance content writer set to graduate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in spring 2024. She also blogs on her own website, Humanscrapbook, where she focuses on lifestyle, wellness and travel content. With a background in psychology and cultural anthropology, Lily combines social sciences and her own travels to craft meaningful stories.
