Check Out These 10 Beaches For Beautiful Maine Sea Glass
Sea glass is produced naturally when the glass of broken bottles and other miscellaneous objects lost in the sea are rolled and tumbled in the ocean for years. Eventually, the edges of these pieces are rounded and made smooth, and the previously shiny glass takes on a frosted appearance. Based on ocean currents and tides, these pieces of glass wash ashore, awaiting beachcombers who come and take them to be re-purposed. Wondering where to find sea glass beaches in Maine? Well, there are lots of spots in Maine where you can find your very own specimen. Here are just a few of the best sea glass beaches in Maine to try!
Remember, searching for sea glass requires patience, as well as trial and error. One person might report having a great haul on Saturday, only to go back Sunday and return with nothing. If you can’t find anything, it’s just an excuse to come back another time!
In addition to being a great place for sea glass hunting, this 48-acre conservation area offers an almost mile-long, easy hiking trail. Learn more about Mowry Beach.
One of the best known spots (among those in the know) for overall exploration, this beach is located about 12 nautical miles from the coast of Maine. You can only explore this area if you've got a boat to take you there, which is all the better for keeping your finds a secret. Learn more about visiting Monhegan Island.
In addition to being one of the best places to actually spend a beach day in Acadia, Sand Beach often turns up some nice sea glass. Take a look in the morning or evening for the best chance of something nice. Word on the street is that pale pink sea glass can sometimes be found here. It's rare, so look carefully!
This just might be THE place to find sea glass. Located a few miles away from Portland and accessed via ferry, it's a pretty easy place to explore if you're in the area. Most of the land is privately owned, and the lack of lots of cars means it offers a lovely escape from the mainland.
Editor's Note: Sea Glass Beach on Diamond Cove is located within a private community, and land access to the beach is only open to residents, guests of the hotel, and by appointment via a tour with the Fort McKinley Museum. Learn more about visiting Great Diamond Island.
5. Spring Point Beach, South Portland
Spring Point Shoreway Trail, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
Not only is this a nice place for sea glass adventuring, you'll also be able to take in the views of Spring Point Lighthouse. The best time to find glass is early in the morning or later in the day, as well as during the off-season. Learn more about accessing this beach via the Spring Point Shoreway Trail.
This two-mile beach runs from Biddeford Pool to Fortune’s Rocks. Head to the southern end to find the best sea glass. Learn more about Fortune's Rocks Beach.
This beach has an old pool area where you may be able to find pieces of clear, green, blue and brown glass. This is a great option if you hope to re-purpose these into art projects as you'll have lots of color options with which to work. Learn more about Popham Beach.
There's more than one specific area here to find some great sea glass, so be adventurous. Once you've found your spot, you may be able to find sea glass of all colors! Some people have reported filling bags and bags of glass in under an hour's time, making this one of the best beaches in Maine for sea glass! Learn more about the small town of Belfast, Maine.
10. Greater Cranberry and Little Cranberry Islands, Cranberry Isles
This area is a wonderful place to explore if you find yourself in the Downeast area. Beachcombers have reported finding dark blue and red glass. Learn more about the Cranberry Isles.
Looking to explore more of Maine’s beaches? Check out our guide to the top 10 secret beaches in Maine.
Address: Fortunes Rocks Beach, Maine 04005, USA
Address: Pebble Beach, Northport, ME 04849, USA
Address: Great Diamond Island, Portland, ME 04109, USA
Address: Acadia National Park, Acadia, ME 04762, USA
Address: Roque Bluffs Beach, Roque Bluffs, ME 04654, USA
Address: 86 Pleasant St, Lubec, ME 04652, USA
Address: Cranberry Isles, ME, USA
Address: Popham Beach, ME 04562, USA
Address: Belfast, ME 04915, USA
Address: Spring Point Shoreway Trail, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Sea Glass Beaches In Maine
June 30, 2022
Meghan Byers
What are some other beautiful beaches in Maine?
With the Pine Tree State boasting more coastline than California, there are plenty of beaches in Maine to explore. Go beach-combing at Long Sands Beach, the best place to find sand dollars in Maine. Or head to the unique Jasper Beach where you’ll find “singing stones” on its rocky shoreline. To get away from the crowds, visit Laudholm Beach in Wells. You’ll have to hike through the forest to reach its shores. And of course, there’s Old Orchard Beach, with a seven-mile stretch of sand and some of the best sunsets in the state. Can’t get enough of the coast? Try this road trip to some hidden beaches in Maine.
What are the best boardwalks in Maine?
If you’re looking for a quintessential boardwalk experience, look no further than the Old Orchard Pier, located in Old Orchard Beach. This bustling Maine boardwalk features games, rides, and typical boardwalk food, including the iconic Original Pier French Fries – first served on the Pier in 1932. For a much quieter boardwalk trek, visit Ship Harbor Trail in Acadia National Park. This trail is mostly comprised of narrow boardwalks leading through the park and eventually down to a rocky beach. It’s an easy hike and perfect if you’re looking for a calmer way to enjoy Maine’s coastline.
What are the best places to go swimming in Maine?
Maine’s beautiful beaches aren’t the only places to go swimming on a hot summer’s day. Lakes, waterfall swimming holes, rivers – Maine’s inland waters are not to be missed either. They’re also often a little bit warmer than the bracing ocean waters. If you’re looking for some old-fashioned adventure, check out some of the best swimming holes in Maine.
Address: Fortunes Rocks Beach, Maine 04005, USA
Address: Pebble Beach, Northport, ME 04849, USA
Address: Great Diamond Island, Portland, ME 04109, USA
Address: Acadia National Park, Acadia, ME 04762, USA
Address: Roque Bluffs Beach, Roque Bluffs, ME 04654, USA
Address: 86 Pleasant St, Lubec, ME 04652, USA
Address: Cranberry Isles, ME, USA
Address: Popham Beach, ME 04562, USA
Address: Belfast, ME 04915, USA
Address: Spring Point Shoreway Trail, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.