With more coastline than California, it’s not surprising that Maine has some epic and glorious beaches. Not all of them are feet-friendly (they don’t call it a rocky coastline for no reason,) but the ones you can walk on feature the whitest, softest sand in New England. Laying around on the beach is a great way to spend the day, but if you’re the more curious type I bet you’re going to want to do some exploring. If this sounds like you head to Long Sands Beach in York, Maine. You’ll find seashells, but you also just might find one of nature’s coolest creations – a sand dollar! And this might be the best beach in Maine for sand dollars.

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Unique sand dollars are one of the most fun finds to make on a beach.
scottmccracken / Flickr
While beachcombers often find them in skeletal form, called "tests," they are actually slightly spikey when they're alive.
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Despite looking quite different, they're related to spindly sea urchins. This is more apparent when they're alive and covered with spines.
Unlike the sea urchin, however, sand dollars have spines that are soft and furry. Sometimes they feel like velvet. These soft spines exist to help move food into the mouth of the sea creature, which is underneath its body.
Maurene_K / TripAdvisor
Sand dollars primarily live in colonies of shallow ocean water, buried in the sandy bottom.
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While they're special to find, it's certainly not impossible once you know what to do.
Charlie L / TripAdvisor
Long Sands Beach is known for finding sand dollars in Maine.
Mike G / TripAdvisor
With miles of sandy shoreline, you'll be sure to enjoy scavenging for these wonderous little sea urchins.
Sand dollars can be found on the beach once they've died and washed ashore.
firepile / Flickr
A great first step is to track storms - chances of finding a sand dollar are greater after a large storm blows through causing large waves to bring them to shore more easily.
deebug2470 / TripAdvisor
York's Long Sands Beach sees a huge influx of visitors during warmer months, bringing thousands to the area.
Next, be sure to look during low tide.
deebug2470 / TripAdvisor
You may need to wake up early since this often happens in the morning or at the end of the day, depending on where you are.
Lisa M / TripAdvisor
In total, this sand dollar beach in Maine covers fifteen miles of sandy beach! There are plenty of places to search for that perfect sand dollar to bring home.
Be sure to search at the high tide line, which is the highest place the water will have come up before going out again.
deebug2470 / TripAdvisor
Long Sands Beach offers many conveniences like restrooms and metered parking along Long Beach Avenue.
York is one of the favorite beach towns in Maine. Whether you are a local or tourist, be sure to visit Long Sands Beach for amazing sand dollar finds and more!
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Dogs are allowed during certain hours of the day.
Sand Dollars from Maine make the perfect souvenir. Not only do they not come from a gift shop, but you will have a great story behind finding yours in the great state!
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If you see a round patch in the sand or any kind of depression, look beneath it as these are signs of sand dollars that have been covered with sand from the tide.
rusty_clark / Flickr
Did you know that sand dollars go by many names? In New Zealand, they're known as sea cookies. In South Africa, they're called Pansy Shell.
You'll probably find lots of other fun sea creatures as well, but always be careful not to disturb anything that's living - this is their home and touching them can disturb the living ecosystem.
deebug2470 / TripAdvisor
And, if you're lucky, you'll come away with a haul like this!
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From the lower section of the beach, you'll have a great view of Nubble Light on Cape Neddick.
Steph L / TripAdvisor
Straight ahead you can see Boone Island Light and to the South is Isles of Shoals, on the Maine and New Hampshire border.
Whether you're beachcombing or simply looking for a way to relax, Long Sands Beach is beautiful at any time of year.
karenbN5780VF / TripAdvisor
Take the time to visit Long Sands Beach in York, Maine and experience the tranquility of one of New England's best beaches. It's the perfect place to start and end your day, and worth every sand dollar you find.
RocFan / TripAdvisor

 

Have you visited Long Sands Beach? If so, we’d love to hear your tips and tricks for making a trip extra special. If you haven’t visited yet, consider planning a long weekend in a hotel to enjoy the entire area.

Sea glass is another fun find on the coast of Maine. Check out some of the best beaches for finding and collecting these colorful treasures.

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More to Explore

Best Beach in Maine for Sand Dollars

Michelle S. | July 02, 2023

Are there any beach towns in Maine?

There are plenty of great beach towns in Maine to visit. A few local favorites are:

  • Old Orchard Beach: Not only does Old Orchard Beach offer the longest stretch of sand in the state, it's also fantastic for a fun family vacation. Spend the days on the beach and the evening exploring the amusement park and pier.
  • York: Long Sands Beach is located in the lovely town of York and it offers quite a bit to see and do. One of the most popular ways to enjoy the area is by searching for sand dollars.
  • Ogunquit: This coastal town is one of the most popular among tourists, as well as locals. Come for the restaurants, but stay for the nearby hiking and outdoor attractions.
  • Wells: This is a great base to explore a few nearby beaches in southern Maine. Start with Laudhold Beach, which includes a walking trail and a pristine sandy beach.

 

Maine’s coastline is lined with idyllic beach towns. Known as “vacationland,” one of Maine’s finest attractions is its seaside resort towns. Visitors enjoy ample shopping options. From boutiques to galleries, there is something for everyone. Dining on fresh lobster and blueberry pies also makes these beachy towns ideal for a trip.

Which beach in Maine has the most pristine sand?

The beach in Maine with the most pristine sand is often believed to be Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, Maine. It is consistently ranked as one of the best sandy beaches in the coastal state of Maine. With its native name meaning “beautiful place by the sea,” this busy beach offers three miles of white sandy coast near the center of town. Find paid parking and secure your spot early at this popular Maine paradise.

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