The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Maine Like Never Before
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:
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.
Stop #2: Seawall Beach, Phippsburg
Morse Mountain Road, Morse Mountain Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
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!
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.
Stop #4: Sandy Point Beach, Stockton Springs
Steamboat Wharf Road, Steamboat Wharf Rd, Stockton Springs, ME 04981, USA
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.
Stop #5: Barred Island Preserve, Deer Island
Goose Cove Road, Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
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.
Stop #6: Branch Lake, Ellsworth
Branchview Drive, Branchview Dr, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
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!
Stop #7 and Overnight: Lamoine State Park, Lamoine
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!
Stop #8: Roque Bluffs State Park, Roque Bluffs
145 Schoppee Point Rd, Roque Bluffs, ME 04654, USA
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.
Stop #9: Jasper Beach, Machiasport
Jaspers Beach Road, Jaspers Beach Rd, Machiasport, ME 04655, USA
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!
Stop #10: Lily Bay State Park Beach / Dunn Point, Piscataquis County
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.
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.
Address: 145 Schoppee Point Rd, Roque Bluffs, ME 04654, USA
Address: Branchview Drive, Branchview Dr, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
Address: Morse Mountain Road, Morse Mountain Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
Address: Mile Road, Mile Rd, Wells, ME 04090, USA
Address: Jaspers Beach Road, Jaspers Beach Rd, Machiasport, ME 04655, USA
Address: Steamboat Wharf Road, Steamboat Wharf Rd, Stockton Springs, ME 04981, USA
Address: 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441, USA
Address: 23 State Park Rd, Lamoine, ME 04605, USA
Address: Goose Cove Road, Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
Address: 459 S Shore Dr, Owls Head, ME 04854, USA
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.
Address: 145 Schoppee Point Rd, Roque Bluffs, ME 04654, USA
Address: Branchview Drive, Branchview Dr, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
Address: Morse Mountain Road, Morse Mountain Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
Address: Mile Road, Mile Rd, Wells, ME 04090, USA
Address: Jaspers Beach Road, Jaspers Beach Rd, Machiasport, ME 04655, USA
Address: Steamboat Wharf Road, Steamboat Wharf Rd, Stockton Springs, ME 04981, USA
Address: 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441, USA
Address: 23 State Park Rd, Lamoine, ME 04605, USA
Address: Goose Cove Road, Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
Address: 459 S Shore Dr, Owls Head, ME 04854, 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.
