Ferry Beach, Seawall Beach, Lamoine Beach, Roque Bluffs State Park, Jasper Beach: these scenic Maine beaches are great getaways for the whole family.
Maine is a popular choice when it comes to summer vacations. Between the mountains and the coast, there is something for everyone.
There is hiking on the upper end of the Appalachian Trail, there are lakes for fishing and camping, and rivers for canoeing and whitewater rafting, but the best-known reason to come to Maine is to experience the miles and miles of beautiful beaches, rugged rocky coastal trails, and quaint seaside towns. There are many popular beaches, but sometimes they get a bit crowded for those who truly want to get away from it all.
Here are five beautiful beaches, just a bit off the beaten path, which is the essence of the unspoiled beauty of the coast of Maine.
Ferry Beach, a Local Favorite
Ferry Beach is a favorite among the locals of the town of Scarborough, Maine. Scarborough is home to many of the more popular beach destinations, including Pine Point Beach, Scarborough Beach, and Higgin’s Beach. The locals know that when these get too crowded they can always find a place on the long sandy stretch of Ferry Beach.
The beach has a nice shallow area perfect for young children to play safely without having to worry about strong currents or waves and gradually becomes more spread out. The swimming at Ferry Beach is fantastic, with your choice of shallow gradual areas, and places where the water becomes deep quite quickly; great for making a splash!
Although Ferry Beach is one of the quiet beaches in the area, there is ample parking, public restroom facilities, and a municipal boat ramp. It is a great spot for a family looking for a quiet alternative. The Town of Scarborough has published a pamphlet giving more information on Ferry Beach and the other beaches in the area.
Seawall Beach, a Hidden Gem
Seawall Beach, located in the town of Phippsburg, Maine, sits at the edge of The Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area. According to the Bates College website, the beach is owned by The Small Point Association, a local conservation organization, and is home to many rare and endangered species of plants, birds, and animals.
There are five vacation homes that can be found on the Morse River website that can be rented within the conservation land, or if you only have a day you can access the beach by foot over a two-mile trail through the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area. Stepping out in the sun onto the mile-long expanse of pristine sparkling sand and dunes that are Seawall Beach, will stir the nature lover in anyone.
Lamoine Beach, Relaxation With a Mountain View
Located in the town of Lamoine, Maine, just inland of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park.
On the website AcadiaMagic.com, Greg A. Hartford describes Lamoine Beach as offering over 2,500 yards of sand and sea with beautiful views of the island’s breathtaking mountains. There are picnic facilities and a boat ramp, and more facilities available at Lamoine State Park nearby. Lamoine Beach is a wonderful retreat from the packed streets of Bar Harbor, and you can plan the next day’s hike from where you bask in the sun.
Roque Bluffs State Park, the Best of Both Worlds
Down East Maine is known more for blueberry barrens and fresh lobster, but hidden away in this quiet part of the state is beautiful Roque Bluffs State Park, located in the town of Roque Bluffs. The beach arcs gracefully inside a small cove providing beautiful views of the coastline and the islands of Englishman Bay. Roque Bluffs beach is a combination of sand and pebbles, leaving shells and sea glass and sea tumbled stones; this is a beachcomber’s dream.
There are picnic and restroom facilities available, and when you have finished looking for the treasure you can take a dip or go kayaking in the park’s freshwater pond. More information can be found on the Maine Office of Tourism website.
Jasper Beach, an Unusual Gem
If you are looking for something entirely different Jasper Beach in the town of Machiasport, Maine is just the place. It is on the ocean side, an entire pebble beach, made up of the polished bits of stone from the rocky cliffs surrounding the area.
Named for the stones, which only have the appearance of jasper as stated by Joe Kelly of the Maine Geological Survey states in his article entitled “Jasper Beach, Machiasport, Maine” (Maine Department of Conservation, June, 2000), hours can be spent looking at the many interesting colors and patterns in the pebbles. There is a wonderful rhythmic sound as the waves break and roll-out, carrying the rocks with them. The beach is surrounded by cliffs on both sides and bordered at the back by a tidal marsh with sand and dune grass. Jasper Beach is truly a wonderful place to explore.
No matter what part of the Maine coast you expect to be visiting, one of these beaches will be just a short trip away. You will love to explore these lovely unspoiled spots, really getting away from it all, and enjoying Maine, “The Way Life Should Be.”