The southern coast of Maine has no shortage of beautiful sandy beaches, particularly from Portland down the shoreline. There are so many, in fact, that choosing the best would be akin to picking the best slice of a delicious pizza or the best garden pea from a bursting pod.
However, although opinions certainly vary, some beaches surpass others in certain qualities. With these factors in mind, here is a selection of the best beaches in Maine.
CONVENIENCE
Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth
Crescent Beach is one of the best all-around beaches in Maine, and perhaps the most convenient and accessible. It is well tended, with a walking trail around the perimeter.
The 700-car parking lot virtually guarantees a space. Facilities include a large bathhouse with flush toilets and several shower stalls (unheated). The nearby snack bar offers moderately priced lunch items such as hot dogs and burgers, plus ice cream and other treats.
The beach is handicapped-accessible, with a boardwalk crossing the grassy dunes from the buildings and parking lot, and beach wheelchairs available on request. Richmond Island and a breakwater help keep the waves low, and the drop-off is gradual, making the swimming safe for children.
Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week in summer, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The sand is white and quite soft, and tide pools await exploration at the western end. There's even a nice view, particularly to the east where lobster boats work out of Kettle Cove.
Although Reid State Park has similar facilities, Crescent Beach wins for convenience because of its situation close to Portland.
Location: Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth. Admission for the day: $4.50 adults and children older than 12; $1 ages 5 to 11; children under age 5 and seniors admitted free.
SCENERY
Reid State Park, Georgetown
Georgetown is in the midcoast region, where the coastline is primarily rocky with fewer sandy beaches.
Reid State Park is a highly explorable mix of sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, tide pools and forest. Scenery includes striking views of Seguin Island Light and other islands; two scenic overlooks are equipped with viewers for visitors' use.
The park includes three ocean beaches and the "lagoon," an ocean-fed sheltered area with a small sandy beach. The lagoon is favored by families with small children, because it is wave-free and the water is several degrees warmer.
The white-sanded ocean beaches include Mile, Half-Mile and East Beaches, with the finest sand to be found at Half-Mile. A contingent of surfers frequents one end of Mile Beach. Amenities include three parking lots that are rarely if ever full, five miles of trails of various grades, picnic areas with grills, snack bars, flush toilets and unheated showers.
Location: Seguinland Road in Georgetown, off Route 127 (13 miles from Route 1 in Woolwich). Admission for the day: $4.50 adults and children older than 12; $1 ages 5 to 11; children under 5 and seniors free.
FAMILY OUTING
Fort Foster, Kittery
Fort Foster is something of a hidden treasure, primarily known to residents of southern York County, and a wonderful family destination with a variety of activities appealing to children.
This inlet beach has white sand, clear water and no significant undertow. The sand slopes out very gradually, so children and adults can wade a good distance before hitting deeper water. The gradual slope also helps warm the water.
Next to the beach are restrooms, picnic tables, walking trails and a playground, and close by are the remains of military fortifications dating as far back as 1899. The only downside is the lack of lifeguards; however, for adequately attentive parents this can be a plus, as it often means a less-crowded beach.
Location: Pocahontas...
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