If you’re looking for the perfect beach vacation, you can’t get much more ideal than the shores of Maine. Many of Maine’s beaches have inviting white sand, calm waves, and plenty of sunny days, especially in the summer months. You might even catch a glimpse of a breaching whale or other native animal during your visit.
Warmest Beaches in Maine to Visit in Summer
One of the best ways to enjoy a beach day is to take a dip in the ocean. But frigid water temperatures can make this activity less than enjoyable.
If you’re on the hunt for the warmest beaches in Maine, the southern coast of the state is the best place to visit. Let’s take a look at some of those warmer beaches so that you’ll know where to go to have some fun in the sun this summer.
York Harbor Beach
Located along U.S. Route 1A, York Harbor Beach is easily accessible from north and south along the coast of Maine. The waves at this beach tend to be on the gentle side, making it the perfect destination for families with young children.
The nearby Cliff Walk is also a great way to take in the stunning ocean views. And next door, you’ll find Harley Mason Park, which provides plenty of benches and trees for shade.
Long Sands Beach
Long Sands Beach is comprised of two miles of white sand beaches, and it’s considered to be one of the best destinations for a classic beach day near York. Visitors can swim in the ocean, play beach volleyball, or sunbathe to their heart’s content. Surfing is even allowed in designated areas.
Cape Neddick Beach
Cape Neddick Beach is one of York’s smallest beaches, which makes it an ideal destination for visitors in search of a private beach experience. Cape Neddick Beach is nestled at the mouth of the Cape Neddick River, and there are plenty of tide pools full of local marine life to explore.
Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach is connected to Ellis Park on U.S. Route 1A in York. Much like Cape Neddick Beach, this one is small and private but still provides plenty of space for sunbathing, playing in the sand, or taking a dip in the water. And the nearness of Ellis Park makes it easy for visitors to go straight from recreational activities in the park to lounging on the beach and vice versa.
Fort Foster Beach
Fort Foster Beach is the perfect place to combine a scenic hike with a relaxing day at the coast. Located on Kittery Point, Fort Foster is one of the southernmost beaches in Maine, and its coastal trail attracts hikers from all over the area. This beach is also dog-friendly and provides incredible views of the Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor.
Footbridge Beach
Footbridge Beach is another one of the warmest beaches in Maine. To reach it, visitors must walk over the quaint plank bridge that connects on either side of the Ogunquit River. This is precisely what got this beach its name.
The relaxed, easygoing beach is a great spot. You can take a walk, enjoy some gentle tide that’s pleasantly warm in the summer, and even find some unique and beautiful shells along the waterline.
Gooch’s Beach
Gooch’s Beach is located in The Kennebunks along a roughly half-mile stretch on Beach Avenue. While Gooch’s Beach is small in size, this destination is known for its white, shining sand and moderately sized waves, making it safe for experienced swimmers. Gooch’s Beach is also known as a great spot to fish for bass, especially off the beach’s Kennebunk River jetty.
Colony Beach
Colony Beach is one of Maine’s rockier beaches, which means it’s not optimal for laying out on the sand or swimming. However, the rocks at Colony Beach, also known as Arundel Beach, can be fun to climb for those who enjoy doing so.
While the water may not be ideal for swimming, the spray you’ll feel while out on the rocks will be pleasantly warm. And those who are interested in fishing can engage in that activity at Colony Beach’s jetty.
Camp Ellis Beach
Camp Ellis Beach is a popular destination for swimming, picnicking, and fishing near the Saco River’s mouth. Camp Ellis Beach features:
- Plenty of soft sand to lay out on
- Warm waters to swim in
- Its own fishing pier for fishers to cast their lines
Despite the numerous available activities, this small beach remains relatively private throughout the summer.
There are also plenty of amenities to be enjoyed near Camp Ellis Beach. It’s easy to find a wide variety of activities to take part in during your day.
Old Orchard Beach
At Old Orchard Beach, visitors can find one of Maine’s longest-standing beach resorts, a cultural mainstay in the area since 1863. Old Orchard Beach stretches across seven miles of glittering sand, perfect for relaxing, building sand castles, or strolling along the shore.
Additionally, the Old Orchard Beach Pier offers plenty of attractions and opportunities for fun for families of all kinds, and there are several other businesses to visit in the immediate area.
Enjoy Your Vacation at the Warmest Beaches in Maine
An amazing summer vacation can be had no matter which area in Maine you choose to make your destination. If plenty of time spent in the water is your priority, however, visiting the warmest beaches in Maine will ensure that your trip is memorable and fun.
Stage Neck Inn is an iconic destination where families and friends share delightful experiences that evolve into lifetime memories. Offering spacious accommodations with modern amenities and classic décor, breathtaking ocean and harbor views and the ocean’s relaxing sounds make for the perfect stay at our oceanfront resort in York Harbor, ME. Book your stay online now.