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Maine has more than 5,000 miles of shoreline. Granite rocks and pine trees line most of the shore, making water access difficult. The 70 miles of the state’s sandy shore are top visitor destinations. The crystal clear waters tempt swimmers despite their cold temperatures. You’ll find many picturesque lighthouses and seafood restaurants. Be sure to try a lobster roll while you’re there.
If you’d like to go to a beach in Maine but you’re not sure which beach or where to stay, we can help with that. Here are the Green Vacation Deals picks for the best 10 beaches in Maine.
And we’re also giving you our list of the favorite hotels at each beach. This is based on excellent reviews they have received. A lot were even Maine Beach Award Winners in the Best Loved Hotels Awards by Hotels.com. All of these beach hotels had a lot of excellent reviews and received the highest guest ratings. And you can use Hotels.com to get the best price on your stay.
Ogunquit Beach
A beautiful and charming beach town with lighthouses and authentic Maine architecture. The Ogunquit Playhouse was built in 1933. Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki Native American language.
There is almost 4 miles of sandy beach that’s broken up into 3 sections, Maine Beach, North Beach and Footbridge Beach. Main Beach has chair rentals, including adirondack chairs under an awning. Life guards are on duty during select hours and there’s paid parking. You’ll also find restrooms with outdoor showers.
Favorite Hotels
- Anchorage by the Sea
- Gorges Grant Hotel
Wells Beach
Locals call Wells the “friendliest town in Maine.” Wells is located on the Amtrak Downeaster route from Boston, making it an easy stop for northbound visitors.
Wells Beach is separated from the mainland by the Webhannet River. It has sea grass and sand dunes. There will be long stretches of coastline at low tide.
Favorite Hotel
- Atlantic Oceanfront Hotel
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. It’s known for its absolutely stunning coastal beauty and its many lobster boats and yachts. Popular activities enjoyed there include kayaking, canoeing, whale watching, stand up paddle boarding, sailing, seal watching, fishing and ghost and lighthouse tours.
The Free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus Service makes regular stops in season at Bar Harbor beaches.
Best Loved Beach Hotel
- Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor has been called “The Boating Capital of New England.” During the summer months, it is a popular yachting and tourist destination. Lighthouses, whales, puffins, seals and lobster boats are just a few of the things you’ll see on one of the many cruises offered here. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, the Maine State Aquarium and its beautiful beaches are “must sees.
Top Hotel
- Spruce Point Inn
Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth hugs the shore of Casco Bay. It has Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light. Constructed in 1791, it was fueled by whale oil. Today the light is automated and the keeper’s house is a museum. The Cape Elizabeth Light is private and closed but makes for great photos. Crescent Beach is a one mile long beach of sand with picnic areas, a snack bar and a bathhouse.
Stand Out Hotel
- Inn By The Sea
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is located along the ocean and Kennebunkport River. It was settled in the 1600s and was a historic fishing village that became a tourist destination.
Kennebunkport has a number of sandy beach stretches and Goose Rocks Beach is the favorite. You’ll find three miles of soft sand. It’s perfectly protected in a crescent beach shape so the surf is gentle. It’s perfect for families and children.
Great Hotels
- Cape Arundel Inn & Resort
- Kennebunkport Inn
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is a 7-mile long sandy beach. It’s popular for swimming, sunbathing, bodysurfing, kayaking, jet skiing, beach volleyball and more. It has a boardwalk and the only beachfront amusement park in New England.
Readers Choice Beach Hotels
- Waves Oceanfront Resort
- Biarritz Motel & Suites
Popham Beach State Park
Popham Beach State Park is Maine’s busiest state park beach. Beach goers can walk across the sandbar to access nearby Fox Point during low tide and you can see multiple islands from the shore. The beach has grills, picnic tables, showers and public restrooms.
Where To Stay
- Spinneys Guesthouse & Beach Cottages
Wilson Lake
Wilson Lake is a 308 acre lake. Its 40 to 60 foot depth supports both warm and cold water fish species. Anglers go there in pursuit of salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass, brook trout, chain pickerel and more. There’s a sandy beach at Kineowatha Park.
Top Rated Beach Hotel
- Wilson Lake Inn
York
Incorporated in 1642, York is the second oldest town in Maine. It is situated beside the Atlantic Ocean on the Gulf of Maine and has long been a popular summer resort town. York Beach has a 10,000 square foot boardwalk with more than 250 rides and arcade games. Be sure to see the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. You should also walk across the Wiggly Bridge which is exactly what it sounds like.
Popular Beach Hotels
- Stage Neck Inn
- Union Bluff Hotel
- Stones Throw
- York Harbor Inn