HERE IT ’ S ALL ABOUT
THE BEACHES
Long stretches of sandy beaches intermingle with the quintessential rocky coastline … spanning more than thirty miles from Kittery to Old Orchard Beach .
Warm sun beaming down from a turquoise sky onto white sands ; this is The Maine Beaches . It is a place of long-sought relaxation , wide-open spaces , and sea views beckoning your eyes to the horizon . Sandpipers skitter with the surf , grassy dunes whisper in the salty breeze .
Here the beaches are more than a way to spend the day . For many , they are the center of activity : a morning surf , a time of reflection , or a full day of fun . Time can be very well spent beachcombing for sand dollars , seashells , or wave-softened colorful bits of glass ; or merely kicking back waiting for the incoming high tide to chase you further up the beach .
Fun ! It ’ s what you will find at the beach . Join in some family activities like corn hole , bocce , and ladder toss . Bring a beach ball and play catch in the gentle waves . Everyone will love building sandcastles and digging to the center of the earth . When the tide pulls out , you can explore sun-warmed tidal pools for “ strange ” creatures like spiky sea urchins and scuttling crabs hiding under flat rocks or in the seaweed .
Fill your cooler with a few sandwiches , lobster rolls , and locally made soft drinks for a beachside spread . Bring your gear and do a little surfcasting for stripers , or plan on catching up on that summer reading and maybe a few midday winks .
The Maine Beaches are rich in venerable seaside communities , distinctive lighthouses , and popular amenities . Stroll our boardwalks , clustered with ice cream stands and seafood shacks . In some spots , you ’ ll find classic oceanfront amusement parks that have brought fun to generations of families , whether it ’ s wooden roller coasters , featured creatures , or water park fun !
Pull up a beach chair and join the panorama of brightly colored umbrellas . Many local beaches , Ogunquit , Wells , Kennebunkport , Kennebunk , and Old Orchard Beach , now offer beach wheelchairs that help people with special needs get to the beach and enjoy the waves . Availability is limited , so call ahead for details . Stay through the evening for spectacular sunsets or rise early for yoga in tune with an unforgettable sunrise .
Dive into the water , water everywhere . Surfers can take to our waters year-round , but only with a full wet suit and a sense of adventure . The slightly less adventurous can try a stand-up paddleboard or kayak . Kids love skim boarding at the water ’ s edge .
The Maine Beaches offers great vacation fun for every member of the family , including Fido . Nearly every beach is dog friendly at some point during the day . Just be sure to check ahead for days , hours , and rules regarding dogs . •
See the chart on the next page for list of our beaches and their amenities .