Maine's Beaches: 3,500 Miles of Coastline, 600+ Beaches

Maine's famously jagged coastline—3,478 miles (NOAA)—creates a multitude of beaches, coves, and inlets.

By the Numbers

• Total Beaches (Public + Private): 600+ (Maine Geological Survey / Maine Healthy Beaches Program).
• Monitored Public Beaches: ~60 coastal beaches tested weekly for water quality (Memorial Day–Labor Day).
• State Parks with Beaches: 12+ (Reid, Popham, Scarborough, Crescent, Rangeley Lake, etc.).
• Land Trust/Municipal Beaches: Hundreds more, often quieter.

Types of Maine Beaches

• Long Sand Beaches: Old Orchard (7 mi), Wells, Ogunquit, Reid, Popham.
• Rocky Coves & Pocket Beaches: Acadia National Park (Sand Beach), Two Lights, Kettle Cove.
• Tidal Flats: Vast exposed flats at low tide (clamming, worming).
• Freshwater Lakes: 6,000+ lakes/ponds — many with sandy beaches (Sebago, Moosehead, Rangeley).

Access & Etiquette

• Public Trust Doctrine: Intertidal zone (low to high tide) is public for "fishing, fowling, navigation." Dry sand often private.
• Respect private property. Use designated access points.
• Leave no trace. Pack out trash. Dogs leashed (check local rules).

Best Resources

• Maine Healthy Beaches — water quality, advisories.
• Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands — state park beaches.
• VisitMaine.com — regional guides.