Best Family Friendly Beaches in Maine

Old Orchard Beach's 7 miles of pristine, golden sand is sure to please any family -- especially considering it's lifeguard protected. The beach's center, however, is its iconic pier where you can do anything from playing carnival games, eating, shopping, dancing and even watching concerts.

Crescent Beach State Park is a picturesque public recreation area located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, offering a mile-long, crescent-shaped beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The park is open year-round from 9 AM to sunset and features trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, making it a versatile destination for both summer and winter activities. The beach is surrounded by sandy dunes, saltwater coves, and wooded areas, providing a serene environment for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.
The park's unique geology includes a smaller pocket beach known as Kettle Cove, which offers beautiful coastal views and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the beaches and trails during the off-season when the park is closed to vehicles.
Crescent Beach State Park is a popular spot for birdwatching and offers stunning views of fishing boats and an offshore island, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and outdoor adventure.

If you're looking for a quaint, charming beach, Kennbunkport's Goose Rocks beach is one of the best. The beach is long and covered with its signature, white, plush sand that is perfect to relax on.

Wells Beach in Maine offers a serene and expansive coastal experience with nearly seven miles of sandy shoreline. Located between Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, it provides a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and exploring the nearby tidal pools and jetties surrounding Wells Harbor. The area is also rich in cultural events, including summer concerts at Wells Harbor Community Park and various festivals throughout the year. The beach's proximity to Boston, about 90 minutes north, makes it an ideal weekend getaway for those seeking a tranquil oceanfront experience.

Wells Beach is part of a larger coastal community that includes other beautiful beaches like Moody Beach and Drakes Island Beach. The town of Wells itself is known for its friendly atmosphere and historical significance, being one of the oldest towns in Maine. The beach area is complemented by a variety of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and recreational activities like golf and mini-golf.

The scenic drives around Wells offer stunning views of lighthouses and historic landmarks, adding to the area's charm. Overall, Wells Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the quintessential Maine coastal lifestyle.

This 1.5 mile, sandy oasis known as Long Sands Beach is fantastic for any family outing -- it's even dog friendly! On-site amenities making it convenient for families further adds to the experience.

York Harbor Beach is a charming, small sandy beach nestled along a rocky shoreline in York, Maine. It is affectionately known as 'Mothers' Beach' due to its suitability for toddlers. The beach offers a serene atmosphere, making it perfect for family outings. Located nearby are several attractions, including the historic Nubble Lighthouse and scenic hiking trails like the Cliff Walk. York Harbor itself is a year-round vacation destination, offering rich colonial history, stunning beaches, and fun family activities.
The area is surrounded by beautiful parks, such as Hartley Mason Park, which provides shade and benches for relaxation. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local shops and restaurants within walking distance, offering everything from seafood to casual dining options.
York Harbor Beach is a great spot for those seeking a tranquil beach experience with easy access to local amenities and attractions.

Higgins Beach, located in Scarborough, Maine, is a charming coastal destination known for its family-friendly atmosphere and picturesque setting. This half-mile stretch of pristine sand offers a tranquil escape with its calm surf and inviting shores. The beach is nestled between historic Prouts Neck and Crescent Beach State Park, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and accessibility. It is famous for its shipwreck embedded in the sand, striped bass fishing, and surfing opportunities. The community retains a small-town feel, with numerous classic New England cottages lining the area.

The beach has long been a public access point, though parking is limited, with a municipal lot accommodating about 75 vehicles. Despite its small size, Higgins Beach has managed to maintain its quaint charm, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike. The area has seen some gentrification, with new homes emerging, yet it remains a cherished summer colony for many families.

Higgins Beach is approximately 7 miles south of Portland and 110 miles north of Boston, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway. Its proximity to these cities ensures that visitors can enjoy both the tranquility of the beach and the amenities of nearby urban centers.

Short Sands Beach in York, Maine, is a picturesque and compact beach, stretching about 1/4 mile. It is nestled between rocky cliffs in the heart of York Beach, offering a blend of natural beauty and family-friendly attractions. The beach features soft, clean sand, making it perfect for barefoot walks or building sandcastles. Despite the cool water temperatures, visitors enjoy swimming and bodysurfing in the gentle waves. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season, ensuring a safe environment for all beachgoers.
The beach is surrounded by a lively downtown area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a classic beach experience with modern amenities.
Access to the beach is free, although parking may require a fee. The area is also dog-friendly during the off-season, provided dogs are leashed and cleaned up after.

Birch Point Beach State Park is a tranquil 62-acre public recreational area located near Owls Head, Maine, set on the scenic shores of Penobscot Bay. This park is known for its crescent-shaped sandy beach, often referred to locally as Lucia Beach, which offers a serene environment ideal for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Muscle Ridge Islands and the surrounding coastal landscape, making it a picturesque spot for nature lovers and families seeking a peaceful getaway.
The park’s natural charm is further enhanced by two short coastal trails at either end of the beach. These trails meander through coastal forests leading to rocky headlands with panoramic vistas of the bay and its islands. Abundant wildlife and tide pools offer opportunities for wildlife observation and exploration. Birch Point Beach State Park conveys a vibe of quiet relaxation away from tourist crowds, attracting those who appreciate a more secluded and natural beach experience.
Open from 9 a.m. to sunset during the warmer months and welcoming leashed pets, it remains a perfect destination for calm picnicking, swimming in gentle surf, and peaceful shoreline fishing, though visitors should note there are no lifeguards on duty.