Boothbay Harbor MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
1. Cabbage Island
HISTORIC ISLAND GETAWAY
Cabbage Island offers visitors a scenic escape with beautiful shorelines and swimming opportunities. Visitors can enjoy clambakes on the beach while taking in breathtaking ocean views. The island is accessible by boat and provides a perfect day trip for families looking to experience authentic coastal Maine.
2. Barrett Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT RELAXATION
Barrett Park features a small beach area with stunning views of the harbor and surrounding islands. The park provides picnic areas and benches where visitors can relax while watching boats come and go. Its central location makes it an ideal spot for swimming or simply dipping your feet in the cool Atlantic waters.
3. Knickerbocker Lake
FRESHWATER SWIMMING SPOT
Knickerbocker Lake offers a freshwater alternative to ocean swimming in the Boothbay region. The lake features a small public access area perfect for swimming and paddling during summer months. Its peaceful setting provides a refreshing escape from saltwater activities.
4. Ocean Point
ROCKY COASTAL SHORELINE
Ocean Point showcases dramatic rocky shorelines with several small access points for hardy swimmers. Visitors enjoy spectacular open ocean views and the refreshing spray of breaking waves along the scenic shore drive. The area is perfect for beach exploring, tide pooling, and sunset viewing.
5. Popham Beach State Park
MILES OF SANDY SHORES
Popham Beach State Park features one of Maine's longest sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach offers dramatic views of offshore islands and the Kennebec River meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can walk to Fox Island during low tide for a unique coastal adventure.
6. Reid State Park
SANDY BEACH PARADISE
Reid State Park boasts Mile and Half Mile beaches, two rare sandy swimming beaches on Maine's typically rocky coast. The park features a lagoon ideal for families with young children seeking calmer waters. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean while swimming in refreshing waters.
7. Damariscotta Lake State Park
FRESHWATER LAKE RETREAT
Damariscotta Lake State Park offers a sandy beach on the shores of one of Maine's most pristine freshwater lakes. The park provides swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months and facilities including changing rooms and picnic areas. Its warm, clear waters are perfect for families seeking a break from saltwater activities.
8. Pemaquid Beach Park
WHITE SAND BEACH
Pemaquid Beach Park features a crescent of fine white sand that provides excellent swimming conditions in the Atlantic. The beach offers amenities including a snack bar, changing rooms, and rental chairs for a comfortable day by the sea. Its proximity to the historic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse makes it an ideal destination for combining swimming with sightseeing.
9. Damariscotta River
TIDAL RIVER SWIMMING
The Damariscotta River offers several swimming spots along its scenic tidal waters. Swimmers can enjoy freshwater sections upstream or saltwater areas closer to the ocean. The river is also famous for its oyster farms, giving visitors a chance to combine swimming with seafood tasting adventures.
10. Nequasset Lake
HIDDEN FRESHWATER GEM
Nequasset Lake provides a peaceful freshwater swimming alternative near the Boothbay region. The lake features a small public beach area with a swimming dock perfect for sunbathing and water play. Its relatively warm waters and family-friendly atmosphere make it popular with locals seeking relief from summer heat.