Manchester MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Manchester, Maine.
1. Peacock Beach State Park
SERENE LAKESIDE RETREAT
Peacock Beach State Park offers visitors a peaceful lakeside experience in the greater Manchester area. The park features a sandy beach area perfect for swimming and sunbathing during summer months. Families appreciate the clean facilities and relatively calm waters that make this spot ideal for children.
2. Androscoggin Lake
EXPANSIVE LAKE WATERS
Androscoggin Lake provides a beautiful waterfront escape near Manchester with opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake features Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park along its shores, offering family-friendly amenities and beach access. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area while relaxing on the lakefront.
3. Damariscotta Lake State Park
HISTORIC LAKE RECREATION
Damariscotta Lake State Park features a freshwater beach on one of central Maine's most beautiful lakes. The park offers swimming, picnicking, and canoeing opportunities in a scenic natural setting. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and family-friendly atmosphere throughout the warm season.
4. Thomas Point Beach
COASTAL FAMILY DESTINATION
Thomas Point Beach provides a picturesque coastal experience with sandy shores and gentle waves. The beach offers excellent swimming conditions and is known for hosting events and music festivals throughout the summer. Visitors can enjoy amenities including picnic areas and recreational facilities in this popular Brunswick destination.
5. Dodge Point Public Reserved Land
RIVER VIEWS HIKING
Dodge Point Public Reserved Land offers beautiful river access points and hiking trails with scenic waterfront views. The reserve features several miles of shoreline along the Damariscotta River with small beach areas for relaxation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, wildlife viewing, and exploring the well-maintained trail system throughout this natural area.
6. Crescent Beach State Park
ICONIC CRESCENT SHORELINE
Crescent Beach State Park features a stunning crescent-shaped shoreline with soft sand and clear waters. The beach is ideal for picnicking, sunbathing, beachcombing, and various water sports activities. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere of this Cape Elizabeth gem.
7. Ferry Beach State Park
TIDAL POOLS WONDER
Ferry Beach State Park offers a unique beach experience featuring large tidal pools perfect for exploration and swimming. The park includes picnic areas, nature trails, and an educational nature center that enhances visitors' experiences. Families particularly enjoy this location for its diverse offerings and kid-friendly environment.
8. Ogunquit Beach
THREE-MILE SANDY PENINSULA
Ogunquit Beach stretches along a three-mile peninsula of sandy shores and grassy dunes forming a natural barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and Ogunquit River. The beach is divided into sections including the popular Footbridge Beach, accessible via a charming footbridge over the river, and North Beach at the far end. Visitors can enjoy swimming, bodysurfing, sunbathing, and searching for shells and driftwood along the wide sands.
9. Popham Beach
HISTORIC ATLANTIC SHORES
Popham Beach offers a historic shoreline experience with expansive sandy beaches and dramatic ocean views. The beach is known for its unique geographical features, including sandbars that appear at low tide connecting to nearby Fox Island. Visitors can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and exploring the nearby historic Fort Popham site.
10. Old Orchard Beach
BUSTLING BOARDWALK EXPERIENCE
Old Orchard Beach features a lively boardwalk atmosphere with seven miles of sandy oceanfront perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is complemented by an amusement park, pier, and numerous restaurants creating a complete vacation destination. Visitors flock to this popular spot for its family-friendly activities and vibrant coastal energy throughout the summer season.