Willimantic MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Willimantic, Maine.
1. Lauter Park
COOL RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Lauter Park is a multi-use public park with facilities for nearly everyone, including a public beach with lifeguards during summer months. The park features a water park suitable for all ages, along with basketball courts, a skate park, and fishing opportunities in the Natchaug River, which runs through the park and provides clear, cool flowing water even on the warmest days. It was gifted to the community by the Philip Lauter Foundation in the 1950s and remains open year-round.
2. Mansfield Hollow Lake
CRYSTAL-CLEAR RESERVOIR RECREATION
Mansfield Hollow Lake offers hikers over 18 miles of trails around its expansive 500-acre waters. The crystal-clear reservoir is popular with anglers seeking prized trout and largemouth or smallmouth bass. Kayaking is excellent on these waters, adding to the scenic outdoor experience available near Willimantic.
3. Lake Willoughby
GLACIAL LAKE BEAUTY
Lake Willoughby is a stunning natural glacial lake located in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom region near Westmore. The lake is known for its remarkable fjord-like appearance with steep cliffs on either side and crystal-clear waters that reach depths of over 300 feet. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the public beaches on both the north and south ends of the lake, along with fishing, boating, and hiking the surrounding trails.
4. Goose Rocks Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL GETAWAY
Goose Rocks Beach offers a three-mile stretch of soft white sand and gentle surf in the charming coastal town of Kennebunkport. The beach is partially protected by an offshore barrier reef known as Goose Rocks, creating relatively calm waters ideal for swimming and paddling. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, tidal pools for exploration, and stunning views of the surrounding islands.
5. Willimantic River Park
SCENIC RIVERFRONT TRAIL
Willimantic River Park runs alongside the Willimantic River, providing scenic views of the water and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy walking along the riverside trails while occasionally observing interesting train carts passing by on the tracks across the water. The park serves as a peaceful urban oasis where locals and tourists alike can connect with nature without leaving town.
6. Sebec Lake
PRISTINE MAINE WATERS
Sebec Lake is a magnificent 6,800-acre glacial lake located near Willimantic, Maine, offering crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views. The lake provides excellent opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing for landlocked salmon and lake trout, and wildlife viewing along its 52 miles of shoreline. Public beach areas and boat launches make this natural treasure accessible for day visitors and campers alike.
7. Portland Head Light Beach
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE SHORELINE
Portland Head Light Beach sits adjacent to Maine's oldest lighthouse, offering a unique coastal experience combining history with natural beauty. Visitors can explore the rocky shoreline below the iconic 1791 lighthouse while enjoying panoramic views of Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The adjacent Fort Williams Park provides grassy areas for picnicking, trails for walking, and several vantage points for photographing one of America's most photographed lighthouses.
8. Schoodic Point
WILD ACADIA COASTLINE
Schoodic Point is the only section of Acadia National Park located on the mainland, offering a less crowded alternative to Mount Desert Island with equally spectacular ocean views. Visitors can experience the raw power of the Atlantic as waves crash against the dramatic pink granite shoreline, creating impressive plumes of sea spray during rough weather. The area features several hiking trails, biking paths, and picnic areas where guests can immerse themselves in the rugged coastal beauty of Maine.
9. Sand Beach
RARE ACADIA OCEAN BEACH
Sand Beach is a unique 290-yard-long natural sandy beach nestled between mountains and rocky shores in Acadia National Park. Despite the chilly water temperatures that rarely exceed 55°F (13°C), it remains a popular swimming spot during summer months when brave visitors take refreshing dips in the Atlantic. The beach is surrounded by hiking trails, including the scenic Ocean Path and the more challenging Great Head Trail, which offers spectacular views of the beach from above.
10. Popham Beach
DYNAMIC SANDY SHORELINE
Popham Beach is one of Maine's most spectacular sandy beaches, stretching nearly three miles along the shoreline where the Kennebec River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At low tide, visitors can walk across a sand bar to Fox Island, though timing is crucial as the path disappears under rising waters. The beach offers swimming in the bracing Maine waters, sunbathing on pristine sands, and magnificent views of offshore islands and the historic Fort Popham nearby.