The nostalgic atmosphere at Old Orchard Beach in Maine is marked by history and tradition. This seven-mile length of coastline has been welcoming guests for more than 170 years and is home to New England's first beachfront amusement park. On four acres of beautiful ground, Palace Playland Park offers more than 20 rides for both young and old, including a Ferris wheel, a sizable arcade, and other attractions. The rebuilt pier extends 500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is the hub of family entertainment, despite the fact that Mother Nature has taken her toll on the various restored incarnations of the park. Check the calendar, but there are usually fireworks every week, and there are lifeguards on duty during the summer.

You can take cruises for whale or bird watching close by. Guests of the Dunegrass Club can play golf. After a leisurely ride to the coast, Amtrak provides the practical Downeaster to bypass traffic and transport you only steps from the beach. There are practically hotels everywhere along Old Orchard Beach's coastline. Families will find the Sea View Inn to be quite affordable, close to the beach, and with free parking and Wi-Fi. The Beach House, which is directly on the sand and has free parking, Wi-Fi, and rooms with kitchenettes and private balconies overlooking the ocean, is an option for those looking for a little more comfort.

Address: Seaside Avenue, Old Orchard Beach, Maine

The Kennebunks may be widely known for their shopping, but this region can also take pride in its stunning beaches. Mother's Beach, also known as Kennebunk Beach, is a small, sandy area with calm waters and stunning scenery. The sand in this area is a good illustration of the idea that sand should be soft and gentle on the feet, like talcum powder.

All of the beaches are connected with ribbons. From June through September, stickers are necessary; they can be purchased at Town Hall. Although there aren't many amenities, there are portable restrooms and seasonal lifeguards. The new playground will be a hit with the kids. In the off-season, dogs are permitted on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., but they must be under their owners' custody. Check the calendar to see what events and festivals are scheduled throughout the year. The Kennebunks are well known for its outstanding bed and breakfast establishments. The Captain Jefferds Inn, 1802 House Bed & Breakfast Inn, and Captain Fairfield Inn are a few favorites that serve exquisite breakfasts and combine history and charm, drawing visitors back year after year.

The Nonantum Resort offers an amazing selection of on-site activities and services, making it a fantastic choice for families or those seeking an extra-special holiday. The resort features a kids' club so parents can have some alone time, as well as an outdoor heated pool with kid-friendly toys and a barrier for safety. The resort offers entertainment and eating on-site, is close to Dock Square, and offers guests trolley and boat tours in addition to a complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions.

Address: Beach Avenue, Near Routes 9 & 35, Kennebunk, Maine

This 1.5-mile length of sand on the southern Maine coast is a picture-perfect representation of what comes to mind when one thinks of a classic New England beach experience. It is located between the Wells Beach Jetty and Crescent Beach. In order to block Atlantic Avenue, seagrass and dunes are used. The jetty is a well-liked location for anglers, and the tidal pools and marshes make lovely places for children to explore. This region is well-liked all year round thanks to its natural beauty and convenient location.

Kayaks and boats can be accessed in the region for adventurers who enjoy being on the water. At the end of Mile Road, there is free parking, while a few private residences and resorts that are closer to the beach charge for parking. There are restrooms, a snack bar, gift stores, an arcade, and a few restaurants among the amenities. Along this section of Southern Maine, nearby Moody, Crescent, and Drake's Islands have additional alternatives. Golf courses abound nearby, and lighthouse boat cruises are another option.

Couples seeking a romantic weekend in Wells might consider the Holiday Guest House Bed & Breakfast for a traditional New England inn experience. The beach and pool, as well as a magnificent terrace and on-site entertainment, are all hallmarks of this adults-only B&B. The Elmwood Resort Hotel is a superb lodging option.

Address: Atlantic Ave., Wells Beach, Wells, Maine

Acadia National Park is a top destination for tourists who enjoy the great outdoors thanks to its granite and spruce islands. Sand Beach is a sought-after location situated in a little inlet off Mount Desert Island. It offers fantastic hiking paths with picturesque views that extend into Canada. In most places, sand has been replaced with polished shells from years of pounding surf, and the salty water can get incredibly cold. The beach is reachable from the park's entrance nearly 1,000 feet away. During the summer, a lifeguard is on duty, and there are restrooms and change rooms on-site. The cliffs along the beach are followed by oceanside pathways for some stunning vistas, and a shuttle bus provides access to various drop-off locations.

Although there aren't any motels right in the park, the Asticou Inn is the nearest and is located two miles away in Northeast Harbor. Don't forget to try the inn's popovers and the nearby Asticou Azalea Garden. The Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency also has views of Frenchman's Bay and a pool. Family-friendly Kimball Terrace Inn has free parking, Wi-Fi, pet-friendly accommodations, and is tucked away from Bar Harbor's bustling throng in a peaceful area.

Address: Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Mt. Desert Island, Maine

One of the best Maine beach locations is the aptly named Crescent Beach. In addition to the sandy seashore and saltwater coves, there are good facilities for fans of water sports. There are also hiking trails that run along the water's edge. Favorite pastimes include sunbathing, birdwatching, and fishing. The picnic spaces are surrounded by seagrass-covered dunes, and there is also a snack bar and restrooms. Visitors can travel to Richmond Island during low tide. Sea kayak cruises and SUP rentals are available from Portland Paddle. A yearly pass is a fantastic option if your family will be visiting several Maine State Parks. There is a cost to enter the park.

Pet-friendly beach resort with all the bells and whistles is the pricey Inn by the Sea. Choose between standard hotel rooms and suites with kitchenettes and patio balconies. A stylish menu made up of the best, freshest local foods is available at the spa and Sea Glass restaurant. The Holiday Inn Portland By The Bay and Best Western Merry Manor Inn, both located in Portland, about five miles apart, offer exceptional value.

Address: 66 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Popham Beach is regarded as one of Maine's least developed beaches by many. It is one of the best Maine beaches. The shoreline changes from year to year due to shifting sands, yet the beauty of this beach never changes. The three-mile stretch of sand is a pristine paradise for tourists in the summer. The rolling waves draw surfers and strong swimmers, but the area's strong currents and sporadic riptides should be avoided.

Travelers can access the adjacent Fox Island at low tide; just be mindful of the timing of the incoming tide. This beautiful area has a beach that can accommodate a variety of interests. The Sebasco Harbor Resort, located close by in Sebasco Estates, offers a variety of family-friendly activities close to the water, including a golf course, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, boating, fishing, and hiking. Babysitting and a kids' club are also offered, which is great for when the adults wish to visit the on-site spa.

Address: 10 Perkins Farm Lane, Phippsburg, Maine

Would you like a shipwreck to go with your beach vacation? You should visit Higgins Beach to see a unique and picturesque display on the sand that provides for a fantastic photo opportunity. That is one of the best Maine beaches. At low tide, the boat's skeleton is completely visible in the sand at this famous location. Higgins is well known for its excellent fishing, warmer water temperatures, and surfer's attitude. It is situated at the end of a nice residential summer area. Two state parks, as well as excellent kayaking locations, are close by.

Parking can be difficult, but staying at the nearby Higgins Beach Inn eliminates the issue. The on-site restaurant is well known for serving delicious seafood. The Black Point Inn Resort, which has the Atlantic on three sides, is a charming building with a long history. At Prouts Neck's tip, the untamed coastline that Maine is famous for shines brightly, and the restaurant there is superb. The setting and ocean vistas contribute to a special experience.

Address: Bayview Avenue, Scarborough, Maine

There is no reason not to visit Scarborough Beach because it is inside the City of Stirling, only 20 minutes by vehicle from Perth City, and has great public transportation connections. After you've had your fill of swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, spend an enjoyable hour or two at one of the many cafés or pubs that have a view of the ocean. Or, you can spend the night at one of the many places to stay. Enjoy live entertainment during the summer at Washington's only beachside amphitheater.

Perth's most reliable surf break is located at nearby Trigg Beach, and other nearby locations like Watermans Bay, Mettams Pool, and Trigg Point are all well-known for their waves. Additionally, you may visit a number of parks and natural reserves as well as play a round of golf at the neighboring Joondalup Resort.

Just north of Old Orchard Beach on a 60-acre natural preserve is where you'll find Scarborough Beach. This beach doesn't get as packed as its bustling neighbor during the summer, but visitors should plan to arrive early to obtain parking. The amenities include lifeguards and restrooms with showers from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Mainely Burgers food truck spends its summers here every day, providing sips, nibbles, and filling meals to eat at the picnic tables despite the absence of any permanent on-site vendors.

Admission is available for a per-person day charge, or if you're staying for many days with a group, you can pre-purchase a season pass for each vehicle. At the gate, where only cash is accepted, day usage fees are collected. From the parking area, it is a quick, flat walk to the beach.

Address: 870 and 970 Ocean Road, Scarborough, Maine.

One of Maine's most visited sites, Sebago Lake State Park, gets extremely crowded on the weekends. There are a lot of people on this beach, which is long but not particularly wide (about ten to twenty feet). And, Songo Beach is one of the best Maine beaches. There are lovely vistas, and the water is warm and clear. There are numerous barbecues, food stands, lifeguards, and restrooms in the park.

This beach, which is by far the most well-liked freshwater beach in Maine, is a favorite among families due to its moderate slope and extended sand bar. The beach area has bathrooms and showers, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer at the northern end of Sebago Lake in Sebago Lake State Park. The area is well-equipped with grills and a fine concession stand, and the surrounding trees offer lots of shade for picnics. To explore Sebago Lake's 45 square miles, visitors can also canoe and kayak or use the public launch for motorized boats. Sebago Lake State Park provides lots of space to explore on the hiking and cycling paths, as well as 250 campsites, in addition to its beach and aquatic activities.

Address: 11 Park Access Road, Casco, Maine

Sand beach Scarborough Ferry Beach is situated in Scarborough on the western side of Prouts Neck, and is one of the best Maine beaches. The beach is an excellent location for boating, cycling, and paddling. There are restrooms, showers, a concession kiosk, and a boat launch among the beach's amenities. The use of the boat launch and the municipal parking lot are subject to fees. In the summer, dogs are only allowed on the beach after 5 o'clock. No lifeguards are on duty.

This small and less well-known swimming area is a great option for families with young kids who wish to avoid the throngs of people. Although it has beautiful scenery and good sand, this beach does not have lifeguards on duty. Although there are no picnic tables, there is a snack bar where guests can get quick refreshments, so they should bring their beach blanket. On-site bathrooms and showers are available. Families and groups will find this to be a more economical alternative because parking prices are assessed per vehicle and are lower in the afternoon only.

Address: Ferry Road, Scarborough, Maine