Boothbay Harbor, Maine, is known for its picturesque coastal scenery, charming downtown area, and vibrant maritime culture. While it’s famous for its historic lighthouses and bustling harbor, Boothbay Harbor also offers access to some beautiful beaches perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, a place to unwind, or an adventurous destination, the beaches in Boothbay Harbor have something for everyone. From tranquil parks with calm waters ideal for swimming and picnicking to rugged shorelines perfect for exploring and water sports, Boothbay Harbor’s beaches provide diverse and enjoyable experiences. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best beaches in Boothbay Harbor, perfect for your next coastal adventure. Pack your beach gear and discover the coastal charm of this beautiful Maine destination.
Barrett Park
Barrett Park is a hidden gem located just a short distance from downtown Boothbay Harbor. This small, peaceful park features a lovely beach area with a mix of sand and pebbles, making it ideal for beachcombing, picnicking, and enjoying the scenic views of Linekin Bay. The calm waters are perfect for swimming and kayaking, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking to take a refreshing dip or paddle along the tranquil bay, Barrett Park offers a serene setting for water activities.
Barrett Park offers amenities such as picnic tables, BBQ grills, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit. The well-maintained facilities make it easy for families to spend a full day enjoying the outdoors. The park’s grassy areas are perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a relaxing afternoon by the water. Families will appreciate the open spaces for kids to play, while couples and solo travelers can find quiet spots to unwind and soak in the natural beauty.
The park's serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make Barrett Park a great spot for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The scenic views of Linekin Bay, coupled with the park's peaceful environment, provide an ideal backdrop for picnics, leisurely walks, and contemplation. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting local bird species, and photographers will find plenty of picturesque scenes to capture.
Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic day trip, or a solo retreat, Barrett Park's combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and convenient amenities make it a must-visit destination in Boothbay Harbor.
Review Beach Rating: Barrett Park
- Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Ideal for families with its calm waters and picnic areas. - Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Easily accessible with parking available. - Amenities: 8/10 🏖️
Good facilities including picnic tables, BBQ grills, and restrooms. - Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Great for swimming, kayaking, and beachcombing. - Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of Linekin Bay. - Cleanliness: 9/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean. - Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Generally peaceful with moderate crowds. - Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Adequate parking available. - Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets allowed in designated areas. - Local Attractions: 8/10 🏞️
Close to downtown Boothbay Harbor. - Safety: 8/10 🦺
Generally safe with calm waters. - Local Dining: 8/10 🍽️
Nearby dining options in Boothbay Harbor.
Grimes Cove Beach
Grimes Cove Beach, located in East Boothbay, is a charming and scenic spot perfect for a beach day. This small beach offers a mix of sand and rocky areas, making it great for beachcombing, tide pooling, and exploring the coastline. The clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, providing a refreshing and adventurous experience. Visitors can enjoy exploring the tidal pools, which are teeming with marine life, or simply relax on the sandy stretches and take in the stunning views.
The beach is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and lush greenery, creating a beautiful backdrop for a day by the sea. The natural setting is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a tranquil beach experience. The combination of rocky outcrops and sandy areas provides diverse opportunities for both relaxation and exploration. The clear waters are inviting, making it easy to see fish and other marine creatures, enhancing the snorkeling and kayaking experiences.
While there are limited facilities at Grimes Cove Beach, visitors can find restrooms and picnic areas nearby at Ocean Point. The proximity to Ocean Point makes it convenient to combine a beach visit with a picnic or a walk along the scenic coastline. The lack of commercial development at Grimes Cove Beach helps maintain its natural charm and peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike who seek a more secluded beach experience.
The beach’s natural beauty and tranquil setting make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to spend a quiet afternoon beachcombing, take a dip in the clear waters, or explore the rugged coastline, Grimes Cove Beach offers a perfect escape. The scenic views and peaceful environment provide an ideal setting for relaxation and outdoor activities, making it a must-visit spot in East Boothbay.
Review Beach Rating: Grimes Cove Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦
Great for families with its tide pools and safe swimming areas. - Accessibility: 7/10 🚗
Accessible with parking available; some walking required. - Amenities: 6/10 🏖️
Basic facilities; restrooms nearby. - Water Activities: 9/10 🚣
Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. - Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Stunning views of the coastline and surrounding cliffs. - Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean. - Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Generally peaceful with moderate crowds. - Parking Availability: 7/10 🅿️
Adequate parking available. - Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets allowed in designated areas. - Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️
Close to Ocean Point and other scenic areas. - Safety: 8/10 🦺
Generally safe with calm waters. - Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️
Limited nearby dining options; pack a picnic.
Hendricks Head Beach
Hendricks Head Beach, located on Southport Island, is a picturesque and tranquil beach just a 15-minute drive from Boothbay Harbor. This charming beach features a mix of sand and rocks, making it perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and exploring tide pools. The diverse shoreline provides ample opportunities for visitors to discover shells, sea glass, and marine life left behind by the tide. The presence of rocky areas adds to the natural beauty and appeal of the beach, offering interesting nooks and crannies to explore.
The beach is located near the historic Hendricks Head Lighthouse, adding a touch of maritime charm to the setting. The lighthouse, a quintessential symbol of Maine's coastal heritage, provides a stunning backdrop for photos and a fascinating subject for history enthusiasts. Its presence enhances the beach’s serene and picturesque atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration.
The calm, shallow waters of Hendricks Head Beach are ideal for swimming and wading, providing a safe environment for families with young children. The gentle waves and clear waters make it easy for kids to play and splash around without worry. Parents can relax on the sandy shores, knowing their children are enjoying a safe and fun beach experience. For those interested in water activities, the beach is a pleasant spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, offering calm conditions suitable for beginners.
Hendricks Head Beach offers basic amenities such as picnic tables and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit. The picnic tables are conveniently located, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal with scenic views of the water and surrounding landscape. The restrooms are clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall convenience and comfort of spending the day at the beach.
The scenic views of the Sheepscot River and the lighthouse make Hendricks Head Beach a popular spot for photography and relaxation. The tranquil waters reflect the beauty of the sky and the surrounding greenery, providing picturesque scenes at every turn. The beach’s peaceful environment is perfect for unwinding, reading a book, or simply soaking up the sun. Photographers will find plenty of inspiration in the natural beauty and historical charm of the area.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly beach, a spot to explore tidal pools, or a serene location to enjoy the coastal scenery, Hendricks Head Beach has something for everyone. Its combination of natural beauty, maritime history, and convenient amenities make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Southport Island or Boothbay Harbor.
Review Beach Rating: Hendricks Head Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Excellent for families with its calm waters and tide pools. - Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Accessible with parking available. - Amenities: 7/10 🏖️
Basic facilities including picnic tables and restrooms. - Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Great for swimming, wading, and beachcombing. - Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of the river and lighthouse. - Cleanliness: 9/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean. - Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Generally peaceful with moderate crowds. - Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Adequate parking available. - Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets allowed in designated areas. - Local Attractions: 8/10 🏞️
Close to Hendricks Head Lighthouse and Southport Island attractions. - Safety: 9/10 🦺
Generally safe with calm waters. - Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️
Limited nearby dining options; pack a picnic.
Popham Beach State Park
Popham Beach State Park, located about an hour from Boothbay Harbor, is one of Maine’s most popular beach destinations. This expansive beach offers miles of soft sand and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, with plenty of space for visitors to spread out and enjoy the coastal scenery.
The park provides amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and a bathhouse, ensuring a comfortable visit. Popham Beach is also known for its excellent surf conditions, making it a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders. The beach’s sand dunes and tidal pools add to its natural beauty and offer opportunities for exploration.
Review Beach Rating: Popham Beach State Park
- Family-Friendliness: 10/10 👨👩👧👦
Perfect for families with its spacious beach and amenities. - Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Accessible with ample parking available. - Amenities: 9/10 🏖️
Excellent facilities including restrooms, picnic areas, and bathhouse. - Water Activities: 9/10 🚣
Ideal for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing. - Scenery: 10/10 🌅
Stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. - Cleanliness: 9/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean. - Crowd Levels: 8/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Popular but spacious enough to avoid feeling crowded. - Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Adequate parking available. - Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets allowed in designated areas. - Local Attractions: 8/10 🏞️
Close to hiking trails and historical sites. - Safety: 9/10 🦺
Generally safe with lifeguards on duty during peak times. - Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️
Limited nearby dining options; pack a picnic.
Reid State Park
Reid State Park, located about an hour and a half drive from Boothbay Harbor, is a stunning beach destination known for its long sandy beaches and rugged coastline. The park features two main beaches, Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach, both offering soft sand and clear waters ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The park is also famous for its tidal pools, which are great for exploring marine life.
The park provides a range of amenities, including picnic areas, BBQ pits, restrooms, and a snack bar. The rocky outcrops and sand dunes create a picturesque setting, perfect for photography and nature walks. Reid State Park is also popular for fishing, birdwatching, and kayaking, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Review Beach Rating: Reid State Park
- Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Great for families with its spacious beaches and amenities. - Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Accessible with ample parking available. - Amenities: 8/10 🏖️
Good facilities including restrooms, picnic areas, and snack bar. - Water Activities: 9/10 🚣
Ideal for swimming, kayaking, and beachcombing. - Scenery: 10/10 🌅
Stunning views of the rugged coastline. - Cleanliness: 9/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean. - Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Can be busy during peak times. - Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Adequate parking available. - Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets allowed in designated areas. - Local Attractions: 8/10 🏞️
Close to hiking trails and birdwatching spots. - Safety: 8/10 🦺
Generally safe with lifeguards on duty during peak times. - Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️
Snack bar available; nearby dining options in town.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine, offers access to a variety of beautiful beaches that cater to every type of beachgoer. From the tranquil setting of Barrett Park and the scenic Grimes Cove Beach to the expansive shores of Popham Beach State Park, there are plenty of options for a perfect beach day. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a family-friendly environment, Boothbay Harbor’s beaches provide the ideal coastal escape. Pack your beach gear and head out for a sun-soaked, scenic getaway.
Stay tuned for more waves of beach bliss and coastal adventures at Beach Review!
#BoothbayHarborBeaches #BeachLife #TravelMaine #CoastalAdventures #SunAndSand
Explore More Top Beach Guides in
USA
