Bangor, Maine, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. While it’s more famous for its inland attractions, Bangor is also within driving distance of some of Maine's most beautiful coastal beaches. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot, a place to relax, or an adventurous destination, the beaches near Bangor offer something for everyone. These coastal escapes provide a refreshing break from city life, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the rugged beauty of Maine's shoreline. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best beaches near Bangor, perfect for your next coastal adventure.
1. Sand Beach
Sand Beach, located in Acadia National Park, is one of the most picturesque and popular beaches near Bangor. About an hour and a half drive from the city, this beautiful beach is nestled between rocky cliffs and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach's fine sand and crystal-clear waters make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The natural setting, framed by the rugged cliffs, provides a dramatic backdrop that enhances the beach’s beauty.
The cool waters of Sand Beach are refreshing, though often brisk, providing a unique swimming experience. Despite the chilly temperature, many visitors enjoy a dip in the ocean, especially on hot summer days. The beach is also a great starting point for exploring the park's numerous hiking trails, including the popular Ocean Path, which offers breathtaking coastal views. The trail runs along the coastline, providing access to other scenic spots and allowing hikers to experience the beauty of Acadia National Park up close.
Facilities at Sand Beach include restrooms, changing areas, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. These amenities make it easy for families to spend the day at the beach, with convenient spots to rest and enjoy meals. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards during peak times, adding an extra layer of safety for swimmers. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, explore the nearby trails, or simply take in the stunning views, Sand Beach is a must-visit destination near Bangor.
Review Beach Rating: Sand Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Great for families with its scenic beauty and nearby hiking trails. - Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Accessible with parking available; some walking required. - Amenities: 7/10 🏖️
Basic facilities including restrooms and picnic areas. - Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Ideal for swimming and beachcombing. - Scenery: 10/10 🌅
Stunning views of the ocean and cliffs. - Cleanliness: 9/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean. - Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Can be busy during peak times. - Parking Availability: 7/10 🅿️
Limited parking; arrive early. - Pet-Friendliness: 6/10 🐕
Pets allowed with restrictions. - Local Attractions: 9/10 🏞️
Close to Acadia National Park's attractions. - Safety: 8/10 🦺
Generally safe; caution needed with cold waters. - Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️
Limited nearby dining options; pack a picnic.
2. Lamoine Beach
Lamoine Beach, located about an hour's drive from Bangor, offers a serene and less crowded beach experience. This charming beach is perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Maine's coastline. The beach features a mix of sand and pebbles, with calm waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The gentle waves and clear water make it a safe and enjoyable spot for water activities, suitable for visitors of all ages.
Lamoine Beach is part of Lamoine State Park, which provides amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and a boat launch. The park is a great spot for picnicking and enjoying a day by the water. Visitors can bring their own food and enjoy a meal with a view, taking advantage of the picnic areas and BBQ facilities. The restrooms are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
The scenic views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding islands make Lamoine Beach a picturesque destination. The tranquil setting is perfect for photography, birdwatching, and simply soaking in the natural beauty. The beach's location away from the more crowded tourist spots means you can often find a quiet place to relax and unwind. For those interested in boating, the park's boat launch provides easy access to the water, allowing for exploration of the bay and nearby islands.
Lamoine Beach’s combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere makes it a wonderful choice for a beach day near Bangor. Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic day trip, or a solo retreat, Lamoine Beach offers a perfect setting to enjoy the best of Maine's coastal charm.
Review Beach Rating: Lamoine Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦
Suitable for families with its calm waters and picnic areas. - Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Easily accessible with parking available. - Amenities: 7/10 🏖️
Basic facilities including restrooms and picnic areas. - Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Great for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. - Scenery: 8/10 🌅
Lovely views of Frenchman Bay. - Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean. - Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Generally peaceful with fewer visitors. - Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Ample parking available. - Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets allowed in designated areas. - Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️
Close to Lamoine State Park's amenities. - Safety: 8/10 🦺
Generally safe with calm waters. - Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️
Limited nearby dining options; bring your own food.
3. Bar Harbor Beach
Bar Harbor Beach, located in the heart of Bar Harbor, is about an hour and a half drive from Bangor. This small but charming beach offers stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. The beach is a great spot for sunbathing, beachcombing, and taking in the coastal scenery. The tide pools here are perfect for exploring marine life, especially for families with children.
Bar Harbor Beach is close to the town’s bustling downtown area, where visitors can enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The beach is also near the entrance to Acadia National Park, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the park’s natural beauty.
Review Beach Rating: Bar Harbor Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Ideal for families with tide pools and nearby attractions. - Accessibility: 9/10 🚗
Easily accessible with parking available. - Amenities: 7/10 🏖️
Basic facilities; restrooms available nearby. - Water Activities: 7/10 🚣
Great for beachcombing and tide pooling. - Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of Frenchman Bay. - Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean. - Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Can be busy during peak tourist season. - Parking Availability: 7/10 🅿️
Parking can be challenging; arrive early. - Pet-Friendliness: 6/10 🐕
Pets allowed with restrictions. - Local Attractions: 10/10 🏞️
Close to Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor. - Safety: 8/10 🦺
Generally safe; caution needed with tide changes. - Local Dining: 10/10 🍽️
Numerous nearby dining options.
4. Seal Harbor Beach
Seal Harbor Beach, located on Mount Desert Island, is about an hour and a half drive from Bangor. This beautiful beach is known for its calm, clear waters and stunning natural surroundings. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing, with a serene atmosphere that makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Seal Harbor Beach is part of Acadia National Park and is close to many of the park's attractions, including hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. The nearby town of Seal Harbor offers a few dining and shopping options, providing a quaint and charming coastal experience.
Review Beach Rating: Seal Harbor Beach
- Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦
Suitable for families with its calm waters and serene atmosphere. - Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Accessible with parking available. - Amenities: 6/10 🏖️
Limited facilities; restrooms nearby. - Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Great for swimming and sunbathing. - Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views and natural surroundings. - 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: 8/10 🏞️
Close to Acadia National Park's attractions. - Safety: 8/10 🦺
Generally safe with calm waters. - Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️
Limited nearby dining options.
5. Roque Bluffs State Park
Roque Bluffs State Park, located about two hours from Bangor, offers a unique beach experience with both a sandy beach on Englishman Bay and a freshwater swimming area at Simpson Pond. The park's diverse landscape includes rocky cliffs, tidal marshes, and dense forests, providing a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views.
The sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit. The trails provide stunning views of the coastline and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Review Beach Rating: Roque Bluffs State Park
- Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Excellent for families with its dual beach and freshwater areas. - Accessibility: 7/10 🚗
Accessible with parking available; some walking required. - Amenities: 8/10 🏖️
Good facilities including restrooms and picnic areas. - Water Activities: 9/10 🚣
Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. - Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of the bay and diverse landscapes. - 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: 8/10 🏞️
Close to hiking trails and wildlife viewing spots. - Safety: 8/10 🦺
Generally safe with lifeguards on duty during peak times. - Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️
Limited nearby dining options; pack a picnic.
6. Birch Point Beach State Park
Birch Point Beach State Park, located about an hour and a half drive from Bangor, offers a beautiful sandy beach with stunning views of Penobscot Bay. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The park is known for its picturesque setting, with rocky outcrops and lush forest surrounding the sandy shores.
The park provides amenities such as picnic areas, BBQ pits, restrooms, and a small playground, making it a great spot for a family day out. The calm waters and gradual slope of the beach make it safe for children to swim and play. The park's trails offer opportunities for short hikes and wildlife viewing, adding to the appeal of this charming beach destination.
Review Beach Rating: Birch Point Beach State Park
- Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Excellent for families with its calm waters and amenities. - Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Accessible with ample parking available. - Amenities: 8/10 🏖️
Good facilities including restrooms, picnic areas, and playground. - Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Ideal for swimming and beachcombing. - Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of Penobscot 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: 7/10 🏞️
Close to hiking trails and picnic spots. - Safety: 8/10 🦺
Generally safe with calm waters. - Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️
Limited nearby dining options; pack a picnic.
7. Reid State Park
Reid State Park, located about two hours from Bangor, 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.
8. Popham Beach State Park
Popham Beach State Park, located about two hours from Bangor, 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.
While Bangor, Maine, may not be directly on the coast, its proximity to some of the state's most beautiful beaches makes it easy to plan a seaside escape. From the stunning scenery of Sand Beach in Acadia National Park to the serene shores of Lamoine Beach and the vibrant atmosphere of Bar Harbor Beach, there are plenty of options for a perfect beach day. 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!
#BangorBeaches #BeachLife #TravelMaine #CoastalAdventures #SunAndSand
Explore More Top Beach Guides in
USA
