Bath MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Bath, Maine.
1. Waterfront Park
KENNEBEC RIVERFRONT GATHERING
Waterfront Park in Bath provides a serene riverside escape along the Kennebec River, ideal for picnics, strolls, and enjoying local events. The park features open lawns and scenic views of the river, attracting both locals and visitors for relaxation or community gatherings. Its central location makes it popular for farmers markets and summer festivities.
2. Maine Maritime Museum
HISTORIC WATERFRONT MUSEUM
The Maine Maritime Museum is situated right on the Kennebec River and offers immersive exhibits about Maine's shipbuilding history and seafaring culture. Guests can enjoy outdoor spaces, riverside walks, and even boat tours directly from the museum grounds. Its waterfront setting allows for breathtaking river views and a true sense of Maine's maritime heritage.
3. Doubling Point Lighthouse
ICONIC RIVERSIDE BEACON
Doubling Point Lighthouse sits at a picturesque bend in the Kennebec River just outside Bath, offering visitors a chance to explore both the riverside and scenic marshlands. The lighthouse grounds are accessible by a short walk and provide tranquil views perfect for photography or quiet contemplation. Its historic charm and waterside setting make it a favorite spot for lighthouse enthusiasts.
4. Reid State Park
OCEANFRONT SANDY BEACH
Reid State Park boasts one of the region's most beautiful oceanfront beaches, with expansive sandy shores, swimming, and dramatic dunes. Visitors can swim in the Atlantic, explore tidal pools, or hike nature trails with sweeping sea views. The park also offers picnic areas and access to the nearby lagoon for quieter waters.
5. Popham Beach State Park
EXPANSIVE COASTAL PLAYGROUND
Popham Beach State Park features a long stretch of sandy beach at the mouth of the Kennebec River, popular for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The dynamic shoreline offers panoramic ocean vistas, nearby historic forts, and opportunities for exploring tidal islands during low tide. Its wild beauty and sweeping sands make it a top destination for coastal recreation.
6. Sewell Pond Conservation Area
LAKESIDE SWIMMING HOLE
Sewell Pond Conservation Area offers a peaceful lakeside retreat with a designated swimming area surrounded by forested trails. This local favorite provides a freshwater alternative to the ocean, ideal for a summer dip or a relaxing picnic by the water. It's an easy-access spot for families looking for a safe and quiet swimming hole.
7. Seguin Island and Lighthouse
ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE GETAWAY
Seguin Island and Lighthouse, accessible by boat, is a scenic offshore escape featuring a storied lighthouse and panoramic Atlantic views. The island's rocky shores and meadows offer a memorable place to picnic, hike, and watch for seabirds. Lighthouse tours provide insight into Maine's maritime past and the challenges of island living.
8. Josephine Newman Wildlife Sanctuary
PEACEFUL TIDAL PRESERVE
Josephine Newman Wildlife Sanctuary features miles of trails along tidal rivers, salt marshes, and forested shores teeming with wildlife. Visitors can spot ospreys, eagles, and coastal wading birds while walking near the water's edge or relaxing at a scenic overlook. The sanctuary's blend of forest and waterfront habitats offers a tranquil nature experience close to the coast.
9. Hermit Island Campground
RUSTIC OCEANFRONT CAMPING
Hermit Island Campground provides direct access to stunning oceanfront beaches, protected coves, and swimming spots ideal for summer adventures. Campers can enjoy rustic sites nestled among dunes or woods, and explore tidepools, rocky outcrops, and soft sandy shorelines. Its unique location offers both rugged nature and family-friendly amenities, making it a top waterfront escape.
10. Thomas Point Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BAY BEACH
Thomas Point Beach, a short drive from Bath, is a longtime favorite for families seeking gentle swimming, picnic areas, and a sandy shoreline along the New Meadows River. The park hosts events, offers playground facilities, and provides easy water access for kayaking and paddling. Its sheltered waters make it perfect for all ages looking for a classic Maine beach day.