Crystal MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Crystal, Maine.
1. Mattawamkeag Lake
TRANQUIL LAKESIDE RETREAT
Mattawamkeag Lake is a large freshwater lake ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Its scenic shoreline features several sandy beach areas perfect for summer relaxation and family picnics. The calm environment and beautiful forests make it a popular local destination for outdoor recreation.
2. Upper Shin Pond
REMOTE MOUNTAIN LAKE
Upper Shin Pond offers a peaceful waterfront escape with opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The shores are surrounded by lush woods and mountain views, making it a favorite for nature lovers. Campgrounds nearby provide easy access to the clear waters and extensive shoreline.
3. Lower Shin Pond
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SWIMMING HOLE
Lower Shin Pond is known for its sandy beaches and clear waters, perfect for swimming and beach games. The gentle slope into the water makes it suitable for families with children. Visitors can enjoy paddling, fishing, and picnicking along the lakeshore.
4. East Grand Lake
LARGE BORDER LAKE
East Grand Lake is an expansive lake that straddles the Maine-New Brunswick border, featuring miles of shoreline and several swim spots. It attracts boaters, anglers, and swimmers seeking uncrowded natural beauty. Public access points allow for lakeside relaxation and water recreation.
5. Lake Wassookeag
POPULAR SUMMER BEACH
Lake Wassookeag features a town beach with a roped-off swimming area, sandy shore, and picnic facilities. The lake is a hub for water activities like swimming, boating, and fishing during the warmer months. Families appreciate the easy access and scenic surroundings.
6. Maine Beaches Region
ICONIC COASTAL ESCAPE
The Maine Beaches region boasts over 30 miles of coastline, including sandy beaches and rocky coves perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring. Towns like Wells, Ogunquit, and Old Orchard Beach are popular for classic New England seaside experiences. Visitors enjoy beachcombing, surfing, and nearby attractions along the southern Maine coast.
7. Sand Beach
PICTURESQUE OCEANFRONT COVE
Sand Beach, located in Acadia National Park, is a small but stunning crescent of sandy shoreline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Cold, clear waters draw swimmers and sunbathers each summer, while the surrounding cliffs offer impressive scenic views. Hiking trails and park amenities make it an essential stop for visitors to Mount Desert Island.
8. Popham Beach State Park
EXPANSIVE SANDY BEACH
Popham Beach State Park is renowned for its long, wide sandy beach along the mouth of the Kennebec River. The area is ideal for swimming, walking, and picnicking, with nearby dunes and tidal islands to explore. Its natural beauty and unspoiled setting make it one of Maine's best-known oceanfront beaches.
9. Moosehead Lake
MAJESTIC INLAND LAKE
Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine, offers numerous public beaches and swimming access points along its vast shoreline. Set against a backdrop of forests and mountains, it provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water. The lake's natural splendor attracts visitors seeking a classic Maine waterfront escape.
10. Aroostook State Park Beach
SECLUDED LAKEFRONT SWIMMING
Aroostook State Park features a sandy swimming beach on Echo Lake, accessible via hiking trails and picnic areas. The calm waters and peaceful setting make it a local favorite during the summer months. The park is ideal for families, offering swimming, paddling, and scenic lakeside views.