Damariscotta MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Damariscotta, Maine.
1. Damariscotta Lake State Park
FRESHWATER BEACH & SWIMMING
Damariscotta Lake State Park features a large sandy beach ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking along the extensive Damariscotta Lake shoreline. The park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching on one of midcoast Maine's premier freshwater lakes. Well-equipped picnic areas and a group shelter make it a favorite summer escape for families and groups.
2. Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site
RIVERFRONT NATURE & HISTORY
Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site sits along the Damariscotta River, offering scenic riverfront views and public access for walking and exploration. Visitors can enjoy the natural waterfront setting while learning about Maine's Native American and colonial history through interpretive exhibits. The site is a peaceful retreat for those interested in history and nature by the water.
3. Bristol Mills Swimming Hole
CLASSIC RIVER SWIMMING SPOT
Bristol Mills Swimming Hole is a beloved local spot where the Pemaquid River broadens into a cool, refreshing pool with a gentle current. Families flock here in summer for riverside swimming, picnics, and sunbathing on grassy banks. The spot is known for its old-fashioned charm and safe, shallow entry areas for swimmers of all ages.
4. Pemaquid Beach Park
OCEAN BEACH & RECREATION
Pemaquid Beach Park is one of the rare sandy oceanfront beaches in midcoast Maine, offering beautiful Atlantic views and clean, gentle surf. The beach provides amenities such as changing rooms, restrooms, and snack stands, making it easy for families to spend a full day by the water. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, ensuring safe swimming and recreation.
5. Ovens Mouth Preserve
TIDAL RIVERFRONT TRAILS
Ovens Mouth Preserve features scenic hiking trails along the Back River, with multiple waterfront viewpoints, picnic locations, and spots for watching tidal currents. The preserve's quiet coves and saltwater access attract kayakers and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape. Visitors can enjoy swimming in select calm tidal pools during warmer months.
6. Hodgdon Island Preserve
KENNEBEC WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Hodgdon Island Preserve allows for serene walks and water access along the Sheepscot River, where visitors can find small, rocky beaches for swimming or wading. The preserve offers quiet trails through mixed forest and occasional glimpses of local wildlife. Its secluded setting makes it an ideal place for relaxation by the water away from crowds.
7. Barrett Park
COASTAL HARBOR BEACH
Barrett Park provides a small, protected beach on Linekin Bay, perfect for swimming, launching kayaks, or sunbathing with ocean views. The park's grassy areas, picnic tables, and playground make it a favorite with families. Its close proximity to downtown Boothbay Harbor adds convenience for visitors exploring the coast.
8. Duckpuddle Pond
TRANQUIL LAKE SWIMMING
Duckpuddle Pond is a quiet freshwater lake popular for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing in a peaceful, natural setting. Locals and visitors appreciate the clean water and scenic surroundings, with small public access areas for lakeside relaxation. Its gentle shoreline makes it a great spot for families and nature enthusiasts.
9. Wiscasset Waterfront
TIDAL RIVERFRONT PROMENADE
The Wiscasset Waterfront along the Sheepscot River features public access for picnicking, strolling, and enjoying panoramic views of tidal waters and passing boats. The area offers several small, rocky riverfront spots suited for wading and exploring the Maine coast. Restaurants and historic buildings nearby make it an ideal spot for a day along the water's edge.
10. Lake Pemaquid Campground
LAKESIDE BEACH & RECREATION
Lake Pemaquid Campground boasts a sandy lakeside beach, swimming area, and boat rentals on the shores of Lake Pemaquid. Campers and day visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, and a range of waterfront recreational activities in a family-friendly environment. The campground's amenities and events make it a lively summer destination for water lovers.