Dayton MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Dayton, Maine.
1. Ferry Beach State Park
PRISTINE COASTAL RETREAT
Ferry Beach State Park offers visitors a beautiful sandy beach with stunning views of Saco Bay. The park features a rare stand of tupelo trees and provides excellent bird watching opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and exploring the nature trails that wind through the maritime forest.
2. Old Orchard Beach
CLASSIC COASTAL FUN
Old Orchard Beach is a vibrant seven-mile stretch of sandy shoreline that has been attracting visitors for over 170 years. The beach is famous for its iconic pier extending 500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Families particularly enjoy the nearby Palace Playland, New England's only beachfront amusement park.
3. Goose Rocks Beach
SERENE COASTAL ESCAPE
Goose Rocks Beach is a pristine three-mile stretch of soft white sand bordered by a stunning rocky coastline. The beach is known for its calm waters and gorgeous views of offshore islands that create a natural barrier reef. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and excellent swimming conditions during high tide.
4. Fortunes Rocks Beach
ROCKY COASTAL BEAUTY
Fortunes Rocks Beach stretches for two miles along the Atlantic coastline, offering a mix of sandy shores and dramatic rock formations. The beach is known for its powerful surf, making it popular with experienced swimmers and surfers seeking adventure. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets with panoramic ocean views that stretch for miles.
5. Bunganut Pond Park
FRESHWATER RECREATION HAVEN
Bunganut Pond Park offers a variety of recreational activities along the waterfront of picturesque Bunganut Pond. The shoreline features large open areas for field activities, family picnics, and swimming areas nestled among wooded trails. Visitors can explore over 100 acres of natural park land with extensive forested trails for adventure seekers.
6. Bayview Beach
LOCAL COASTAL GEM
Bayview Beach is a charming local beach that offers stunning views of Saco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The beach features soft sand and relatively calm waters, making it ideal for families with children. Visitors appreciate the less crowded atmosphere compared to nearby tourist beaches while still enjoying beautiful coastal scenery.
7. Kinney Shores Beach
HIDDEN COASTAL TREASURE
Kinney Shores Beach is a hidden gem along the southern Maine coastline that offers a more secluded beach experience. The beach features soft sand and gentle waves, perfect for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views without the crowds of more popular beaches.
8. Camp Ellis Beach
HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE BEACH
Camp Ellis Beach sits at the mouth of the Saco River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique beach experience. The beach is nestled in a charming fishing village with a working pier and jetty that extends into the ocean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and watching fishing boats come and go while taking in views of Wood Island Lighthouse in the distance.
9. Hills Beach
UNIVERSITY SHORE RETREAT
Hills Beach is a quiet coastal retreat located near the University of New England's Biddeford campus. The beach offers spectacular views of Saco Bay and the Wood Island Lighthouse with its sandy shores and gentle surf. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the nearby UNE campus and its coastal walking paths.
10. Pumpkin Valley Farm
AGRICULTURAL WATER FUN
Pumpkin Valley Farm combines agricultural tourism with water-based recreation for a unique family experience. The farm features seasonal activities including irrigation pond swimming during summer months and watermelon picking. Visitors can enjoy both land and water activities while experiencing authentic Maine farm life.