Durham MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Durham, Maine.
1. Range Pond State Park
FRESHWATER SANDY BEACH
Range Pond State Park features a large, sandy freshwater beach perfect for swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. The park offers a calm lakeside setting with gentle waters ideal for families and children. Multiple trails, boat rentals, and shaded picnic areas make this a top destination for outdoor recreation.
2. Popham Beach State Park
EXPANSIVE OCEANFRONT BEACH
Popham Beach State Park is renowned for its wide expanse of white sandy beach along the Atlantic coast. Visitors enjoy swimming, walking along the shore, and exploring tidal islands when the tide is low. The dramatic views, opportunities for shell collecting, and occasional sightings of seals make it a favorite Maine escape.
3. Thomas Point Beach
FAMILY WATERFRONT RETREAT
Thomas Point Beach is a scenic riverside destination featuring grassy picnic areas and a long sandy stretch along the New Meadows River. This classic Maine beach offers swimming, playgrounds, events, and camping opportunities. The laid-back setting draws both families and music festival enthusiasts throughout the summer.
4. Peacock Beach State Park
LAKEFRONT SWIMMING COVE
Peacock Beach State Park offers a welcoming lakeside beach with clean, shallow swimming areas surrounded by pine forests. The park is an excellent spot for picnics, canoeing, and relaxing along the water's edge. Its quiet and relatively uncrowded atmosphere makes it ideal for peaceful summer days.
5. Willard Beach
COASTAL URBAN BEACH
Willard Beach is a small but popular sandy beach nestled in a charming neighborhood with sweeping views of Casco Bay and lighthouses. The gently sloping shore is perfect for swimming and wading, with lifeguards on duty during peak summer months. The adjacent park and walking trails add to its appeal as a coastal escape close to the city.
6. Mackworth Island State Park
ISLAND BEACH ADVENTURE
Mackworth Island State Park features a tranquil beach and wooded trails encircling the entire island, offering beautiful views of Casco Bay. The beach is ideal for shell collecting and enjoying the gentle lapping of the waves. It's a favorite spot for both locals and visitors seeking a quiet nature escape close to Portland.
7. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
FAMILY LAKESIDE RESORT
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park provides families with a classic Maine lakeside experience, featuring a sandy beach, swimming area, and themed activities. The resort offers canoe and kayak rentals, water slides, and supervised swimming, making it uniquely appealing for children. On-site camping and amenities round out the family-friendly waterfront fun.
8. Sebago Lake State Park
VAST LAKESIDE PLAYGROUND
Sebago Lake State Park is one of Maine's most popular beach destinations, boasting large sandy shores, clear freshwater swimming, and boat launches. The sprawling park allows for a variety of activities including fishing, hiking, and camping. Its pristine setting on Maine's deepest lake ensures visitors a memorable waterfront adventure.
9. Damariscotta Mills Swimming Hole
HISTORIC LAKESIDE SPOT
The Damariscotta Mills Swimming Hole is a beloved local tradition, offering a refreshing lakeside swim in a picturesque setting. The area is right beside the historic fish ladder and features a picnic area known as Ice House Park. It's a perfect stop for a swim and a picnic on a summer afternoon.
10. Peaks Island Beach
ISLAND BEACH GETAWAY
Peaks Island Beach provides a relaxing island escape just a short ferry ride from downtown Portland. Swimmers and sunbathers can enjoy sandy stretches, gentle waves, and beautiful views of Casco Bay. The island atmosphere, bike rentals, and local eateries make it a delightful day-trip destination for beach lovers.