Eastport MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Eastport, Maine.
1. Eastport Waterfront Park
BAYFRONT GATHERING AREA
Eastport Waterfront Park offers sweeping views of Passamaquoddy Bay and serves as a picturesque centerpiece for this coastal city. Visitors can stroll along the shore, enjoy scenic picnic spots, and watch the bustling marine activity at the deepest natural port on the East Coast. It's a favorite place for locals and visitors to relax by the water and spot eagles, seals, and passing boats.
2. Shackford Head State Park
COASTAL HIKING AND VIEWS
Shackford Head State Park features a network of trails winding along the rocky coastline, with panoramic views of Cobscook Bay. The park's secluded coves and beaches provide opportunities for beachcombing, wading, and wildlife observation, including sightings of seals and coastal birds. Its natural beauty and peaceful waterfront make it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a tranquil oceanfront escape.
3. Cobscook Bay State Park
TIDAL BAY RECREATION
Cobscook Bay State Park encompasses a large peninsula with multiple bayside beaches and tidal inlets, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and exploring dramatic tidal changes. The park's campsites and day-use areas are nestled right on the water, offering direct access to the bay for fishing and boating. With rich wildlife and sweeping coastal views, it's a prime destination for immersive waterfront recreation.
4. Sipp Bay Preserve
RUGGED WATERFRONT TRAILS
Sipp Bay Preserve is known for its serene hiking trails that meander through forest and along a rugged, scenic shoreline. The preserve features a hand-carry boat launch, allowing for easy kayaking and peaceful exploration of quiet bays and coves. Birdwatchers and nature lovers are drawn here for its abundant wildlife and tranquil waterfront setting.
5. Reversing Falls Park
TIDAL FALLS PHENOMENON
Reversing Falls Park is a unique natural site where powerful tides create dramatic reversing currents and rapids in the river. Visitors can watch this rare tidal event from shore, and the park offers scenic picnic areas and walking trails overlooking the water. The falls are especially popular with photographers and those interested in local geology and tidal phenomena.
6. Old Sow Whirlpool
LARGEST TIDAL WHIRLPOOL
Old Sow Whirlpool, located between Eastport and Deer Island, is recognized as the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere. The swirling waters are best viewed from boat tours, which often depart from Eastport, offering a thrilling vantage point of this natural wonder. The area teems with marine life and is a highlight for adventurous visitors seeking dramatic waterfront sights.
7. Moose Island Beaches
ISLAND BEACH WALKS
Moose Island, home to Eastport, features several small public access beaches along its rocky shorelines, providing intimate spots for swimming and beachcombing. These waterfront escapes offer visitors a chance to experience the tidal rhythms and natural beauty of Passamaquoddy Bay. The beaches are ideal for peaceful walks, wildlife observation, and enjoying the salty ocean air.
8. Eastport Breakwater
HARBORFRONT SWIMMING SPOT
Eastport Breakwater serves as both a bustling harbor and a favorite spot for waterfront recreation, including swimming during warm summer months. The breakwater offers panoramic views of the bay, easy access for fishing, and a dynamic atmosphere with passing boats and birds. It's a central destination for those looking to combine beachside relaxation with a vibrant maritime setting.
9. South Edmunds Public Beach
QUIET BAYFRONT GETAWAY
South Edmunds Public Beach is a hidden gem along Cobscook Bay, offering a sandy shoreline ideal for swimming and sunbathing in a peaceful setting. The gradual entry into the water makes it family-friendly, and the surrounding woodland provides pleasant picnic and walking opportunities. It's beloved for its tranquility and scenic bay views.
10. Fundy Bay Cruises
WATERFRONT BOAT ADVENTURES
Fundy Bay Cruises operates scenic boat tours from Eastport's waterfront, showcasing the dramatic coastline, marine wildlife, and the open waters of Passamaquoddy Bay. Many cruises offer opportunities for swimming, seal watching, and experiencing the area's strong tides up close. These adventures provide a unique perspective on the region's waterfront attractions and natural beauty.