Gouldsboro MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Gouldsboro, Maine.
1. Jones Pond Recreation Area
FRESHWATER SWIMMING AND BOATING
Jones Pond Recreation Area offers a clean, family-friendly freshwater escape in Gouldsboro. This spot is ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with easy access for both trailers and hand-carried boats. Visitors appreciate its tranquil waters and relaxed natural atmosphere, making it a popular place to spend a summer afternoon.
2. Schoodic Point
RUGGED OCEANFRONT VIEWS
Schoodic Point is celebrated for its dramatic rocky coastline and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park, this area is a favorite for picnicking, tide-pooling, and scenic strolls along the waterfront. Though swimming isn't typical here due to the rugged shoreline, the breathtaking setting lures many visitors year-round.
3. Blueberry Hill Beach
SECLUDED OCEANFRONT BEACH
Blueberry Hill Beach is a lesser-known, peaceful spot along the Schoodic Peninsula, just outside Gouldsboro. Visitors come here for its natural beauty, gentle ocean breezes, and the chance to explore tidal pools and rocky shores. Its proximity to Schoodic Point makes it an excellent stop for those seeking a quiet, unspoiled coastal escape.
4. Acadia National Park Sand Beach
ICONIC OCEANFRONT SWIMMING
Sand Beach in Acadia National Park is one of Maine's most iconic oceanfront swimming beaches. Set between rocky granite mountains and the cold, clear Atlantic, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunity. Despite chilly water temperatures, it remains a favorite destination for beachgoers, sunbathers, and photographers alike.
5. Long Pond
FRESHWATER LAKESIDE ESCAPE
Long Pond is a large, scenic freshwater lake situated within the heart of Mount Desert Island. The lake offers ample opportunities for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking along its beautiful wooded shorelines. With public access points and crystal-clear water, Long Pond is a longstanding favorite among locals and visitors seeking a lakeside retreat.
6. Echo Lake Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE BEACH
Echo Lake Beach, also known as 'Echo Lake Sand Beach,' is a beloved swimming spot on Mount Desert Island. Sheltered from ocean winds, it features warm(ish) freshwater and sandy areas perfect for families and children. Its gentle shoreline and lifeguard presence in summer add to its popularity as a safe, relaxing lakeside destination.
7. Lamoine Beach Park
EXPANSIVE TIDAL SAND BEACH
Lamoine Beach Park features a long stretch of sandy shoreline along Frenchman Bay, with stunning views of Mount Desert Island. Visitors enjoy swimming during high tide, picnicking, beachcombing, and relaxing with sweeping coastal vistas. Its easy access and ample parking make it a perennial favorite for both locals and vacationers.
8. Roque Bluffs State Park
PRISTINE OCEAN AND LAKE BEACHES
Roque Bluffs State Park offers visitors the rare option of both a long, sandy oceanfront beach and a freshwater swimming pond. The park's natural setting, with scenic walking trails and picnic areas, provides a peaceful retreat on the Downeast Maine coast. Whether enjoying saltwater or freshwater swimming, it's an ideal destination for families and nature lovers.
9. Frazer Point
QUIET RIVERSIDE PICNIC AREA
Frazer Point is a picturesque picnic and recreation area situated on a peninsula between two tidal rivers near Gouldsboro. It offers scenic water views, picnic tables, boat access, and opportunities for shore exploration and wildlife watching. Its tranquil setting makes it an excellent spot for a relaxed riverside outing or family day trip.
10. Hadley Point Beach
PEACEFUL BAYSIDE BEACH
Hadley Point Beach is a serene, pebble-covered beach located on the northern tip of Mount Desert Island. Known for its calm waters and panoramic bay views, it is ideal for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water. Its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite for picnics and evening strolls.