Monhegan MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Monhegan, Maine.
1. Swim Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SWIMMING COVE
Swim Beach is a small sand cove located near the arrivals dock on Monhegan Island, offering a picturesque spot for swimming. It is surrounded by rocky shores, making it both scenic and somewhat sheltered, and is especially popular with families and children during warmer months. The beach is easily accessible by foot and provides a classic island waterfront escape.
2. Fish Beach
CLASSIC LOBSTERING WATERFRONT
Fish Beach is a working waterfront on Monhegan Island known for its local fishing boats and fresh seafood atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy watching fishermen at work, buying lobster to eat by the water, and searching for seaglass along the rocky shore. It's a quintessential Maine experience combining a scenic coastal view and island culture.
3. Burnt Head Cliffs
SPECTACULAR COASTAL VIEWS
Burnt Head Cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Maine, offering dramatic oceanfront vistas and a rugged wilderness setting. The area is popular for hiking and birdwatching, with harbor seals often spotted among the offshore rocks. This location provides visitors with iconic views of the wild Atlantic and a true sense of Monhegan's untamed coastline.
4. Monhegan Island Harbor
SCENIC ISLAND WATERFRONT
Monhegan Island Harbor serves as the welcoming gateway for visitors and offers panoramic views of the ocean, fishing boats, and village life. The harbor is lined with historic inns and is a great place for strolling, relaxing, or watching the sunset. Its proximity to the town center makes it a central spot for enjoying the waterfront atmosphere.
5. Ice Pond
PEACEFUL FOREST POND
The Ice Pond is a serene inland spot surrounded by lush forest, historically used for ice harvesting. Though not an oceanfront beach, it offers a unique swimming and nature experience for visitors looking for calm freshwater in the heart of the island. Hiking trails nearby make this pond an inviting and tranquil retreat.
6. Pebble Beach
ROCKY SHORELINE RETREAT
Pebble Beach is known for its smooth stones and sweeping ocean views, providing a dramatic location for beachcombing and tidepooling. The beach is quieter and less crowded, perfect for those seeking solitude and the sounds of crashing surf. It is reached by scenic trails, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery.
7. Cathedral Woods
MYSTICAL FOREST SANCTUARY
Cathedral Woods is a magical forested area near Monhegan's coast, featuring moss-carpeted trails and dappled sunlight. While there isn't a traditional beach, the woodland paths lead to coastal viewpoints and peaceful glades. It's an enchanting place for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.
8. Pemaquid Beach Park
POPULAR SANDY BEACH
Pemaquid Beach Park, located on the mainland near Monhegan, is a favorite spot for swimming and sunbathing with its fine sand and gentle surf. The beach offers clear water and family-friendly facilities, making it an ideal destination for a summer day trip. Its scenic coastline is easily accessible from ferry departure points to Monhegan.
9. Reid State Park
EXPANSIVE OCEANFRONT PARK
Reid State Park boasts long sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and warm tidal pools, making it a top spot for oceanfront recreation not far from the Monhegan ferry. Visitors enjoy swimming, wildlife watching, and picnicking along the broad Atlantic shoreline. The park's unspoiled beauty and ample space attract visitors from all over the region.
10. Popham Beach State Park
SWEEPING SANDBAR BEACH
Popham Beach State Park is famous for its miles of sandy beach and shifting sandbars, offering spectacular swimming, walking, and scenic views. The broad shoreline allows for plenty of space even on busy summer days, and the tidal estuary hosts unique wildlife. It remains one of the most celebrated waterfront escapes along Maine's coast.