Stonington MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Stonington, Maine.
1. Sand Beach
COVE WITH GRANITE VIEWS
Sand Beach is a small public cove located just five minutes from Stonington village, offering beautiful coastal views. Visitors can walk along smooth granite rocks while listening to Mark Island Light sound in the distance. The beach features incredible scenery with big rocks, vibrant water colors, and tall trees in all directions, creating a landscape reminiscent of Lake Tahoe.
2. Stonington Village
CLASSIC COASTAL FISHING TOWN
Stonington Village is a spectacular, timeless fishing village located in one of Maine's most classic coastal settings. The village features a blend of active lobstering operations alongside artisans and service providers. Visitors can experience the authentic charm of a working waterfront while enjoying scenic harbor views.
3. Edgar M. Tennis Preserve
COASTAL HIKING PARADISE
Edgar M. Tennis Preserve offers hiking trails through the woods and along the picturesque coast of Deer Isle. The preserve provides visitors with multiple access points to the shoreline, with opportunities to spot local wildlife. Hikers can enjoy peaceful walks with stunning views of the water and surrounding islands.
4. Settlement Quarry Preserve
HISTORIC SEASIDE QUARRY
Settlement Quarry Preserve is a former granite quarry site that now offers hiking trails with spectacular ocean views. The preserve showcases the area's industrial heritage through remnants of quarrying operations that once supplied granite to cities across America. Visitors can explore the unique landscape while enjoying panoramic vistas of Penobscot Bay and surrounding islands.
5. Old Quarry Ocean Adventures
KAYAKING ISLAND EXPLORATION
Old Quarry Ocean Adventures in Stonington provides kayaking experiences through the scenic Webb Cove and around small rocky islands. Paddlers can navigate the coastal waters, potentially spotting local wildlife like seals bobbing their heads above water. The adventure includes opportunities to discover secluded island beaches perfect for picnics and relaxation.
6. Barred Island Preserve
TIDAL ISLAND GETAWAY
Barred Island Preserve features a unique tidal island that can be accessed by foot during low tide via a natural sandbar. The preserve offers a network of forested trails leading to stunning shoreline views and the iconic sandbar connection. Visitors should time their trips carefully to avoid being stranded when the tide comes in, covering the sandbar access point.
7. Causeway Beach
ACCESSIBLE SHORELINE SPOT
Causeway Beach is a convenient shoreline access point located near the bridge connecting Little Deer Isle to Deer Isle. The beach offers scenic views of the Eggemoggin Reach and is popular for quick stops to enjoy the water. Visitors appreciate the easy parking and the opportunity to wade in the cool Maine waters during summer months.
8. Lily Pond
FRESHWATER SWIMMING SPOT
Lily Pond is a freshwater swimming alternative to the chillier ocean waters surrounding Deer Isle. The pond provides a peaceful setting for swimming, fishing, and paddling during the summer months. Local families and visitors alike enjoy this natural swimming hole as a warmer alternative to coastal beaches.
9. Acadia National Park Sand Beach
ICONIC PARK BEACH
Acadia National Park's Sand Beach is a stunning 290-yard-long beach nestled between mountains and rocky shores, located about an hour's drive from Stonington. The beach is composed of unique sand made from crushed shells, offering visitors a rare sandy shoreline experience in an otherwise rocky coastline. Despite the cold water temperatures that rarely exceed 55°F (13°C), the beach becomes a popular destination for brave swimmers and sunbathers during summer months.
10. Popham Beach State Park
LONG SANDY SHORELINE
Popham Beach State Park features one of Maine's longest stretches of sandy beach, offering spectacular views of offshore islands and the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is known for its dynamic landscape where visitors can sometimes walk to Fox Island during low tide. Swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing are popular activities, though visitors should be aware of strong tides and currents.