Thorndike MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Thorndike, Maine.
1. Lake St. George State Park
PRISTINE LAKESIDE SWIMMING
Lake St. George State Park is a beloved lakeside destination offering a sandy beach ideal for swimming and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy clear waters, designated swimming areas, and shady picnic spots along the lake's scenic shoreline. The park also provides boat rentals, hiking trails, and camping facilities, making it a complete waterfront escape.
2. Swan Lake State Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE BEACH
Swan Lake State Park features a large, grassy picnic area and a sandy freshwater beach with gentle swimming conditions. The park is perfect for families seeking a quiet day by the water, with lifeguards on duty in the summer. Additional amenities include boat rentals, playgrounds, and scenic woodland trails.
3. Moose Point State Park
COASTAL PICNIC AND TRAILS
Moose Point State Park sits on Penobscot Bay, blending tidal beachfront with grassy picnic grounds and forested walking paths. Visitors can wander along the rocky shore, enjoy panoramic ocean views, and swim in designated areas. The park is also a haven for birdwatching and coastal photography.
4. Sandy Point Beach
QUAINT RIVERFRONT BEACH
Sandy Point Beach boasts a long sandy stretch along the Penobscot River, ideal for swimming and beachcombing. The beach offers calm, shallow waters suitable for families and a peaceful atmosphere away from larger tourist crowds. Nearby hiking trails and picnic areas enhance the waterfront experience.
5. Craig Pond
CLEAR WATER SWIMMING HOLE
Craig Pond is a crystal-clear, spring-fed pond famed for its deep blue waters and tranquil setting. Swimmers enjoy the refreshing water from a small beach or floating dock, surrounded by forested hills. The pond is also a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
6. Ducktrap River Beach
RIVER MEETS OCEAN
Ducktrap River Beach is a unique spot where the fresh waters of the Ducktrap River flow into Penobscot Bay, creating a sheltered beach with both river and ocean swimming options. The area is popular for wading, picnicking, and exploring tidal pools. Surrounded by scenic views, it offers a peaceful escape close to Camden.
7. Old Orchard Beach
CLASSIC OCEANFRONT DESTINATION
Old Orchard Beach is one of Maine's most iconic oceanfront escapes, with seven miles of sandy shoreline and a lively boardwalk atmosphere. Visitors flock here for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside amusements, including the historic pier and Palace Playland amusement park. The beach area is well-equipped with amenities and hosts weekly fireworks in summer.
8. Belfast City Park
HARBOR BEACH AND POOL
Belfast City Park features a small sandy beach along the Passagassawakeag River as it meets the harbor, offering safe swimming and expansive views. The park includes a public pool, playgrounds, and picnic shelters for family gatherings. Its location near downtown Belfast makes it a convenient waterfront stop.
9. Unity Pond (Lake Winnecook)
LAKESIDE RECREATION HUB
Unity Pond, also known as Lake Winnecook, provides a popular local spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. Several public access areas and beaches invite visitors to relax by the water or launch kayaks and paddleboards. The lake's gentle shoreline and scenic setting make it a favorite for summer recreation.
10. Fort Point State Park
HISTORIC WATERFRONT VIEWS
Fort Point State Park offers sweeping views of Penobscot Bay from its grassy, tidal beach and historic fort site. The waterfront area invites swimming, tidepooling, and fishing, all framed by the presence of a classic lighthouse. Picnic areas and trails wind through the park for a full day of riverside exploration.