Cape Elizabeth
#7 in Best Maine Beaches
Unspoiled beaches beckon travelers to the coast of Cape Elizabeth, a headland that extends 12 miles into the Atlantic Ocean and forms the entrance to Casco Bay. For a modest admission fee, visitors can sunbathe, swim and search for hermit crabs at beautiful Crescent Beach State Park, a curved mile-long expanse of sand. There’s also Kettle Cove State Park, where beachgoers can explore tide pools and oceanfront walking paths after paying a small entrance fee. Before leaving Cape Elizabeth, take a photo of the Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse.
Georgetown, ME
#8 in Best Maine Beaches
Georgetown’s small-town atmosphere and large shores make this historic island a popular beach vacation destination come summer. Accessible from the mainland by bridge, Georgetown boasts beautiful beaches with impressive sand dunes and populations of endangered shorebirds. Visit Mile and Half Mile beaches in Reid State Park to explore the towering dunes, surf and enjoy a picnic lunch. Then, check out the wildlife-filled forest and rocky cliffs that comprise Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary. A stop in the Five Islands area is also a must: This small fishing village in Georgetown is known for its delicious lobster and superb harbor views.
