Beaches in Acadia National Park: More Than Just Sand
Posted: November 5, 2023
Updated: February 3, 2025
Beaches in Acadia National Park: More Than Just Sand
Beaches are usually sandy or pebbly places where land meets water, but Acadia National Park has its own take on what a beach can be. With its rugged cliffs, rocky coves, and stunning tidepools, Acadia stretches the definition beyond the ordinary. Some of these spots might not fit the textbook description of a beach, but trust me—they belong on this list.
The first time we went to Seawall, we saw people having a daytime campfire and grilling hotdogs on the beach. We knew we had to come back for a full-on picnic—and we have several times. That’s the magic of Acadia’s beaches. Whether you’re searching for a romantic picnic spot, the thrill of crashing surf, or a quiet place to take in Maine’s beauty, you’ll find it here.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best beaches in Acadia National Park—some well-known, others hidden treasures—so you can decide which ones to add to your next adventure.
Introduction to
Acadia National Park
An Acadia National Park vacation offers more than just stunning scenery—it’s a journey through a uniquely preserved landscape. Unlike many national parks, Acadia’s boundaries are somewhat undefined due to its historical development, where summer homes and roads existed long before the park was established.
Thanks to generous landowners and conservationists who donated private land, this breathtaking region was protected from overdevelopment. In 1919, these public lands officially became Acadia National Park, now welcoming over 4 million visitors annually.
When you visit, you’ll find a mix of beautiful beaches both inside and outside the park, blending nature with the charm of coastal Maine.
Beaches in Acadia National Park: Loop Road
The most familiar and most visited part of Acadia is Loop Road. The drive is only 27 miles, and there is much to see and do.
Remember, the Loop road is one-way, so if you want to stop, don’t wait; otherwise, you will have to come back around.
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1. Sand Beach
One of the most scenic beaches Acadia National Park offers is Sand Beach. This natural cove is surrounded by tree-lined cliffs. The tranquil waters and soft sand make it a favorite spot for families.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer, but swimming always comes with risks. The ocean temperature hovers around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cold water, along with occasional strong currents, can be hazardous. Still, many visitors, both young and old, enjoy taking a dip at Sand Beach.
Convenient restroom facilities are available, and the beach is just a short stroll from the parking area, making it easily accessible for visitors. While there’s ample parking in nearby lots, the Sand Beach area can get quite busy, especially in the summer.
When you visit Sand Beach keep in mind it is a rare beach where the “sand” is largely made up of broken shell fragments that make up one the most beautiful and fun beaches in Acadia.
2. Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is a unique stop along the Loop Road. Although not technically a beach, this area fits the broader perspective and definition. From the lookout platform, visitors can marvel at the thunderous sounds of the water rushing into the cavern below. Although swimming is prohibited at Thunder Hole, the views are outstanding.
Along the path, cut-throughs grant access to the granite cliffs with spectacular ocean views. Nevertheless, proceed cautiously, as this area can be dangerous and slippery. The area around Thunder Hole is a beautiful place to relax and picnic while gazing out at the water.
There is a nearby parking lot and parking along the right side of Loop Road. Because Thunder Hole is popular, the area can become crowded. Be prepared to walk along Ocean Path and enjoy the views above the ever-changing sea.
3. Boulder Beach and Monument Cove
Boulder Beach and Monument Cove are located between the Gorham Mountain Trail Head Parking lot and Otter Cliffs Parking lot, past Thunder Hole.
This area is a favorite among photographers. With spectacular sunrises, dark skies, and a beach made up of smooth rounded rocks, Boulder Beach is a peculiar area. From the beach, you can often see rock climbers scaling Otter Cliffs.
Contrary to what I have read in other blogs, for some people (like me) accessing the water can be tricky.
Unless we missed the well-traveled path to the beach, the only ways down were the “nature paths”. In other words, these paths were steep and slick, with not much to grab on for support. For more advanced and sure-footed hikers, the way down is probably a breeze.
4. Otter Cove Beach
A quick stop at Otter Point provides gorgeous views of the Otter Cove Beach and Causeway. Upon approach, the sea is on the left, and a smaller inlet or cove is on the right.
At high tide, there is barely, if any, beach. At low tide, Otter Cove Beach is a fun place to explore tide pools.
A fun fact about the Causeway Bridge is its construction. Without going into great detail, the bridge was designed and built with a “stop board system.”
In thought, the stop boards were to control the waters rushing into the cove, keeping the cove water warmer and calmer for swimming.
Unfortunately, the boards were never installed, but the cove does make a nice place to kayak.
5. Little Hunters Beach
Little Hunters Beach is made up of a million small stones. As the water pulls back over the stones, listen carefully to the crackling sound. The rocks seem to sing when the water rushes over them.
Be forewarned, there are a lot of steps that lead down and your walk may require crossing a small stream. Even if you don’t go all the way down to the beach, you can peek from the platform. Little Hunters Beach is a quiet beach where you can relax or explore.
Like many of the beaches in Acadia National Park, the natural shoreline is rocky. Although it might be tempting to take a smooth small pebble as a souvenir, removing any natural resource, mineral, plant, or animal from our National Parks is illegal.
To put the removal of stones in perspective, look at the beach and imagine what it would look like if 4 million people a year took even one stone home with them.
To quote John Muir:
“Take nothing but pictures
Leave nothing but footprints
Kill nothing but time”
6. Jordan Pond
Reaching depths of 150 feet, Jordan Pond is the deepest lake in Acadia. Although the pristine waters are inviting, swimming and motorized boating are prohibited, as Jordan Pond provides drinking water to the neighboring communities.
Instead, stroll around the lake or paddle your kayak on the water and enjoy the mountain views.
While here, be sure to visit the Jordan Pond Guest House. For over 130 years, guests of Acadia have been enjoying mouth-watering pop-overs and champagne on the lawn. This is your chance to dine like the Rockefellers.
While at the Guest House, take in the views from the Jordan Pond deck. The inspiring landscapes will leave you in awe.
More Beaches
in Acadia National Park
7. Hunters Beach
As one of Acadia’s best-kept secrets, Hunters Beach is spectacular.
The trail leads through the lush forest, over a footbridge, along the brook, to a magnificent secluded beach. Whether exploring the rocks and cliff trail intrigues you or relaxing on the log “bench” is more your style, Hunters Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Acadia National Park.
Approaching Hunters Beach, there is a small parking area at the trailhead. Proceed slowly, as there is no signage for the beach.
The trail to the water is about 1 mile roundtrip. Since the trail to the beach is fairly flat, it is an easy walk.
Exploring Hunters Beach was a highlight of our trip. I hope you love it as much as we did!
8. Seal Harbor Beach
Like most beaches in Acadia National Park, Seal Harbor Beach is sometimes covered by high tide.
The gentle waves in the cove and sandy beach make It a beautiful place to spend the day. You can relax while enjoying the surrounding landscape or swim in the shallow waters.
Parking and restrooms are located just across the street for your convenience. Don’t be surprised to see some rich and famous residents, like Martha Stewart, in the area.
After all, Seal Harbor Beach is home to the most famous restrooms in the country. John D. Rockefeller and Edsel Ford financed the facility so their visitors wouldn’t have to “find a tree.”
I don’t know about you, but I always appreciate a modern restroom.
9. Bracy Cove and Barley Beach
📍Visit Bracy Cove and Barley Beach
This lovely stretch of beach is easy to find, as it is located directly off Hwy 3 at the Little Long Pond Carriage Road. The views are outstanding, and the waters are still and calm.
The beach is mostly small and has rounded stones. As the tide recedes, visitors enjoy tide pooling.
Parking is across the highway at the Carriage Road entrance. This is another place in Acadia where you can enjoy an afternoon stroll on the quiet roads and gardens.
10. Echo Lake Beach
Summertime is especially fun at Echo Lake Beach, so bring your bathing suit. The beach offers ample parking, restrooms, and a sandy lakefront, perfect for picnics.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of hiking, swimming, or kayaking on the lake.
We were fortunate to catch the stunning color pop as the leaves reached peak season. Because it was “off-season,” the beach area was quiet and inviting.
Without a doubt, Echo Lake Beach made the top of my list of the captivating beaches Acadia National Park is known for having.
Try not to miss this one!
11. Seawall
Located on the “quiet side” of Mt. Desert Island, Seawall is a world of its own. It is a beautiful coastal area with views, angry waves, and magical landscapes.
Many visitors to Acadia never make it to this side of the island.
We were talking to our neighbors in the campground, who had been visiting Acadia for years, and mentioned the area. They had no idea about the place! Seawall is a hidden gem.
We spent much time around this area, exploring the trails, the pristine ponds, and the little towns.
There are shipbuilders, galleries, and, of course, the docks. If you time it right, you can buy freshly caught lobster from local lobstermen at dock price.
For us, the solitude and sounds of the waves made for an enjoyable afternoon picnic at Seawall State Park.
We brought firewood and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon bonfire. With a stocked snacklebox and a bottle of Cabernet, we sat for a few hours, just loving life.
Seawall is one of our favorite picnic spots in Acadia National Park.
12. Wonderland Trail Beach
Once you step into the forest, you will think you are in Wonderland. It is spell-binding with tall trees and winding paths. Before you know it, you are at some of the most breathtaking beaches along the coast.
Wonderland was one of our favorite trails. It is only about 1.5 miles roundtrip and mostly flat. The rocky coastal views are magnificent.
We almost didn’t come out here. Thankfully, I stumbled across some photos on Instagram and knew we had to make time. We were not disappointed, and you won’t be either.
13. Hadley Point Beach
Hadley Point Beach is a favorite among locals on Mt. Desert Island. It has a public boat ramp where visitors can launch their small watercraft and enjoy a day on the bay.
The water is crystal clear, and the beach is made of small pebbles. This is a great place for a late afternoon campfire while relaxing on the beach.
Parking is ample, but there is only a porta-potty for restrooms.
When it comes to irresistible beaches in Acadia National Park, Hadley Point makes the list!
14. Hulls Cove Beach
The tide fluctuations make Hulls Cove a fascinating beach to visit. At low tide, the water recedes, capturing sea creatures in tidepools between the rocks. At high tide, the seawater rises to the highway, completely covering the rocky beachfront.
The nearby Chart Room Restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy Hulls Cove Beach. Happy Hour on the back pier offers outstanding views of Frenchman’s Bay and the crazy tide activity.
15. George Dorr’s Pebble Beach
(Old Farm)
📍Visit George Dorr’s Pebble Beach
Prepare to be amazed at the stunning views from George Dorr’s Pebble Beach. The flat gravel trail leads to a secluded cove and rocky beachfront. The views are nothing short of spectacular.
Listen carefully as the waves rush over the pebbles. The crackling sound is magical.
Exploring the ruins of the Dorr homestead is equally alluring. The front porch would have looked out into Compass Harbor while the back and side porches faced the forest.
You can walk the staircase leading from the house to the beach to glimpse what the Dorr family experienced daily in Acadia National Park.
Folklore and ghost tales say that George still roams the property long after he died in 1944.
16. Lakewood Pond Beach
If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded hidden gem, go to Lakewood Pond Beach. Although the road to the parking area is marked PVT (private), don’t be deterred.
The recreation area is a designated part of Acadia National Park. There is ample parking at the end of the road and modern restrooms.
The short walk down the dirt road will lead you to a quiet lakefront surrounded by forest. In the summer, Lakewood Pond is a favorite among locals for cliff jumping and skinny dipping.
During the fall months, the lake is a perfect area to spend the day, away from the crowds and surrounded by a vast array of colors.
Undoubtedly, Lakewood Pond Beach is one of the most exquisite beaches in Acadia National Park.
Beaches in Acadia National Park: Schoodic Peninsula
Plan to spend one day of your Acadia trip on the Schoodic Peninsula. There are hidden beaches, country roads, small towns, and a winery. Of course, you can find some local restaurants and lobster pounds along the way.
There is nothing commercialized on the Schoodic Peninsula, and I hope they keep it that way. The natural beauty and relaxed feel are perfect for the soul.
17. Schoodic Point
Although about a 45-minute drive from Cadillac Mountain’s main entrance, Schoodic Point is still part of Acadia National Park. The area is quite remote and worth every bit of the drive.
The seascapes are breathtaking, and you can walk out on the boulders and slabs for a better view. The scenic loop at Schoodic should not be missed when visiting Acadia National Park.
This is one of the most rugged and scenic parts of the Park.
sG 18. Beach – Lamoine State Park
Lamoine Beach is an easy-to-find spot on the Schoodic Peninsula, where calm waters make it ideal for swimming and kayaking. Strolling along the shoreline, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Mt. Desert Narrows and Frenchman’s Bay.
With a spacious lawn area and picnic tables, it’s a perfect place to relax by the sea. Our RV-Friendly Campgrounds near Acadia National Park Guide includes Lamoine State Park Campground, which offers both waterfront and wooded campsites.
When exploring the beaches in Acadia National Park, mark this one!
19. Marlboro Beach, Lamoine
Like many beaches in Acadia National Park, Marlboro Beach is in a quiet cove in the Mt. Desert Narrows. This secluded beach is best accessed during low tide. The calm and crystal clear waters make it a popular swimming area for locals.
Marlboro Beach is best known for its “mud flats.” As the waters recede, the mud or silt forms intricate ecosystems important to the area’s wildlife.
Strolling on the beach brings to mind the texture of Kinetic Sand, in the way your feet gently sink into the ‘sand’ with a surprisingly spongy feel. Conversely, walking into the mud may feel more like quicksand.
20. Jones Pond Recreation Area – Gouldsboro
📍Visit Jones Pond Recreation Area
Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, you can find a freshwater favorite, Jones Pond. Although there are no lifeguards on duty, locals and visitors enjoy swimming in the calm cool waters.
There are boat ramps, restrooms, and ample parking spots available.
To be transparent, we did not make it to Jones Pond, so I can only go on what others say about the area and unfortunately, I have no pictures. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the area!
21. Tidal Falls Preserve, Hancock
Tidal Falls Preserve is a beautiful park that is a great place to stop and see, especially if you like tide-pooling. One of the most extraordinary aspects of the area is the fluctuation of tides. They can rise and fall up to 20 feet.
Visitors are intrigued by the tidal changes The Tidal Falls Preserve captures. Timing your visit with the tides can give you a first-hand look at a waterfall reversal. That’s right, the waterfall flows up rather than down—a pretty cool phenomenon.
Beaches Near Acadia National Park: Bar Harbor
22. Town Beach
Town Beach is within walking distance of the pier below Agamont Park, the focal point of Bar Harbor. Timing is everything on Mt. Desert Island, as the tides are fascinating.
This rocky coastline offers outstanding views and the most amazing sounds we have ever heard. The cobblestones crackle as the waves hit the shoreline and pull back out to the ocean. It sounds like a bowl of rice crispies, but louder. Robb and I were completely captivated.
23. The Sand Bar or Land Bridge
Don’t let the name fool you . There is no alcohol in this bar.
During high tide, the entire area is submerged. Then, like magic, as the waters recede at low tide, the seas literally part, exposing a huge sand bar or “land bridge” connecting Bar Harbor to Bar Island. This is actually how Bar Harbor got its name. Talk about a crazy experience.
Walking the Land Bridge is one of the best things to do when planning your trip to Bar Harbor!
StroTip
Waterfront Accommodations
Now that we’ve shown you the captivating beaches in Acadia National Park, here are a few suggestions for waterfront accommodations. Click the links to check pricing and availability.
Campgrounds with Waterfront Views
Hotels with Waterfront Views
Final Thoughts: Beaches in Acadia National Park
The beaches Acadia National Park offers are a breathtaking mix of rugged beauty, coastal charm, and peaceful retreats.
Whether you’re sinking your toes into the sands of Sand Beach, exploring the rocky shores of Boulder Beach, or uncovering the hidden gems along the Schoodic Peninsula, each spot has something special to offer.
The rhythm of the waves, the ever-changing tides, and the crisp ocean breeze create an unforgettable experience. So, grab your sunscreen, embrace the adventure, and start planning your Acadia getaway today!
Want to make the most of your trip? Our Acadia National Park 3 Day Itinerary will help you hit the highlights while uncovering hidden gems for an unforgettable adventure!
The Stromads
Robb Strobridge & Maureen Wright
Entrepreneurs, Wanderlusters, Constant travelers, and Full-time RV Nomads since 2016. We are fueled by life, love, and the pursuit of all things good. Thanks for joining our journey and we hope to see you down the road!
