(NEWS CENTER Maine) -- Maine's coast is gorgeous wherever you decide to visit through the summer. Every beach is amazing from Downeast to York County.
A few weeks ago, I put the question on our social media pages: "What's your favorite Maine beach and why?" We got dozens of responses and many beaches were represented. Here are the top five!
1. OGUNQUIT BEACH: Located in coastal York County. Route 1 cuts right through town. Great food and shopping are easy to find. The nightlife is awesome, too! Many attractions stay open year-round. However, the beach is not open at night. Beach goers are welcome at any time between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. (Pics courtesy of Rick Barber.)
2. POPHAM BEACH STATE PARK: Located in Sagadahoc County. Take Route 1 to Route 209 to reach the entrance at 10 Perkins Farm Lane, Phippsburg, ME 04562. What's interesting about this beach is you can walk to nearby Fox Island at low tide. It borders the south side of the mouth of the Kennebec River. Fort Popham is also a great attraction and is about a mile up the road.
3. OLD ORCHARD BEACH: Located in Coastal York County between Saco and Scarborough, situated off of Route 1. There are PLENTY of signs to help guide you from there. You can also take the Amtrak Downeaster to get there! It's a seven-mile long beach. The iconic pier, pier fries, and Palace Playland await your arrival. There is a weekly firework show in the summer, too!
4. PEMAQUID: Located in Bristol, south of Damariscotta. The beach is groomed daily. Large changing and shower rooms are available for guests of the beach. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park is also right nearby for more photo opportunities.
5. REID STATE PARK AND SAND BEACH (tie): When I went to scope out Reid State Park for this assignment, I was BLOWN away! It's located on Georgetown Island and along the Sheepscot River. It's about an hour drive from Portland and a little over two hours from Bangor. Two beaches of a mile and half-mile in length are located here. Sand Beach is in Acadia National Park. Ocean temps here rarely get above 55 degrees, but the 290-yard stretch of sand makes up for that. Access to the beach is provided by Park Loop Road. A lifeguard is on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Now, I could only choose the top 5, but why not give a shout out to a few others on that list?
- CRESCENT BEACH STATE PARK: Located in Cape Elizabeth at 66 Bowery Beach Rd. The park opened in 1966. Picnic tables, grills, and a snack bar are all available. There's even a children's playground for the little ones. There are a few trails for walking and nature-watching as well. There is a fee.
- LINCOLNVILLE BEACH: Located seven miles north of Camden off Route 1. It's a small beach situated right on Penobscot Bay. You can even see the island of Islesboro. Want to visit there, too? It's just a 30-minute ferry ride away. There are also restaurants, galleries and antique shops for you to enjoy.
- FORTUNE'S ROCKS BEACH: Located in Biddeford. I like to jog on this two-mile beach. The sand is hard-packed and is great for doing such an activity! Parking is by permit only. You can get one at the city clerk's office at Biddeford City Hall.
