Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald

Arundel Beach (Colony Beach)

Great for rock exploring.

WHERE: Ocean Avenue and Atlantic Street, Kennebunkport

COST: Limited parking is available, no parking permit needed.

AMENITIES: No lifeguard, but good for exploring tidal pools.

 

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Drakes Island Beach

A half-mile long beach perfect for swimming.

WHERE: Drakes Island Road, Wells

COST: Parking lot, Gross Lot or Jetty Lot, $20 for the whole day (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

AMENITIES: Public restroom and lifeguard. Dogs are allowed.

 

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Ferry Beach State Park

Ferry Beach State Park is known for its long stretch of Tupelo trees – a rare find this far north.

WHERE: 95 Bayview Road, Saco

COST: $5 adult resident, $7 adult nonresident.

AMENITIES: Picnic area, hiking trails, nature center, changing rooms.

 

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Footbridge Beach

Very popular for its vast space and very sandy beach, it’s located by walking on a bridge.

WHERE: Park in lot at the end of Ocean Street in Ogunquit, and take footbridge over the Ogunquit River.

COST: $25 daily or $4 per hour to park.

AMENITIES: Snack shack open seasonally, with public restrooms located in parking lot.

 

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Fortunes Rocks Beach

A sandy beach with a mile of tidal pools at low tide.

WHERE: Fortunes Rocks Road, Biddeford

COST: Permit required to access the beach, but one-day nonresident permits may be purchased for $25 a vehicle.

AMENITIES: Lifeguards, portable bathrooms, good for surfing.

 

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Goose Rocks Beach

Sandy beach with three miles of soft sand and a barrier reef visible during low tide.

WHERE: New Biddeford Road, Kennebunkport

COST: Parking sticker required – $5 for Kennebunk residents, daily rate of $25 for nonresidents.

AMENITIES: No lifeguard nor facilities.

 

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Long Sands Beach

Known for its miles of a white sandy beach.

WHERE: 189 Long Beach, York

COST: Parking meters for $1 an hour, kiosks in the area for $2 an hour

AMENITIES: Lifeguards on duty daily, public restrooms, volleyball court, raft and umbrella rentals. No dogs between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. during summer months.

 

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Main Beach

Popular among those staying in the heart of Ogunquit, Main Beach is within walking distance of many establishments.

WHERE: Beach Street, Ogunquit

COST: $30 per car

AMENITIES: Public restrooms and outdoor showers.

 

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North Beach (Moody Beach)

In the middle of Footbridge and Moody Beach, North Beach has a large swath of sand, even during high tide.

WHERE: Ocean Avenue, Ogunquit

COST: $25 per car

AMENITIES: Public restroom, lifeguards, walking trails.

 

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Old Orchard Beach

With an arcade, amusement park and food and shops located within walking distance from the beach, Old Orchard Beach is fun for the whole family.

WHERE: 2 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach

COST: Lots are located around the area – prices can range from $5-$25.

AMENITIES: Food located nearby, lifeguards, bathrooms, amusement park, shopping, arcade.

 

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Short Sands Beach

Smaller than Long Sands Beach at only a quarter-mile long, this beach also hosts free concerts at its gazebo in the summer.

WHERE: Ocean Avenue (Route 1A), York

COST: Parking meters are for $1 an hour

AMENITIES: Public restrooms, playground, gazebo, basketball courts, grassy park for picnics. No dogs between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. during summer months.

 

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Wells Beach

A mile and a half long sandy beach with sand dunes.

WHERE: Mile Road, Wells

COST: Free, parking is located at the end of Mile Road

AMENITIES: Snack bar, restroom, gift shop, arcade and restaurants nearby.

 

— EMILY DUGGAN