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    Popham Beach State Park

    4.6 (53 reviews)

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    Seagulls dive bombing at the beach

    Beautiful white Sandy Beach - We brought our beach chairs and were surprised when several seagulls dive bombed the people sitting near us To grab a sandwich - I was glad it Wasn't me but decided to do a sketch of it and gave it to the poor couple who We're visiting from out of Nee England- Entertaining to Put it mildly

    As if 2020 was not bad enough with COVID, there are also shark warnings at Popham!
    Todd R.

    Spent 5 hours today soaking in the sun at our favorite beach. We were surprised a bit by the fact that it wasn't more crowded, but were thrilled to have more solitude. I hesitate to encourage more people to visit but I must say this place is the quintessential Maine beach. However, if you want boardwalks, restaurants and entertainment then please stick to the beaches in the southern part of the state since you won't find anything like that here.

    Stupid seagulls stalking for food
    Amy V.

    In my opinion, Popham is over-rated. It's certainly beautiful, and a great place to visit if you're a tourist, or have out of town visitors that want to see it. It's a State Park, it has clean facilities and sometimes even a Food Truck. There's lifeguards. The sand is hard to get through on the long path to the beach, if your lugging gear. It's deep sand that scorches your feet. Bring a RUGGED sand wagon. It'll help. The wind is usually crazy, so it's hard to keep towels down. The seagulls are dinks, aggressive and vicious. They WILL steal your food directly from your hands. They stalk you, and attack your bags the second you step away from your home base. So securely put away and ZIP and tuck away ANY and all food in tight closed containers. They WILL tear apart backpacks if they smell food. I'm not joking. It's best to eat at the tables up by the facilities and not even bother to bring food down to the beach. It's a good big beach, with lots of things to see, especially at low tide when you can walk out to the island. But be prepared for very large crowds, sometimes you can't even get in.

    Lots of drift wood around
    Jenna C.

    It's been a very long time since I've been here and I'll be coming here more frequently. The beach is amazing, very sandy, clean, and lots of space. We went on a hot day and I was worried it would be packed. We were still able to get parking and there was TONS of space free on the beach. When it is low tide you can walk out to Fox island as well. I would say it's like OOB without the massive crowds, traffic and overpriced food. There are bathrooms here which are very clean. And unlike at OOB you don't have to pay to use some of them or go into a nasty port-a-poty. Since it is a state park you have to pay to get in but children are free and Maine residents are $3 an adult. Not too bad really.

    Sophia G.

    The park was full so we drove down the road and we're lucky enough to find parking by the Fort. Great site to see and beautiful beach right next to it. Great activity for our family!

    From parking lot - middle way to beach.
    Adam H.

    This is probably my favorite beach to journey to. I also like it's proximity to other excursions like Fort Popham or lesser known Fort Baldwin tucked away in the wooded hill nearby. The beach gets hit from two directions, and when the tide is low you can walk out to a little rocky out cropping/island. Sunrises can be rather beautiful and few others on the beach then. I only came across one other soul on the beach. They have a scent changing area and restroom facility.

    Nikki S.

    Love this beach so far. Just relocated to Maine and have been waiting for warm weather to finally enjoy a beach day. We visited this beach on a chilly day in May and although it was a nice little walk on the beach and the rocks during low tide, it was freezing. Recently went back with my kids for a beach day and it was beautiful, still slightly chilly with the breeze but there was barely a cloud in the sky. We went during low tide again so that they could climb on the rocks and attempt to see some sea life (no luck). It was pretty packed when we arrived around 11 and we had to park along the over flow parking outside the parking entrance. Silly me, figured this would mean we would not have to pay to enter so I didn't mind the walk in. I was wrong, they still charge you full price to enter the beach area which I find absurd but oh well. It can get a little pricey the more adults you have with you but if you are a veteran, you can get in for free. Also, Watch out for the seagulls. They are pesky little thief's and will creep right up on you to steal your meal/snacks and then go tell their friends who will them swarm you waiting to attack. The downside, I did notice that many people that attend this beach really lack consideration for others and will walk right on top of your belongings, kicking up sand and what not all over you. I am not sure if they are locals or tourists since it's a pretty well visited beach by both in the summer but just be warned. The lack of respect for other peoples property is not really there. Overall, it's a great beach with so much space and the little water pockets left during low tide in between the sand bars is great for kids to play in. You have amazing views all around and can head just down the street towards the fort for Ice Cream when you are done for the day.

    Nicole G.

    This is the biggest beach (aka the most sand) I've ever walked on. It was a bit tough on my poor feet, but it was so worth it. Beautiful views all around and the horses walking on the beach made it more interesting! There weren't too many people here when we got here. It was cool seeing the driftwood piled up like teepees and partially covered in drifting sand. I would surely stop again to check out the fort!

    View from the big rock island thing, back onto the sandbar at low (going to high) tide. Gorgeous!

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    4 years ago

    Awesome huge beach! The fort is really cool too, just make sure to bring bug spray for the deer flies.

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    so fun to explore. the water is so clean and fresh at this beach. sand is great too. would recommend

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    HUGE beach I mean HUGE! Clean bathrooms and changing rooms were a big place. Beautiful locations!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Popham Beach State Park

    Are small dogs allowed?

    NO dogs of any size are allowed on the beach from April 1st through September 30th. After that, they are allowed but must be leashed.

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    Review Highlights - Popham Beach State Park

    We went during low tide again so that they could climb on the rocks and attempt to see some sea life (no luck).

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    Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area

    Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area

    4.5(2 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    Great 2 mile hike to the beach (4mi total). Easy, free parking at the trailhead. This is an easy…read morehike that even little ones can do. Mostly shaded. But y'all, DO NOT FORGET THE BUG SPRAY. Let's say you arrive, start walking, and remember shoot! We left the bug spray in the car! TURN AROUND AND GET THE BUG SPRAY. Let's say you arrive, start walking, and remember shoot! We left the bug spray in the hotel! TURN AROUND, DRIVE HOME AND GET THE BUG SPRAY. I'm not exaggerating here - the bugs are a HUGE issue. We *gasp!* FORGOT THE BUG SPRAY, and suffered the consequences for the next 3 days of our trip. Literally hundreds of bites on every person. DO NOT NEGLECT TO BUG SPRAY. That aside, this was AWESOME!!! Such a gorgeous hike and then the beach!! THE BEACH!! Amazing. We visited Popham State Park later in the week and it could not compare to the beauty of this secluded beach. We were almost the only ones there! I wish I had understood how lovely it would be in advance... I would have packed a backpack lunch and spent the day there. As it was, we were all fully clothed but that didn't stop most of us from getting in the water. Do plan to spend some time here!

    Such a lovely 4 mile hike. This place has everything. Marshes, forests , mountain, and a beach…read more The day was sunny and 38 and oh breathtaking. I have hiked here a lot. In July and August there are a lot of insects that bite so I would avoid it then. Otherwise this place is a gem. The ocean water at the beach was super sparkly. Gorgeous. Maine is nice ...worth a memory worth a lifetime!! Enjoy

    Photos
    Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area - So peaceful

    So peaceful

    Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area
    Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area - I think I am outnumbered!

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    I think I am outnumbered!

    Stover's Cove

    Stover's Cove

    4.0(6 reviews)
    10.2 mi

    How did I not know about this place?? Fabulous. Quiet. feel sorry for the neighbors if too many…read morepeople go there.

    I am not the kind of mermaid who needs to drive her car right onto the beach. I'm not into…read moretailgating. I'm not into opening the back of my vehicle to blast music and create a Daytona-esque feel. That's just me. If any of those things are appealing, then come to Stover's Cove especially on the weekend. I'm not sure this place is much of a secret. When we came it was FILLED with giant trucks (many from Massachusetts) that had emptied out contents like canopy tents, beach furniture of all kinds, eight foot tables for buffets and beer pong, corn hole, SUP, kayaks, you name it. We found what we thought was a quiet area all the way at the end of the gravelly hook-shaped land (nothing here is sandy, so don't expect a traditional beach) but were almost immediately surrounded - people a few feet to our left, right, and behind. This is a cove, so remember there are no open ocean views or waves of any kind (unless they're coming from jetskiers) which is great for the ecosystems of the salt marshes. It's very still, very warm ocean water with views of homes, trees, Harpswell Sound, and the cribstone bridge. The ocean floor is more mushy then rocky or compact. Obviously this is all nitpicky and totally preferential, but Maine is filled with so many glorious swimming and sunbathing spots, that it's really all about finding what makes you happy. Is this a free place to swim? Yes. Is parking abundant (and also free)? Yes. Is it great for kiddos who maybe are a bit nervous about swimming or the ocean? Yes. Is it suitable if you have mobility issues? Yes. Also, they permit fireworks on July 3rd, 4th, 5th and December 31st and January 1st. Definitely check it out, but be careful of driving in. Your undercarriage thanks you.

    Photos
    Stover's Cove - No sand castles here

    No sand castles here

    Stover's Cove
    Stover's Cove

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    Pott's Point Preserve - Distance, elevation, and time. Best mile of your life.

    Pott's Point Preserve

    5.0(4 reviews)
    11.5 mi

    Maine is full of secret nooks and crannies. Glorious, magnificent, breathtaking places untouched by…read moreman or time. It's getting increasingly difficult to find these places, but they exist and Pott's Point Preserve is proof of that. Driving to and around Harpswell in and of itself is stunning. But coming specifically here is otherworldly as far as nature scenes go. Park to the side of the road (carefully and at your discretion) at a seemingly dead-end near a bunch of lobster traps and a wharf. Walk up the private Pott's Point Road and walk for nearly a half mile through a picturesque, straight-out-of-a-movie-set seaside neighborhood. It may seem awkward to walk through (metaphorically) people's backyards, but eventually you'll reach "the end" of the road where there's a tiny, sandy path through thick greenery. Through it? The literal end of the land. A beautiful acre of rocks and rosa rugosa bushes and gravel beaches and tide pools full of marine life. You can loop around and explore (especially at low tide; you'll have to carefully navigate the rugged coastal landscape otherwise), and see a plethora of islands in the distance. It's unspoiled Maine beauty at it's finest.

    "The way life should be" - Maine's famous saying and logo - this place depicts just that. We went…read moreexploring and found this wonderful place. You're lost in time filled with algae, rocks, shells and grassland. We love this beautiful and breathtaking place. Perfect for puppies, children and couples. There is nothing quite like it and it's a short hike to the most gorgeous point. This place is perfect for this time of year- autumn with the leaves changing. Please come visit and find yourself at peace.

    Photos
    Pott's Point Preserve
    Pott's Point Preserve
    Pott's Point Preserve

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    Fort Popham

    Fort Popham

    4.8(8 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    The history and with an ocean view, there's no way I wouldn't love it! I have been coming here…read moresince I was a kid and it never gets old. I used to fish off of the rocks during high tide with my dad right next to the fort. We caught delicious mackerel. While I don't do that as an adult, I explore the fort, climb around on the rocks and enjoy the small beach area just as I did when I was a kid. It's not too big and not to small of an area. We love it. The fort is just so amazing and fascinating and while it was never battle tested, there's still so much to learn about the "why". They have done a great job adding displays with historical facts. I am so glad that it's not been vandalized like some of the other forts in Southern Maine/NH. Although some of the smaller fort nooks do smell like urine...ugh. Parking can be a challenge on weekends in the summer, and in some cases you might not be able to find a spot. We usually like coming here in the spring - April and in the fall - September. Bring bug spray or covering for your head and skin - the biting flies are aggressive!!!

    I love historical sites and Popham Beach so this place is perfect!! This park is the home to an…read moreunfinished pre Civil war fort that was built to protect shipbuilding in Bath and trade to Augusta. There are lots of great nooks and crannies to investigate. The tiny parking lot can be frustrating at times but that is just the way it has to be with such a limited space. No dogs are allowed in the fort, but the parking lot allows access to the beach in front of Spinneys which allows leashed dogs even during the summer! That being said, I beg dog owners to keep your pooch on a leash and pick up their waste so we don't blow a good thing!!!

    Photos
    Fort Popham
    Fort Popham
    Fort Popham

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    Popham Beach State Park - beaches - Updated May 2026

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