York, Maine, est. 1652. 2nd oldest town. Popular summer spot, Long Sands Beach near NH border. Goldenrod soda fountain, hotels, arcade. 1-mile-long beach, parking, restrooms.
Wells Beach, Maine: Over a mile of sandy shore, dunes, and Crescent Beach. Jetty protects Wells Harbor. 4 beaches, lifeguards, dining nearby. Amtrak stop from Boston.
Ogunquit, Maine: Charming downtown, Ogunquit Playhouse since 1933. 3+ miles of sandy shore. Main Beach, 20-min walk, beach chair rentals, lifeguards, restrooms, parking.
Kennebunkport, Maine: Sandy coastal stretches. Goose Rocks Beach ideal for families. Cottages, restaurants, resorts nearby. Parking permits required. No restrooms/lifeguards.
Biddeford, Maine: 3 public beaches span 2 miles. Fortunes Rocks for surfing, Biddeford Pool for picnics, sunbathing, fires with permit. Bathhouse, toilets. Parking: seasonal permit/$35 daily.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine: 7-mile beach with nostalgia and French fries. Pier since 1898, now restaurants/bars, fireworks, motels. Palace Playland nearby for rides/games.
Crescent Beach, Maine: 1-mile sandy crescent, close to Portland. Kayak rentals, restrooms, trails, grills, picnics. State park, limited hours, soft sand, calm waves.
Higgins Beach, Maine: Quiet coastal gem for surfing, swimming, fishing. Beach roses, shipwreck remnants. Nearby Higgins Beach Market with great food.
Ferry Beach, Maine: Near Crescent Beach State Park, sandy spot on Scarborough River. Calm waves, fishing, clam digging. Restroom, outdoor showers, boat launch.
Popham Beach, Maine: 605-acre park on Kennebec River peninsula. Busy state park, early parking fills. Sandbar to Fox Point, lighthouse on Seguin Island. Picnic, grills, restrooms, showers.