By Caroline Praderio
Everyone has a different idea of the perfect Maine summer — one man’s breezy beach day is another’s mountain climb or demolition derby. In our May 2015 issue, we assembled an oversized guide to Maine’s busiest season, so everyone could pick and plan their perfect summer itinerary. Here’s an excerpt from that guide, letting you in on four quiet beaches you may not have visited yet.
Birch Point Beach State Park
This beach is hemmed in by regal pines and huge stone ledges that just beg to be picnicked upon. Open daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. 9 a.m. to sunset. State Park Fees. Access via Ballyhac Rd., Owls Head. 207-941-4014.
Lamoine State Park
Great Mount Desert Island views without the summer crowds? You bet. This quiet shorefront park has campgrounds and picnic tables for extended stays or afternoon day trips. Open daily, May 15–October 15. 9 a.m. to sunset. State Park Fees. 23 State Park Rd., Lamoine. 207-667-4778.
Laudholm Beach
Willing to work for a perfect beach day? This one’s for you. Hike through the wooded trails of the Wells Reserve and you’ll be rewarded with the soft sand of Wells’ lesser-known beach. Open daily, year-round. 7 a.m. to sunset. Fees. 342 Laudholm Farm Rd., Wells. 207-646-1555.
Roque Bluffs State Park
A rare sand-and-pebble beach on the rocky Down East coast. Open daily, May 15–October 1. 9 a.m. to sunset. State Park Fees. 145 Schoppee Point Rd., Roque Bluffs. 207-255-3475.
Discover more fabulous Maine beaches in our Southern Maine Beach Guide.
