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Sand Beach is a stunning coastal treasure located within Acadia National Park in Maine. It’s popular for its picturesque beauty, with a stretch of soft, white sand framed by rugged cliffs and evergreen forests. It is one of my favorite places to visit in Acadia National Park! Here is everything you need to know.
Sand Beach
Sand Beach stands out in Acadia National Park due to its unique geology. The beach is between two rocky headlands, Great Head to the east and the Beehive to the west. The sand is made from crushed shells and granite particles, giving it a soft texture and a slightly pinkish hue.
Hiking At Sand Beach
The beach is a starting point or endpoint for several scenic hiking trails in Acadia National Park.
Great Head Trail
One popular option is the Great Head Trail, which begins at the eastern end of Sand Beach and offers stunning panoramic coastline views from the summit of Great Head. The trail is 1.8 miles long and starts from the beach, where you will make your way up the rocky terrain.
Hike Ocean Path Trail
The Ocean Path is a spectacular 2.2-mile-long out-and-back trail that takes you along the bold coast of Maine with ocean views, granite slabs, and rocky cliffs. This trail is a great way to access Thunder Hole and Otter Point from the Sand Beach parking area. You can extend the hike by continuing; this would make it a 4-mile roundtrip hike.
Can You Swim At Sand Beach?
The water at Sand Beach can be pretty cold, even in the summer months. This is due to the influence of the Labrador Current, which brings chilly water southward along the coast. As a result, swimming in the ocean here may be tempting, but it requires courage due to the low temperatures.
However, we did see people swimming in the summer! It is chilly, but it can be a fun activity to take the polar plunge.
Is There Wildlife At Sand Beach?
Sand Beach and its surrounding area provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors may spot seabirds, such as gulls, soaring overhead or resting along the shore. It’s also possible to see seals bobbing in offshore waves, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Sand Beach?
it is an excellent spot to catch a sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. The early morning light illuminates the cliffs and bathes the beach in a warm glow. Similarly, staying until evening allows visitors to witness spectacular sunsets, with the sun sinking below the horizon in a blaze of color.
If a beach day is what you are seeking, visit all day long!
Where Is Sand Beach?
One of the best parts about Sand Beach is its easy access. Sand Beach is easily accessible by car via the Park Loop Road, which winds through the park’s scenic landscapes.
There is so much to do when visiting Acadia National Park!
If you are looking for the perfect place to stay, here are 13 Great Places To Stay Near Acadia National Park.
Take This Sunset Happy Hour Nature Cruise In Bar Harbor during your stay! It is the perfect activity to enjoy before dinner.
Take the scenic hike around the Ship Harbor Trail, or for a more challenging hike, hike to Acadia’s Fire Tower On Beech Mountain. For a unique experience, Hike The Bar Island Trail At Low Tide.
Stroll around Jordan Pond before trying a Popover At Jordan Pond House.
If you want to try some lobster roll shacks, read my guides on Abel’s Lobster and The Travelin’ Lobster, which are a short drive away.
End your day with a unique yet delicious Lobster Ice Cream before booking a dinner reservation at The Most Delicious Seafood Restaurant In Bar Harbor Is The Loft.
After exploring Acadia National Park, you can visit some of Maine’s State Parks!
The Acadia National Park Collection
Where Do You Want To Travel Next?