Sand Beach, Acadia Nat'l. Park, Maine

Sand Beach Acadia NP N 44.3292 W -68.1817 Click for Map

Description
Sand Beach is a small shoreline (290 yds long) nestled between mountains and rocky shores on the eastern side of Mt. Desert Island in Acadia National Park. It's popular with tourists and gets very crowded. Beach access is provided via the Park Loop Rd. The sand is largely comprised of microscopic shell fragments created from the pounding surf. Water temps here rarely break 55 degrees during the summer. Restrooms, payphones and a bathhouse are next to the parking area. Onshore winds are constant and make this a great place to sit on a hot day. The Great Head Trail is a popular loop that begins here and winds around its namesake formation. Starting at the beach's end, this intermediate-level trail is well worth the hike.

Directions
Follow Maine Route 209 for 14 miles from Bath to Phippsburg. Follow signs to the park.

Activities
swimming
walking

Parking
400-space municipal lot

State: Maine
Town: Bar Harbor

Facilities
bathhouse
picnic area

Safety
lifeguards