Popham Beach State Park - Phippsburg, Maine

Address:Bath, Maine

Located on Maine's Mid-Coast Region, Popham Beach State Park offers 529 acres of space where you can play in the white sand and soak in the sun. Popham Beach is truly one of the State's rare geologic landforms, with its long stretch of sand, and there is plenty of fun to be had here. Kids will love playing and exploring in the tidal pools, while history buffs will appreciate that the beach is situated amongst several historic and natural attractions including Fort Baldwin, Fort Popham and Morse Mountain Preserve.

Both locals and visitors enjoy the wide open space at Popham where, even on the busiest summer days, you can always find an uncrowded spot to call your own. Sunbathers relaxing on Popham's sands can see Fox and Wood islands offshore, as well as the Kennebec and Morse rivers, not to mention getting some great Ocean views and even the occasional porpoise sighting. Swimming and shell collecting are popular activities here, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Remember though that this is a strong surf beach with undertows and occasional rip tides, so be careful to swim within your abilities and near the lifeguard.

If you enjoy fishing, get ready because there is plenty of bluefish and striped bass to enjoy here in the summer months, and you can enjoy your freshly caught meal on the picnic tables. Charcoal pits and a bathhouse with freshwater showers are also available in the wooded section of the park. Finally, if you're into lighthouses, don't miss Pond Island, a 10-acre island with an 1855 lighthouse. Although the lighthouse is not open to the public, several boat companies offer cruises with views of the island which give you a great close-ups.