Freeport has a nice selection of beaches, most of which offer access to Casco Bay and a few that are located on the ocean’s edge.
Most of the options are small sandy patches of shoreline suitable for kayaking, fishing, and taking a dip in summer. And places like the famous Popham Beach and Reid State Park also offer surfing and a chance to spot marine life, like seals, dolphins, and whales.
Whether you want to hunt for sea glass, cast a fishing line, or just spend some time outdoors, there is an option for you.
Check out what Freeport has to offer!
Beaches near Freeport:
- Winslow Memorial Park
- Sandy Point Bridge
- Broad Cove Reserve
- Cedar Beach
- Mackworth Island State Park
- East End Beach
- Thomas Point Beach
- Popham Beach
- Reid State Park
1. Winslow Memorial Park
- Distance from Freeport: 6 miles (15 min)
- Activities: camping, biking, picnicking, hiking, fishing, canoeing
- Amenities: boat launch, bathroom, showers, playground, campground (seasonal), walking trails, shoreline stairs, stone pier, picnic tables
The nearest sandy beach to Freeport is located in Winslow Memorial Park, just 6 miles south of the city. It offers sweeping views of Casco Bay and plenty of amenities for extended stays.
The park is the ultimate destination for fun. The beach offers swimming opportunities for those who are not afraid of the cold water. Also, there are multiple winding trails that lead through gorgeous woods and along the coast.
The boat ramp is great for launching smaller craft like kayaks and canoes, as well as larger motorboats, adding to recreational opportunities.
Perhaps the best feature of this beach is the seasonal campground that operates from May until October, making for ideal family trips.
Whether you’re into kayaking, fishing, or swimming, Winslow Memorial Park is a great place to start.
2. Sandy Point Beach
- Distance from Freeport: 10 miles (15 min)
- Activities: shell picking, swimming, fishing, kayaking
- Amenities: none
Cozied up on the edges of Cousins Island, Sandy Point Beach is another bay beach worth visiting. It is easily accessible from Cousin Street, just take the first left after crossing the bridge.
This spot is rarely packed but is located near the road, so you should be willing to withstand some noise from passing vehicles.
Sandy Point offers terrific views of Casco Bay waters and islands. Spend a few minutes here to shoot some mind-bending photos and even see some crabs, starfish, and clams – usually, once high tide passes.
There aren’t any amenities on Sandy Point Beach, yet it offers plenty to do. It’s popular with anglers and kayakers, and some people come here for a dip. Just be mindful of the tide.
3. Broad Cove Reserve
- Distance from Freeport: 10 miles (15 min)
- Activities: hiking, lounging, site-seeing
- Amenities: parking, bathroom, changing room, hiking trails
If you are on 1-295 Highway from Freeport and past Yarmouth, you could as well give Broad Cove Reserve a visit. It’s a quaint spot with lots of deep green trees lining up the edges of the ocean.
This coastline is known for having several hiking trails that are in pristine condition. Some lead to the ocean, where major activities entail watching horseshoe and hermit crabs. There’s loads of wash-up to see as well.
Although not an iconic vacation, the silent atmosphere around Broad Cove Reserve is ideal for reading, taking snaps, and lounging at the beach to soak in the soothing views of the bay.
4. Cedar Beach
- Distance from Freeport: 22 miles (40 min)
- Activities: site-seeing, shelling, fishing, swimming
- Amenities: parking
Freeport is close to some wonderful archipelagos that could easily escape outsiders. An ideal example for oceanfront lovers is Bayley Island, which harbors Cedar Beach.
While standing on the shorelines of this destination, the popping views of the historical Cribstone Bridge will keep you in awe. And when you are done trolling the water shores, you could collect sea shells and some colorful pebbles.
On summer weekends, Cedar Beach enjoys plenty of visitors who come to swim, fish and enjoy the sun. However, the parking spaces are limited, and the beach requires a 10-minute walk.
5. Mackworth Island State Park
- Distance from Freeport: 16 miles (20 min)
- Activities: hiking, swimming, shelling, picnicking
- Amenities: nature trails, parking, park benches, picnic tables
If you are close to Portland and you love hiking, birdwatching, and site-seeing, you can visit Mackworth Island State Park. Accessible through Andrews Avenue, this park is a popular nature spot and home to 1.5 miles of shoreline.
The trails inside the park are well maintained, dotted with benches on the sides, and cut through the entire premise. Some will lead down to the beach, where you can swim and collect sea glasses and shells. Note that only a few parts are swim-worthy.
Apart from swimming and beachcombing, visitors enjoy launching kayaks from one of the beaches and fishing.
Mackworth Island State Park is special in several ways. First, it’s a haven for birds like warblers, cormorants, gray jays, and sea ducks. Secondly, in winter, this park offers excellent snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
6. East End Beach
- Distance from Freeport: 18 miles (20 min)
- Activities: kayaking, site-seeing, fishing, swimming, walking
- Amenities: boat launch, public restrooms
East End Beach is Portland’s main public beach, located just 1.5 miles from downtown. It’s a place where one can spend time foraging for sea glass, kayaking, or enjoying the sunshine.
The beach is not really big. You’d have to scour its surroundings, including a hilly zone that allows for breathtaking views of the open waters and the sailboats.
Kayak rentals are available, and this must be one of the most popular activities here.
Hiking opportunities here are seemingly endless, with miles of urban shoreline to explore. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of Portland’s sights and restaurants to enjoy.
7. Thomas Point Beach
- Distance from Freeport: 14 miles (20 min)
- Activities: swimming, picnicking, camping, kayaking, golfing
- Amenities: parking, playground, bathrooms, restrooms, kayak rentals
Thomas Point Beach is a privately operated spot near Brunswick that features campgrounds and plenty of space for gatherings and events.
The beach itself is sandy but small, with a mud bottom, typical for Maine. Still, it’s a popular spot for cooling down in summer or just enjoying the sun.
There are plenty of open areas for family gatherings. Such vast spaces mean kids will be able to run around unrestrained yet still remain within the parent’s watchful eyes. There are camping sections and playgrounds for extra-immersive outdoor time.
Thomas Point Beach is also famous for hosting concerts and fairs. Even better, it’s only a few miles from Brunswick, where you can go shopping, dining, and drinking.
8. Popham Beach
- Distance from Freeport: 34 miles (45 min)
- Activities: hiking, site-seeing, swimming, surfing, picnics
- Amenities: bathrooms, showers, parking
Sitting on the ocean’s edge, Popham Beach is one of Maine’s largest and most popular beaches. Being part of a state park, this shoreline offers many miles of trails to discover. Most people come here to soak in the amazing ocean vistas.
In summer, the beach is buzzing with activity as crowds flock to enjoy the ocean. Tides are strong here, so extra care is required when entering the water. Lifeguards are on duty during the peak season.
Apart from swimming, Popham Beach is popular with kayakers and surfers. Yet, most folks tend to beachcomb and stroll along the water.
Like many locations in Maine, this beach has plenty of wildlife. You’re guaranteed to find shells and clams. And there is a chance to spot seals, dolphins, and whales in the water.
9. Reid State Park
- Distance from Freeport: 32 miles (45 min)
- Activities: picnicking, site-seeing, birding, swimming, fishing
- Amenities: grilling spots, picnic tables, restrooms, benches
If you are an aesthete looking for the best nature experience, then you have to drive south of Georgetown to discover Reid State Park. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this 770-acre park is home to swimming beaches, meandering woodland trails, and a plethora of picnic facilities.
The atmosphere at this park is calm, and when combined with the warm breeze of the ocean, it sure feels heavenly. Venture into the intensely green trees to see birds and their nesting areas. There are some desolate rocky spots that are a true marvel to behold.
The most special aspect of Reid State Park is that it gives you both the magic of a park and a coast shore.
Maine’s water is usually extra-cold most of the time and, therefore, not ideal for swimming. Nevertheless, it’s still a thrilling experience to walk around and see some driftwood, seaweed, horseflies, and tide pools.
Lakes in Maine:
Parks in Maine:
