Sand Beach is a gorgeous little beach (290 yards long) nestled between mountains and rocky shores on the east side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. Access is provided via the Park Loop Road. The beach is largely comprised of unique sand of shell fragments created by the pounding surf. (photos)

Be ready to tighten up if you venture into the water. The ocean temperature rarely exceeds 55 degrees in the summer. There is approximately one half a cup of salt per gallon of water. Changing rooms and restrooms are located next to the parking area. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus stops here about every half hour during normal seasonal daytime hours.

There is a popular hiking trail that begins here then loops around Great Head. If you walk to the end of Sand Beach you will granite steps at the base of the cliffs. This trail, ranked moderate, is called the Great Head Trail and is well worth the hike.

At the far end of the upper parking lot is the beginning of a beautiful Ocean Path that meanders along the coast approximately 2 miles all the way to Otter Cliff and Otter Point to the south. Part way in between is the famous Thunder Hole. If you would like a leisurely stroll in a spectacular rocky Maine coast setting, it does not get any better than this.