Sand Beach in Acadia

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 just south of the entrance fee station in Bar Harbor, Maine. The beach is largely comprised of unique sand of shell fragments created by the pounding surf. The waterline can vary quite a bit because of the difference between high and low tide. The photo above shows this range by the wet area on the beach sand. Note: No pets are allowed on the beach from May 15 through September 15.

Sand Beach Parking GPS: Latitude 44.330198; Longitude -68.183998

Accessibility: Restrooms, changing rooms, and parking is wheelchair accessible. Beach is not.

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Ocean at Sand Beach in Acadia
The Beehive viewed from Sand Beach in Acadia
View of Sand Beach from next to the Ocean Path

Ocean Temperature

Be ready to tighten up if you venture into the water. The ocean temperature rarely exceeds 55 degrees in the summer. Children don't seem to mind much when they're at play but there is a lot of spontaneous squealing when the water hits them! Adults, will do the same but it is often followed by laughter and exhilaration. There is approximately one half a cup of salt per gallon of water. Although, this is a family beach, no pets are allowed from May 15 - September 15. Changing rooms and restrooms are located next to the parking area. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus stops there about every half hour during normal seasonal daytime hours unless there are funding cutbacks that impact schedules.

A Commanding View

There is a popular hiking trail that begins next to the beach then follows a loop around the perimeter of a headland called Great Head. Essentially, it is the wall of land you will see in the distance on the further side of Sand Beach. If you walk to the end of the beach (towards the East or opposite side from the parking area) you will see ascending granite steps at the base of the cliffs to the left of the shoreline. This leads to the moderately ranked Great Head Trail and is well worth the hike. The trail meanders up the side of the granite with several spots that have spectacular views of Sand Beach with “The Beehive” in the background. Even before starting your climb, take a look at The Beehive.

Start of Ocean Path

At the far end Sand Beach's upper parking lot is the beginning of a beautiful Ocean Path that follows along the coast approximately 1.5 miles (about 3 miles round-trip) all the way to Otter Cliff and Otter Point to the south. Part way in between is the famous Thunder Hole where, when the tide and waves are just right, you may be able to hear a sound like thunder as the waves crash into a small underwater cave. If you would like a leisurely stroll in a spectacular rocky Maine coast setting, it does not get any better than this. There are many spots with steps where you can leave the path to get a closer view of the ocean. The Park Loop Road follows in this same direction but it is one-way.

Much to Explore

One of my earliest memories of Acadia National Park takes place at Sand Beach. Our family would gather there with relatives whose children were close in age to my siblings and me. We indulged in classic beach activities: playing in the sand, tossing a Frisbee, building sandcastles, and braving the frigid ocean waters. Our small bodies were easily tossed by the waves. Those days were filled with sunshine, the ocean, salty air, the cries of seagulls, and, most importantly, shared laughter with family.

Years later, I ventured to the far end of the beach, which added a whole new dimension to the experience. It felt like discovering a hidden treasure. The view of The Beehive from that location is truly iconic. However, the real reward came when we climbed the cliffs to reach the top of Great Head and looked back at Sand Beach from that elevation. The view is simply breathtaking! If you are physically able, I recommend making the climb. Be sure to wear suitable shoes, bring something to drink, and don't forget your cellphone. You'll want to take plenty of photos to share with friends and family.

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