Long Sands Beach

The beach is wide at low tide, revealing long sandbars and tide pools that draw families with kids. At higher tides, it narrows but still leaves plenty of soft sand to spread out on. The northern end frames the Nubble Lighthouse beautifully, one of the most photographed angles of the lighthouse anywhere, and the long open expanse gives you a real sense of distance that is rare on the densely developed stretches of southern Maine coast. Surfers tend to congregate near the south end, where the breaks are most consistent, and Liquid Dreams Surf Shop sits a short walk from the Anchorage Inn for boards, wetsuits, and lessons.

Long Sands has its own daily rhythm. Sunrise on the beach is the quietest, most photogenic moment of the day. Locals tend to walk it at first light, and the long open horizon makes for spectacular early color. Sunset light hitting the Nubble Lighthouse from the south end is its other signature view. At low tide, the exposed sandbar is wide enough to walk on, with tide pools forming in the rocky outcrops. Pack water shoes for the rocks, sun protection for the long unshaded stretches, and a windbreaker for the afternoon ocean breeze.