Sand Beach
A stunning sandy cove nestled between granite cliffs, offering scenic views and access to coastal hikes in Acadia National Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & secure parking
Sand Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds & secure parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning sandy cove nestled between granite cliffs, offering scenic views and access to coastal hikes in Acadia National Park.
"Gorgeous to have a sandy beach framed by majestic mountains in the background."
🚗 Shuttle is Your Friend
Skip the parking stress! The park shuttle is highly recommended for accessing Sand Beach during busy times.
🥾 Gear Up for Stairs
Be ready to carry your beach essentials down a steep, stair-filled path. Pack light if possible!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sand Beach Cove
Bar Harbor, Maine
A stunning sandy crescent nestled between rocky cliffs, perfect for wading and enjoying scenic views.

Beehive Trail Views
Adjacent to Sand Beach
Hike the nearby Beehive Trail for breathtaking panoramic views of Sand Beach and the surrounding coastline.

Coastal Hikes
Park Loop Road
Explore scenic coastal trails that offer stunning vistas and lead to or from Sand Beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking
Be Prepared for the Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Shuttle is Your Friend
Skip the parking stress! The park shuttle is highly recommended for accessing Sand Beach during busy times.
🥾 Gear Up for Stairs
Be ready to carry your beach essentials down a steep, stair-filled path. Pack light if possible!
🥶 Water is Chilly!
Even in summer, the Atlantic waters here are refreshingly cold. Expect to just dip your toes!
🚫 No Glass or Alcohol
Remember to leave glass containers and alcoholic beverages behind, as they are prohibited.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Shuttle is Your Friend
Skip the parking stress! The park shuttle is highly recommended for accessing Sand Beach during busy times.
🥾 Gear Up for Stairs
Be ready to carry your beach essentials down a steep, stair-filled path. Pack light if possible!
🥶 Water is Chilly!
Even in summer, the Atlantic waters here are refreshingly cold. Expect to just dip your toes!
🚫 No Glass or Alcohol
Remember to leave glass containers and alcoholic beverages behind, as they are prohibited.
🐶 Dog Restrictions
Dogs are not allowed on Sand Beach from June 15 to September 8.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sand Beach is a beautiful, albeit chilly, sandy cove within Acadia National Park, praised for its scenic beauty and unique setting between granite cliffs. Visitors appreciate the convenience of nearby facilities and the option to hike nearby trails for stunning views. However, the limited parking and the challenging stair access are frequently mentioned drawbacks, especially during peak season.
"We visited on a Monday morning in late June 2025. There was plenty of spots in the parking lot when we visited around 6:30AM.
We came straight after we did Cadillac Mountain for Sunrise. A few of us went to hike Beehive and the other smaller ones went to the beach. The parking lot is shared for those who want to get to beehive trail head which is just across the street.
There was large restroom facility and changing rooms as well. There were tables and benches and trash cans. The site has plenty of infrastructure. Because we came earlier in the season it wasn't super crowded yet. I think the park had just started running their shuttle buses that weekend.
There was a long hike down to the beach with lots of stairs. I'm not sure if there was ramp access somewhere. You would have to carry all your beach stuff down with you. It was also quite chilly when we visited and no one was really in the water except for maybe their feet.
From the beach you can also see all the way up to Beehive which was fun to see all the people going up the mountain side.
There is no alcoholic beverages allowed, no glass containers, no fires, no camping, no feeding wildlife and no flotation devices. During the summer from June 15-Sept 8 there are no dogs allowed, no boat launching, no fishing and no surfing. There is also no lifeguard on duty.
Overall this was a very nice beach given all the limitations I already stated."
David L.
"Cool spot to explore the sandy area or just sit and enjoy the weather.
We came a week before peak season and it was still relatively crowded and parking was rough.
During peak season they say arrive by 9am or hike in by trail."
Lauren Hess
"Small yet beautiful beach with a great view. Has some steps to go down to access the beach. The water was cold even in July."
Kaveri Sehgal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sand Beach is located along the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. You can drive and park (though parking is limited and fills quickly), or utilize the park's shuttle system, which is highly recommended during peak season.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it's quite small and fills up very early, especially during summer. Arriving before 9 AM is advised, or consider using the park shuttle.
The Acadia National Park shuttle bus system stops at Sand Beach, making it a convenient option to avoid parking issues. Check the park's official website for current shuttle routes and schedules.
While the beach itself is sandy, the access involves a significant number of stairs. There may not be direct ramp access, so carrying beach gear can be challenging.
From Bar Harbor, head south on ME-3 and turn onto Park Loop Road. Sand Beach will be clearly marked along this scenic route. Be prepared for potential traffic and limited parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Sand Beach is located within Acadia National Park, which requires an entrance fee for all visitors. You can purchase a pass online or at one of the park's visitor centers.
Sand Beach is accessible year-round, but facilities like restrooms and changing rooms have specific operating hours, typically from late spring through early fall.
No, there is no lifeguard on duty at Sand Beach. Visitors swim at their own risk.
Dogs are not permitted on Sand Beach between June 15 and September 8. Outside of these dates, dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Yes, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, fires, camping, feeding wildlife, and flotation devices are prohibited. From June 15 to Sept 8, dogs, boat launching, fishing, and surfing are also restricted.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Sand Beach is ideal for wading, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic beauty. You can also hike nearby trails like Beehive or explore the rocky coastline.
The water at Sand Beach is part of the Atlantic Ocean and is typically quite cold, even in July. Most visitors opt for wading rather than full swimming.
Yes, there are large restroom and changing room facilities available at Sand Beach, along with picnic tables and trash cans.
Sand Beach features a unique coarse sand, a contrast to the rocky shores common in the area. It's a beautiful sandy cove framed by granite cliffs.
Yes, there are picnic tables available, making it a great spot for a scenic lunch. Just remember to pack out all your trash.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots from the beach itself, looking towards the granite cliffs, or from the Beehive Trail overlook for a panoramic view of the cove.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoon provides a beautiful golden hour glow.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and cliffs. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the ocean's colors and reduce glare.
Drone usage is restricted in Acadia National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the latest park regulations before flying.
Experiment with low angles from the sand to emphasize the waves and textures, or higher vantage points from the surrounding cliffs for dramatic landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure a spot. The nearby facilities include restrooms and changing rooms. While dogs are not allowed during peak summer, families can still enjoy building sandcastles and exploring the unique sandy cove.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
For those concerned about safety, especially women traveling solo, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Setting up camp in areas that aren't too crowded can provide a sense of security. The park's shuttle system is also a convenient and safe way to get around. Remember to check the park's rules regarding glass and alcohol, and be mindful of the chilly water temperatures.
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Sand Beach Access
Despite the access challenges, the reward is a picturesque cove with coarse sand, a stark contrast to the rocky coastlines prevalent elsewhere in Acadia. The beach is framed by dramatic granite cliffs, offering a unique and stunning visual experience. It's a popular spot for wading and enjoying the ocean breeze, though the chilly Atlantic waters deter most from full swimming.
Sand Beach Rules and Regulations
Furthermore, during the peak summer season, from June 15 to September 8, additional restrictions are in place. Dogs are not allowed on the beach during this period, and activities like boat launching, fishing, and surfing are also prohibited. It's crucial for visitors to be aware of these seasonal rules to avoid any inconvenience. The absence of a lifeguard means that all visitors swim at their own risk, emphasizing the need for caution and awareness of the ocean conditions.
Photography Opportunities at Sand Beach
For truly iconic shots, consider hiking the nearby Beehive Trail. The overlook from Beehive provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Sand Beach nestled within its cove, showcasing its crescent shape against the vast Atlantic. Early mornings offer soft, diffused light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing serene scenes. Late afternoons, during the golden hour, bathe the beach and cliffs in a warm, inviting glow, creating dramatic shadows and highlights. Remember to check park regulations regarding drone usage, as they are often restricted in national parks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit