“a beautiful hidden beach!”
Sand Beach, in Acadia National Park, is nestled in a small inlet between the granite mountains and rocky shores of Mount Desert Island. This gorgeous 290 yard long beach is one of the most popular points of interest on the island. The thousands of years of pounding surf created a beach that is largely comprised of unique sand of shell fragments. The ocean temperature rarely exceeds 55 degrees in the summer and there is approximately one half cup of salt per gallon of ocean water. Access to Sand Beach is provided via the Park Loop Road just after the park fee entrance station on the northeastern side of the island. A lifeguard is on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Changing rooms and restrooms are located next to the parking area. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus has a pickup and drop-off point here and stops about every half hour during normal season hours. The mountain that you will notice from the parking area is likely TheBeehive. Look closely and you might see people climbing toward the summit. There is a very nice oceanside trail, accessed from the upper parking lot, that follows the shore's edge past Thunder Hole and arrives atOtter Cliff to the south. This is well worth the trek.
Sand Beach is a beautiful beach but during the summer months can get very crowded, and it is not the only beach available on a hot day. You can also ride the Island Explorer buses for free from the Bar Harbor Village Green to reach beach, simply board the Sand Beach Bus. Compass Harbor in Acadia National Park has two beaches, Lake Wood, in the park, also has a beach, than there is the beach at Sand point just outside Bar Harbor. The most popular beach with the locals is Echo Beach on Echo Lake just before Southwest Harbor, also within the Park. The water here is warm and a large area close to the beach the water level is just right for young children.
Water is very cold, the beach is very clean. Cant find another beach like this on the easten side of US.
Beach within mountains and pines.
Beautiful beach, but the water is very cold. There are signs warning you about cold water temps. We chose to explore the shore a bit and continue southward along theOcean Path, which was way more fun for my teens.
Went in mid September just before a storm came in. The ocean was intense dark green blue and the beach and granite were glowing pink. Just an amazing site. Walked along a path on top of the mountain to the thunder hole and took shelter at the gift store before the rain hit.
You can enjoy lots of activities here in Sand Beach, also the place is perfect if you are looking for a place where you can relax. Here you can enjoy listening to the wonderful sound of the waves and you can hike on the trails that the place offers. The beach is also clean and the water is crystal clear!
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Sand Beach
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
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