Why Popham Beach Is Perfect For Beach Haters In Maine

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who live for a "beach day" and those who would rather do anything else than go to the beach.

For those of you who may fall in the latter group, it's not just you. Sandy sandwiches, crowds of people who couldn't care less about basic etiquette, multiple layers of sunscreen dripping into already tired eyes — these things aren't for everyone.

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Even the most beach-averse visitors might find comfort in knowing there's a beach in Maine that offers a different kind of experience. Welcome to Popham Beach in Phippsburg — the beach for people who don’t usually love the beach.

Here's why.

Solitude on Popham Beach Is Not Hard to Find

There is space to explore on Popham Beach. (Getty Images)

People who don't like beaches are probably the same people who are not fans of large crowds. Beaches in Maine can get swamped at the height of the summer season, but for those willing to wait a while to gain entry to the parking lot, paradise awaits.

While the majority of the crowds will congregate on the main beach area that sits between the two entrances, just a three-minute walk on either side will find you a spot with zero neighbors and complete solitude.

Wilderness meets beach with quiet all around. (Stephen Lenz)

Turn right at the right side entrance, and you will land close to the marsh area, with warm shallows for wading and nesting piping plovers scuttling around looking for lunch (leave them alone, as they are a protected species). On most days, there are moments when you won't see a single soul in your line of vision.

Parking Is Easy at Popham Beach

Ample parking is available at Popham Beach. (Google Maps)

Beach parking in Maine is not always easy. The lots usually accommodate far fewer cars than people who want to visit, which is obviously to help control crowds, but it can do nothing for your temper on a hot day.

Popham Beach has an enormous, easy-to-navigate parking lot with easy access to the beach paths, and while there is a fee to park there* and it can take a while to gain entry, the view of the surrounding marshes from your car window is a spectacular way to pass the time.

Easy access from parking at Popham Beach. (Stephen Lenz)

* Parking at Popham Beach in Phippsburg, Maine: $6 per adult for Maine residents and $8 per adult for non-residents (ages 12 and over); Children aged 5 and under + Maine residents 65 or older receive free admission.

The Water Is Actually Enjoyable at Popham Beach

Large tidal pools become personal heated swimming pools. (Stephen Lenz)

The frigidly cold water temperature at Maine’s beaches is just part of the trade-off for living in (or visiting) such a beautiful place. But Popham Beach offers something different.

Its massive stretches of coastline and tidal flats mean that tidal pools are always present as the tide goes out. These pools can range from ankle-deep to chest-high, and on a warm summer day, they turn into naturally heated pools you can swim in to your heart’s content, often with no one else around.

There Are Places to Go and Things to Do on Popham Beach

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As previously mentioned, you can walk for miles on Popham Beach. This is a huge bonus for those of us who'd rather get up and explore rather than sit and read a book.

As the tide retreats, a natural wonderland is revealed, making it easy to spot birds and marine life. One favorite destination is Fox Island (above), a rocky outcropping which becomes accessible by a short walk along an exposed sandbar. Just be sure to check the tide schedule as access is limited, and the water returns quickly.

Fort Popham is a short walk from the main beach. (Getty Images)

A turn left at either beach entrance and a pleasant ten-minute walk will land you at Fort Popham, an imposing Civil War fort built from granite blocks with 30-foot walls.

A cool, shady retreat on a hot day, the fort is a perfect place for easy exploring. Yet another small sandy beach is located beside the fort, and seals are often seen diving for dinner just a stone's throw from the fort.

The Bathrooms at Popham Beach Are Convenient and Close

Short paths lead from bathrooms to Popham Beach. (Stephen Lenz)

Some beachgoers are perfectly content roughing it, but for the rest of us who appreciate a little convenience, easy access to bathrooms is a game-changer. Popham Beach has two bathroom pavilions located at each end of the parking lot (although in 2024, only one pavilion was open).

The facilities are large, well-maintained, and include outdoor showers for washing off that pesky sand. Most importantly, these bathrooms are conveniently located directly next to the paths that lead to the beach. This means that if you are even at the furthest reaches of the main beach area, a bathroom is a 7-minute walk at the most.