Popham Beach State Park
Popham Beach State Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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30 year Compilation - Popham is one of New England’s best Beaches & State Parks, often in many TOP TEN lists, ( e.g. Down East Magazine, and many others) over the years! Special Note: Forget about trying to find parking during a good day in the summer tourist season! I’d actually rate this a 4.9 experience, when I have to turn around due to the long lines of cars waiting to get into this State Park/Popham Beach 🏖 What’s the Draw or Positives: +Two Bath Houses/Restrooms +One outside Toilet year round +Good sized Parking lot , fills quickly +Parking Passes available ( $105 year) +Several picnic tables available +Several charcoal grills available +Three access paths/entrances to beach +Off season horses & dogs allowed +No Snack bars, No T-shirt places 😎 +Life Guards, at certain times +At low tide, walk out to Fox Island +Scenic views, Seguin Lighthouse 👍🏼 +Clean sandy beach , loads of room🏖 +Low tide, walk over to small island 🏝 +Bring picnic lunch with family/friends From Rt. 1 in Bath, turn onto Rt. 209 South . . . drive for 13 miles to Popham State Park. You may wish to continue another 1.5 miles to the very end, at Fort Popham ( unfinished Civil War fort). Some parking available. . . and Spinny’s Restaurant, which was closed last year. I hope new owners purchase and re-open ! You will notice that cottages are available for rent between Popham State Park & Fort Popham, if wanting a vacation . State Park Fees: $6 Adult Maine Resident $8 Adult Non Resident Free Maine Senior 65 yrs. $1 Children. 5 to 11 yrs. Fun Facts 😀 * Maine has 48 State Parks 1607 = George Popham founded Colony 1609 = Popham Colony faded into history 1659= Phippsburg founded by John Parker II 1814 = Phippsburg incorporated 1862 = Construction started Fort Popham 1869 = Fort Popham abandoned 1912= Fort Baldwin finished construction 1969 = Fort Popham added Natl. Register of Historic Places * Maine has 25 military forts! * Maine has 5,000 miles of shoreline
Clayton & Cindy PutnamClayton & Cindy Putnam
00
Love this beach so far. Just relocated to Maine and have been waiting for warm weather to finally enjoy a beach day. We visited this beach on a chilly day in May and although it was a nice little walk on the beach and the rocks during low tide, it was freezing. Recently went back with my kids for a beach day and it was beautiful, still slightly chilly with the breeze but there was barely a cloud in the sky. We went during low tide again so that they could climb on the rocks and attempt to see some sea life (no luck). It was pretty packed when we arrived around 11 and we had to park along the over flow parking outside the parking entrance. Silly me, figured this would mean we would not have to pay to enter so I didn't mind the walk in. I was wrong, they still charge you full price to enter the beach area which I find absurd but oh well. It can get a little pricey the more adults you have with you but if you are a veteran, you can get in for free. Also, Watch out for the seagulls. They are pesky little thief's and will creep right up on you to steal your meal/snacks and then go tell their friends who will them swarm you waiting to attack. The downside, I did notice that many people that attend this beach really lack consideration for others and will walk right on top of your belongings, kicking up sand and what not all over you. I am not sure if they are locals or tourists since it's a pretty well visited beach by both in the summer but just be warned. The lack of respect for other peoples property is not really there. Overall, it's a great beach with so much space and the little water pockets left during low tide in between the sand bars is great for kids to play in. You have amazing views all around and can head just down the street towards the fort for Ice Cream when you are done for the day.
Nikki SmithNikki Smith
00
A great beach for a family, people watching, swimming, reading a book, beach combing or sun bathing. Popham beach is quite large and is often crowded during the summer. It's definitely a nice, clean beach. There isn't a bunch of trash which you will find at other beaches. There is a lifeguard on duty until 16:00 during the week. (Any form of Military ID; active duty, retired, reserve) senior citizens or government employee(s) gets you in free! There is a small fee for the entrance otherwise. Parking is free although it can be quite a walk if you end up parking on the road side. There is accommodations for handicap/van accessibly. It's a clean, beautiful beach! At low tide there is a sandbar that is walkable to this tiny island! I have found quite a few sand dollars there. In the "off season" it's a great place to find sea glass. They do offer public restrooms and changing rooms- which are actually clean. They also have a washing off area with fresh water which is great to remove sand from your body, feet or any items. Watch out for the sea gull's, they can be aggressive and will try and steal your food if they can. Over all a really beautiful, clean, nice beach!
Erica CrockerErica Crocker
00
(My essay about Popham Beach) Popham Beach in Phippsburg Maine is so wonderfully dynamic and inspiring (to me). It's very different at low tide compared to high tide, and there are two entrances, so that's 4 combinations right there. If you enter on the left side there is a big fort to explore and you can walk out to see Georgetown across the bay, then eventually an island lighthouse, and an island mansion. The beach then curves :) At low tide you can walk out at the curve on a sandbar to a big rock to climb and get some elevation. Another lighthouse can be seen in the distance. So that's the left side. On the right side there are very nice facilities with bathrooms and changing rooms and plumbing as it is a state park with all those amenities. That side of the beach is awesome as well, you can go left and walk to the other beach, if you like a long beach walk. There are cool cabins to see on the way. If you enter on the right side and go right, it's a bit different too. A nice variety. So all together I feel Popham is the best beach in Maine and quite dynamic. I find it inspiring. Of course it's nicer in very warm weather :) Life's a beach.
Craig ConwayCraig Conway
00
Absolutely beautiful beach, very clean facilities. We were here at the what seems like the perfect time and weather. It wasn't crowded at all. I suggest bringing some mosquito spray while at the parking lot and bathrooms while it's fine at the beach. There is a somewhat long walk to the water if the tide is remotely out if you have small children or elderly folk with you. Very beautiful spot and you can even see a light house in the distance. SIDE NOTE: WE WERE FOLLOWED AROUND BY A DRONE FOR A SHORT TIME WHILE ON THE BEACH, I'M NOT SURE IF IT WAS FUNNY OR CREEPY BUT I HAD MY DAUGHTER WITH US WHICH MAKES ME CAUTIOUS. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS PERSON LIVES HERE OR WAS VISITING SO THIS MAY HAVE BEEN A ONE TIME OR RARE EVENT BUT YOU MIGHT KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR ONE WHILE HERE. THIS DRONE CAME WITHIN LESS THAN 5 FEET FROM US WHILE "WAVING" AND "DANCING" AS MY DAUGHTER THOUGHT IT WAS ALL FUNNY AND REACTED AS A CHILD WOULD. JUST FOR GOOD MEASURE A REPORT WILL BE FILED WITH THE AUTHORITIES.
Joe DouglasJoe Douglas
00
I can totally see why this is one of the most popular beaches in Maine. This place is gorgeous! And even though it was Labor Day weekend and the beach was pretty packed when we got there, we were still able to find a reasonably sized patch of sand to roll out a picnic blanket on. The water was freezing cold though. I could handle going up to my ankles but that was about it! My 8 year old, on the other hand, dove right in like it was nothing. We spotted some garbage among the seaweed on the beach while we were searching for seashells and decided to clean it up. And, even though, we didn't find any sand dollars, I left feeling happy to have done something good for the environment. Later on I got to thinking, "what if everyone were to pick up just three pieces of trash while they searched for shells on the beach? Imagine what a difference it would make for our little corner of the world!"
Sarah DecoteauSarah Decoteau
00
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Popham Beach
Popham Beach
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Address
711 Popham Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562
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Phone
(207) 389-1335
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Website
maine.gov
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Overview
4.8
(994 reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
relaxation
family friendly
Description
Popham Beach State Park is a public recreation area covering 605 acres on the Atlantic Ocean in the town of Phippsburg, Sagadahoc County, Maine. It is the state's highest volume day use State Park.
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