Sandy Beach Peaks Island
A serene island cove known for its calm waters, perfect for rock skipping, sea glass hunting, and breathtaking sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for sunset views
Sandy Beach Peaks Island
Best Time
Best for sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene island cove known for its calm waters, perfect for rock skipping, sea glass hunting, and breathtaking sunset views.
"Fabuloussss spot. Great sandy beach and sea glass hunting spot and rocks on the shore and a freaking ROPE SWING!"
🪨 Rock Skipping Fun
Bring your best skipping rocks! This cove is known for its smooth, flat discs. Perfect for a fun activity.
🚲 Rent a Bike or Cart
Explore the island's 4-mile loop easily by renting a bike or golf cart.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandy Beach Cove
Southwest side of Peaks Island
A calm cove perfect for skipping rocks, sea glass hunting, and enjoying sunset views. Features a unique rope swing!
Rocky Shoreline & Tidal Pools
Along the coast of Peaks Island
Explore fascinating tidal pools teeming with small marine life and enjoy scenic water views. Watch out for slippery seaweed!
Island Loop Drive/Ride
Circumference of Peaks Island
A 4-mile loop offering diverse coastal scenery, charming cottages, and access to various points of interest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry to Peaks Island
Island Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🪨 Rock Skipping Fun
Bring your best skipping rocks! This cove is known for its smooth, flat discs. Perfect for a fun activity.
🚲 Rent a Bike or Cart
Explore the island's 4-mile loop easily by renting a bike or golf cart.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The western-facing beach offers stunning sunset views. A truly magical experience.
🦀 Tidal Pool Treasures
Discover small crabs and marine life in the tidal pools. Great for curious minds!
Tips
from all over the internet
🪨 Rock Skipping Fun
Bring your best skipping rocks! This cove is known for its smooth, flat discs. Perfect for a fun activity.
🚲 Rent a Bike or Cart
Explore the island's 4-mile loop easily by renting a bike or golf cart.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The western-facing beach offers stunning sunset views. A truly magical experience.
🦀 Tidal Pool Treasures
Discover small crabs and marine life in the tidal pools. Great for curious minds!
👟 Watch Your Step
Be cautious of slippery seaweed when walking on the rocks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Sandy Beach Peaks Island for its scenic beauty, calm waters perfect for rock skipping, and excellent sunset views. It's a beloved spot for sea glass hunting and exploring tidal pools, with a unique rope swing adding to its charm. While generally loved, some note the rocks can be slippery due to seaweed.
"Beautiful views all around, and a fun little place to stop by and take pictures!"
Lily Biesinger
"This is a perfect spot for skipping rocks! The beach is full of smooth flat disc-shaped rocks, and is on a calm cove protected from waves. Access it by walking down the public street and then down a narrow bush-lined walking path to the beach and point. We even saw small crabs crawling among the rocks on the beach."
Alex Marvin
"Fabuloussss spot. Great sandy beach and sea glass hunting spot and rocks on the shore and a freaking ROPE SWING with an amazing view. If you get lost, the locals are more than willing to point you in the right direction."
Taylor Flowe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You'll need to take a ferry from Portland, Maine, to Peaks Island. The ferry ride is about 20 minutes. Once on the island, Sandy Beach is accessible via a public street and a walking path.
Ferry schedules vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check the official Casco Bay Lines website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.
Parking on Peaks Island can be limited, especially during peak season. Many visitors opt to leave their cars in Portland and enjoy the ferry ride. If you do drive, arrive early to find a spot.
Yes, you can bring your car on the ferry to Peaks Island, but it comes with an additional fee. Given the island's size and the availability of rentals, many visitors find it unnecessary.
The most popular ways to explore Peaks Island are by renting a bicycle or a golf cart. Walking is also a great option for shorter distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Sandy Beach and the surrounding areas on Peaks Island are public access and do not have an entrance fee. The primary cost is the ferry ticket to reach the island.
Sandy Beach is a natural public beach and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
While you can often purchase ferry tickets upon arrival, booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy summer weekends or holidays, to ensure you get your preferred departure time.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting Sandy Beach itself, but always be mindful of local regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Access to Sandy Beach involves walking down a public street and then a narrow, bush-lined path. This path may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
📸 📸 Photography
Sandy Beach offers fantastic photo ops, especially during sunset. The calm cove, rocky shoreline, and the unique rope swing provide diverse subjects.
The 'golden hour' before sunset is ideal for capturing the beautiful light and colors. The calm waters also make for great reflections.
Beyond Sandy Beach, the island itself offers charming cottages and scenic coastal views. The 'Umbrella Cover Museum' is a quirky spot for unique shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter for water shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current FAA guidelines and any local restrictions before flying a drone over Peaks Island or its beaches.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Sandy Beach itself doesn't have dining facilities, Peaks Island has several charming cafes and restaurants. Lisa's Peaks Cafe is a popular spot for cinnamon buns.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a great idea! There are no restrictions on bringing food and non-alcoholic beverages to the beach.
Besides Lisa's Peaks Cafe, explore other local eateries for fresh seafood or casual bites. Many offer outdoor seating with scenic views.
Alcohol consumption rules can vary by town and beach. It's advisable to check local ordinances for Peaks Island regarding alcohol on public beaches.
Food trucks can sometimes be found on Peaks Island, especially during events or peak tourist season. It's worth checking local listings upon arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting a bicycle or a golf cart for a fun family adventure around the island's loop. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach, as dining options are limited directly at the sand. Remember to bring water shoes for exploring the rocky areas, as they can be slippery.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Portland
Recommendation: Aim to catch the late afternoon ferry back to Portland to enjoy the sunset at Sandy Beach. This provides a perfect, memorable end to your island excursion.
💍 Couples Seeking Scenic Views
Consider renting a bike to explore the island hand-in-hand, discovering secluded spots and enjoying the coastal vistas together. The unique rope swing can also add a touch of playful fun to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Peaks Island by Bike or Cart
When exploring, be mindful of the island's roads and other visitors. The loop provides diverse scenery, from sandy stretches to rocky outcrops and quaint residential areas. It's a fantastic way to get a feel for island life and access different parts of the coastline.
Key takeaway: Renting a bike or cart is highly recommended for maximizing your exploration of Peaks Island and reaching spots like Sandy Beach with ease.
The Allure of Sandy Beach: More Than Just Sand
Adding to its charm is a rope swing that offers a playful way to enjoy the water and capture memorable photos. The beach is also a fantastic spot for wildlife observation, with small crabs often seen scuttling among the rocks. For those who enjoy fishing, the area is also known to be a good spot.
Pro Tip: While the sandy areas are inviting, be aware that the rocky sections can become slippery due to seaweed, so tread carefully when exploring those parts.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Sandy Beach
Beyond the sunset, the beach offers a variety of photographic subjects. The unique rope swing provides a dynamic element for shots, while the rocky shoreline and tidal pools offer opportunities to capture intricate details of marine life. The contrast between the smooth rocks, the sand, and the water creates visually interesting compositions.
Photography Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive coastal scenery and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit