Sand Beach to Otter Point

 

Visitors stand on massive granite boulders along the coast

Photo by Ashley L. Conti, Friends of Acadia, NPS

Visit Sand Beach to Otter Point

Acadia National Park protects 41 miles of coastline, 25 percent of all the publicly owned shorefront in Maine. Here, mountains meet the sea with rocky cliffs, tide pools, sand, boulders, cobble beaches, and quiet coves—creating majestic views of the coastline.

Several trails can be accessed from Sand Beach and along the Park Loop Road, ranging from level strolls along the coast to strenuous climbs up neaby mountains.

Sand Beach to Otter Point, sometimes referred to as Ocean Drive, is one of the most popular and congested areas of the park. This can pose a challenge for park staff to protect and maintain its coastal integrity. Parking is limited and often full throughout the day. Consider riding the Island Explorer to help alleviate congestion or check out other coastal areas of the park.

 

 

Safely Visit Sand Beach to Otter Point

These cliffs and coastline are beautiful, but can be risky if not careful. Be aware of weather, terrain, and posted safety notices.

• Stay on designated paths and away from marked re-vegetation areas.
• Look before crossing the Park Loop Road if parked in the right-hand lane.
• Cliffs and rocks can be slippery when wet. Stay cautious of footing.
• Do not feed or approach wildlife. Take all trash with you after picnics.
• Dogs (or any pets) are not allowed on the beach during summer months.

 

Explore this Area

 

 

 

What Else to Know

• Why is the beach sandy? Sand Beach is in Newport Cove, partially enclosed by the arm of Great Head to the east, Old Soaker (rock ledge in cove) to the south, and cliffs to the west. The beach’s shallow slope and quieter waves allow for the deposition of fine sediment material diverted into the cove by Great Head and Old Soaker.
• Do people really swim? Sand Beach's warmest water temperature is between 55 and 60 degrees in August. Brr! Despite this, swimming is popular all summer. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally.
• When is the best time to visit? Sand Beach Parking Lot and the right-lane of the Park Loop Road to Otter Point can routinely fill by 9 am during the summer and weekends. If a parking lot is full when you arrive, choose a new destination, try again at another time of day, or use a different form of transportation.
• What are Otter Point and Otter Cliffs named after? Locations with the name "Otter" are most likely named for river otters, as there are no sea otters in Acadia.
• Can I watch sunrise or sunset from here? Sunrise can be seen from various points along this section of the Park Loop Road.
• Can I go tidepooling? Yes, just use caution. Respect the fragile tidepool environments by choosing to observe plants and animals instead of removing them.
• How can I access the cliffs? Visitors can access cliffs alongside Ocean Path. Do not walk on marked re-vegetation areas. Stay only on rock to reduce resource damage.
• Why are the sand dunes closed? The sand dunes are fenced off to protect their fragile nature, such they are considered ecologically significant due to the scarcity of dunes along Maine's coast. Please remain away from the dunes.