Acadia & Bar HarborMaine have spectacularly beautiful beaches

Acadia National Park

Route 3 Bar Harbor, ME 04609

On the rugged, rocky coast of Maine, Acadia National Park covers 47,000 acres of granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes and ponds, and ocean shoreline. Offers salt water swimming, boat tours, bike rentals, bird watching, hiking, scenic drives, gift shop, wildlife viewing. Acadia has few sandy shores except for Sand Beach, where the sand mixes with are shells and the skeletons of marine life. Hulls Cove Visitor Center is open July and August, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; September and October, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lamoine State Park

23 State Park Road Ellsworth, ME 04605 Phone: 207-667-4778, seasonal

Oceanfront park offers easy access to Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and area lighthouses. Views of Frenchman’s Bay; camping, boating, and fishing. Facilities include picnic area; boat launching ramp; saltwater fishing pier; children’s playground, hot showers, flush toilets. Admission fee.

Roque Bluffs State Park

145 Schoppee Point Road Roque Bluffs, ME 04654 Phone: 207-255-3475 (Park season

Day-use park offers swimming at a pebble beach on the ocean and a fresh water pond. Facilities include picnic tables, grills, changing rooms, restrooms, playground. Admission fee.

Shackford Head

Off State Route 190 Eastport, ME 04631 Phone: 207-941-4014

Park includes beaches, protected coves, and a bold headland. A hiking trail from the parking area through the woods to the rocky headland allows beautiful views of Cobscook Bay. Open year round, sunrise to sunset. No admission fee.

Swan Lake State Park

100 West Park Lane Swanville, ME 04915 Phone: 207-525-4404 seasonal

Swimming area with lifeguards, picnic sites with grills and walking trails, toilets, changing facilities, private group shelter with volleyball, horseshoes, and a handicapped accessible toilet are available. Open 9 a.m.-sunset. Admission fee.

Swimming Holes

Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info