This State Park in Central Maine is The Perfect Sandy Beach Day & a Wicked-Short Drive!

When it comes to summer in Maine, there is no shortage of things to do and places to go. When you really think about it, we are so fortunate to live in a state that offers such a vast difference in scenery and experiences.

From kicking back in the middle of nowhere in Maine's prestigious Baxter State Park for a weekend of unplugged silence to holding your arms high in the air coming down the first big drop on Funtown's Excalibur roller coaster, you can have pretty much any kind of outdoor experience you want in the Pine Tree State.

From the city to the country, urban to rural, from the mountains to the sea, Maine truly is the best place in the entire United States to visit, live and/or raise a family. And, speaking of family, I'm always reminded of a place we used to go as kids when the weather starts to really warm up. And, with an expected heat wave on the way later this week, I thought now was the perfect time to let you in on 'my little secret'.

With thousands of Maine families soon to be seeking a temporary reprieve from the climbing temps, where is a place that offers the cool refreshment of water, a big sandy beach area for the kids, and isn't two hours away?

Allow me to introduce you to my childhood favorite, Damariscotta Lake State Park.

Situated in the small Maine town of Jefferson, Maine, about twenty minutes east of Augusta, sits, in my opinion, is the best little State Park in all of Maine. Once you pass through the entrance gate, you pull right into the large dirt parking lot which is only a stone's throw from the sandy shores of Damariscotta Lake.

In addition to a roped off swim area, complete with buoys and boat safety markers, this quaint little park offers a sandy beach, charcoal grills, a picnic area, playground, grassy field and even indoor toilets and changing rooms. Make sure you bring cash (or check) for your entry fee as the park doesn't accept cards.

The best part about your trip to Damariscotta Lake State Park? Leaving! No, not because you're going to want your beach day to end, but because you will definitely want to stop in next door for a delicious ice cream at the famous Jefferson Scoop.

So get to planning your perfect Maine beach day.

According to Maine.Gov,

Open 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fee charged. - cash or check only, no credit cards accepted. Visitors may continue to enjoy the park during the off season by parking outside the gate, without blocking it, and walking in during these same hours. Please place the admission fee in the self-service collection canister. Please be aware that facilities are closed during the off season.