Maine’s Coastal Gem: Popham Beach Named One of America’s Best State Parks

The days are getting longer, and the temperatures are getting warmer. This can only mean two things: it's time to get back on the lawn mower, and it's also time to hit Maine's beaches and parks to enjoy all the state has to offer.

As much as we all love those cold months (sarcasm, of course), Maine just hits differently when the sun is shining and the weather is perfect. The state is a literal playground for outdoor enthusiasts, or for folks who just want to enjoy a lazy day at the beach.

With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that one of Maine's most popular coastal gems is receiving some well-deserved national recognition.

Maine's Popham Beach State Park is One of the Country's Best

The travel site Love Exploring put together a list of the best state parks across America. The site singled out 30 of the country's top locations, and one of those just happens to be here in Maine. Coming in at 26th was the one and only Popham Beach State Park.

Located in the Midcoast town of Phippsburg, Popham Beach State Park is a 600+ acre bastion of natural beauty. One of the busiest parks in Maine, Popham Beach is exactly what it sounds like—a vast and incredible beach. In fact, it might be the state's best beach, though that’s certainly up for debate.

Popham Beach's location is ideal. Visitors can fully enjoy Maine's coastal wonders while being just a short drive from towns like Bath and Brunswick, offering plenty of nearby dining and lodging options.

Popham Beach is Not Just One of the Best Parks, It's One of the Best Beaches

But let’s not stray from the real story here, and that’s the beach itself. It’s one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline you’ll find in Maine. Whether it’s sightseeing, water sports, or just plain old sunbathing, everything feels first-class at Popham. You can even walk out to an island when the tides are right.

Don't just take my word for it. Here is what Love Exploring had to say about this remarkable state park.

Popham’s is a stunner – not only vast, but also fully equipped with all the amenities that a visitor with a yen for creature comforts could desire, including showers, bathrooms and barbecue areas...Beyond the beach, delve into the history of the area, via the Civil War fortification of Fort Popham and the lighthouse at Squirrel Point.

Popham is also very accessible—just 25 minutes from Route 1 and about an hour from Portland—making it a perfect spot for a day trip.

What Other New England State Parks Are Considered the Best?

Popham Beach State Park was the only Maine park featured on Love Exploring's list. However, it wasn’t the only New England park to make the cut. Vermont actually had two parks included on this prestigious list: Woodford State Park and Camel's Hump State Park. You can see the entire list here.

READ MORE: Bath, Maine, Eats: 22 Eateries to Try in the Shipbuilding City

Congrats to Popham Beach State Park for this recognition. It truly is one of Maine's great locations. It's nice to see it not playing second fiddle to Camden Hills or Baxter State Park, though you could certainly make a case for all three being on this "best of" list.