Maine’s Popham Beach State Park Makes the Top 20 Best Parks in America List

Popham Beach State Park Ranked Among America’s Top 20 Best State Parks

One of Maine's most popular coastal beauties is receiving considerable national recognition.

The travel site SmarterTravel recently compiled a list of the best state parks across America, highlighting 20 of the country's top locations. One of these happens to be here in Maine: coming in at #16 is 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 beauty. One of the busiest parks in Maine, it is exactly what it sounds like: a vast and incredible beach. In fact, it might be the state's best beach, though that's up for debate.

Ideal Location for Maine Coastal Exploration

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

But let's not stray from the true story: the beach itself. It's one of the prettiest coastal stretches you'll find in Maine. Sightseeing, water sports, or just plain old sunbathing—are all first class at Popham. You can even walk out to an island when the tides are right.

Easy Access for Day Trips to Popham Beach

Popham is also very accessible, just 25 minutes from Route 1 and about an hour from Portland. It certainly sets up nicely for a day trip.

Popham Beach State Park was the only Maine park listed in SmarterTravel's list. However, it was not the only New England park included. Connecticut also made the list with its beautiful Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam. You can see the entire list here.

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.