Sand Beach
The best beach on Deer Isle — actual sand, clear water, big boulders, and no crowds. At 118 Sand Beach Road in Stonington, at the end of a short walk through the woods from a free gravel parking lot.
Sand Beach is a rarity on the Maine coast: a sandy shore in a region dominated by rock, pebble, and ledge. The beach sits on the southern shore of Stonington, buffered by forest and surrounded by large granite boulders that frame the sand and give the spot its character. The water is clear — often compared to lake water in color, though it's salt and cold — and the views look out toward Merchant Row.
Access is straightforward: free unpaved parking lot on Sand Beach Road, a short walk through woods, bear left for the best approach to the beach. No amenities, no lifeguards, no restrooms. Much of the beach covers at high tide, so check the tide schedule before going — low tide reveals the full sandy stretch and makes the boulders most accessible.
The beach is dog-friendly. The water stays cold even in peak summer — this is Maine, and Penobscot Bay doesn't warm quickly. Offshore, Merchant Row and the islands beyond it are clearly visible. Weir Island, a Maine Island Trail campsite, is just offshore.
What Visitors Say
"Beautiful, unspoiled, atmospheric little cove with lovely views. Photos don't quite do it justice. Great spot for a swim near to Stonington. Highly recommend."
"Beautiful beach lots to see and hike. Limited parking and the beach is small. Still I'd recommend going and I will definitely be going back. The views are like california coastline."
"Sand Beach in Stonington, Maine, is a unique sandy beach along Maine’s rocky coastline. It’s about 1.5 miles west of downtown Stonington, at 118 Sand Beach Rd. Nestled in a small cove, it has calm waters, smooth granite rocks, and beautiful views of East Penobscot Bay, the Mark Island Lighthouse, and nearby islands like Isle au Haut. You can get there by walking through a short forested path from a dirt parking lot off Sand Beach Road. The parking lot can hold about a dozen cars and closes at dusk. The beach is great for swimming (even though the water is usually cold, in the low 50s), picnicking, sunbathing, and beachcombing, especially when there’s fog. You might even spot ospreys, bald eagles, or seals! The area around the beach has rugged cliffs, lush forests, and granite outcrops. There are also trails that lead to viewpoints."
Local Tips
- Check tides before you go — high tide significantly reduces the beach area.
- The water is cold year-round; bring a wetsuit if swimming matters more than wading.
- Bring everything you need — no facilities of any kind.
- The parking lot can be muddy after rain (unpaved, possibly rough for low-clearance vehicles).
- Morning visits on weekdays are quietest.
Connected To
- Weir Island — the state-owned island directly offshore; a Maine Island Trail campsite accessible by kayak or small boat
- Deer Isle Thorofare (Mark Island) Lighthouse — Sand Beach Road is one of the best shore vantages for the lighthouse
- Green Island Preserve — a short paddle from Stonington Harbor, with the swimming quarry that complements a Sand Beach day
- Lily Pond Park — if the ocean water is too cold, Lily Pond is the freshwater alternative