During the summer, Maine's beaches are lively, crowded places, full of life, and packed with visitors enjoying all that the warm weather has to offer. But what about winter? A beach day may not be the first thing that springs to mind during the winter, but this is actually a fantastic time to see your favorite Maine beaches from a new perspective.

The beaches are much quieter places in the winter, perfect for nature walks, beach combing, nature photography, and quiet contemplation. Our real estate agents have all of the details on some of the best Maine beaches for you to enjoy this winter.

• Old Orchard Beach – Old Orchard Beach, ME 04063
  While the population of Old Orchard Beach swells to more than 75,000 in the summer, thanks to all of the visitors who come to spend time on the beach, it's a much smaller town in the winter with around 9,000 full-time residents. The beach here lasts for about 7.5 miles but feels like it stretches as far as the eye can see, especially when the tide is low. After you stroll the beach, leave some time to visit the nearby Old Orchard Beach Pier. Originally constructed in 1898, Old Orchard Beach Pier was once even home to a casino where Frank Sinatra performed.
  
  
• Wells Beach – Wells, ME 04054
  With 7 miles of coastline to explore broken into 4 great beaches, the town of Wells is a lovely place to visit at any time of year. Wells Beach is the most popular beach in town and the perfect destination for a nature walk this winter. If you're in the mood for another walk after you visit the beaches, try a visit to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells. There's a 1-mile trail here through scenic woods, which also offers great views of the wetlands, which feature a totally different landscape in winter when transformed by snow and ice.
  
  
• Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit, ME 03907
  Though the town of Ogunquit is a bit smaller than most of the entries on our list, the beautiful 3.5-mile Ogunquit Beach is more than worth a visit on its own. If you're looking for a beach where you can enjoy peaceful, quiet moments in nature, this is a great option. During the winter, the beaches here are most popular for hiking, as well as whale and wildlife watching. The views here have inspired artists for centuries, which has led to the establishment of many art galleries and an art museum in town.
  
  
• Kennebunk Beach – Kennebunk, ME 04043
  A classic New England coastal town packed with beautiful inns and B&Bs, Kennebunk is ideal when you want to enjoy a quick vacation from the norm without traveling too far from home. Find a charming place to stay, then enjoy peaceful winter walks on the three beaches in Kennebunk Beach. While many of the beaches on our list boast sensational sunrises and sunsets, they're especially beautiful here. Many of the hotels and B&Bs here were built with those views in mind, with windows that allow you to see sunrises and sunsets from your room.
  
  
• Goose Rocks Beach – Kennebunkport, ME 04046
  Not to be confused with the nearby town of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport is one of the most popular beach towns and vacation destinations in all of Maine. There are two main beaches to enjoy here, the long, sandy Goose Rocks Beach and the small, scenic Arundel Beach. Goose Rocks Beach offers fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the small, rugged islands that dot the coast off of Kennebunkport. It's the perfect place for a walk long and perhaps some stops for photos on a pleasant winter afternoon.
  
  
• Seapoint Beach – Kittery, ME 03904
  With three beaches to choose from, including the stunning Seapoint Beach, Kittery is the southernmost beach town in Maine. The town is known for its shopping as much as its beaches, thanks to a great combination of outlet stores and small businesses, so you'll have plenty to do between winter walks on the beach. This beach here also has a very dog-friendly policy. Overall, perfect for when you want to take your furry friend along for your next winter beach walk.
  
  
• York Beach – York Beach, ME 03909
  A small coastal town packed with local shops for the adults, fun activities for the kids, and great restaurants for the whole family during the summer, York Beach is quieter during the winter, with various beaches to explore. While Short Sands Beach is very popular during summer, Harbor Beach is the perfect choice for a nature walk in winter. This beach features the scenic Cliff Walk path and is bordered by Hartley Mason Park. The 1-mile Long Sands Beach is popular every season, ideal for a longer walk.

Whether you're searching for a home near the beach or in one of many other fantastic communities around Maine, our team is here to help you accomplish your real estate goals. Contact us to buy and sell homes in your favorite Maine communities.