✧ Summer Magic in Southern Maine: Sea Glass Hunts & Hidden Family Gems ✧
There’s something about summer in Southern Maine that feels like stepping into a storybook. The salt air, warm golden light, and the sound of waves meeting shore—it’s where memory and magic intertwine.
Whether you’re chasing a slow, sandy day with your littles or seeking a quiet adventure before golden hour, here’s a list of Maine moments that feel like sunshine bottled up. ✨
🌊 Sea Glass Treasures: Where the Coast Whispers
One of the simplest and most joyful summer rituals? Wandering the shore in search of sea glass. These little ocean gems, smoothed by time and tide, hold stories in their curves. They’re perfect for tiny hands to discover—and for grown-ups who still believe in treasure.
Here are some favorite places to wander:
Middle Beach, Kennebunk Nicknamed “Rocky Beach” for good reason, this quiet stretch is a haven for sea glass seekers. It’s intimate and rugged, with tide pools that turn into mini aquariums for curious kiddos. Go early to catch the light sparkling off the wet stones—it’s pure magic.
Fortune’s Rocks Beach, Biddeford Two miles of shoreline where waves crash dramatically, especially near the rocks where sea glass often hides. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and salty air kisses sun-warmed skin. Bring a little bucket and let the treasure hunt begin.
Short Sands Beach, York Classic and family-friendly, Short Sands feels like summer from a vintage postcard. Beyond the arcades and ocean breeze is a secret: sea glass tucked into the sand near the rockier edges. You might even glimpse remnants of an old shipwreck if the tides are just right.
Spring Point Beach, South Portland Nestled beside the iconic lighthouse and a stone breakwater, this beach is a beautiful blend of peace and play. The morning light here is lovely, and the soft sound of waves makes it a dreamy spot to slow down and search for sea glass side by side.
✧ Family Daydreams & Hidden Gems ✧
Beyond the beaches, Maine is full of tucked-away treasures perfect for families who crave both adventure and stillness. Here are a few places that feel like secrets worth keeping:
Sebago Lake State Park (Naples) Clear waters, towering pines, and soft stretches of sand make Sebago feel like a lake from a childhood dream. Bring a picnic, paddle along the shoreline, or simply float and watch the clouds drift by. There’s plenty of space for kids to roam and memories to root deep.
Bar Island, Bar Harbor This is the kind of adventure that feels like walking on water. At low tide, a natural sandbar connects Mount Desert Island to Bar Island—perfect for an impromptu family journey across the sea (just be sure to check the tide schedule so you don’t get stranded!).
Asticou Azalea Garden, Northeast Harbor A peaceful, storybook garden with winding paths, koi ponds, and moss-covered stones. It’s ideal for slow walks with little ones, camera in hand, soaking in beauty that feels plucked from a painting.
Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake If you’re craving a full unplug and reset, this lakeside lodge blends barefoot luxury with old-fashioned Maine charm. Think cabins, quiet mornings, and evenings spent skipping stones. Their kid-friendly activities make it just as dreamy for the little ones.
🐚 Tips for Your Maine Summer Story
Bring a small mesh bag or jar for sea glass—watch little eyes light up as they collect “mermaid jewels.”
Pack snacks, water, and a light blanket—summer moments are best when you’re ready to linger.
Let go of perfect. The best memories are often sandy, windblown, and a little wild around the edges.
Whether you’re visiting or lucky enough to live here, summer in Maine offers the kind of simple magic we all crave. So breathe deep, sink your toes into the sand, and let the stories write themselves.
And if you find a little green sea glass heart—maybe it’s meant for you. 💛
Ready to turn your Maine moments into forever memories? I’d love to document your family’s sun-soaked vacation story. Let’s make magic together. ✨