With more coastline than California, it’s not surprising that Maine has some epic and glorious beaches. Not all of them are feet-friendly (they don’t call it a rocky coastline for nothing,) but the ones you can walk on feature the whitest, softest sand in New England. Laying around on the beach is a great way to spend the day, but if you’re the more curious type we bet you’re going to want to do some exploring. If this sounds like you, head to Long Sands Beach in York, Maine. You’ll find seashells, but you also just might find one of nature’s coolest creations – a sand dollar! And this might be the best beach in Maine for sand dollars.
Google Maps
Unique sand dollars are one of the most fun finds to make on a beach.
scottmccracken / Flickr
While beachcombers often find them in skeletal form, called “tests,” they are actually slightly spikey when they’re alive.
budak / Flickr Despite looking quite different, they’re related to spindly sea urchins. This is more apparent when they’re alive and covered with spines.
Unlike the sea urchin, however, sand dollars have spines that are soft and furry. Sometimes they feel like velvet. These soft spines exist to help move food into the mouth of the sea creature, which is underneath its body.
Sand dollars primarily live in colonies of shallow ocean water, buried in the sandy bottom.
Colleen H / Flickr
While they’re special to find, it’s certainly not impossible once you know what to do.
Charlie L / TripAdvisor
Long Sands Beach is known for finding sand dollars in Maine.
Mike G / TripAdvisor With a miles of sandy shoreline, you’ll be sure to enjoy scavenging for these wonderous little sea urchins.
Sand dollars can be found on the beach one they’ve died and washed ashore.
firepile / Flickr
A great first step is to track storms - chances of finding a sand dollar are greater after a large storm blows through causing large waves to bring them to shore more easily.
deebug2470 / TripAdvisor York’s Long Sands Beach sees a huge influx of visitors during warmer months, bringing thousands to the area.
Next, be sure to look during low tide.
deebug2470 / TripAdvisor
You may need to wake up early since this often happens in the morning or at the end of the day, depending on where you are.
Lisa M / TripAdvisor In total, this sand dollar beach in Maine covers fifteen miles of sandy beach! There’s plenty of places to search for that perfect sand dollar to bring home.
Be sure to search at the high tide line, which is the highest place the water will have come up before going out again.
deebug2470 / TripAdvisor Long Sands Beach offers many conveniences like restrooms and metered parking along Long Beach Avenue.
York is one of the favorite beach towns in Maine. Whether you are a local or tourist, be sure to visit Long Sands Beach for amazing sand dollar finds and more!
owengalenjones / Flickr Dogs are allowed during certain hours of the day.
Sand Dollars from Maine make the perfect souvenir. Not only do they not come from a gift shop, but you will have a great story behind finding yours is the great state!
bevis / Flickr
If you see a round patch in the sand or any kind of depression, look beneath it as these are signs of sand dollars that have been covered with sand from the tide.
rusty_clark / Flickr Did you know that sand dollars go by many names? In New Zealand, they’re known as sea cookies. In South Africa, they’re called Pansy Shell.
You’ll probably find lots of other fun sea creatures as well, but always be careful not to disturb anything that’s living - this is their home and touching them can disturb the living ecosystem.
deebug2470 / TripAdvisor
And, if you’re lucky, you’ll come away with a haul like this!
sabinesabine / Flickr
From the lower section of the beach you’ll have great view of Nubble Light on Cape Neddick.
Steph L / TripAdvisor Straight ahead you can see Boone Island Light and to the South is Isles of Shoals, on the Maine and New Hampshire border.
Whether you’re beachcombing or simply looking for a way to relax, Long Sands Beach is beautiful at any time of year.
karenbN5780VF / TripAdvisor
Take the time to visit Long Sands Beach in York, Maine and experience the tranquility of one of New England’s best beaches. It’s the perfect place to start and end your day, and worth every sand dollar you find.
RocFan / TripAdvisor
Sea glass is another fun find on the coast of Maine. These 10 beaches are some of the absolute best for finding and collecting these colorful treasures.
Google Maps
scottmccracken / Flickr
budak / Flickr
Despite looking quite different, they’re related to spindly sea urchins. This is more apparent when they’re alive and covered with spines.
Unlike the sea urchin, however, sand dollars have spines that are soft and furry. Sometimes they feel like velvet. These soft spines exist to help move food into the mouth of the sea creature, which is underneath its body.
Colleen H / Flickr
Charlie L / TripAdvisor
Mike G / TripAdvisor
With a miles of sandy shoreline, you’ll be sure to enjoy scavenging for these wonderous little sea urchins.
firepile / Flickr
deebug2470 / TripAdvisor
York’s Long Sands Beach sees a huge influx of visitors during warmer months, bringing thousands to the area.
Lisa M / TripAdvisor
In total, this sand dollar beach in Maine covers fifteen miles of sandy beach! There’s plenty of places to search for that perfect sand dollar to bring home.
Long Sands Beach offers many conveniences like restrooms and metered parking along Long Beach Avenue.
owengalenjones / Flickr
Dogs are allowed during certain hours of the day.
bevis / Flickr
rusty_clark / Flickr
Did you know that sand dollars go by many names? In New Zealand, they’re known as sea cookies. In South Africa, they’re called Pansy Shell.
sabinesabine / Flickr
Steph L / TripAdvisor
Straight ahead you can see Boone Island Light and to the South is Isles of Shoals, on the Maine and New Hampshire border.
karenbN5780VF / TripAdvisor
RocFan / TripAdvisor
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Long Beach Avenue, Long Beach Ave, York, ME 03909, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best beach in maine for sand dollars July 15, 2022 Christina Arrascaeta Are there any beach towns in Maine? Maine’s coastline is lined with idyllic beach towns. Known as “vacationland,” one of Maine’s finest attractions are its seaside resort towns. Visitors enjoy the ample shopping options. From boutiques to galleries, there is something for everyone. Dining on fresh lobster and blueberry pies also makes these beachy towns ideal for a trip. Visit Camden, Old Orchard Beach, York, Ogunquit, and Wells, among others, for a fun time for the entire family! What are the best beaches in Maine? With at least seven beach communities in the state alone, Maine is a great destination for beachgoers. Some of the best in the state are Old Orchard Beach, with live entertainment, an amusement park, food, and a pier. Another great area to hit the waves is the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel beaches. Which beach in Maine has the most pristine sand? Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, Maine is consistently ranked as one of the best sandy beaches in the coastal state of Maine. With its native name meaning “beautiful place by the sea,” this busy beach offers three miles of white sandy coast near the center of town. Find paid parking and secure your spot early at this popular Maine paradise.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best beach in maine for sand dollars
July 15, 2022
Christina Arrascaeta
Are there any beach towns in Maine? Maine’s coastline is lined with idyllic beach towns. Known as “vacationland,” one of Maine’s finest attractions are its seaside resort towns. Visitors enjoy the ample shopping options. From boutiques to galleries, there is something for everyone. Dining on fresh lobster and blueberry pies also makes these beachy towns ideal for a trip. Visit Camden, Old Orchard Beach, York, Ogunquit, and Wells, among others, for a fun time for the entire family! What are the best beaches in Maine? With at least seven beach communities in the state alone, Maine is a great destination for beachgoers. Some of the best in the state are Old Orchard Beach, with live entertainment, an amusement park, food, and a pier. Another great area to hit the waves is the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel beaches. Which beach in Maine has the most pristine sand? Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, Maine is consistently ranked as one of the best sandy beaches in the coastal state of Maine. With its native name meaning “beautiful place by the sea,” this busy beach offers three miles of white sandy coast near the center of town. Find paid parking and secure your spot early at this popular Maine paradise.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Maine’s coastline is lined with idyllic beach towns. Known as “vacationland,” one of Maine’s finest attractions are its seaside resort towns. Visitors enjoy the ample shopping options. From boutiques to galleries, there is something for everyone. Dining on fresh lobster and blueberry pies also makes these beachy towns ideal for a trip. Visit Camden, Old Orchard Beach, York, Ogunquit, and Wells, among others, for a fun time for the entire family!
What are the best beaches in Maine?
With at least seven beach communities in the state alone, Maine is a great destination for beachgoers. Some of the best in the state are Old Orchard Beach, with live entertainment, an amusement park, food, and a pier. Another great area to hit the waves is the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel beaches.
Which beach in Maine has the most pristine sand?
Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, Maine is consistently ranked as one of the best sandy beaches in the coastal state of Maine. With its native name meaning “beautiful place by the sea,” this busy beach offers three miles of white sandy coast near the center of town. Find paid parking and secure your spot early at this popular Maine paradise.
