Now that summer's right around the corner, we can't wait to get outside and hit the beach!

That got me thinking... what are southern Maine's best beaches? There are so many to choose from, but here are the 5 that I think are the best:

#5 Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg

Popham Beach State Park is just about as good as it gets if you're "from away." It's a long, classic sandy Maine beach, just walking distance away from Seguin Island lighthouse (when the tide is out).

#4 Old Orchard Beach

Sure, it's crowded, but that's part of the fun! More than seven miles long and the home of Maine's famous Old Orchard Beach Pier, OOB is one of those Maine experiences that everyone has to have at least once.

#3 Ogunquit Beach

Ogunquit is one of those beaches that almost completely disappears at high tide, but that's part of the fun! Bring your small children and encourage them to build elaborate sandcastles, and then watch as they get washed away. It builds character!

#2 Crescent Beach State Park - Cape Elizabeth

Sandy oceanfront beaches, saltwater coves, wooded areas, and rock ledges provide seashore recreation for beachgoers, fishing and watersports enthusiasts, and nature observers.

...are you a nature observer? Eat your heart out.

#1 Goose Rocks Beach - Kennebunkport

If you read that as "Ken-uh-bunk-port," you're probably gonna get nasty looks from the locals when you visit this one. (It's Kenney-bunk!) It's a little tricky at Goose Rocks, but it's definitely worth it if you can do some planning ahead of time. Parking is nearly impossible, but the beach is one of Maine's best. Three miles of white sand and protected dunes define one of Vacationland's classiest beaches, and you can tell it's one of the best as soon as you get there. You can even sip some adult beverages at the Tides Beach Club.

...did I miss your favorite beach? There are so many to choose from! Let me know in the comments.

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