Maine’s incredible coastline is stunning, but it’s not known for large, sandy beaches. In fact, it’s so rocky that beaches only make up 75 miles of our 3,478-mile-long coastline. No matter — we love it! There’s nothing like standing on the coast and breathing a lungful of that fresh, clean air. Rocky beaches might not be full of sun-tanned babes, but they have a rugged beauty that’s unparalleled.

Check out East End Beach. This pretty spot is Portland's only public beach, and it's downright picturesque. The beach is open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Address: Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland, ME, 04101
This rocky shoreline is quintessential Maine, and it's much more interesting and diverse than any sandy, sun-bathing beach could ever be.
James Beswick/Google
Make sure to wear sturdy shoes so that you can explore this bit of coastline. When the tide is low, you can poke around tide pools and find shells. You'll definitely want to bring your camera along on this visit — this beach is just begging to be photographed.
Though most of this beach is rocky, there is a short span of sand to dig your toes into.
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It's a great spot for a sandcastle, or to set up a beach chair and enjoy the scenery.
The water is cold, but it's also clean and clear. Go ahead — jump in!
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The water hovers around 60 degrees during the hottest months of the year.

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Bring your kayak or canoe and explore away from shore.
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There's nothing like skimming over the water in a kayak. If you don't want to drag yours back and forth, rent a kayak rack space right on the beach.
You'll find several picnic tables up above the beach that make perfect spots for lunch.
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Lots of other amenities here make East End Beach the perfect place to spend an entire day.
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Kids will enjoy the playground area, and you'll want to take a stroll along the path above the beach. Other amenities include public bathrooms and a boat-launching deck.
One of the best things about this beach is that you can bring your furry friend. Dogs are allowed on the beach during special hours.
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From Memorial Day to Labor Day, bring your pup in the morning until 9 a.m., or hit the beach in the evening after 5 p.m. During the rest of the year, he's free to visit anytime.

Have you visited East End Beach? Tell us about your adventures at this beach, and share your photos with us in the comments. If you’re looking for a sandy beach, check out this underrated beach on a lake.

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