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News Feature

Stonington
Originally published in Island Ad-Vantages, August 22, 2013
An Explorer’s Notebook
Sand Beach, Stonington

Visitors exploring Sand Beach

Located in a small cove of its own, visitors enjoy exploring Sand Beach.

Photo courtesy of George Holderness

by George Holderness

A short distance from downtown Stonington lies a rare gem on Maine’s rockbound coast: a sand beach.

Sand Beach is a haven to relax and soak in the view of the islands south and west of Stonington, including Mark Island Lighthouse.

Those who brave the chilly water will find Sand Beach to be one of the best swimming spots on the island. The foot-friendly sand and smooth granite rocks make this a popular place to cool off on warm summer days.

Visitors will likely hear the chirps of ospreys overhead, and might even spot a bald eagle. When fog envelops Stonington, the beach becomes ideal for beachcombing and exploring.

Parking for the beach is along Sand Beach Road, a five-minute drive from Stonington; a short path through the woods leads to the beach itself. Some visitors will be content with a quick exploration of the beach, but others may want to spend more time swimming and relaxing.

Path to Sand Beach

A short walk through the woods leads to Sand Beach.

Photo courtesy of George Holderness
Visitors exploring Sand Beach

Located in a small cove of its own, visitors enjoy exploring Sand Beach.

Photo courtesy of George Holderness