Help with Cool Beaches

[thinkxingu]

Hi! Not exactly Winni, but something to fill in during the weeks when I can't be at camp: suggestions wanted for 'unique' beaches to check out. Specifically interested in tidepools and 'exploratory' places rather than sunning and swimming. Approximately from Old Orchard Beach south to Rockport (<2 hours from Nashua).

Thanks!

[Hillcountry]

I'm sure there are many but one that comes to mind is Odiorne State Park.
I believe it's in Rye, NH.
Along route 1A there may be other untraditional beaches/harbors to explore as well.
Have fun!

[8gv]

Fotune's Rocks Beach, Biddeford ME.

A permit is required to park there during the season so go before Memorial Day. Go at low tide. There is a rocky area on the south end of the beach. Sea creatures are often trapped there for you to observe.

[Merrymeeting]

I haven't been there in decades, but as a kid, my favorite was Good Harbour Beach in Gloucester. There is a tidal river on the right side of the beach that was heaven for a little kid to explore. All kinds of tidal pools, sea critters, etc. And it's a relatively protected, enclosed area so it is easy for the parents to keep track.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

I haven't been there in decades, but as a kid, my favorite was Good Harbour Beach in Gloucester. There is a tidal river on the right side of the beach that was heaven for a little kid to explore. All kinds of tidal pools, sea critters, etc. And it's a relatively protected, enclosed area so it is easy for the parents to keep track.

Great beach but they now get $30 to park and it fills up quickly.

[Old Sarge]

I agree about Odiorne Point, but for me the real jewel here is Acadia National Park! It is a little farther than Rockport, Maine but well worth the extra ride.

Just realized you were thinking Rockport, MA, so it is quite a bit more of a ride but still a great place.

Odiorne has paths to walk around in the tidal area so that might be your best bet. They don't allow dogs however.

[Dave R]

Fort Foster in Kittery, ME is awesome.

[noreast]

Good walks at Plum Island as well. Rachel Carson Refuge In Wells Maine, (I believe) is nice for walking, I don't think there's a beach though. Marshy, tidal area.

[Top-Water]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

I haven't been there in decades, but as a kid, my favorite was Good Harbour Beach in Gloucester. There is a tidal river on the right side of the beach that was heaven for a little kid to explore. All kinds of tidal pools, sea critters, etc. And it's a relatively protected, enclosed area so it is easy for the parents to keep track.

I'll give a vote for Good Harbour as well. I haven't been there in decades myself but have fond memories of it when I was kid. It was just about the only salt water place my dad would go to if you could get him away from the lake. As mentioned by Biggd the parking is tight there. Just right in my opinion for young kids. If my memory is correct?? the water drops of gently and with an inexpensive styrofoam surfboard you can get some nice long rides back to shore if you time the waves correctly.

[Rich]

OH that type of cool!

At first I thought you were looking for cool weather (temperature) beaches! LOL

As a scuba diver (not as active as I used to be, but I can't yet say 'ex'), there are a lot of places that would be fun to explore, but not the best for traditional beach type swimming.

Some that I like in no particular order:

Nubble Light, Maine. Lots of rocks, tidal pools, picturesque, very nice at night with a full moon (under water too!!!).

wow I'm getting old, trying to remember the names of some of these places!! LOL It took me a few moments to bring back the names of these places into my memory!

Cathedral Rocks, Rockport, MA. Lots of large automobile sized "rocks" to climb over, tidal pools. Get there early as this has east/north exposure. Late in the day it may be in shade.

Foley Cove, Gloucester/Rockport, MA. Rock walls/cliff to one side (North/west). Small pebbles and water softened rocks instead of sand. Good to explore.

Back Beach, Rockport, MA

Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA

Fort Foster, Maine.

Odiorne State Park, NH

Fort Constitution, Newcastle, NH

Walk the breakwater to the end at Eastern Point lighthouse at the North East corner of Gloucester Harbor. On a nice day it's very relaxing to watch all the marine traffic coming and going.

Of course there are many more also, but this is just a few ideas.