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gem icon Sand Beach [Suggest Edits]

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Tucked between the pink, granite walls of Newport Cove, Sand Beach is typically the most visited beach in the park. With gorgeous views, coarse white sand made up of crushed shells, and surrounding evergreen forests, this should come as no surprise.

From the parking lot, look back to the north for a view of The Beehive. Sometimes hikers can be spotted heading up the Beehive Trail en route to the summit.

There are a handful of shaded, scenic paths and trails in this area to explore. A visitor favorite is the Great Head Trail, which loops around the bluff from the trailhead at the north end of Sand Beach.

The water temperature off the beach rarely rises above 55°F, but in the warmer months of the summer, taking a dip can be the perfect refreshment after a hike on one of the nearby trails or a day in the sun.

Short Walk: To access the beach, use the Beehive Trailhead Parking Area just a few hundred feet from the beach. The free Island Explorer Shuttle makes a stop at Sand Beach every half hour between June 23 and August 31.

Family Friendly: Bring a picnic lunch, dig sand castles, and explore the tide pools at this wonderful coastal attraction.

Gem Type: Family Attraction

Shared by:
Zander Göpfert

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Check-Ins

May 15, 2023
Miranda Hunt
Very pretty beach and Mountain View. Saw a baby seal resting on the beach
Apr 28, 2023
Heather Meyer
Too cold to swim but it was beautiful!
Apr 3, 2023
Karen Sandrock
It is soooooooooooo windy and cold!!!
Nov 25, 2022
Hanna Darashchonak
Nice
Oct 17, 2022
Kelly Stubna
Packed with ppl
Oct 12, 2022
Jessica Genuario
Oct 7, 2022
Jack N Miles
Beautiful morning
Sep 23, 2022
Brian L

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Shared by Zander Göpfert on Jun 21, 2016. All Page Views: 1,727. Last Month: 5.