Maine State Park Named One of the 30 Best in the Country

One of Maine's most popular coastal beauties is receiving some considerable national recognition.

The travel site Love Exploring recently put together a list of the best state parks across America. The site singled out 30 of the country's top locations, and one of those just happens to be here in Maine. Coming in at 26th was the one and only Popham Beach State Park.

Located in the Midcoast town of Phippsburg, Popham Beach State Park is a 600+ acre bastion of beauty. One of the busiest parks in Maine, Popham Beach State Park is exactly what it sounds like, a vast and incredible beach. In fact, it might be the state's best beach, though that's up for debate.

Popham Beach's location is ideal. Visitors are able to truly enjoy Maine's coastal wonders while being just a short drive away from towns like Bath and Brunswick. This gives folks plenty of dining and lodging options that are close by.

But let's not stray away from the true story, and that's the beach itself. It's one of the prettiest coastal stretches you will find in Maine. Sightseeing, water sports, or just plain old sunbathing are all first class at Popham. You can even walk out to an island when the tides are right.

But don't just take my word for it. Here is what Love Exploring had to say about this remarkable state park.

Popham’s is a stunner – not only vast, but also fully equipped with all the amenities that a visitor with a yen for creature comforts could desire, including showers, bathrooms and barbecue areas...Beyond the beach, delve into the history of the area, via the Civil War fortification of Fort Popham and the lighthouse at Squirrel Point.

Popham is also very accessible, being 25 minutes away from Route 1 and about an hour from Portland. It certainly sets up nicely for a day trip.

Popham Beach State Park was the only Maine park listed in Love Exploring's list. However, it was not the only New England Park listed. Vermont actually finished with two on this prestigious list, with Woodford State Park and Camel's Hump State Park included. You can see the entire list here.

Congrats to Popham Beach State Park for this recognition. It truly is one of Maine's great locations. It's nice to see it not playing second fiddle to Camden Hills or Baxter State Park, though you could certainly make a case for all three being on this "best of" list.