Sand Beach [Suggest Edits]

Description

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 runners 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 run 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.

Gem Type: Family Attraction