White Sand Where You Least Expect It
Sandy River Beach is one of the only white sand beaches in Downeast Maine, and it is the kind of place that makes you feel like you have discovered something the rest of the world forgot to visit. It sits between the fishing villages of Jonesport and Jonesboro, facing south into Chandler Bay, with about a quarter mile of sandy shoreline flanked by rocky coastline and spruce forest.
The Sandy River, a small tidal stream, empties into Chandler Bay at the northern end of the beach. At the southern end, the sand gives way to rocky tide pools and then to the granite ledge that defines most of the Downeast coastline. The setting is quintessential remote Maine: lobster boats in the bay, spruce trees to the waterline, and the open Atlantic stretching to the horizon.
Jonesport is a working fishing village. It is not a tourist town. The roads here end at wharves piled with lobster traps, and the local economy revolves around the sea. Sandy River Beach feels like an extension of that character: beautiful, unpretentious, and largely unvisited.
The Sandbar and Bar Island
The coolest feature at Sandy River Beach is a natural sandbar that emerges at low tide, connecting the beach to Bar Island about fifty yards offshore. When the tide drops, you can walk across the exposed sand to the island, explore its rocky edges, and look back at the beach from a different perspective.
This is a tidal feature, which means timing matters. The sandbar is passable for a few hours around low tide. As the tide rises, it covers quickly. Know when low tide is, give yourself plenty of time, and do not get stranded on the island.
The sandbar to Bar Island covers quickly as the tide rises. Check tide charts for the Jonesport area before walking out. Give yourself at least an hour before the tide turns. If you get caught, the water is cold and the current can be strong in the channel.
Sea Glass Hunting
Sandy River Beach is known among beachcombers as one of the better sea glass spots in Maine. The tumbling action of waves on sand and pebble polishes glass fragments into smooth, frosted pieces. Green, blue, white, and occasionally purple or red sea glass turns up along the waterline, especially at low tide after storms.
The best hunting is at the transition zone between the sandy beach and the rocky southern end, where glass fragments collect in the cobble.
Visit at low tide after a storm or period of high surf for the best sea glass hunting. Walk the waterline slowly, scanning the wet sand and cobble. The morning sun lights the glass fragments and makes them easier to spot against the darker stones.
The Beach
The sand is white and fine-grained, unusual for this part of Maine where most shoreline is rock and cobble. The beach is about a quarter mile long, with enough space for a comfortable visit even on the rare busy day. Most of the time, you will share it with a few families and local fishermen at most.
The water is cold. This is Downeast Maine, and ocean temperatures rarely break 60 degrees even in August. Swimming is possible for the hardy, but most visitors wade, beachcomb, and explore the tide pools.
The rocky tide pool at the southern end of the beach is excellent at low tide. Small crabs, periwinkles, sea urchins, and anemones inhabit the pools between the granite ledge. Kids can spend an hour here without moving more than twenty feet.
When to Go
Spring
Cool and often foggy. Good for beachcombing after winter storms. Water very cold.
Summer
Warmest conditions. Longest days. Still uncrowded. Water cold but tolerable for wading.
Fall
Fewer visitors. Sea glass hunting is good after fall storms. Beautiful light on the bay.
Winter
Empty and dramatic. Very cold. Good for storm watching and off-season beachcombing.
Practical Notes
Cell service is spotty in the Jonesport area. You may get a signal in the village but coverage at the beach is unreliable.
Dogs are welcome at Sandy River Beach. No restrictions.
Parking is free in a small area near the beach access. No restrooms or facilities. Bring everything you need.
Sandy River Beach Essentials
- Tide chart (essential for the sandbar and sea glass)
- Water shoes (tide pools and rocky sections)
- Layers and windbreaker (Downeast is cool even in summer)
- Sunscreen
- Bag for sea glass finds
- Binoculars (lobster boats and seabirds)
- Snacks and water (no services at the beach)
- Camera
Getting There
From Machias, take Route 1 West to Jonesboro, then Route 187 South to Jonesport. Sandy River Beach is off a side road between Jonesport and Jonesboro. The drive from Machias is about 20 minutes. From Bangor, take Route 1A East to Ellsworth, then Route 1 East. About 2 hours total.
Jonesport has a small general store and a few takeout restaurants. For more services, Machias is about 20 minutes east.
FAQ
Can you walk to Bar Island from Sandy River Beach?
Yes, at low tide. A natural sandbar connects the beach to Bar Island about fifty yards offshore. The sandbar is passable for a few hours around low tide. Check tide charts and give yourself plenty of time.
Is Sandy River Beach good for sea glass?
Yes. It is one of the better sea glass spots in Maine. Green, blue, white, and occasionally rarer colors turn up at the waterline, especially after storms. Low tide is the best time to look.
Is the water warm enough to swim?
Barely. This is Downeast Maine, and ocean water rarely exceeds 60 degrees. Most visitors wade and beachcomb rather than swim.
How remote is Sandy River Beach?
Very. It is about 2 hours from Bangor and 4.5 hours from Portland. Jonesport is a small fishing village with limited services. Bring supplies.
Is there a fee to visit Sandy River Beach?
No. Parking and access are free. There are no facilities, so plan accordingly.
