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Popham-Beach is located on the mid coast of Maine, on the tip of the Phippsburg Peninsula, along the south side of the mouth of the Kennebec River. Part of Popham Beach
State Park, it is one of the longest and most picturesque beaches in Maine. The Fox and Wood Islands lie just offshore, and visitors can even walk to Fox Island at low
tide. (Caution is advised however, to be aware of the rising tides so as not to get marooned on the island.) The park contains 529 acres, with bathhouses, showers,
picnic areas and grills and lots of hiking trails. Historic Fort Popham, built in 1860 during the Civil War, is about two miles further south of the park along
Route 209. A second fort, Fort Baldwin, built during World War I, sits atop nearby Sabino Hill. At the mouth of the Kennebec River at Popham Beach sits Pond Island,
which is a two-acre island with a lighthouse built in 1855 (which replaced the older one built in 1821.) This lighthouse is not open to the public, but boat cruises
are available that pass beside the island for a close-up look. Other recreational possibilities at Popham Beach include kayaking, jet skiing, boating and fishing,
swimming, kite flying, shelling, biking, hiking and golf. Antique shopping is available in nearby Bath and Wiscasset, and the historic town of Georgetown is just
minutes away. Parts of Popham Beach were used filming the movie, "Message In A Bottle," starring Kevin Costner.
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