Sand Dollars in Maine: Where to Find Them + 5 Best Beaches to Search

Ferry Beach Sanddollars

The Magic of Finding Sand Dollars in Maine

There is something unforgettable about finding your very first sand dollar.

It usually happens when you're not looking too hard.

The tide has gone out. The beach is quiet. Gulls drift overhead. The salty air carries the sound of gentle waves, and suddenly, there it is.

A perfect little treasure waiting in the sand.

For many of us, finding a sand dollar in Maine feels like discovering a tiny piece of the ocean's story. Delicate, beautiful, and surprisingly strong, sand dollars have fascinated beachcombers for generations.

Every Mainer seems to have a sand dollar story. Maybe it was the first one you found as a child. Maybe it was the one your grandmother carefully tucked into a shadow box. Maybe it became part of a beach vacation tradition with your family. Or perhaps you're still hoping to discover your very first one. That's part of the magic. Every walk along the beach holds the promise of finding something special.

Despite their name, sand dollars aren't shells. They are actually the skeletons, or "tests," of a marine animal related to sea stars and sea urchins. When they are alive, they are covered with tiny velvety spines and live just beneath the sandy ocean floor. The beautiful white sand dollars we treasure on the beach are what remain after nature has completed its work.

One of their most recognizable features is the delicate five-pointed pattern across the top. Some people see a flower. Others see a star. Whatever you see, it is one of nature's most beautiful designs.

If you're hoping to find a sand dollar in Maine, your best chances are after a storm or during low tide on sandy beaches. Walk slowly along the water's edge and near the wrack line where the tide leaves behind shells, seaweed, and other treasures. Sometimes you'll find none at all. Other days, you'll discover one that seems to have been waiting just for you.

Five Wonderful Places to Search for Sand Dollars in Maine

Finding a sand dollar is never guaranteed, and that's part of the magic. The best time to search is at low tide, especially after a coastal storm has stirred the ocean floor. Walk slowly along the water's edge, keep an eye on the wrack line left by the tide, and remember that if a sand dollar still has tiny moving spines, it is alive and should be gently returned to the sea.

1. Long Sands Beach, York

Long Sands Beach is one of Maine's favorite destinations for beachcombers and is often mentioned as one of the state's best places to search for sand dollars. Its long stretch of sandy shoreline makes it perfect for an early morning walk, especially after a storm has reshaped the beach. Even if you don't find a sand dollar, you're likely to discover shells, sea glass, and plenty of coastal beauty.

2. Ferry Beach State Park, Saco

Ferry Beach is one of those peaceful places that feels made for wandering. Its wide sandy shoreline, beautiful dunes, and quiet atmosphere make it an ideal beach for slow walks and beachcombing. Spend some time exploring after low tide, and you just might be rewarded with one of the ocean's most treasured gifts.

3. Old Orchard Beach

Most people think of Old Orchard Beach for its famous pier, amusement rides, and seven miles of beautiful sand, but it's also a wonderful place for beachcombing. Visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive, and you'll have the best opportunity to search the shoreline for sand dollars, shells, and other treasures the tide has delivered overnight.

4. Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg

Popham Beach is one of Maine's most spectacular beaches, with shifting sandbars, dramatic tides, and endless opportunities to explore. Patient beachcombers occasionally discover sand dollars here, along with shells and fascinating marine treasures. The ever-changing landscape means every visit is a little different from the last.

5. Wells Beach

Miles of sandy shoreline make Wells Beach a favorite destination for anyone who enjoys searching for treasures by the sea. Arrive early, take your time, and enjoy the experience. Whether you leave with a beautiful sand dollar or simply a pocket full of memories, it's one of Southern Maine's classic beach walks.

207 Vibes Tip

Don't rush. The best beachcombers aren't the fastest. They notice the little things. Walk slowly, look often, and let the tide surprise you. Sometimes the greatest treasure isn't the sand dollar you take home. It's the peaceful morning you spent searching for one.