Andrews Beach derives its name from the Andrews family who settled on Long Island in Casco Bay, following Maine's tradition of naming beaches after early families and landowners who established homesteads on the state's numerous coastal islands. The beach sits on Long Island, located 5 miles off the coast of Portland in Casco Bay, one of Maine's most scenic island communities accessible only by Casco Bay Lines ferry service connecting the island to Portland's waterfront year-round. Long Island developed as a fishing and farming community beginning in the 1700s, with approximately 200 year-round residents maintaining island traditions of self-sufficiency, lobster fishing, and close-knit community life that characterizes Maine's inhabited islands. Casco Bay contains over 200 islands known as the Calendar Islands, though local legend claiming 365 islands overstates the actual count, creating a spectacular archipelago where granite ledges, spruce-fir forests, and rocky shorelines define the quintessential Maine coastal landscape. Portland, Maine's largest city located across the bay, developed as a major seaport beginning in the 1600s, becoming New England's second busiest port and maintaining its maritime heritage while evolving into a cultural and culinary destination attracting visitors worldwide drawn to fresh seafood, historic architecture, and access to Casco Bay's island communities.
Beachcombing along Andrews Beach reveals smooth stones polished by Atlantic tides, sea glass in greens blues and browns smoothed by wave action, shells from productive Gulf of Maine waters, and driftwood carried by currents creating treasures for collectors. Wildlife watching provides opportunities to observe harbor seals hauling out on offshore ledges, gray seals swimming in deeper waters, and occasionally harbor porpoises feeding in productive channels. Bald eagles nest on Long Island and surrounding islands, soaring overhead and perching in towering white pines and spruces. Common eiders, black guillemots, cormorants, and gulls frequent the shoreline, while migratory shorebirds including sandpipers and plovers stop during spring and fall passages. Lobster boats work waters surrounding Long Island year-round, and visitors can experience authentic Maine lobstering through boat tours in Casco Bay learning about trap hauling, lobster biology, and conservation practices protecting this iconic fishery. Fishing from shore yields striped bass, mackerel, and flounder. Kayaking around Long Island provides access to quiet coves, rocky shorelines, and neighboring islands. Views capture Casco Bay's island-studded waters, Portland's skyline across the bay, and on clear days the White Mountains rising inland creating the dramatic landscape contrasts that define coastal Maine. The beach provides peaceful island atmosphere just miles from Portland's urban amenities.
Long Island dining includes Long Island Store providing hot and cold menu items at fair island prices with notable lobster rolls serving islanders and ferry visitors. Hardshell Cafe at 3 Garfield Street offers friendly downhome atmosphere and casual dining. Byers and Sons Long Island Bakehouse serves local fresh seafood, deli sandwiches, and hand-stretched artisan pizzas. Portland dining accessible by ferry includes Becky's Diner, a beloved institution serving hearty breakfasts and classic American comfort food near the waterfront, traditional for island visitors before morning ferries or after returning to the mainland. Gilbert's Chowder House in Portland's Old Port specializes in traditional New England seafood chowders and seafood classics including clam chowder, lobster rolls, fish and chips, and fried clams offering hearty affordable meals. Portland features over 300 restaurants creating exceptional culinary scene. Andrews Beach attracts island residents, ferry visitors exploring Casco Bay islands, kayakers, beachcombers, and those experiencing authentic Maine island life where lobster fishing traditions, year-round island communities, and proximity to Portland create distinctive character in one of Casco Bay's inhabited Calendar Islands.
