Sunset Beach derives its descriptive name from its optimal westward orientation for viewing sunsets over Casco Bay from Great Diamond Island, historically known as Hogg Island until the Diamond Island Association rechristened it in the 1880s when establishing a vacation community. This Portland island beach evolved from 18th-century farming settlement through artist retreat to Fort McKinley military base (late 1800s through World War II), with the island listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, serving Cumberland County's island heritage accessible by 20-minute Casco Bay Lines ferry from Portland's peninsula.
The beach offers small rocky shoreline with relative solitude compared to mainland beaches, with visitors discovering abundant sea glass smoothed by Atlantic waves along the distinctive pebbled shore nicknamed 'sea glass beach' by locals. The island's 106 year-round residents navigate primarily by walking, biking, or golf cart, while day-trippers explore the historic Fort McKinley district's renovated army barracks and officer's quarters. Swimming and beachcombing complement sunset viewing from this westward-facing beach, with wildlife observation throughout Casco Bay's island ecosystem accessible from the former military installation shoreline.
Great Diamond Island dining includes Crown Jewel for women-owned seafood with a twist including crab salad with blood orange and bacon, Diamond's Edge Restaurant for casually elegant waterfront dining featuring clam chowder and coconut prawns on the outdoor deck, while nearby Portland offers extensive dining options accessible via the frequent Casco Bay Lines ferry service operating 10 times daily during peak season.
