Beaches Near Portland, Maine

1. Willard Beach

• Where is Willard Beach located?
  • Willard Beach is a popular family-friendly destination in the South Portland neighborhood, near the campus of Southern Maine Community College.
• What historical significance does Willard Beach have?
  • At the turn of the 20th century, the beach was home to the spectacular Willard Beach Casino, which featured a bowling alley, dance hall, and orchestrian. However, it was destroyed by fire in 1898.
• What recreational activities are available at Willard Beach?
  • The four-acre beach is a popular spot for swimming and recreational boating. Its spacious sand and pebble shoreline offers scenic views of landmarks such as Spring Point Ledge Light, Fort Gorges, and Cushing Island.
• What amenities does Willard Beach offer?
  • A seasonal bath house provides restrooms, showers, and a snack bar. Additionally, dogs are permitted on the beach during the morning and evening hours in the summer.
• Are there any special events at Willard Beach?
  • One of the most anticipated events at the beach is the WillardFest neighborhood festival, which brings together locals and visitors for a celebration of the community.

2. Crescent Beach State Park

• Where is Crescent Beach State Park located?
  • Crescent Beach State Park is situated along beautiful Cape Elizabeth, approximately eight miles south of Portland's city center in Maine.
• When was Crescent Beach State Park established?
  • The park was officially established in 1966 and has since become a popular destination for visitors seeking coastal recreation and scenic beauty.
• What natural features does Crescent Beach State Park offer?
  • The park is home to a freshwater creek, grassy dunes, and rocky ledges that visitors can explore on foot. It also features a variety of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at the park?
  • Crescent Beach extends for one mile, offering stunning views of offshore Richmond Island. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, as well as designated areas for fishing and boating.
• What amenities are available at Crescent Beach State Park?
  • The park provides day-use picnic sites for visitors. However, during the winter months, no cars are allowed in the park, though parkgoers can still enjoy winter hiking and cross-country skiing on foot.

109 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, Phone: 207-799-5871

Cape Elizabeth is an easy 20-minute day trip from Portland (8.5 miles via ME-77 N):

3. Scarborough Beach State Park

• Where is Scarborough Beach State Park located?
  • Scarborough Beach State Park is a popular Portland-area beach known for its strong rip currents and unusually warm water conditions.
• What makes Scarborough Beach's water conditions unique?
  • During July and August, water temperatures can reach as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is unusually warm for Maine’s coastal waters.
• Is Scarborough Beach family-friendly?
  • The beach is a great spot for families with older children, offering opportunities for swimming and boogie boarding. However, younger children should be closely supervised due to the water currents.
• Are there lifeguards at Scarborough Beach?
  • Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months, with marked lifeguard areas designated for safe swimming. Visitors should stay within these marked areas due to strong rip currents in other parts of the beach.
• What parking options are available?
  • Parking is limited to the first 400 cars, so visitors should plan to arrive early.
• Are Maine state park passes accepted?
  • Unfortunately, Maine state park passes are not accepted to cover the beach’s admission fee, and visitors must pay separately.

Scarborough Beach State Park, 418 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074, Phone: 207-883-2416

4. Ferry Beach

• Where is Ferry Beach located?
  • Ferry Beach is a lovely riverfront beach along Maine's Scarborough River Channel, offering calm tide conditions ideal for families with young children.
• Why is Ferry Beach a great spot for families?
  • The beach has calm tide conditions and is protected from strong Atlantic Ocean waves by a jetty, making it a safe and enjoyable swimming area for young children.
• What wildlife can be found at Ferry Beach?
  • The beach serves as a nesting site for hermit crabs, adding to its unique natural appeal.
• What amenities are available at Ferry Beach?
  • The beach features restrooms and showers with changing tables, but visitors should note that no concession stands are available, and no lifeguards are on duty.
• What recreational opportunities are available in the surrounding park?
  • The 100-acre surrounding park is home to hiking trails and a beautiful grove of tupelo trees, offering breathtaking views of the waterfront area.
• Are dogs allowed at Ferry Beach?
  • Dogs are permitted on the beach between November and March, allowing pet owners seasonal access to enjoy the scenic coastline with their pets.

Saco, ME 04072

5. Pine Point Beach

• Where is Pine Point Beach located?
  • Pine Point Beach is a spacious four-mile beach on Maine's Saco Bay, making it a popular destination for visitors looking for a scenic and relaxing coastal experience.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Pine Point Beach?
  • The beach is a well-known spot for fishers and surfers to hone their skills. As boating is not permitted, only cast fishing is allowed along the shore.
• What types of fish can be caught at Pine Point Beach?
  • Shoreline anglers can expect to catch yellow perch, pickerel, and smallmouth bass, making it an appealing location for fishing enthusiasts.
• Are there any special rules for surfers?
  • Due to the wave conditions, all surfers must be tethered to their boards using surf leashes that extend between seven and 10 feet in length.
• What amenities are available at Pine Point Beach?
  • The beach offers restrooms, showers, and a snack stand. However, visitors should note that no lifeguards are staffed on duty.
• Are rentals available near Pine Point Beach?
  • Visitors can rent bicycles, kayaks, and other beachfront craft from rental shops along the road leading to the beach.
• What dining options are available near Pine Point Beach?
  • The area features a variety of full-service restaurants, including several delicious seafood restaurants that serve fresh, locally caught seafood.

Scarborough, ME 04074

6. Old Orchard Beach Near Portland, Maine

• Where is Old Orchard Beach located?
  • Old Orchard Beach is a lovely town in York County, Maine, known as one of the state's top beach resort areas.
• What makes Old Orchard Beach a popular destination?
  • The beach is famous for its historic Palace Playland amusement park, the only remaining 20th-century-era seaside amusement park in New England, featuring attractions like an oceanfront LED-lit Ferris wheel.
• What is the significance of the Old Orchard Beach Pier?
  • The beach is centered around the 500-foot Pier at Old Orchard Beach, which extends into the Atlantic coastline. It is home to clam shacks, arcades, souvenir shops, event spaces, and a beachfront nightclub.
• Are there any facilities available at Old Orchard Beach?
  • Public restrooms are available for a 50-cent fee, and lifeguards are staffed on duty during peak summer months to ensure visitor safety.

7. Popham Beach State Park

• Where is Popham Beach State Park located?
  • Popham Beach State Park is situated on a 529-acre piece of land, surrounded by the deltas of the Morse and Kennebec Rivers.
• Why is Popham Beach a popular destination?
  • The beach is a well-known spot for surfers and swimmers during the summer months, attracting visitors from all over the region.
• What makes Popham Beach unique for shell collectors?
  • Shell collectors from around New England visit the park for the opportunity to find unique shells shaped by the coastline’s tides.
• Are dogs allowed at Popham Beach?
  • Dogs are permitted on several portions of the beach year-round, allowing pet owners to enjoy the shoreline with their four-legged companions.
• What historical sites can visitors explore near Popham Beach?
  • Walking trails in the park lead visitors to the remains of Forts Popham and Baldwin and remnants of the colonial-era Popham Colony.
• What unique feature is accessible at low tide?
  • During low tide, visitors can walk across exposed sandbars to Fox and Wood Islands for a one-of-a-kind coastal experience.
• What amenities are available at Popham Beach?
  • The park offers restrooms, showers, and day-use picnic sites. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months to ensure beachgoer safety.

10 Perkins Farm Ln, Phippsburg, ME 04562, Phone: 207-389-1335

8. Higgins Beach Near Portland, Maine

• Where is Higgins Beach located?
  • Higgins Beach is a charming coastal destination located just outside Portland off Route 77.
• Why is Higgins Beach a beloved destination?
  • The beach is known for its small-town charm, making it a beloved destination for families seeking a peaceful and picturesque retreat.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Higgins Beach?
  • The calm waters allow for swimming, striped bass fishing, and kayaking, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Does Higgins Beach offer surfing opportunities?
  • While the water is calm most of the year, certain seasons bring rising surf, making it a great spot for catching waves.
• What makes Higgins Beach visually unique?
  • Visitors can admire a beautiful lineup of classic New England cottages, giving the area a nostalgic and picturesque feel.
• Why should families visit Higgins Beach?
  • The quiet atmosphere, soft sandy shores, and scenic beauty make it a perfect getaway for families looking to relax and enjoy the fresh, salty air.

Higgins Beach, Scarborough, Maine 04074

9. East End Beach Near Portland, Maine

• Where is East End Beach located?
  • East End Beach is the only public beach in Portland, situated at the bottom of Eastern Promenade’s hill.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at East End Beach?
  • Beachgoers can relax on the sand-and-pebble shoreline or take a dip in the calm Atlantic waters. The beach is also a great spot for walking and sightseeing.
• What makes the scenery at East End Beach special?
  • The beach offers breathtaking panoramic views of Casco Bay, making it an enjoyable stop even for non-swimming visitors looking to soak in the coastal beauty.
• Are there any trails near East End Beach?
  • Visitors can stroll along the Eastern Promenade Trail, which provides undisturbed views of nearby islands and sailboats gliding in and out of the harbor.
• What wildlife can be spotted at East End Beach?
  • The area is home to a variety of coastal wildlife, and visitors may even spot seals along the picturesque shore.

East End Beach, Portland, Maine 04101