Looking for coastal beauty, sandy beaches, and outdoor fun near Portland? Visit Scarborough, Maine! This charming seaside town offers miles of shoreline, scenic nature preserves, and family-friendly attractions—perfect for a summer getaway, a quiet fall retreat, or a beachside weekend any time of year.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Scarborough is from late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer is perfect for beach days, boating, and outdoor dining, while fall offers colorful foliage, crisp weather, and quieter coastal vibes.
How to Get There
- By Car: Scarborough is located just 15 minutes south of Portland via I-95 or US-1, making it easily accessible for regional travelers.
- By Air: Portland International Jetport (PWM) is the closest airport, less than 10 miles away from Scarborough.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Downeaster stops in nearby Portland; from there, rideshare or rental cars make the short trip to Scarborough.
Where to Stay
- Black Point Inn – Historic oceanfront resort with elegant rooms, fine dining, and sweeping views of the Atlantic.
- Higgins Beach Inn – Cozy, stylish inn just steps from the sand, perfect for a laid-back beach escape.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Portland – Convenient all-suite hotel just minutes from Scarborough’s beaches and nature trails.
Top Attractions
1. Catch Waves and Coastal Calm at Higgins Beach
Rating: ★★★★★
Higgins Beach, a popular spot among locals and a beloved destination for families in the Scarborough area, requires a bit of trip down the more scenic route to get to it. Even on nice weekends, the beach usually isn’t too crowded and care is taken to keep the soft sandy beach clean. A small stretch of beach that juts out into the water, creating an area that’s ideal for younger kids to splash around. Generally the surf at Higgins Beach is calm and visitors will often spot fishermen casting their lines or kayakers out paddling in the waters.
41 Ocean Ave, Scarborough, ME
2. Wander Woods and Fields on the Fuller Farm Trail
The Fuller Farm Trail is a scenic trail measuring a little more than two and a half miles in the charming coastal town of Scarborough. It provides a great way for visitors and locals alike to get some exercise and enjoy nature. Fuller Farm is also a good spot for people who enjoy birdwatching, as a variety of different bird species nest here, which is why visitors during the summer are asked to not walk in the fields.The Fuller Farm Trail travels along the Nonesuch River into woodlands, featuring a multiple loops, picnic tables, and a pleasant waterfall.
309 Broadturn Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074
Where to Eat
3. Unwind with Comfort Food and Craft Sips at O'Reilly’s Cure Restaurant & Bar
Found at Scarborough’s Bessey Square across from the Town Hall, O'Reilly's Cure Restaurant and Bar was opened by Sue and Patrick O’Reilly with a desire to provide the town’s visitors and residents with a place where they could gather to spend time with friends and family. This vision led to the restaurant’s motto of “Food, Drink, and Social Remedy.” The O'Reilly's Cure Restaurant offers a modern adaptation of the traditional Irish Pub, serving an eclectic menu of American fare with a few Irish favorites. There’s a full bar with sixteen beers available on tap, including several local beers.
264 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074, Phone: 207-517-2222
4. Bite Into Burger Bliss at Mainely Burgers
Mainely Burgers was started by Max and Jack Barber, two brothers from Cape Elizabeth who have fond memories of eating good food fished and farmed locally and exploring rugged mountains and beaches. Mainely Burgers serves as both a showcase and tribute to the bounty of Maine, and while the year-round locations of the eatery are located in Cambridge and Boston in Massachusetts, the brothers operate a food truck fleet during the summer that extends to locations in Scarborough, Maine. Around thirty percent of ingredients used are sourced from Maine, with the remainder from the surrounding New England region.
Scarborough, ME
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