People kayaking and paddleboarding in a calm bay near a rocky beach in Portland Maine.

Photo curtesy of Stephen Wells

Beaches

Greater Portland Maine Beaches

From wide sandy stretches and secluded coves to rocky shorelines with sweeping ocean views, the Greater Portland region offers a beach experience for every kind of coastal traveler. Just minutes from downtown Portland, you can explore large sand beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing, quiet coves ideal for tidepooling and beachcombing, and scenic coastal spots where lighthouses, dramatic rock formations, and salt air create a quintessential Maine backdrop. Many of our beaches are also conveniently located near local seafood shacks, ice cream stands, hiking trails, and waterfront communities worth exploring long after the towels are packed up.

Explore

Greater Portland’s Beaches

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach in the nearby town of Cape Elizabeth, is located eight miles south of Portland on Route 77. Part of Crescent Beach State Park, this classic sandy beach features grass-studded sand dunes, ocean breezes, herring gulls, picnic areas, and views of fishing boats and an offshore island.

East End Beach

After a morning of shopping in Portland’s Old Port, visitors will welcome a dip at East End Beach, Portland’s only public beach. At the bottom of the hill of the Eastern Promenade, East End Beach is the ideal place to take in the panorama of Casco Bay. This stretch of sand and pebbles is easy to get to with parking nearby, picnic tables and benches situated on the grassy hillside, and a boat launch for launching any manner of vessel for a day on the water.

Beach Coast Waves, Photo Credit CFW Photography

Ferry Beach

The gorgeous haven of Ferry Beach, a sandy beach along the Scarborough River channel, comes with a small fee ($10 per car) but is worth the price. Long grass, blowing in the warm breeze, begins where the sand ends at the top of the beach, and at the bottom rests the crystal clear water inviting beach-goers to take a dip. Visitors to Ferry Beach are welcome to bring a towel and stay to watch the quintessential Maine lobster boats, rocking back and forth nearby, or take a peaceful nap – the quiet surf is enough to lull one into a summer daze.

Higgins Beach

Visitors looking to take a scenic, short trip, can head to Higgins Beach off Route 77—just outside of Portland. The drive is enough to inspire a visit to this beach as curvy, tree-lined country roads pass farmhouses and rolling fields. Higgins Beach, endearingly referred to as “Higgins” by locals, is an expansive stretch of sand with the tip of the beach jutting out to form a little river.

Old Orchard Beach

The seaside community boasts a diverse and large population of up to 75,000 in the summer as it hosts vacationers from all over the United States but primarily from New England and the mid-Atlantic states, Canada and Europe looking to enjoy our miles-long stretch of fine beach, clean ocean water and all the attractions that both Old Orchard Beach and the surrounding City of Portland have to offer.

Waveboarding on Beach, Photo Credit: CFW Photogrpahy

Pine Point Beach

Pine Point Beach is a long sandy beach on Saco Bay that extends four miles from the jetty at Pine Point to Old Orchard Beach. There is plenty of room to relax on the beach, swim, play catch, or take a stroll along the beach. Near the municipal parking lot there is a small shack that you can get some food and beach type of snacks and also has a shower on the back side to wash off the salty residues and evil sand stuck in the toes on your way back to the car.

Beach Waves and Boulders, Photo Credit: CFW Photography

Scarborough Beach

This family-friendly beach offers some of the best swimming in all of New England with water temps in the high 60’s throughout July and August. Jump in the deep blue waters, go bodyboarding, or just take a stroll along the water’s edge. Find snacks like ice cream, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and plenty of fried food to fill you up. Parking is limited to 285 on-site spaces and 125 off-site spaces and is likely to run out quickly during the busy season, so make sure to get there early.

Willard Beach

Willard Beach, a 4-acre sandy beach located in South Portland, is a favorite among locals. Many come to Willard to relax in the sand, take a swim, or take a break from classes at the nearby Southern Maine Community College. A charming neighborhood beach, it offers an incomparable view of Spring Point Ledge Light, cruise ships coming in and out of the harbor, and sailboats bobbing up and down not far from shore.