We are lucky in the Portland area to have so many beaches to explore, relax (just kidding, maybe someday when the kids are grown ) and cool off at!
We've put together a list of our top 5 family friendly beaches in the Portland area for you to check out this summer. Grab those beach blankets, pack a picnic, lather spf on those kiddos, and make a day of it!
Locations are listed alphabetically.
109 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth
Admission Cash Only:
Children (Under 5 years old): Free
Children (5-11 years old): $1.00
Adult Maine Residents: $6
Adult Non Residents: $8
What we love about Crescent Beach:
Growing up, Crescent Beach was my families go to destination, and for good reason! There's tons of parking, a small playground, picnic tables, grills, lifeguards, and public bathrooms with showers and changing areas. There's plenty of room to spread out, so it never feels overcrowded on this beautiful beach shaped like it's namesake. One end of the beach has rocks and tide pools perfect for exploring; you can expect to find snails, crabs, and even starfish! With everything Crescent Beach has to offer, you could easily spend the day there with the whole family and never get bored.
Amenities at Crescent Beach:
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Ferry Road, Scarborough, Maine
Admission: $15/Car
End of the Day (3pm-5pm) $5/Car.
What we love about Ferry Beach:
Ferry Beach in Scarborough is a white sandy beach that sits along the Scarborough River Channel. It's sheltered by a nearby jetty making for shallow, calm, and warm waters; the perfect habitat for hermit crabs! This beach is on the smaller side and generally not very crowded, though the parking lot is small, so it's best to get there early!
Amenities at Ferry Beach:
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Bayview Ave, Scarborough
Admission Cash Only: $15 Per Vehicle at Municipal parking lot located at 41 Ocean Ave.
What we love about Higgins Beach:
Higgins Beach is located in a friendly little neighborhood in Scarborough. With its calm waters, soft sand, and smaller size, it's a great choice for families. At low tide the remnants of a shipwreck from 1897 can even be seen! Parking is limited to only a few 1 hour meters along the beach, but there is a municipal parking lot with restrooms and showers several blocks away at 41 Ocean Ave.
Amenities at Higgins Beach:
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418 Black Point Rd, Scarborough
Admission Cash Only:
Children (Under 5 years old): Free
Children (5 to 11 years): Residents - $6.00 / Non-residents - $7.00
Adults (12 to 64 years): Residents - $8.00 / Non-residents - $10.00
What we love about Scarborough Beach State Park:
Scarborough Beach State Park offers some of the best swimming in Maine with water temps in the high 60’s throughout July and August! This beach is well suited for families with older kids who will enjoy jumping the waves or even renting a boogie board, surfboard, paddleboard or kayak! This beach is known to have a strong rip tide at times, so be sure to stay within the marked lifeguard areas sectioned off for swimming due to water conditions.
Amenities at Scarborough Beach State Park:
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Willow St, South Portland
Admission: Free
What we love about Willard Beach:
Willard Beach is perfect for young families. The beach itself is sheltered in a cove, which makes for calm waters, and you'll enjoy views of Fort Scammel, Fort Preble, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and several islands in Casco Bay. Tide pools offer perfect opportunities for wildlife discovery, and there is even a nice playground. A seasonal bath house offers restrooms, showers, and a snack bar. Free parking is available for apx 75 cars in a lot that is a short walk from the beach on Willow St.
Amenities at Willard Beach:
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We hope this list of top five beaches in the Portland area helps you find -- or rediscover! -- some great places for your family to enjoy this summer. Now get those kids to the beach!
