My first and last time at the beach in 2020. It was also my first time at a Maine beach and I had…read moreno idea how clean and serene they were. I guess I'm just used to all the garbage and crowds along the Jersey Shore. The only downside is that parking is a bit pricey, at $20 a pop. But if you are an early bird and can make it there before I think either 8 or 9, then parking is only $5. Since we came on a Tuesday (at around noon), there weren't much people around, which was super nice. The weather for that day was only forecasted at the low 70s with some clouds, but it turned out to be a great beach day. It was warm, but not sweltering. Warm enough to go in the water - but only if you're brave. The water was icy cold. But after a while, you just become numb and don't even notice it (lol). There aren't really any waves but there is a very strong current so you definitely don't want to mess around with that. I never went out further than past my stomach, especially since I don't swim very well. Even just standing there with the water up to my waist, I could feel the currents pulling me. The best part of this beach is that it's only a 20-minute drive from Portland. We were visiting for the week and staying in Downtown, and didn't want to drive far to get to a beach so Ferry Beach was perfect for us. If I lived in the area, I would totally get a season pass.

Very nice small protected beach. The parking lot is also small but I've never had a problem getting…read morea spot. If you live in Scarborough get a beach pass for $40 at city hall. Very nice at low tide with a tidal pool for kids to play in. You can walk the beach all the way to the Black point Inn.

Maine is full of secret nooks and crannies. Glorious, magnificent, breathtaking places untouched by…read moreman or time. It's getting increasingly difficult to find these places, but they exist and Pott's Point Preserve is proof of that. Driving to and around Harpswell in and of itself is stunning. But coming specifically here is otherworldly as far as nature scenes go. Park to the side of the road (carefully and at your discretion) at a seemingly dead-end near a bunch of lobster traps and a wharf. Walk up the private Pott's Point Road and walk for nearly a half mile through a picturesque, straight-out-of-a-movie-set seaside neighborhood. It may seem awkward to walk through (metaphorically) people's backyards, but eventually you'll reach "the end" of the road where there's a tiny, sandy path through thick greenery. Through it? The literal end of the land. A beautiful acre of rocks and rosa rugosa bushes and gravel beaches and tide pools full of marine life. You can loop around and explore (especially at low tide; you'll have to carefully navigate the rugged coastal landscape otherwise), and see a plethora of islands in the distance. It's unspoiled Maine beauty at it's finest.

"The way life should be" - Maine's famous saying and logo - this place depicts just that. We went…read moreexploring and found this wonderful place. You're lost in time filled with algae, rocks, shells and grassland. We love this beautiful and breathtaking place. Perfect for puppies, children and couples. There is nothing quite like it and it's a short hike to the most gorgeous point. This place is perfect for this time of year- autumn with the leaves changing. Please come visit and find yourself at peace.

If heading to Peaks in the summertime sounds far too overwhelming for you, Long is the solution…read more Although Long is far more than a tourist destination, it's severely overlooked by Portlanders who want to take a day trip out to the islands. They have a couple fantastic white sand beaches. Perfect place to bike around for the day!

Apparently (according to the captain of the ferry I was aboard during my first visit here), Long…read moreIsland used to be a part of Portland until Portland made their already painfully high property taxes even higher. Residents of Long Island felt this was pretty unfair because they weren't really benefitting (especially with city services) from this at all, so they voted to secede from Portland; and, on July 1st, 1993 they became their own Town of Long Island (and, interestingly enough, the first new town in ME since 1925). When we got off the ferry, and walked through an impressively large parking lot, we didn't know which way to turn - left or right. Luckily for us, we overheard some other tourists ask some locals which way they suggest. "Left's really got nothing but houses; right's got the post office and store and stuff." Sounded good to us, so off we went. I think one of the things that struck me the most about Long Island was the sense of community and how protective people seemed to be of their little oasis - it was seems like such a well maintained space from the community garden to the fresh water pond. Every single person or vehicle that passed us waved. At one point we watched a mom in a sundress holding a giant platter of watermelon slices lead a parade of very excited, very tan children down the street. It looked like something out of an L.L. Bean ad. When we ended up at the beach - which I believe was Fowler - we were very clearly the only mainlanders as most people were older, settled in with books and sweaters like they had been sitting there for days and no where else they needed to be, or were openly enjoying wine and playing bocce ball. Also... at one point we were walking down Harbor de Grace St - locally known as Bunny Hop. Uhm, as a rabbit lover this entirely unexpected quirk made me a fall a little in love as there are quite literally bunnies - handmade, purchased, big ones, little ones, normal looking ones, cartoony looking ones - in the woods, right off of both sides of the streets. I have no idea why this is, but I like it. A lot. I'm thrilled I now know this little slice of heaven exists. There's not really anything "to do", so it really is for those people who just want a good walk, or some uninterrupted and peaceful beach time, or are in need of a little solitude and serenity in nature, or just a break from the hustle and bustle of Portland. I can see, Long Islanders, why you seceded indeed!

We had such a lovely time here exploring the island. For such a small fee per person we were able…read moreto park and walk the trail along the perimeter. We saw the deaf school, pet cemetery, and fairy forts made with branches. I think it was probably 1-2 miles long. We saw many benches dedicated to general important people. There are mini trials within this island you can walk through and there's a natural "dock" you can walk on to see more of the water. This place is beautiful!!

This place was amazing and such a great 1-2 mile loop that is easy walking for all ages! They have…read morea fairy garden, pet cemetery and beautiful views all over the island. I am going to come here more often to walk the loop and take in the scenery. The only downside is there are not many parking spots so it probably can get really busy in the summer. We found one easily in November though.

We had such a great family day at the Park today. Nice, shady picnic table close to the…read morebeach/water. Clean grill at our site. Plentiful bathrooms. Snack shack. We swam, walked to the sand bar, and had a barbecue. Everyone (ages 10 - 62) had a wonderful time. Lines were long to get in but they moved as fast as possible and it was a hot day - everyone had the same idea.

In July 2026, our family stopped by Sebago Lake SP on a drive from Portland, ME to the White…read moreMountains. It's a popular lake that was crowded with many kids and families on a small beach. If you are seeking peace and quiet, I would look for other options. But the water in the lake was relatively warm (ideal for swimming compared to the frigid waters of Maine's coastline). Also, the water was very clear and clean. One interesting note is that Sebago Lake provides the water supply for the entire city of Portland, ME. The tap water there had a delicious, clean taste from the fresh water of Sebago Lake.

This is a gem of a location. A little under a mile from viva fortuna resort, it is worth the trek…read more We ventured that way late afternoon and it was an easy, safe walk along the beach, except for one area that was a little bit of unstable sand and a rock scramble. One you arrive it is an amazingly calm, clear, warm shallow bay with a sandbar that extends far into the ocean. It's perfect for lounging in the water, playing with kids and just relaxing. It doesn't seem to get deeper than 2 feet in the entire stretch unless you venture quite a ways out. Pack a towel and some snacks and spend a few hours here further away from crowds for your own special experience.

I know that Mackeral Cove is stunning and a picturesque spot (driving by, you can't help but have…read moreyour breath taken away at the perfect scene: blue waters, lobster boats, it's charming!), but every time I came this past winter the beach was absolutely covered in trash. Shattered glass, crushed cans, piles of takeout containers/wrappers, plastic chunks broken off of who knows what, lobster bands everywhere, cigarette butts, you name it. I completely understand and respect that this is a working waterfront, but I've never actually seen anything quite this disgusting on the Maine coast before (I've lived here all my life). Yes, we did our part to pick as much up as we could; and, who knows, maybe folks go out of their way to keep it much cleaner in the nicer weather. But as a local who frequents this area? I'm all set right now. If you're out this way, visit Land's End and Giant's Stairs Trail, but let the visual you get simply from passing by Mackerel Cove be enough.

This is a great natural place if you have a chance to visit. I was hear for a wedding and it made a…read moremagnificent backdrop. The couple loves nature and are often out rowing and hiking. This place made their special day even more special. This is also a great backround for pictures that are picturesque and won't be soon forgotten. Getting here is no treat, though. There is not much parking and walking can be challenging with a huge hill to walk down to get here.

We love Kettle Cove, it's clean and not too big, which means it typically isn't too crowded…read more There is a cute beach area, that is very typical of our state, seaweed, sticks rocks and some sand. When the tide goes, out, it's pretty amazing to walk out onto the mudflats and see some of the ocean life that usually covered during low tide. The beach is protected by rocks on each side, so there aren't usually waves. Given the characteristics, it's not crowded with people that usually go to the larger beaches in the southern Maine which is why we love it. We typically see artists, readers, families and friends enjoying quiet picnics by the ocean on the nice green area, people enjoying the dedication benches staring out quietly at the water or having wonderful conversations. Around sunset in the summer, it's common to see photographers with couples, engaged, in wedding attire, with new babies, family photos. It's so picturesque - I don't blame them. The park fees should be deposited in the metal receptacle just before the beach area. PLEASE DO NOT forget to place your money in the bin before you leave. Parking area is small and so it's not always possible to find a spot, but when you can, it's a lovely place to be.

We have enjoyed the drive around Cape Elizabeth in the past, but this was the first time we stopped…read moreat this beautifully situated and serene park. The view of the cove, rocks, lobster boats and beach at Crescent State Park is quiet nice. A perfect place to rest awhile on one of the park benches before continuing on exploring the cape.