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.

This inn has a back to the past feel that is perfect for those quiet travelers who can appreciate…read morethe solitude and peace of nature. It is a block away from the Atlantic Ocean and beach. It is operational seasonally and closes the end of October. After reading recent reviews, the facts in them are true! This is not a HOTEL, there are no elevators, minibars, pools, daily maid service and plenty of stairs to climb. The place is a couple of hundred years old but pretty well maintained and my room was very clean. I booked a larger room on the first floor that was pretty quiet and very clean. The furniture was basic, had a minifridge and large bathroom. Coffee and muffins were put out for all at 7 AM and coffee and cookies at 2 PM. There is a restaurant on premises that serves breakfast starting at 8 AM and dinner from 4 to 9 PM. The bar is open during dinner hours only. So, this is a basic B&B in an out of the way beach town. DO NOT come here if you need modern furniture/wall art, minibars, pools, in room coffee or need pampering. Do not bring kids. Stay at one of the chain motels along the highway. You'll be happier!

(SIDE NOTE: I usually come to Higgins during the off season, so I can't speak to what it's like in…read morethe height of summer.) I always like walking Higgins. There's a shipwreck from 1897 there! I don't know if any other locals have noticed, but it seems like it's less and less exposed (the sands seem to be shifting a lot) these past few years. But the last time we came at low tide, it *was* there with its incredible ecosystem that exists in its adjacent tide pools! Higgins is super popular with: 1. Surfers! 2. People walking their doggos! 3. Plovers! There is an incredible amount of signage here in spring/summer educating and informing folks about where they can't bring their dogs because of the nesting area of our endangered/near-threatened shorebirds. If you're visiting: please, please pay attention to this and respect where both you and your four-legged friend can't run around in. It's tough parking here (from May 1st to September 15th if you park on the road you have to pay an hourly fee; there's also a public lot a few blocks away that's $10 a day), but it's a beautiful space with an expansive stretch of sand with a tidal river to the left.

$10 dollars a person, and an amazing beach! Great waves, plenty of space, and nice staff. Only con…read moreis unless you're here really early, expect to park far away.

I've only ever been to Scarborough Beach during the "off season" - which to them is around November…read more16th to March 31st - because it's not a part of the Maine State Parks Pass. A note on that: - A Maine State Parks Pass is $55 for an Individual Season Pass, $105 for a Vehicle Season Pass. It gets you into dozens and dozens and dozens of parks across Maine, and most of those parks only really check passes from maybe the beginning of May to the end of September. - For Scarborough Beach State Park, which is operated in a public/private partnership with Black Point Resource Management LLC, from April 1st to October 1st it costs $7 per person per visit for residents/$9 for non-residents; from October 1st to November 15th it costs $6 per person per visit for residents/$8 for non-residents; it's $105 for an Individual Season Pass, $140 for a Vehicle Season Pass, $155 for a 24-hour Season Pass. So... it's *not* one of the cheaper options for beach access in the state. Is it glorious in the summer? I don't know. But according to the folks who own this beach: "Scarborough Beach offers some of the best swimming in New England with water temperatures in the high 60's throughout July and August." Is it glorious in the off season? Yes, but... The "yes": it's a long, sandy beach with uninterrupted views of the ocean. It makes for exceptional strolling and thinking and taking in blue space! Know that you have to park on the street, and it's a little bit of a walk to the beach itself, but it's so worth it. The "but": this is one of the most dog-walked beaches I've ever been to (and I rarely see them leashed). Every time I visit there is *a lot* of dog waste bags; one time I found 16 bags of dog poop and 2 used diapers. Yikes.

My sister lives nearby and this location, and nearby Crescent Beach, are the site of our annual…read morepost-Thanksgiving celebration family walk with out of state guests. With its gorgeous views and the ample parking available during the off season, it is a spectacular place to visit.

Such a pretty area! Not a beach you can lay on and catch some rays, more a walk the path and see…read morethe true rocky shore of Maine. Sit on the bluff and enjoy the view and sounds of the sea.

I love this beach so much and go all the time, it is beautiful! I do wish it was a little cleaner…read morein the summer, (especially in the water) because it does get super busy, and it's a little gross having when you practically have to swim in seaweed.

During a run today I stopped by Bayview to get a drink, Many…read morethanks to the nice young lifeguard who offered me a bottled water while I was waiting to use the hose, he was so polite and help full. Lisa

I visited Old Orchard Beach in the off-season, so most of the shops, restaurants, and amusements…read morewere closed; but I actually found that to be part of the charm. Without the summer crowds, the beach felt quiet and serene. I could walk for miles along the sand with only the sound of the waves and the gulls for company. The pier was closed, but it was still nice to see it up close and I can imagine how lively it must get in the warmer months. A few local spots were still open and the locals I met were friendly and welcoming! The chilly air gave the town a calm, coastal feel that was really refreshing. If you're looking for the classic seaside excitement, definitely come back in the summer. But if you enjoy peaceful walks, ocean views, and a slower pace, Old Orchard Beach in the off-season has its own quiet beauty.

Old Orchard Beach is the perfect mix of relaxation and fun, whether you are visiting as a couple or…read morewith the whole family. The West Grand area is especially nice with clean bathrooms, easy access to the sand, and plenty to do nearby. Staying right on the beach at places like Ocean House or Beechwood is ideal. It is so much better than commuting in and out each day. There is something for everyone, big kids, little kids, and kids at heart. From the water to the boardwalk, you will never be bored. Just remember, like at any beach, keep a close eye on the little ones in the waves. If you are not staying overnight, be prepared for parking fees ranging from 20 to 40 dollars per day. But once your feet hit the sand, it is worth every penny. Old Orchard Beach has that classic seaside charm that makes you want to come back year after year like we do.

Parking close to the beach. A great place to go for warm spring day. Great views Ang lots of room…read morefor walking.

love this beach. it's an hour away but worth it to spend a beautiful day on the shore. plenty of…read moreroom. lots of beach to walk or just sun all day with a good book and a cooler full of treats. highly recommend

The parks in the Cape Elizabeth area are all amazing and the Two Lights State Park is no…read moreexception. This particular park is a bit deceiving in that the name two lights might make you think you are going to see 2 lights, there is only one on the mainland, and the other is 17 miles out to sea. But who really cares when the park gives you the amazing views that it does! The trails wind on the upper cliffs of the shoreline and provide an awesome view of Casco Bay and the ocean. Along the walking trails are benches and picnic tables where you can take pause and be at one with the ocean. The views of the crashing waves and the rocky shoreline are amazing!

Cost $14 for two people out of state. Beautiful views and nice benches to sit on. We went in…read moreSeptember and it was not too crowded. More peaceful and quaint than the lighthouse parks. You can NOT see the lighthouses from here!!!

Nice walk through pine trees, we ran into a friendly snake. Sunned on the rocks and watched the…read moreseagulls and crows do their thing. Seems to be a sharky area from the sign. Good place for a walk and a reboot in nature.

Ferry Beach is perfect for those with little ones! I think of Ferry Beach more as a "Mother's…read moreBeach" as it's not connected to a large mass of the Atlantic. There are lots of children for yours to make friends with, shallow waters, and a sandy beach with no debris. During the summer hours, the entrance fee to park in the private lot is $15 (CASH ONLY) per vehicle from 9 AM-3 PM and $5 before 9 AM and after 3 PM.

Definitely visit this if you are in Portland, especially on a sunny day. As much as the Lighthouse…read moreis iconic, the scenery around it is mind blowing. You can also take a walk along the cliff to enjoy the view from multiple directions. It is a good spot for picnic as well, and there are a couple of locations which are close to the water as well. Plenty of parking available, there are multiple parking lots along the property. Definitely recommend it.

While in Portland for lunch, we stopped in some small shops in the area and the lovely lady at the…read moreshop recommended that we check out the lighthouse. She said it was only about 15 minutes from the shop and we decided we would go check it out. The Portland Head Light is one of their most famous light houses according to the locals. It was very cold there but what a sight! We walked round the light house, checked out the cliff sides and walked on the trail. It was a gorgeous day (freezing but beautiful) with the perfect skies for photos of the light house. We were able to read the historic plaques, see the cliffs and the water crashing below us. After visiting the Head Light, we went over to the other portion in Fort WIlliams Park and checked out the old house, military storage areas and I even went down and touched the ice cold Atlantic ocean water that was crashing on the beach. If you are in the area I would highly suggest visiting the Portland Head Light. We were there in the late evening about an hour prior to closing so the coffee truck wasn't open but they do have a coffee & gelato stand right near the Light House. It was an amazing experience and much different than light houses I have seen on the West Coast.