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 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 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.

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.

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.

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!

Love this beach !! Clear water and you can bring your dog all day on a leash!! Bathrooms too ! Paid…read moreticket parking ! $2 and hour

I really wanted to take my 14-month-old yellow lab to the beach during Labor Day weekend, as I've…read morenever taken her to one before, but I was unsure which beaches allowed dogs. Not being able to find many places around Portland at first, I almost changed my mind until I saw a review written by Diana K about the nearby Bayview Beach. Parking was tough at Bayview due to the lack of clearly marked parking spaces. Not wanting to rush intruding into someone else's parking space in the surrounding neighborhood, we decided to drive down further, and stumbled upon this gem. While this beach had a similar issue, with limited parking, there are a couple of lots across the roads that's opened to the public; for a fee of course. The beach itself was really nice, despite the seaweeds washed up on the shore. The area is nice and peaceful, despite the ample amount of people at the beach at the time. There were a ton of dogs at the beach, both large and small. While dogs must be leashed from the month of July to August (9-5 pm), I believe they can be off leash all other times. Will definitely be coming back!

Nobody has updated this in years. So I'm here to share. We love this beach now. Since they removed…read morethe old pier, the beach and water are immaculately clean. It's rocky, so swimming shoes are a must. There's a big rock to sunbathe on. It disappears when the tide comes in. Plenty of green space for relaxing flying kites-throwing a football, trails for walking/biking, a big white gazebo with live music in summertime. Picnic tables and a porta potty. Pammy's Ice Cream Parlor is at the end of the road and is a MUST.