Crescent Beach

More than just a beach, this state park also offers hiking trails and grills perfect to host a barbecue after a long day by the water.

WHERE: 7 Tower Drive, Cape Elizabeth

COST: $6 for adult Maine residents, $8 for nonresidents

AMENITIES: Picnic tables, grills, snack bar, playground and bathhouse. Also, some hiking trails.

 

Dundee Park

Visitors can either take a swim in the Presumpscot River, or canoe/kayak the rapids.

WHERE: 79 Presumpscot Road, Windham.

COST: $6 adults, $4 children ($5/$3 for Windham residents); $5 rentals

AMENITIES: Basketball and volleyball courts, grills, beach area and lifeguards.

 

East End Beach

Located within walking distance of the Old Port, East End beach is small, but the ocean breeze and bay views provide convenient respite from the city.

WHERE: Cutter Street, Portland

COST: Free

AMENITIES: Bathrooms, dog-friendly.

 

Ferry Beach

One of the more unique beaches in Maine because it’s missing one thing: waves.

WHERE: Ferry Road, Scarborough

COST: $10 per car ($5 from 3-5 p.m.)

AMENITIES: Snack cart, public restrooms, boat access.

 

Higgins Beach

Higgins Beach is popular for its rocky, tide pool-filled beach.

WHERE: At the end of Ocean Avenue, Scarborough

COST: $10 parking located down the street from the beach. Otherwise, parking is limited along the side of the road.

AMENITIES: Bathrooms located where paid parking is.

 

Highland Lake Beach

Located just off the highway, it’s the perfect spot to go for a quick dip.

WHERE: Highland Road, Bridgton

COST: Free

AMENITIES: Lifeguard, boat launch, parking, restrooms.

 

Kettle Cove

A hidden gem, Kettle Cove is located at the end of Crescent Beach with hiking trails and larger waves perfect for surfers.

WHERE: Kettle Cove Road, Cape Elizabeth (also accessible from Crescent Beach)

COST: $3 for adult Maine residents, $4 for nonresidents

AMENITIES: Hiking trails, but no public restrooms.

 

Kiwanis Beach

Located on Watchit Lake, this family-friendly beach is perfect for escaping the crowds at Sebago.

WHERE: Kiwanis Beach Road, Route 25, Standish

COST: $3 per person, $5 for kayak rental

AMENITIES: Porta-potty, snack bar, parking and picnic tables.

 

Pine Point Beach

Located just minutes from Old Orchard Beach, Pine Point offers a quieter, more family-friendly beach experience. Make sure to get there at low tide to see the sandbar.

WHERE: Avenue 5, Scarborough

COST: $10 per car

AMENITIES: Food shack, shower and bathroom. Dogs are not allowed during beach hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Scarborough Beach

A surfer’s paradise, Scarborough Beach has some of the largest waves in Greater Portland but plenty of sand for sunbathers if surfing is not a strong suit.

WHERE: Sprague Way, Scarborough

COST: $6 adult Maine residents, $8 non-residents

AMENITIES: Dogs are not allowed during summer hours. Bathrooms are on the premises, as well as Mainely Burgers food truck. Surfboards and kayaks are available to rent from 9 a.m. to noon.

 

Sebago Lake State Park

What everyone thinks of when they think of the lakes – grilling by the water, a beach for sunbathing and water activities.

WHERE: 11 Park Access Road, Casco

COST: $6 for adults

AMENITIES: Restrooms, changing rooms, grills, snack bar, fishing and camping.

 

Tassel Top Park Beach

Thirty-five acres of beach, located on Sebago Lake. 

WHERE: Off Route 302, Raymond

COST: $2 children, $6 adults.

AMENITIES: Picnic tables, grills, changing rooms, snack shack and marked swimming area.

 

Willard Beach

One of the only dog-friendly beaches, equipped with a playground and snack bar, Willard is perfect for the whole family.

WHERE: Beach Street, South Portland (by Southern Maine Community College)

COST: Free, but limited parking

AMENITIES: Bathhouse with restrooms, snack bar, showers. Dogs are allowed in the summer, but only before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m.

 

Wood Ponds Beach

Large, sandy beach, with a playground for kids.

WHERE: Off Rte. 117, Wood Pond, Standish.

COST: Free

AMENITIES: Playground, roped-off swimming area, dock with rafts and public parking.

 

— EMILY DUGGAN

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