Maine’s tidal coastline measures 3,478 miles, weaving in and out from the mainland to carve hundreds of pine tree-lined bays, inlets, and beaches. Although Portland is Maine’s biggest city–packed with trendy eateries and hip breweries– it has still managed to maintain its pristine coast with a number of understated beaches.
No visit to Portland is complete without a trip to the beach and dip in the Atlantic. Check out the 7 most beautiful beaches near Portland—all of which are located within 20 miles or less of the city center.
Map of Beaches near Portland
Looking to play in the surf or sit in the sand? Check out this map of the most gorgeous beaches near Portland:
East End Beach, Portland
As the only city beach in Portland, East End Beach is a popular place to take a quick dip to beat the summer heat.
The sandy stretch is roughly a half mile long, sits below the grassy knoll of the busy Eastern Promenade, and looks out onto several Casco Bay islands and the historic Fort Gorges.
You’ll undoubtedly be tempted to test the waters, but if you find the Atlantic a little chilly, there are still other ways to enjoy the waterfront. Portland Paddle is situated 100 meters north of the beach and rents kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards for offshore exploration.
Book a guided tour, plan your own adventure, or reserve a multi-day sea kayak tour with an expert guide and discover some of the Casco Bay isles with the most remote island-camping opportunities.
Location: East End Beach, Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland, ME 04101
Website: East End Beach
Willard Beach, South Portland
Willard is a beloved neighborhood beach running along the eastern tip of South Portland.
Bound by Fishermen’s Point to the south and Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) to the north, Willard Beach attracts everyone from tourists, to college students, to long-time locals.
You’ll find dog owners and their furry friends racing up and down the shoreline in the off-season and plenty of sunbathers and swimmers in the hot summer months.
A visit to Willard is actually more of an adventurous day trip than an ordinary day at the beach.
At low tide, a walk towards the SMCC campus offers the chance to explore the tide pools or to find a more private area for lounging in the smaller coves tucked between the rocks.
Continue the stroll a bit further along the rocky shoreline and you’ll hit the historic Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, an iconic piece of the Willard community since 1897.
If you venture in the other direction towards Fishermen’s Point, you’ll find several old fishing shacks that predate the city itself, plus panoramic views over the beach and Casco Bay.
Location: Willard Beach, South Portland, ME 04106
Website: Willard Beach
Higgins Beach, Scarborough
Higgins Beach is one of several sandy Scarborough beaches that gets a lot of love in the summertime; however, its reputation for receiving the best year-round swell in the area makes it even more popular with surfers in fall and winter.
Between the surfers, swimmers, stand-up paddle boarders, and kayakers, there’s always someone in the water–rain, shine, or snow. Cute, unpretentious beach homes border the ocean, some of which are short- and long-term rentals.
The soft-sand shoreline makes it a hit with families and sunbathers, and can get quite crowded in the summer with both locals and tourists.
If you walk to the far end of the beach, you’ll find quieter sections of sand along with fly fishermen casting their lines at the junction where the Spurwink River empties into the ocean.
The push to keep development to a minimum adds to Higgins’ charm, so you won’t find any amenities right on the sand, however there are toilets and showers located in the parking lot, and the seasonal Higgins Beach Market at the top of Ocean Avenue for all your snack needs.
Location: Higgins Beach, ME 04074
Website: Higgins Beach
Scarborough Beach, Scarborough
Nestled on the sandy point that juts out from the 2,700 acres of Scarborough’s protected marshland, Scarborough Beach claims several miles of Maine’s scenic coast.
The $7 per person entrance fee (plus another $7 if you bring a surfboard!) deters some, but the fee permits access to showers, toilets, and the snack shack.
And while it might be the only beach on this list with a fee, it’s also the only one with lifeguards on duty.
Scarborough Beach is another popular surf spot, and Surf Camp Maine, the state’s only consistently running surf school and summer camp, hosts their kids’ summer program and all-ages surf lessons on site.
Location: Scarborough Beach, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: Scarborough Beach
Pine Point Beach, Scarborough
Between the Atlantic Ocean and the edge of Scarborough’s marshlands, Pine Point Beach stretches four miles from the jetty on the north side to the Old Orchard line in the south.
Sea grass provides a natural buffer between the road and the shore, and the lack of restaurants and bars lend a more natural and rugged feel (unlike its neighbor, Old Orchard Beach – see below).
There are several restaurants on the road leading up to Pine Point, as well as one small market along E Grand Avenue, however, there aren’t any beachside amenities, so make sure to fill up prior or pick up take out on your way there.
If you’re not much of a lounger but love a good walk on the beach, low tide at Pine Point reveals a wide strip of packed sand perfect for walkers, runners, and baby strollers.
Location: Pine Point Beach, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: Pine Point Beach
Old Orchard Beach, Old Orchard
Old Orchard Beach (known as O.O.B. for short) is an extension of Pine Point Beach, and at 7 miles long, the longest strip of sand in the area.
It’s also one of the most entertaining. Lined with restaurants, bars, and carnival rides, the OOB experience includes chowing down on pier fries with vinegar, drinking cold beer, listening to live music at the Brunswick, and taking a few go-rounds on the Ferris wheel.
The symbolic Old Orchard Beach pier also deserves to be explored and you’ll find all sorts of small shacks selling knick knacks and souvenirs. Umbrellas and chairs crowd the golden sand, and many beach-goers post up from sunup to sundown.
Swimming is common on hot days and the shallow bottom provides a family-friendly environment.
When you need a break from the heat, you can check out one of the many beachside watering holes. Bonus: OOB is the only beach in the area accessible by the Amtrak train, which you can take right from Portland!
Location: Old Orchard Beach, ME
Website: Old Orchard Beach
Kettle Cove and Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth
The small town of Cape Elizabeth boasts several beautiful state parks with beaches, but Kettle Cove with adjoining Crescent Beach are easily the most popular places to catch rays for local residents.
The cove has a parking lot where beachgoers can park for free and get direct access to the small sandy-pebbly shore with a rocky outcrop on one side and some nature trails on the other.
More popular, though, is the gently curved shore of Crescent Beach, accessible from Kettle Cove parking lot or via Crescent Beach State Park entrance a little further south.
The sandy crescent connects untouched wooded areas, crisscrossed with peaceful walking trails with beautiful views over Casco Bay.
Picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and cold water showers are also available, making Crescent Beach one of the area’s most family-friendly beaches without feeling over-developed.
Location: Kettle Cove Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Website:Kettle Cove and Crescent Beach
