Town of Scarborough, Maine

Are you going to Scarborough…Maine? If the answer is yes, then once you get Simon and Garfunkel’s voices out of your head, give this rundown a read before you hit the road. As one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, Scarborough is chock-full of attractions—many being of the outdoors variety—for visitors and locals alike.

Exploring Scarborough Maine

Being a coastal town, Scarborough has much to offer those that appreciate communing with Mother Nature. Home to the largest salt marsh in Maine, the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center is a true treasure trove of natural wonders, including tidal/freshwater marshes, creeks, and rolling uplands. Bring your canoe, kayak, SUP, or just your hiking shoes and binoculars—because this 3,100-acre estuary is a haven for all manner of wildlife (oh, and bring your wallet—there’s a Maine Audubon Nature Store, as well!).

Scarborough also has a full hand of beautiful beaches to choose from, each of which has its own set of amenities, fees, and rules. Pine Point and Ferry Beach both offer public restrooms/showers and a concession stand/food cart—and Pine Point is a fabulous spot for finding really cool driftwood. Higgins Beach does not offer any food/drink options, so be sure to pack a cooler; Scarborough Beach is a state park, and is the only one that has lifeguards (in season, sunny days). If you’re up for an active day at the beach but don’t feel like packing the car to the gills with gear, then give Fun and Sun Rentals a shout. Beach chairs, kayaks, sailboats, SUPs, bicycles…they’ve got what you need.

Amusements

When you’re ready to shake the sand off your feet but still have some energy, Scarborough has plenty to offer when it comes to amusements. If the weather is cooperating, check out Pleasant Hill Disc Golf for something different—besides, they’re dog-friendly! And if it’s raining, you still have options to entertain the kids. The Big 20 Bowling Center offers candlepin fun for the whole family—and be sure to check out their Rock and Bowl glow-in-the-dark bowling nights, every Friday and Saturday from 6-10. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous (you’ll need to fill out a waiver for this place first), get a day pass for the Salt Pump Climbing Company and belay the day away.

While certainly not on par with Portland’s level of retail offerings, Scarborough still has a few aces up its sleeve when it comes to shopping (besides, Portland is right next door, for those of you who need an extended shopping spree). For eclectic secondhand finds, memorabilia, and…well, you name it, check out the Southern Maine Indoor Flea Market on Route 1. Open seven days a week and featuring over 100 vendors, set aside a good chunk of time for perusing. If you’d rather spend your day antiquing (and you’re in the right state, if so), the Gurley Antiques Gallery is right across the street from the flea market, specializing in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. And, if you’ve never experienced Marden’s Surplus and Salvage while in Maine, now’s the time. You never know what you’ll find—or what you never even knew you needed—until you take a swing through this store.

Dining

After all this activity—be it of the physical or retail variety—you’re probably going to be getting peckish. If you’re just looking for a bite of something sweet, try the Holy Donut—their secret ingredient (Maine potatoes—shhhhh!) will surely keep you coming back for more (and they have gluten-free options!). For those whose sweet tooth still needs a bit more love, stop into the Len Libby candy shop and say hello to Lenny, the world’s only life-sized chocolate moose (see what they did, there?)! For a more substantial snack, try a delicious pre-made sandwich or salad at the Cheese Iron, a specialty cheese, wine, and grocery store on Route 1. St. Joe’s Café has an all-day breakfast menu as well as lunch—be sure to order their Turkey A.B.L.T. (avocado, bacon, lettuce, and tomato) on panini for a mouth-watering taste sensation.

If you’re looking for a real meal and you’re out at Pine Point, you’re in luck. For a no-frills, true Maine seafood experience, Bayley’s Seafood Restaurant has got it all: Chowders, fried seafood dinners and sandwiches, baked seafood—even a Lobster and Steamer Dinner…and wear your bib! For a less casual dinner, make a reservation at the Chart Room at the Black Point Inn. Sip your craft cocktail and indulge in a fabulous meal on the veranda while taking in the expansive views of the bay—or sit inside by the fire when the weather turns.

Lodging

Speaking of the Black Point Inn, this grand and gracious historic landmark has been satisfying visitors from all over the country since 1878 and features a heated outdoor pool, as well as access to the Prouts Neck Cliff Walk. Featured in Yankee Magazine, The Breakers Inn is a waterfront bed and breakfast, located at Higgins Beach—and every single room has an ocean view. Full breakfast is offered every day…and they’ll make your eggs to order.

For a more rustic lodging experience, Bayley’s Camping Resort is kind of like the Disneyworld of camping here in Maine—and they’ve been doing it right since 1970. Three heated pools, four hot tubs, an entertainment complex, a game room/arcade, a poolside restaurant, two camp stores…the list goes on and on for this spotless, family-centric campus of camping joy—and the beach is only a mile away via their trolley.

Whether you prefer to pass your down-time outside in the fresh air, or would rather eat, drink, and shop your way to the bottom of your wallet, give Scarborough a whirl—you’ll probably find that there’s really no need to deal with the traffic (both pedestrian and automotive) and high price tags of Portland, after all.

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