Scarborough Beach State Park

Quick Facts

• Location: Scarborough, Maine
• Address: 418 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074
• Beach Type: Saltwater state park beach (Atlantic Ocean)
• Sand Type: Wide sandy shoreline
• Water Conditions: Cold Atlantic surf with strong waves
• Best For: Swimming, surfing, beach walking
• Best Time to Visit: June–September
• Beach Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Pet Policy: Seasonal restrictions apply
• Beach Cleanliness: Very well maintained
• Average Rating: ⭐ 4.8
• Pricing: State park entrance fee during peak season
• Parking: Large on-site parking lot
• Accessibility: Good (direct access paths to sand)
• Crowd Level: Busy in summer

Overview

Scarborough Beach State Park is one of Maine’s most popular swimming beaches. Located just south of Portland, the park features a long stretch of sandy shoreline known for having some of the warmest ocean waters in Maine during the summer.

The beach faces the open Atlantic and often experiences steady waves, making it a favorite destination for swimmers, surfers, and bodyboarders.

With wide sand, scenic ocean views, and well-maintained facilities, Scarborough Beach attracts thousands of visitors during the summer season.

Amenities & Access

Scarborough Beach State Park offers a full range of visitor facilities.

The park includes a large parking lot, restrooms, showers, and seasonal services designed to accommodate summer crowds. From the parking area, short walking paths lead directly to the beach.

Picnic areas and open spaces nearby make it easy to spend several hours enjoying the coastline.

Safety & Conditions

The Atlantic waters here are known for being slightly warmer than many other Maine beaches, which makes the area particularly popular for swimming.

Wave activity is often stronger than at smaller beaches, creating good conditions for bodyboarding and surfing.

Visitors should pay attention to ocean conditions and follow posted safety advisories.

Things to Do

Scarborough Beach offers a wide range of beach activities.

• Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean
• Surfing and bodyboarding
• Sunbathing on the sandy beach
• Beach walking along the shoreline
• Photography of coastal scenery

The beach is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.

Nearby Attractions

Several attractions are located near Scarborough Beach.

Prouts Neck
A scenic coastal peninsula known for ocean views and art history.

Old Orchard Beach
A lively seaside destination with an amusement pier and boardwalk.

Higgins Beach
Another popular beach known for surfing and coastal scenery.

Portland, Maine
A vibrant waterfront city filled with restaurants, shops, and historic sites.

Where to Stay

Visitors can find a range of accommodations nearby.

Scarborough Hotels
Convenient lodging close to the beach.

Old Orchard Beach Resorts
Oceanfront hotels and vacation rentals.

Portland Hotels
Full-service hotels about 20 minutes away.

Tips & Rules

• Arrive early during summer weekends
• Bring sunscreen and shade
• Follow park entrance rules and fees
• Check ocean conditions before swimming

Bottom Line

Scarborough Beach State Park is one of Maine’s best beaches for swimming and surfing, offering a wide sandy shoreline, strong Atlantic waves, and well-maintained public facilities.