Best Beaches Close to Portland, Maine

There are so many great beaches in the Portland area, which are particularly great to enjoy in the summer. They also make for scenic walks in the cooler months of the year. Below are our recommendations for beaches close to the Portland area, together with some of our favorite close by bites or drink options. In case helpful for planning purposes, we’ve also added estimated driving distances from the Old Port, which is the heart of downtown Portland.

1. Old Orchard Beach (~25-30 min drive from the Old Port): Old Orchard beach is one of the most popular (and therefore busiest) beaches in Maine, with a large pier and many shops, restaurants, and bars. You can find a spot to relax on the seven miles of beach or grab your childhood favorites, including french fries with vinegar, on the pier and stroll the boardwalk. If you are looking for live music right on the beach, check out The Brunswick, which is just a short walk from the pier. Expect to pay a small fee for parking.

2. Pine Point Beach (~25 min drive from the Old Port): A long sandy beach that extends 4 miles. During low tide, this is a great beach for a walk. There is a fee for the parking lots, but this is a quieter alternative to Old Orchard Beach. We recommend grabbing a lobster roll at The Bait Shed nearby, where you can enjoy one on their deck or grab one to go and enjoy on the beach. (Just be on guard from the seagulls at the beach.)

3. Ferry Beach State Park (~22 min drive from the Old Port): Located in Scarborough (not to be confused with the Ferry Beach in Saco, which is also great), this beach does cost a small fee to enter, but is one of our favorites. After entering, we typically walk around the bend to the left, which is often much less populated. This beach also happens to be located close to one of our favorite places for a summer drink, Black Point Inn. Be sure to visit for a drink on one of the chairs on the lawn.

4. Higgins Beach (~19 min drive from the Old Port): Located in Scarborough, Higgins Beach is smaller beach that is frequented by locals, but which is quite scenic. Parking is limited and the area near Higgins is mostly residential. But it is also relatively close to Black Point Inn, so if you stop by this beach, we will again recommend heading there for a drink afterward.

5. Crescent Beach (~17 min drive from the Old Port): Named after its mile-long crescent shape, Crescent beach is located in Cape Elizabeth. This one also costs a small fee to enter because it is a state park. Stop by Kettle Cove Creamery and Shack an ice cream on your way out. If you are heading back to the Portland area after, you can also stop by the popular Red’s Dairy Freeze in South Portland (mentioned below).

6. Willard Beach (~12 min drive from the Old Port): Located in South Portland, Willard Beach is a smaller beach that is locals favorite. We love to pick up a bagel from nearby Scratch Bakery or pizza from the local Otto to enjoy on the beach. On your way out, swing by Red’s Dairy Freeze for ice cream, and ask for the eyes (cute googly eyes added to your ice cream).

7. East End Beach (~5 min drive or walkable from the Old Port): If you’re hoping to see some sand but don’t want to venture out of the Portland area, stop by East End Beach. It is a pretty small beach, which looks into the Portland Harbor. In the summer, the nearby waters are typically filled with sailboats, which makes for a scenic view. The Eastern Promenade Trail is also a paved run/walkway along the beach, which makes for a scenic run from Old Port. If you visit this beach, the Old Port will be your oyster afterward. Check out our guide to dining in Portland here.

Lobster Roll from The Bait Shed at Pine Point Beach

Higgins Beach

Raspberry Margarita at Black Point Inn Overlooking Ferry Beach

– Karen and Kasey