{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2545,"slug":"crescent-beach-state-park-beach-cape-elizabeth","name":"Crescent Beach State Park Beach","country":"USA","state":"Maine","city":"Cape Elizabeth","coords":{"lat":43.5616,"lng":-70.1967},"beachType":null,"tags":["famous"],"article":{"hero":"The parking lot empties you onto a beach that seems drawn with a compass: a perfect 180-degree curve of blonde sand backed by dune grass and weathered picnic shelters. Families stake out spots near the lifeguard stand, where the slope is gradual enough that children wade twenty feet out and the water barely reaches their knees. Rockweed clings to the boulders at either end, releasing its briny perfume at low tide.\n\nBy afternoon, the southwest wind carries the smell of salt and sunscreen. Teenagers throw frisbees near the volleyball net. A golden retriever shakes seawater into a fine mist. The bathhouse—white clapboard, quintessentially Maine—offers hot showers that feel like minor miracles after an hour in 62-degree water. You'll want to time your visit around the tide charts posted at the entrance; high tide erases half the beach, but low tide reveals tidal pools where hermit crabs scuttle between barnacle-encrusted rocks.\n\nWhen hunger strikes, the park's grills smoke with hot dogs and corn, or you drive five minutes to Cape Elizabeth for lobster rolls that taste better after you've earned them. The beach closes at sunset, but the image lingers: that crescent of sand, the dark spires of fir trees, the lighthouse blinking in the distance at Portland Head.","teaser":"You'll hear the waves before you see them—a gentle percussion against granite ledges that bookend this sweeping crescent. The Atlantic here runs warmer than you'd expect (mid-60s by August), and the sand stretches wide enough that even on summer Saturdays, your beach blanket claims its own territory.","uniqueAngle":"One of the only sandy beaches on Maine's rocky southern coast where children can safely wade in waist-deep water for more than a hundred yards.","accessType":"Drive-up with parking lot","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Wade the Shallows","subtitle":"Gentle slope, lifeguard-watched June–August"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Kettle Cove Trail","subtitle":"Thirty-minute loop through coastal forest"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Tidal Pool Hunts","subtitle":"Low tide reveals starfish, crabs"},{"icon":"food","title":"Picnic with Grills","subtitle":"Shelters overlook the entire crescent"}],"audience":{"surfer":"Don't come here for barrels. The beach break musters waist-high rollers during northeast swells, but the sandy bottom and gentle gradient make this a learner's paradise, not a charger's dream. Longboarders find rideable shoulders on incoming tides when September storms push swell down from Nova Scotia. The best action clusters near the eastern rocks, where a subtle sandbar sometimes forms. Locals surf early before the lifeguards arrive and families claim the lineup. Wax tropical if you're out in August; consider a 4/3 fullsuit any other month.","couples":"Arrive an hour before sunset and walk the eastern trail toward Kettle Cove, where granite ledges create private perches above the surf. The beach itself closes at dusk, but Portland Head Light glows just north—drive there for the classic Maine postcard moment. The Inn by the Sea, a ten-minute drive, offers candlelit dinners with lobster bisque and ocean views, plus morning beach access before the day-trippers arrive. For a quieter evening, grab steamers from Bite Into Maine's food truck (parked summers in Cape Elizabeth) and eat on the rocks, sharing a bottle of Cabot Creamery wine as the offshore islands turn purple.","backpacker":"Day-use only—no camping allowed—but the $8 Maine resident entry drops to $6 after 5 p.m. (non-residents pay slightly more). Park outside the gates on Two Lights Road and walk in free after hours, though you'll miss the bathhouse. Jordan's Farm stand, two miles west, sells day-old muffins for $2. The real budget hack: METRO bus #9 runs from Portland's Congress Street ($1.50) to the Purpoodock Club stop, then you walk twenty minutes down Shore Road. Sleep cheap at the Motel 6 in South Portland ($70 summer nights) and day-trip here.","local":"Hit the beach before 8 a.m. on summer weekends—you'll have the crescent nearly alone except for the surf casters working the eastern rocks for stripers. Midweek evenings in September offer the sweetest light and zero crowds once families retreat for the school year. The pocket beach at Kettle Cove, accessed via the connecting trail, stays quieter even on peak days; locals spread blankets there among the round stones. When the main beach floods with tourists, walk south to Dyer Cove—it's rockier, but you'll reclaim your solitude and often spot harbor seals hauled out on the offshore ledges.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Crescent Beach is considered one of Maine's safest beaches for families. The sandy bottom slopes gradually, creating shallow areas ideal for young children. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months (typically late June through Labor Day). The crescent shape naturally protects swimmers from strong currents. However, water temperatures remain cold even in summer (60-65°F), so plan accordingly. Always supervise children and check posted notices for water conditions. The beach also features a designated swimming area marked by buoys for added safety.","q":"Is Crescent Beach State Park safe for swimming with kids?"},{"a":"July and August offer the warmest weather and full amenities, with temperatures reaching 70-80°F, though the beach gets crowded on weekends. June and September provide pleasant conditions with fewer visitors, ideal for beachcombing and walking. The park remains open year-round for those enjoying off-season coastal walks and winter scenery. Arrive before 10am during summer weekends to secure parking, as the lot often fills by midday. Spring and fall offer excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife watching along the shore.","q":"What is the best time to visit Crescent Beach State Park?"},{"a":"From Portland, take Route 77 South through Cape Elizabeth for approximately 8 miles; the park entrance is clearly marked on Bowery Beach Road. The park has a large parking lot that accommodates several hundred vehicles. Maine residents pay $6 per vehicle, non-residents pay $8 during peak season (April-October). Parking fees are cash or card. The lot fills quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early. No public transportation serves the beach directly, so a personal vehicle is necessary.","q":"How do I get to Crescent Beach State Park and is parking available?"},{"a":"The park features a snack bar offering basic fare like hot dogs, ice cream, and beverages during summer months. Clean bathhouses with changing rooms and outdoor showers are available. Picnic tables and grills dot the grounds for those bringing their own food. The nearby town of Cape Elizabeth has restaurants and grocery stores within a few miles. For lodging, visitors typically stay in Portland (8 miles away) or Scarborough, as Cape Elizabeth has limited accommodation options. No overnight camping is permitted at the beach.","q":"Are there food options and amenities at Crescent Beach State Park?"},{"a":"Yes, a scenic walking path connects Crescent Beach to Kettle Cove, located at the southern end of the park. The rocky ledges of Kettle Cove offer excellent tide pooling opportunities and dramatic coastal views, contrasting beautifully with Crescent Beach's sandy shore. The walk takes about 10-15 minutes along the shoreline. Kettle Cove is particularly popular with photographers and nature enthusiasts. Many families visit both areas in one trip, enjoying sandy beach play and tide pool exploration. Check tide schedules for optimal tide pooling conditions.","q":"Can I walk to Kettle Cove from Crescent Beach?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Crescent Beach State Park: Cape Elizabeth's Family Shore","description":"Mile-long arc of pale sand meets gentle surf where Maine families gather. Sheltered cove, shallow tide pools, and pine-fringed picnic spots an hour from Portland.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4568/27245282869_d9ee16f8a9_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"519307","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7615/26344054214_3fa4da6474_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7615/26344054214_3fa4da6474.jpg","alt":"CEN Port Austin MI 1950s BEACH BABES & Vacationing Tourist Familys Port Austin Harbor & Beach Swimming Pier near Port Crescent State Park on Lake Huron Photographer Unknown Postmarked 19601"},{"id":"519308","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7547/26915986106_e0dbb225c6_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7547/26915986106_e0dbb225c6.jpg","alt":"CEN Port Austin MI 1950s SINCLAIR MARINA GAS DOCK BEACH BABES & Vacationing Tourists Port Austin Harbor & Beach Swimming Pier near Port Crescent State Park on Lake Huron Postmarked 1962-"},{"id":"519311","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7648/26676258980_4bab1706b4_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7648/26676258980_4bab1706b4.jpg","alt":"CEN Port Austin MI 1950s SINCLAIR MARINA GAS DOCK BEACH BABES & Vacationing Tourists Port Austin Harbor & Beach Swimming Pier near Port Crescent State Park on Lake Huron Postmarked 19621"},{"id":"519312","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/554/20334154296_1987c60ca2_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/554/20334154296_1987c60ca2.jpg","alt":"Loaded Up for Little Bahia Honda"},{"id":"519313","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7641/26344035754_0a7cbc023e_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7641/26344035754_0a7cbc023e.jpg","alt":"CEN Port Austin MI 1950s SINCLAIR MARINA GAS DOCK BEACH BABES & Vacationing Tourists Port Austin Harbor & Beach Swimming Pier near Port Crescent State Park on Lake Huron Postmarked 19629"},{"id":"519314","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5836/21321516408_7c3182f9c4_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5836/21321516408_7c3182f9c4.jpg","alt":"CEN Port Austin MI 1940s RPPC BEACH BABES & Crazy Tourist Jammed Port Austin Harbor & Beach  Swimming Pier near Port Crescent State Park on Lake Huron Photographer Unknown Postmarked 1950"},{"id":"519315","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5693/20886582394_02cecc2997_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5693/20886582394_02cecc2997.jpg","alt":"CEN Port Austin MI 1940s RPPC BEACH BABES & Crazy Tourist Jammed Port Austin Harbor & Beach  Swimming Pier near Port Crescent State Park on Lake Huron Photographer Unknown Postmarked 19509"},{"id":"519316","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51347017898_7ab75f5099_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51347017898_7ab75f5099.jpg","alt":"Crescent Beach , Ecola State Park, Oregon"}]}}