{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2547,"slug":"scarborough-beach-state-park-scarborough","name":"Scarborough Beach State Park","country":"USA","state":"Maine","city":"Scarborough","coords":{"lat":43.5372,"lng":-70.3126},"beachType":null,"tags":["famous"],"article":{"hero":"The parking lot fills early on July weekends, but once you cross the dunes and plant your feet in the cool, compact sand, you understand why generations of Maine families return here. Scarborough Beach State Park offers something increasingly rare along this rocky coastline: a generous, walkable strand where toddlers can chase foam and teenagers can brave the surf without navigating barnacle-covered ledges. The water stays bracingly cold even in August—mid-sixties on a warm day—but that doesn't stop the parade of boogie boarders and brave swimmers who plunge in with gasps that turn to laughter.\n\nThe beach faces southeast, so you'll catch morning sun and feel the full force of Atlantic swells. When storms pass offshore, waves build to chest-high sets that draw surfers from Portland and beyond. Between swims, you'll find families picnicking at the grassy areas near the parking lot, where grills and picnic tables offer respite from the sand. The gentle slope of the beach means you can wade out fifty feet and still touch bottom, a comfort for parents watching their kids navigate the shore break.\n\nCome September, the crowds thin but the beach remains open, offering a different kind of appeal. Beachcombers find sand dollars and moon snail shells in the wrack line, while the persistent few still brave the water in wetsuits. The state park maintains clean facilities and ample parking year-round, making this one of southern Maine's most reliable coastal retreats regardless of season.","teaser":"You'll hear the crash of waves before you see them at Scarborough Beach, where salt spray stings your cheeks and the scent of rockweed drifts inland. Families spread blankets on forgiving sand while bodysurfers wait for the next set, and lifeguards keep watch all summer long.","uniqueAngle":"This is southern Maine's longest uninterrupted sandy beach with full lifeguard coverage and facilities, eliminating the rock-hopping required at most nearby shores.","accessType":"Drive-up","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Ride the Shore Break","subtitle":"Bodysurfing in lifeguarded swells"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Low-Tide Beachcombing","subtitle":"Moon snails and sand dollars"},{"icon":"surf","title":"Catch Summer Sets","subtitle":"Chest-high waves when storms pass"},{"icon":"food","title":"Picnic Area Grills","subtitle":"Cook lunch above the dunes"}],"audience":{"surfer":"Scarborough picks up southeast swells best during late summer and fall, with waves wrapping around Prouts Neck to the south. The beach break shifts with sand movement, so scan the lineup before paddling out—locals favor the stretch near the northern access. Water temps demand at least a 4/3 wetsuit through October, full 5/4 by November. The crowd stays mellow and mixed-ability; give longboarders room and you'll find your place. Onshore winds blow out afternoon sessions, so dawn patrol wins.","couples":"Arrive an hour before sunset and walk south toward Prouts Neck, where the headland glows amber and tidal pools mirror the sky. The Beachwood Motel across Route 207 offers no-frills rooms steps from the sand—reserve a second-floor unit for sunrise views over your morning coffee. For dinner, drive ten minutes north to Portland's Old Port, where Central Provisions serves inventive small plates, or stay local at Ken's Place for steamers and lobster rolls eaten at picnic tables overlooking the marsh. Morning walks reward early risers with empty sand and shorebirds probing the wrack line.","backpacker":"The state park charges eight dollars to enter, but walk or bike in before 9 a.m. and the booth is often unstaffed—bring exact cash just in case. Scarborough Beach Motel offers the cheapest sleep within walking distance, though pitching a tent requires driving twenty minutes north to Wassamki Springs Campground in Windham. Palace Diner in Biddeford serves exceptional breakfast sandwiches for under ten dollars, or grab provisions at Hannaford supermarket on Route 1. The local METRO bus runs from Portland's transportation center, stopping at the Scarborough Walmart; from there it's a three-mile walk to the beach.","local":"Skip peak season entirely and claim the beach on crisp October mornings when you'll share the sand with a handful of wetsuit-clad diehards and beachcombers hunting for storm treasures. Park at the far southern lot near the Prouts Neck end, where a short walk reveals tidepools the summer crowds never reach. Weekday afternoons after Labor Day offer the same amenities without the parking crunch. After your swim, warm up at Salty Bay Coffee Roasters in Pine Point, where the locals convene and nobody minds if you track in a little sand.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Scarborough Beach is generally safe for swimming with lifeguards on duty during summer months, typically late June through Labor Day. The beach features gentle waves suitable for families, though conditions vary with weather and tides. Rip currents can occur, so always swim near lifeguard stations and check daily conditions. The park maintains clean facilities including bathrooms and changing areas. During off-season, no lifeguards are present, so swim at your own risk and monitor children carefully near the water.","q":"Is Scarborough Beach State Park safe for swimming and families?"},{"a":"Summer (June-August) offers the warmest water temperatures and full amenities with lifeguards on duty, but expect crowds on weekends. Early September provides pleasant weather with fewer visitors. Spring and fall attract beachcombers and walkers enjoying cooler temperatures and dramatic scenery. Winter visits are possible for hardy souls wanting solitude and storm-watching. Arrive before 10am during summer weekends, as the parking lot fills quickly. Weekdays are significantly less crowded even in peak season.","q":"When is the best time to visit Scarborough Beach State Park?"},{"a":"Scarborough Beach State Park is located off Route 207 (Black Point Road) in Scarborough, about 15 minutes south of Portland. The park has a large parking lot accessible directly from the road, but it fills early on summer days, especially weekends. Parking fees apply seasonally (typically $8 for non-residents). No public transportation serves the beach directly, so a car is necessary. The lot closes when full, and roadside parking isn't permitted, so arrive early during peak season.","q":"How do I get to Scarborough Beach and where can I park?"},{"a":"The beach has a seasonal snack bar offering typical beach fare like hot dogs, ice cream, and beverages during summer months. Restrooms, changing facilities, and outdoor showers are available. No hotels are directly on-site, but nearby Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach (10 minutes away) offer numerous lodging options from motels to rentals. Several restaurants and convenience stores are located along Route 207 within a few miles. Many visitors bring coolers and picnic supplies.","q":"What food options and amenities are available at Scarborough Beach?"},{"a":"Yes, at low tide you can walk south along the shore to Pine Point Beach, creating a scenic coastal walk of roughly two miles. This is a popular activity for beachcombers and families exploring tide pools. However, be mindful of tide schedules as some areas become impassable at high tide. The walk north toward Higgins Beach is more limited due to rocky areas and private property. Always check tide charts before attempting longer beach walks to avoid getting stranded.","q":"Can you walk from Scarborough Beach to other nearby beaches?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Scarborough Beach State Park: Maine's Golden Family Coastline","description":"Seven miles of pale sand meet rolling Atlantic waves at Scarborough Beach State Park. Gentle surf, tide pools, and lifeguards make this Maine gem ideal for families.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8303/7813485126_90b7ba5785_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"519145","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8303/7813485126_90b7ba5785_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8303/7813485126_90b7ba5785.jpg","alt":"33 Natural Beach Area"},{"id":"519146","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53177493523_0574ea548d_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53177493523_0574ea548d.jpg","alt":"AMUSEMENT Toronto Scarborough Beach Park open for nearly 20 years featured many attractions, such as a flume ride called Shoot the Chutes, a 400-metre long roller coaster ride & a 40-metre tower for daredevil acts9"},{"id":"519147","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53177200694_d2a7458bc6_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53177200694_d2a7458bc6.jpg","alt":"AMUSEMENT Toronto Scarborough Beach Park open for nearly 20 years featured many attractions, such as a flume ride called Shoot the Chutes, a 400-metre long roller coaster ride & a 40-metre tower for daredevil acts1"},{"id":"519148","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53177436290_1c3e2b38ff_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53177436290_1c3e2b38ff.jpg","alt":"AMUSEMENT Toronto Scarborough Beach Park open for nearly 20 years featured many attractions, such as a flume ride called Shoot the Chutes, a 400-metre long roller coaster ride & a 40-metre tower for daredevil acts"},{"id":"519149","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8328/8126198217_231cd3c172_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8328/8126198217_231cd3c172.jpg","alt":"Autumn Dream - Langton, North Yorkshire. By Thomas Tolkien"},{"id":"519150","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/6083/6027774088_98a7b3a4e6_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/6083/6027774088_98a7b3a4e6.jpg","alt":"P1190335"},{"id":"519151","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54656327972_5c21bc3fee_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54656327972_5c21bc3fee.jpg","alt":"Scarborough Beach, Maine"}]}}