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.
“This is southern Maine's longest uninterrupted sandy beach with full lifeguard coverage and facilities, eliminating the rock-hopping required at most nearby shores.”
Credit: FlickrAMUSEMENT 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
The 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.
Come 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.
