7 Incredible Beaches Near Portland That Will Take Summer To A Whole New Level
By Michelle|Published August 06, 2021
×
Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
There’s nothing quite like summer in Maine. Between the hikes, campgrounds, lakes, rivers, and everything in-between there’s always something to do outside. Every month is great in Maine, but summer is one of the best seasons to be here! And it’s even better if you love spending hours at the beach. Today we’ve gathered a few that are near one of the state’s most popular cities. Whether you live in Portland or plan on being in town for a visit, make sure you carve out some time to relax at these coastal spots.
Perhaps Maine's most famous beach, OOB is a must-visit coastal spot when you're in southern Maine. It's just about 45 minutes away from Portland, but the drive down I-95 is straightforward. This beach is also one of the best for those looking to have fun that doesn't necessarily involve laying on the beach. Enjoy the amusement park that opens in the late afternoon or swing by the arcade. When you're done be sure to grab some famous pier fries!
This beautiful beach is one of the most simple on this list and we love it for that, and a whole host of other reasons. The protected beach is shaped in a crescent with soft ripples versus waves making it great for kids. From Portland you'll be there in about ten minutes.
We love this little beach for its waves and wide-open sand. It's not uncommon to find surfers here in the early morning and people fishing later in the day. The Spurwink River lets out here which means there's a lot to explore. In fact, consider putting in a kayak and paddling your way to the beach. You can learn more about how to do it here.
This state park offers trails as well as one of our favorite beaches in southern Maine. There's plenty of parking, so you can arrive just about any time without a problem. Just be prepared for a line to get into the park on a busy summer day. Once there you'll enjoy the crescent-shaped beach with small rolling waves. You'll also be able to rent stand-up paddle boards and get ice cream!
This wide open and protected beach is great for kids, but there aren't any facilities which could make things more challenging. Another challenge is the need for a local parking sticker, but if you don't mind riding your bike there are plenty of bike racks. It's worth it! This is one seriously beautiful beach.
Located about 30 minutes from Portland this little beach can be found right on the beautiful Saco Bay. Featuring plenty of spots to lay out a blanket in the sand and go for a swim, this is one hidden gem you don’t want to miss. For more action remember that there's a boat launch to get out on the water.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the state is located all the way out in the furthest reaches of Scarborough. Despite the way it sounds, you can reach it with a 30 minute drive from the Old Port. Look forward to a beautiful sandy beach with ample parking and even a distant view of the OOB pier! Be sure to save some time to visit Stern Seafood Restaurant while you're there.
What are some of your favorite Maine beaches? No matter where they are, let us know in the comments so we can check them out!
