Portland’s Beach
Scarborough Beach State Park sits on Black Point Road in Scarborough, about 10 minutes south of downtown Portland. It is the closest quality sandy beach to Maine’s largest city, and the only state park beach in the area with reliable surf. That combination makes it the most popular beach in the Greater Portland region on a hot summer day.
The beach is about a quarter mile of sand facing southeast into the open Atlantic. There is no harbor, no breakwater, no islands blocking the swell. Waves roll in straight from the ocean, making Scarborough the best and most consistent surf break in Maine, and arguably in all of New England.
The park is deliberately low-key. No food vendors, no rental shops inside the gate, no boardwalk. Just sand, waves, a bathhouse with restrooms and outdoor showers, and a parking lot. That simplicity is intentional and locals appreciate it.
Swimming
The beach has a moderate slope and the waves are usually manageable for swimmers, though the surf is more substantial here than at sheltered coves. On calm summer days, the water is fine for wading and swimming. On days with any swell, waves break close to shore with enough force to knock over small children.
Water temperature reaches the upper 50s to low 60s by August. Warmer than the midcoast, cooler than beaches in southern York County. Most swimmers wade and splash. Those who want to swim for any length of time wear wetsuits.
Lifeguards are not regularly stationed at Scarborough Beach. Swim at your own risk and pay attention to conditions.
Scarborough Beach is exposed to open ocean swell and rip currents develop, especially during outgoing tides and after storms. If caught in a rip, swim parallel to shore until you are out of the pull. Never fight the current directly.
Surfing
Scarborough Beach is where Maine’s surfing community is based. The break works on south and east swells, producing clean, rideable waves from knee-high to overhead. The best conditions come from tropical storm swells in late summer and nor’easters in fall and winter.
| Season | Wave Size | Water Temp | Wetsuit | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Knee to waist-high, occasional overhead | 55-62°F | 3/2mm or shortjohn | Busy on good days |
| Fall | Best season; frequent overhead swells | 55-48°F | 4/3mm | Moderate; locals dominate |
| Winter | Large but inconsistent; nor'easter swells | 38-42°F | 5/4mm with hood, boots, gloves | Small crew of dedicated surfers |
| Spring | Declining swells, inconsistent | 42-50°F | 4/3mm with hood and boots | Light crowds |
Surfcamp Maine operates on the beach in summer, offering group classes for children and adults, as well as private lessons. Board rentals are available through the surf school. For experienced surfers, the park charges a $20 day-use fee (compared to the standard $10).
Fall is the best surf season at Scarborough. September and October bring consistent swells from tropical systems and early nor’easters, and the water is still tolerable in a 4/3mm wetsuit. The summer crowds thin out and the parking lot is no longer a problem.
Fees and Parking
Day use admission is $10 per person for all visitors (residents and non-residents). Seniors (Maine residents 65 and older) pay $5. Children 3-11 pay $8. Children under 3 are free. Surfers pay $20.
The parking lot holds 285 on-site spaces and 125 overflow spaces off-site. On summer weekends, on-site parking fills by 11:30 AM and overflow fills by 12:30 PM.
Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends if you want on-site parking. Better yet, come on a weekday. The beach is significantly less crowded Monday through Thursday, and parking is never an issue.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed at Scarborough Beach State Park from April 1 through October 1. From October through March, leashed dogs are welcome. The off-season is a good time for a dog-friendly beach walk, with plenty of space and fewer restrictions.
When to Go
Spring
Cool and windy. Occasional surf. Beach is quiet. Good for walks.
Summer
Warmest water. Full services. Parking fills early on weekends. Come early.
Fall
Best surfing season. Warm water through September. Parking easy after Labor Day. Dogs allowed October 1.
Winter
Big storm swells for experienced surfers. Cold. Empty beach. Beautiful in its own way.
Getting There
From Portland, take Route 77 South (also called Ocean Avenue) through South Portland and into Scarborough. Turn onto Black Point Road. The park is about 15 minutes from downtown Portland. From the Maine Turnpike, take Exit 42 (Scarborough) and follow signs.
The proximity to Portland means you can combine a beach day with dinner in the city, making Scarborough the default day-trip beach for Portland residents.
Scarborough Beach Packing List
- Cash or card for $10 entrance fee ($20 for surfers)
- Sunscreen
- Towels
- Wetsuit (if surfing or planning to swim)
- Water and snacks (no food vendors)
- Layers (ocean breeze cools things down fast)
- Surfboard or boogie board
- Water shoes
FAQ
Is Scarborough Beach good for surfing?
Yes. It is widely considered the best and most consistent surf break in Maine, and one of the best in New England. South and east swells produce clean waves. Fall is the best season. Surfcamp Maine offers lessons on the beach in summer.
How much does Scarborough Beach cost?
Day use is $10 per person for all visitors. Surfers pay $20. Seniors (Maine residents 65+) pay $5. Children 3-11 are $8. Under 3 free.
When does parking fill up?
On summer weekends, the main lot (285 spaces) fills by 11:30 AM and overflow (125 spaces) by 12:30 PM. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends. Weekdays are rarely a problem.
Are dogs allowed at Scarborough Beach?
No dogs from April 1 through October 1. Leashed dogs are welcome from October through March.
How far is Scarborough Beach from Portland?
About 15 minutes by car via Route 77 South. It is the closest quality sandy beach to Portland.
