Saco, Maine
Where the Saco River meets the sea. A family-friendly city with Camp Ellis Beach, the rare Saco Heath peatland, riverside trails, and Funtown Splashtown for the kids.
Saco offers a surprising mix of outdoor experiences for a city its size. Camp Ellis Beach sits where the Saco River empties into the Atlantic, creating a unique spot for beachgoing and watching the tidal currents. The Saco Heath is a rare raised-dome peatland with a boardwalk through bog plants found nowhere else in southern Maine. Add Funtown Splashtown, the Saco River's paddling, and a downtown that shares energy with twin city Biddeford, and you have a full family destination.
Walk the Saco Heath boardwalk. The Saco Heath is a genuinely unique place. A boardwalk trail leads through a raised-dome peatland with sphagnum moss, carnivorous sundew plants, and Atlantic white cedar. It feels like stepping into a different world. Free and rarely crowded.
Beach it at Camp Ellis. Camp Ellis Beach sits at the mouth of the Saco River where you can watch lobster boats navigate the jetty. It is a real working beach community, not a resort strip. Huot’s Seafood on the waterfront has lobster rolls and fried clams with river views.
Paddle the Saco River. The lower Saco is one of the best family paddling rivers in southern Maine. Sandy beaches line the banks, the current is gentle, and multiple outfitters rent canoes and kayaks. Float downstream and get picked up, or do a round-trip from one of the riverside campgrounds.
Visit Ferry Beach. Ferry Beach State Park combines a sandy swimming beach with nature trails through a rare stand of tupelo trees. The walk from the parking lot through the forest to the beach is beautiful.
Take the kids to Funtown. Funtown Splashtown on Route 1 is the largest amusement and water park in New England. The Excalibur wooden coaster is a classic, and the water park keeps families cool on hot summer days.
Visit Saco Heath in the early morning for the best chance of seeing sundew plants with dew drops glistening on their tentacles. The boardwalk is also less slippery before the day warms up. Bug spray is essential in June and July.
Rapid Ray’s on Route 1 has been a Saco institution since 1953. The walk-up windows serve burgers and lobster rolls at a pace that justifies the name. Cash is preferred. Locals know to order the “Super Ray” burger with everything.
Twin Cities
Saco and Biddeford share the Saco River and a growing creative economy. The two downtowns are connected by bridges and increasingly function as one urban area. Biddeford’s mill district has galleries, restaurants, and live music. Saco has the beaches and family attractions. Together they offer more than either could alone.
Scarborough Marsh, just across the Saco border, is Maine’s largest salt marsh and offers guided kayak tours and exceptional birding. Portland is only 20 minutes north for anyone wanting a bigger city fix.
Saco vs Old Orchard Beach: what's the difference?
Old Orchard Beach has the boardwalk, pier, and carnival atmosphere. Saco has Camp Ellis Beach (quieter, more local), Ferry Beach State Park, and Funtown Splashtown. Families who want beaches without the boardwalk scene often prefer Saco.
Is Saco a good base for visiting Portland?
Excellent. Saco is only 20 minutes south of Portland on the turnpike, with significantly cheaper lodging. You get beach access, family attractions, and easy day trips to Portland's restaurants and waterfront.
Where is the best swimming in Saco?
Ferry Beach State Park has the nicest sandy beach with calm water. Camp Ellis Beach has more character but stronger currents near the jetty. The Saco River itself has sandy swimming beaches along its banks.
What is there to do in Saco in the rain?
Funtown has covered attractions, the Run of the Mill brewpub is a great rain-day spot, and Biddeford's mill district galleries and restaurants are just across the river. Portland is 20 minutes away for museums and indoor activities.
Spring
March-May. Saco Heath wakes up with spring. River is high for kayaking. Funtown opens in May.
Summer
June-August. Peak beach and park season. Saco River tubing. Funtown in full swing. Camp Ellis at its best.
Fall
September-October. Warm September beach days. Saco Heath foliage. Quieter river paddling.
Winter
November-February. Quiet. Camp Ellis is dramatic in winter storms. Indoor dining and brewery visits.
Things to Do
Camp Ellis Beach
A small community beach at the mouth of the Saco River with views of the jetty, lobster boats, and the open Atlantic.
Saco Heath Preserve
A rare raised-dome peatland with a boardwalk trail through sphagnum moss, carnivorous plants, and Atlantic white cedar.
Ferry Beach State Park
A sandy beach backed by rare tupelo trees and nature trails, combining swimming with easy woodland walks.
Saco River Paddling
The lower Saco River from Bar Mills to the coast is a popular paddling route with sandy beaches, calm water, and easy access points.
Scarborough Marsh
Maine's largest salt marsh, just across the Saco border in Scarborough, with guided kayak tours and excellent birding.
Where to Eat & Drink
The Run of the Mill
BrewpubBrewpub on Saco Island in a converted textile mill with house-brewed beers, pub fare, and views of the Saco River falls.
Huot's Seafood Restaurant
SeafoodCamp Ellis institution serving generous portions of fried seafood, lobster rolls, and chowder with river mouth views.
Traditions Restaurant
ItalianFamily-owned Italian restaurant on Route 1 with handmade pasta, brick-oven pizza, and a loyal local following.
Rapid Ray's
Fast FoodA Saco institution since 1953 serving legendary fast-food burgers, lobster rolls, and fried clams at walk-up windows.
Where to Stay
Hotels
(1)Hampton Inn Saco/Biddeford
HotelModern hotel off the Maine Turnpike with comfortable rooms, pool, and breakfast, convenient to beaches and downtown.
Campgrounds
(2)Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA
CampgroundFamily campground with pool, playground, and shuttle to Old Orchard Beach, minutes from Saco.
On the Saco Family Campground
CampgroundRiverside campground on the Saco River with canoe and kayak rentals, sandy beaches, and family-friendly tubing.
Events & Festivals
La Kermesse Franco-American Festival
Celebration of Franco-American heritage with parades, live music, French-Canadian food, and cultural events in Biddeford.
Funtown Splashtown Season
New England's largest combination amusement and water park with Excalibur wooden roller coaster and waterslides.
Saco Spirit Festival
Community celebration with a parade, car show, road race, and events throughout downtown Saco.
When to Visit Saco
Spring
Mar - May
32-60F
Saco River rises with snowmelt. Saco Heath boardwalk reopens. Spring peepers in the wetlands.
Summer
Jun - Aug
58-82F
Peak beach and amusement park season. Warm water by August. River tubing and kayaking at their best.
Fall
Sep - Nov
38-68F
Warm September days at Camp Ellis. Saco Heath foliage. Quieter river paddling.
Winter
Dec - Feb
15-35F
Quiet season. River walking trails for winter exercise. Indoor dining along Route 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Saco. Can't find your answer? Contact us.