Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth is one of the most popular beaches in Greater Portland. Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald

Crescent Beach

More than just a beach, this state park also offers hiking trails and grills perfect to host a barbecue after a long day by the water.

WHERE: 7 Tower Drive, Cape Elizabeth

COST: $6 for adult Maine residents, $8 for nonresidents

AMENITIES: Picnic tables, grills, snack bar, playground and bathhouse. Also, some hiking trails.

 

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Dundee Park

Visitors can either take a swim in the Presumpscot River, or canoe/kayak the rapids.

WHERE: 79 Presumpscot Road, Windham.

COST: $6 adults, $4 children ($5/$3 for Windham residents); $5 rentals

AMENITIES: Basketball and volleyball courts, grills, beach area and lifeguards.

 

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East End Beach

Located within walking distance of the Old Port, East End beach is small, but the ocean breeze and bay views provide convenient respite from the city.

WHERE: Cutter Street, Portland

COST: Free

AMENITIES: Bathrooms, dog-friendly.

 

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Ferry Beach

One of the more unique beaches in Maine because it’s missing one thing: waves.

WHERE: Ferry Road, Scarborough

COST: $10 per car ($5 from 3-5 p.m.)

AMENITIES: Snack cart, public restrooms, boat access.

 

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Higgins Beach

Higgins Beach is popular for its rocky, tide pool-filled beach.

WHERE: At the end of Ocean Avenue, Scarborough

COST: $10 parking located down the street from the beach. Otherwise, parking is limited along the side of the road.

AMENITIES: Bathrooms located where paid parking is.

 

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Highland Lake Beach

Located just off the highway, it’s the perfect spot to go for a quick dip.

WHERE: Highland Road, Bridgton

COST: Free

AMENITIES: Lifeguard, boat launch, parking, restrooms.

 

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Kettle Cove

A hidden gem, Kettle Cove is located at the end of Crescent Beach with hiking trails and larger waves perfect for surfers.

WHERE: Kettle Cove Road, Cape Elizabeth (also accessible from Crescent Beach)

COST: $3 for adult Maine residents, $4 for nonresidents

AMENITIES: Hiking trails, but no public restrooms.

 

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Kiwanis Beach

Located on Watchit Lake, this family-friendly beach is perfect for escaping the crowds at Sebago.

WHERE: Kiwanis Beach Road, Route 25, Standish

COST: $3 per person, $5 for kayak rental

AMENITIES: Porta-potty, snack bar, parking and picnic tables.

 

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Pine Point Beach

Located just minutes from Old Orchard Beach, Pine Point offers a quieter, more family-friendly beach experience. Make sure to get there at low tide to see the sandbar.

WHERE: Avenue 5, Scarborough

COST: $10 per car

AMENITIES: Food shack, shower and bathroom. Dogs are not allowed during beach hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

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Scarborough Beach

A surfer’s paradise, Scarborough Beach has some of the largest waves in Greater Portland but plenty of sand for sunbathers if surfing is not a strong suit.

WHERE: Sprague Way, Scarborough

COST: $6 adult Maine residents, $8 non-residents

AMENITIES: Dogs are not allowed during summer hours. Bathrooms are on the premises, as well as Mainely Burgers food truck. Surfboards and kayaks are available to rent from 9 a.m. to noon.

 

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Sebago Lake State Park

What everyone thinks of when they think of the lakes – grilling by the water, a beach for sunbathing and water activities.

WHERE: 11 Park Access Road, Casco

COST: $6 for adults

AMENITIES: Restrooms, changing rooms, grills, snack bar, fishing and camping.

 

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Tassel Top Park Beach

Thirty-five acres of beach, located on Sebago Lake. 

WHERE: Off Route 302, Raymond

COST: $2 children, $6 adults.

AMENITIES: Picnic tables, grills, changing rooms, snack shack and marked swimming area.

 

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Willard Beach

One of the only dog-friendly beaches, equipped with a playground and snack bar, Willard is perfect for the whole family.

WHERE: Beach Street, South Portland (by Southern Maine Community College)

COST: Free, but limited parking

AMENITIES: Bathhouse with restrooms, snack bar, showers. Dogs are allowed in the summer, but only before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m.

 

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Wood Ponds Beach

Large, sandy beach, with a playground for kids.

WHERE: Off Rte. 117, Wood Pond, Standish.

COST: Free

AMENITIES: Playground, roped-off swimming area, dock with rafts and public parking.

 

— EMILY DUGGAN