Scarborough Beach State Park Maine
A beautiful Maine beach with fine sand, decent waves, and unique lifeguard dogs. Offers amenities but be prepared for cash-only entry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Max beach space, calm waters
Scarborough Beach State Park Maine
Best Time
Max beach space, calm waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful Maine beach with fine sand, decent waves, and unique lifeguard dogs. Offers amenities but be prepared for cash-only entry.
"The beach itself is 5 star fantastic, but the parking/entryway is in desperate need of an overhaul."
Bring Cash for Entry
Entrance fee is cash only! Avoid long lines by having exact change ready. :moneybag:
Check the Tides
Visit at low tide for the most beach space and to see unique features. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Hour Swims
Scarborough Beach State Park
Experience magical sunsets and tranquil waters during the golden hour. Best enjoyed at low tide for expansive beach access.
Higgins Beach Shipwreck
Higgins Beach (North End)
Discover a hidden shipwreck, visible only during low tide. A unique historical find for beachcombers and explorers.
Lifeguard Dogs
Scarborough Beach State Park
Meet the heartwarming Newfoundland lifeguard dogs, known for their gentle nature and inspiring presence on the beach.
Rocky Shoreline Treasures
Scarborough Beach
Explore areas with fascinating rocks and formations. Remember, collecting souvenirs is not permitted.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King at the Entrance
Tide Times Matter for Beach Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Entry
Entrance fee is cash only! Avoid long lines by having exact change ready. :moneybag:
Check the Tides
Visit at low tide for the most beach space and to see unique features. :ocean:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The sand can be fine, but some areas have rocks. Good for walking. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Beach Essentials
Rentals available, but bringing your own chairs & umbrellas is wise. :beach_umbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Entry
Entrance fee is cash only! Avoid long lines by having exact change ready. :moneybag:
Check the Tides
Visit at low tide for the most beach space and to see unique features. :ocean:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The sand can be fine, but some areas have rocks. Good for walking. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Beach Essentials
Rentals available, but bringing your own chairs & umbrellas is wise. :beach_umbrella:
Explore Nearby Beaches
Consider Higgins Beach for shipwrecks or Ferry Beach for a different vibe. :beach_umbrella:
Great Food Kiosks
Enjoy smoothies, fries, and snacks from convenient beachside kiosks. :ice_cream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Scarborough Beach State Park for its beautiful sandy shores, enjoyable waves, and convenient amenities like food kiosks and restrooms. However, the cash-only entrance fee and sometimes frustrating parking situation are frequently cited drawbacks. Despite these entry challenges, the beach itself is highly regarded for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
"Came specifically to enjoy a beach morning. The beach was not crowded and the weather was lovely. Found some very nice shells.
Beach has easy access and there are restrooms close by."
Dana Waldrop
"Beautiful beach. Really nice Sandy beach. Great place to play in the water if the conditions are right for the day you are going and the size of waves are to your liking. Waves change daily. The beach didn’t get to decide what that will be."
Bret Farrer
"The beach itself is 5 star fantastic, but the parking/entryway is in desperate need of an overhaul
Let's start positive, the beach. As you approach youre greeted by awesome little food kiosks (smoothies, coffee, snacks, fries, fried dough) and a small rental shop (boogie boards, chairs, umbrellas, etc) as well as a bathroom & changing area complete with fresh water spigots for rinsing sand away. The bathrooms are... "rustic", but they do the job.
The beach itself is quite large & even on the busiest days leaves ample room if you're willing/able to walk a bit down either side. Waves can be pretty good by New England standards, with surfers often enjoying them. The beach is mostly fine sand but has areas with tons of extremely cool rocks (be forewarned, you're not allowed to take any as souvenirs!)
Now the not-so-positive... the entrance bottlenecks traffic into a single lane where the slowest moving humans on earth inform each driver that its cash only, which causes a massive delay in a world where most folks are looking to swipe & go. They have an atm outside that people will literally leave their car (w the line stretching behind then) to withdraw the necessary funds. The longest we waited in line was about 45 minutes
There also seems to be no system/method for tracking the occupancy/vacancy of parking spots... we've been directed to the overflow lot across the street which doubles the long walk only to find numerous open spots available much closer (but they'll still charge you the same amount, regardless how far you have to trudge)
Overall its an amazing beach & well worth checking out... just be prepared for a possibly frustrating entry, a potentially LONG walk depending how (un)lucky you are with parking, & for the love of GOD bring cash to get in with"
Jesse Fenn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scarborough Beach State Park is located in Scarborough, Maine. It's accessible by car, and parking is available for a fee. Some visitors mention using public transit like the RIPTA Beach Bus in Rhode Island for other Scarborough beaches, but for Maine's Scarborough Beach State Park, driving is the primary method.
Yes, there is parking available at Scarborough Beach State Park, but it comes with a fee. Be aware that on busy days, you might be directed to an overflow lot across the street, which could mean a longer walk to the beach.
No, state park passes are not valid for entry into Scarborough Beach State Park. There is a separate admission fee required.
Scarborough Beach State Park is typically open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer season.
There's a 24-hour pass available, but it's generally only recommended if you plan on night activities like photography, fishing, or surfing, as regular access is limited to daytime hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee to enter Scarborough Beach State Park. It's important to note that this fee is cash only, so be sure to bring cash with you to avoid delays.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the entrance. It's advisable to have cash ready, as credit cards are not accepted at the gate.
Access to Scarborough Beach State Park at night is generally restricted to those with a 24-hour pass, which is intended for activities like night photography or fishing.
If you don't have cash, there's an ATM available on-site. However, using the ATM can cause significant traffic backups, so it's best to come prepared with cash.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the primary payment method is cash. It's always a good idea to check the official park website or contact them directly for any potential discount programs.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The park offers restrooms, primitive toilets, showers, and fresh water spigots for rinsing off sand. There are also food kiosks selling snacks, smoothies, and fries, as well as a rental shop for beach gear.
Dogs are generally not allowed at Scarborough Beach State Park, especially during the peak season. However, some social media content shows dogs enjoying the beach during the off-season. 
The beach is mostly fine sand, but there are areas with many rocks. Some visitors find the rocky areas a bit challenging to walk on, while others appreciate the unique formations.
Yes, lifeguards are on duty at Scarborough Beach State Park during the operating hours, ensuring a safer beach experience.
While you can find many cool rocks and shells, collecting them as souvenirs is not permitted at Scarborough Beach State Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour, especially during sunset, offers magical lighting for photography. Low tide can also reveal interesting beach features and shipwrecks, providing unique photo opportunities.
The expansive shoreline, the rocky areas, and the views during sunset are popular subjects. The shipwreck at Higgins Beach, visible at low tide, is also a unique photographic subject.
While drone footage is featured in some social media content, it's always best to check the specific park regulations regarding drone usage to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant subjects. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. :camerawithflash:
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits, so it's advisable to inquire with park management if you plan on professional shoots. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The shallow waters in some areas can be great for younger children to play in. However, parents should be mindful of the rocky sections of the beach and the potential for strong waves on certain days. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The changing tides can reveal unique beach formations and even shipwrecks at nearby Higgins Beach, providing diverse subjects. Remember to bring your cash for entry and be prepared for potential parking challenges. Drone photography is popular, but always check park regulations first. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Lifeguard Dogs of Scarborough
+1 Visitors often express delight in meeting these impressive animals, noting their affectionate nature, especially with children. The dogs not only provide a sense of security but also add a heartwarming charm to the beach experience. These 'second responders' are more than just a novelty; they are an integral part of the park's safety and appeal. Their presence inspires many, and you might even find souvenir stickers showcasing these heroic canines.
Navigating Parking and Entry Hassles
Furthermore, the system for managing parking spots can be inconsistent. Visitors may be directed to overflow lots even when closer spots are available, leading to longer walks.
Understanding the Tides and Beach Conditions
+1 Conversely, low tide reveals a much wider beach, offering ample room for relaxation and exploration. +1Visitors should also be aware that wave conditions can vary daily. While the beach is known for having decent waves by New England standards, suitable for surfers and boogie boarders, the size and strength of the waves are unpredictable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit