A Day In Scarborough, Maine
what to do in scarborough, maine
explore sun, sand, and surf in southern Maine
Approximately 7 miles south of the City of Portland, is the town of Scarborough offering the best of both worlds—the quiet/understated beauty of Maine’s beaches and plenty of restaurants, shops, activities, and places to stay to keep you busy during your trip.
a town of all trades
The town’s rocky coast was made famous by local artist, Winslow Homer, and here the gentle marshes turn slowly into sandy beaches and boardwalks providing walking tourists a place to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
the scarborough marsh
Scarborough is home to the largest saltwater marsh in Maine, comprising of tidal marsh, salt creeks, freshwater marsh, and uplands. The marsh is particularly important for wildlife as a resting, breeding, and feeding ground. This 3,100 acre estuary is owned and managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center.
Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of this large salt marsh, on foot or by canoe. Get a close-up view of its bountiful birdlife—the marsh is an excellent spot to find grassland songbirds not commonly found in other parts of Maine, as well as various birds of prey that hunt in the marsh throughout the year.
At the Prouts Neck Bird Sanctuary, you can walk on a path that passes the National Historic landmark studio of artist Winslow Homer. The Portland Museum of Art, which owns the property, sometimes offers tours of the studio. You also may get a glimpse of a living celebrity — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and actress Glenn Close who are among the current residents of “Prouts”.
where to stay in scarborough, maine
From coastal resorts to boutique stays, find an accommodation to fit any style of vacation. Looking to unplug? Wassamki Springs campground features a one mile sandy beach on a 30 acre private lake, with fun annual events and community activity.
How about a quintessential coastal Maine experience to check off your bucket-list? Stay at Black Point Inn for a historic stay and classic, New England charm. You’ll also find a luxurious offering of resort amenities alongside all that peace and relaxation. From chain hotels to campgrounds to resorts, find more places to stay here.
sandy beaches
The Scarborough shoreline is a nice place to take a refreshing dip on hot, summer days, and area beaches provide the perfect access to Maine’s sandy beaches. Scarborough Beach State Park and Higgins Beach are both great places to spend an afternoon, and unlike much of Maine’s coastline, these beaches are covered in soft, comfortable sand.
Check out Higgins Beach, especially if you’re more adventurous. Higgins attracts surfers year-round, and if you’ve got a wet or (in winter) dry suit, you’re in business, comfortably. Kayakers can paddle through the ocean or even take it a little easier by diverting past the beach to the Spurwink River.
Pine Point Beach extends for four scenic miles along Saco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, from the jetty at the mouth of the Scarborough River to Old Orchard Beach, where there’s plenty of room to spread out on the shore.
