CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU /
47
of kayaks, ferries and tour boats plying
the waters of Casco Bay.
Crescent Beach, just eight miles south
of Portland in Cape Elizabeth, features a
fine sand swimming beach that is also
popular for surfing and fishing. From
adjacent Kettle Cove State Park a small
network of gentle trails offers short hikes
and other scenic views. There’s more
than a mile of wide white sand at Scar-
borough Beach, located in the state park
of the same name on the ocean side of
Prout’s Neck in Scarborough. Popular for
swimming and surfing, Scarborough
Beach also features dunes and marshes, a
concession stand, rentals, showers, and
restrooms. On the opposite side of
Prout’s Neck, quieter Ferry Beach is
sheltered from the open ocean and offers
gentle river currents for young children
to play in.
Pine Point Beach extends four miles from
the jetty of the mouth of the Scarborough
River, a long expanse of sandy beach
with plenty of room to roam; it’s also a
great spot to watch kiteboarders skim the
waters. The next seven miles comprise
Old Orchard Beach, best known for its
dramatic historic pier sticking out into
the ocean and Palace Playland, New
England’s only beachfront amusement
park. In summer, a Coney Island vibe
pervades the entire town while fall and
winter visitors will enjoy long walks on a
beach empty of crowds. Old Orchard is
full of hotels and guest houses, some of
which are open year-round (see accom-
modation listings on pg. 84).
Photos - Top Row: Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld; Middle Left:
courtesy Summer Feet Cycling; Middle Right: Chris
Lawrence; Bottom: Jennifer Tomlinson
