Cumberland MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Cumberland, Maine.
1. Broad Cove Reserve
HIDDEN GEM BY WATER
Broad Cove Reserve is a beautiful 23-acre property that features a beach, pier, and walking trails along the perimeter. Visitors can enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the water. The property includes two walking trails: the 0.6-mile Stonewall Trail and the 0.5-mile Broad Cove Access Trail that leads from the parking lot to the beach.
2. Crescent Beach State Park
MILE-LONG SANDY STRETCH
Crescent Beach State Park is a mile-long gem in Cape Elizabeth with gentle surf and warm water. The sandy beach is backed by grassy dunes and provides ideal swimming conditions for families with children. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, saltwater fishing, and hiking along the coast.
3. Willard Beach
LOCAL FAVORITE WATERFRONT
Willard Beach is a popular sandy beach located in South Portland with views of Cushing Island and Portland Head Light. The beach spans approximately 4 acres and features bathroom facilities, a snack shack, and a playground nearby. It's particularly popular with local residents who appreciate its community feel and accessibility.
4. Mackworth Island
SCENIC ISLAND RETREAT
Mackworth Island offers a 1.25-mile trail that encircles the island with beautiful views of Casco Bay and several small pocket beaches. The 100-acre island is connected to the mainland by a causeway and features numerous small coves perfect for wading and exploring. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and observing wildlife in this serene natural setting.
5. Peaks Island Beach
ISLAND GETAWAY NEARBY
Peaks Island Beach offers a charming escape just a short ferry ride from Portland with scenic views of Casco Bay. The island features several small beaches with sandy shores and rocky outcroppings perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can combine beach time with exploring the island's quaint village atmosphere, restaurants, and art galleries.
6. Range Pond State Park
FRESHWATER SWIMMING PARADISE
Range Pond State Park offers a pristine sandy beach on the shores of Lower Range Pond with lifeguards on duty during summer months. The park features clear water, picnic tables, grills, and changing rooms making it ideal for family outings. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking on the nature trails that wind through the surrounding woodlands.
7. Higgins Beach
SURFING AND SUNBATHING SPOT
Higgins Beach is a popular sandy beach in Scarborough known for its surfing opportunities and the shipwreck visible at low tide. The beach offers a charming small-town atmosphere with a mix of year-round residents and summer visitors. Swimmers, surfers, and beachcombers alike are drawn to its natural beauty and relatively uncrowded shores compared to other area beaches.
8. Kettle Cove Beach
SECLUDED COASTAL ESCAPE
Kettle Cove Beach is a small, sheltered cove in Cape Elizabeth offering a more intimate beach experience than neighboring Crescent Beach. The beach features a mix of sand and pebbles with calm waters that make it ideal for families with small children. Visitors appreciate its spectacular sunset views, opportunities for sea glass hunting, and less crowded atmosphere.
9. East End Beach
URBAN WATERFRONT ACCESS
East End Beach is Portland's only public beach, offering stunning views of Casco Bay and its many islands. The small sandy beach is located at the start of the Eastern Promenade Trail and provides convenient access to swimming and sunbathing. It's popular with locals for kayak launching, dog walking (during designated hours), and picnicking while watching boats come and go in the harbor.
10. Ferry Beach State Park
DIVERSE ECOLOGICAL WONDER
Ferry Beach State Park features a beautiful white sand beach nestled between the Saco River and Pine Point. The park is known for its rare tupelo trees, white oak forest, and maritime dune ecosystem that visitors can explore via nature trails. Beyond swimming and sunbathing, visitors can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and learning about the diverse natural environments within the park's boundaries.