Scarborough: Salt Marsh and Sandy Beaches

Scarborough combines an extensive salt marsh with several distinct sandy beaches. Scarborough Marsh and the coastal communities offer two different nature-focused themes to consider when planning a trip. The marsh is home to a year-round habitat for various groups of wildlife; along the coast, the beaches differ in location, size and water conditions. If you’re looking for a hotel in Scarborough, it can help to decide in advance whether the marsh landscape, a beach, or both will shape your stay.

Scarborough Marsh and Eastern Trail

At more than 3,000 acres, Scarborough Marsh is the largest contiguous salt marsh system in Maine. Scarborough Marsh Focus Area provides important year-round habitat for fish, shellfish, mammals and birds. Its large, contiguous marsh and the habitat it offers these groups of wildlife make the area a distinctive nature destination within Scarborough.

Visitors come to Scarborough Marsh to hunt, watch birds, go boating and fish. These are different ways to experience the area, from birdwatching to activities on the water and hunting.

Eastern Trail provides access to Scarborough Marsh from Pine Point (ME-9) or Eastern Road in Scarborough. Its off-road section between Saco and Scarborough offers more than 8 miles of flat, easy-to-walk trails and connects Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough. The marsh access points and the longer trail connection give you different reference points for planning around this natural area.

Beaches and Coastal Areas

Scarborough Beach State Park is a long, sandy stretch of beach. Pine Point Beach is a long sandy beach on Saco Bay, extending from the pier at Pine Point to Old Orchard Beach. Ferry Beach is a sandy beach on the Scarborough River channel. The waves there are calm, and the water is shallower at low tide.

The beaches therefore differ in ways that may matter when planning a trip: Ferry Beach’s water conditions are tied to the tides, while Pine Point Beach stands out for its length along Saco Bay. Scarborough Beach State Park is a long, sandy stretch. Higgins Beach, meanwhile, is a sandy beach in a residential neighborhood with a history dating back to the late 19th century.

Higgins Beach is privately owned but open to the public. The town operates the parking lot and facilities on Ocean Avenue. It also maintains the public access areas, including stairs and an ADA ramp to the beach.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Pine Point Beach has a municipal parking lot on Avenue 5, which branches off King Street. Since visitor facilities and parking rules can change, check the local access and parking situation at Higgins Beach and the Pine Point Beach parking lot before you travel.

Ferry Beach has a municipal boat ramp. Rules and permits may change, so check local requirements before using it. This will help you keep both the beaches’ distinct features and the practical conditions relevant to each in mind as you plan.

Discover more destinations: Windham, Portland, Westbrook, Cape Elizabeth, Standish, Casco, Brunswick Cdp, Gorham.

For the broader travel overview: Cumberland.