Location: Scarborough
Top Things to do in Scarborough
The 10 Best Things to Do in Scarborough, United States
Scarborough is a town in Cumberland County on the southern coast of the U.S. state of Maine. The town is a coastal resort area. Located about 7 miles (11 km) south of Portland, Scarborough is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The population was 18,919 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Scarborough
1. Cliff Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Painter Winslow Homer often walked this lovely mile-long walk.
Reviewed By James F - Portland, Maine
The Cliff Walk at Prouts Neck is a stunning, perfect example of what the Maine coast is all about: rocky cliffs, gorgeous views, beautiful grand homes overlooking pristine islands. Its what we all think of as quintessential Maine, and this beautiful public walking path is worth a visit. Winslow Homer's Maine studio is located here, where he lived and painted for the last nearly 30 years of his life. You can see where he got his inspiration from. The Homer family purchased and preserved this land for public access early on. They had the vision to revere and protect this property and make it available to everyone, in perpetuity.
Access to either end of the path is difficult. There is only private parking on the neck, which is intentional on the part of the local neighborhood association. It is best to walk in from Scarborough or Ferry and West Beaches, all which are public. One end of the Cliff Walk path begins on the property of the Black Point Inn. The other lies inside the private security gate at Winslow Homer Road on the southwest side of the neck. Entry through the gate is accessible only on foot, unless you live in the gated, exclusive community. The area is policed privately and strict speed limits are enforced on the entire neck. I have walked Cliff Walk a few times, though it has been 15 years. On Prouts Neck is also a small bird sanctuary which lies within an internal section of the land. The Homer family assured that it too, would always be accessible to the public.
My visiting friend and I were able to leave our vehicle in the lot at Black Point Inn, with their permission, as we had lunch there prior. Dress in warm layers, especially in cooler or inclement weather. Wear good walking shoes, and be prepared for an approximate mile of walking on uneven surface, rocks, packed dirt, asphalt, and crushed stone in a windy, seacoast environment. Bring sunscreen, bug spray and water in-season between June and early September. Bring your camera every time.
The Cliff Walk is one of those freebies in life which delivers and delights, if you are someone who appreciates simple outdoor beauty, exercise and being in the moment. I will hope to go back sooner next time.
2. Portland Head Light
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Maine's oldest lighthouse - and one of the most picturesque and most frequently photographed in the U.S. - has been in operation since 1791. Although it is closed to the public, you can stop by the adjacent museum, enjoy the grounds which include a beach, lawns and picnic areas and view boats entering and leaving the harbor.
Reviewed By bklyn56 - Westford, Massachusetts
If you only have time to visit one lighthouse, make it Portland Head Light. It is iconic New England, perfected situated on a rocky bluff above the thundering Atlantic. It was commissioned by George Washington. Try to visit early in the morning or early in the evening to enjoy the full play of light. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the view.
3. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By Ronald B - Arlington, Virginia
The Spring Point Ledge Light is accessed through the Southern Maine Community College which is located on the old Fort Preble. We drove through the college campus to the shore. Parking was extremely limited and mostly by permit. It was a wet and wild day and we not able to walk out to the lighthouse and could only view it from the shore. I didn’t see any visitor center at this location.
4. Higgins Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
This popular beach is also known for surfing.
Reviewed By DaBiZi - USA
We came here on the off-season for a conference, and my children wanted to go to the beach. Higgins Beach has on-street parking to the side, better in the offseason. The beach is best visited at low tide, as shells and even sand dollars are able to be found. In October, the water is chilly, so don't plan to go swimming. My girls found sand dollars, which made them very happy.
5. Pirate's Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By saradeer - North Carolina
We have been to the Pirate's Cove Miniature Golf in Bar Harbor several times and have always had a wonderful experience. Well, the one in OOB lived up to the high standards. Go first thing in the morning when they open, temperatures are cooler and not crowded. The staff was very friendly and very efficient. Would we return, absolutely!
6. Fort Williams Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 467 reviews
Walk along the cliffs, have a quiet picnic or fly a kite at this scenic seaside park.
Reviewed By John D - Sarasota, Florida
An extremely interesting historical park. The lighthouse is very picturesque. The old fort buildings are extremely interesting and scenic. We were fortunate to visit on a mild day in February. The sun was shining and we got a first hand glimpse of the rugged Maine coast. We are from Oregon so it was nice to compare.
7. Old Orchard Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Louetta - Georgetown, Massachusetts
If you're passing by on US Rte. 95 in Maine, Old Orchard is worth a few hours as a side trip but I would not make it a destination. Most of the motels are older tho clean enough and most have a pool, even those which are across the street from the beach. Restaurants are nothing special. There are lots of snack facilities right at the beach where fried foods abound. Expect to pay about $15 to park your car near the beach for a few hours. There is going to be some walking so if mobility is an issue it might be a problem. The beach itself is large by Eastern US standards, nice and sandy with a boardwalk in the central location. Swimming can be fun but there is a bit of an undertow and the water is a tad chilly as it is central Maine. If it were me I'd head for Boothbay or up to Bar Harbor and make it an overnight.
8. Pine Point Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By tarasmith585 - Danby, Vermont
This beach is so lovely and cleaned , but was not really impressed with the dogs going to the bathroom on the beach because it they have works your getting them so I recommend you wear shoes
9. Hadlock Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 534 reviews
Minor League Baseball team. The Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Come enjoy family friendly entertainment at an affordable price and see future Major League All-Stars. Former Sea Dogs players include Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Jon Lester, Dustin Pedroia, Anthony Rizzo, and many more.
Reviewed By EnjoyFreePower - New Hampshire
We had a group outing to the park over the summer. The park in just the right size, easy parking, inexpensive tickets and good viewing from anywhere in the park. We had a great time. This is a great place to bring the whole family without breaking the bank. Food is a little picey, but it is to be expected at a ballpark. However, leave your water bottles and food at home, they will confiscate them at security screening. All in all, a great time!
10. Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Maurene_K - Dover, New Hampshire
The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center is small. It has two buildings. One is the main building that has informational material and a small gift shop with T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, and more, plus it rents kayaks; the other is an educational center.
My visit was on a very warm, slightly humid day. There was a light breeze that made being outdoors bearable. I spent some time out on the back deck overlooking the marsh. It was very scenic with the irregularly-shaped marsh and all the water inlets that snaked their way through the marsh. The water reflected the blue of the sky.
In the educational center, I went through some exhibits. I learned that this marsh was formed when the last glacier receded about 10,000 years ago. It is the largest salt marsh in Maine. And, salt marshes produce tons of organic matter to support marine life.
There is a brochure that is a guide to the Scarborough Marsh Nature Trail. It explains eleven of twelve points of interest. Along the trail, one can see cattails, wild asters, goldenrod, clover, cord grass, sea lavender, and salt hay. One can hope to see a red-winged blackbird, snowy egret, heron, or sandpipers. This trail is separate from the Eastern Trail which has a section about 1/4 of a mile down the road.
Driving along Pine Point Road afterwards, I saw three snowy egrets at different places in the marsh. They were fishing for their lunches.
I enjoyed my visit here. I rated this attraction at 4.0.
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