Scarborough Beach State Park, Maine: Visiting Hours, Parking and Best Surfing

Located a few miles south of Portland Maine, Scarborough Beach State Park is famous for its non-commercialized beach and access to the best surfing in New England. Free of houses along the beach, the Beach will allow you to relax and take a step into nature. Enjoy the untouched views of the Atlantic while grabbing a bite to eat from the food trucks, or while your kids are taking a surf lesson. Or come off-season with your dog for a walk along the pebble-filled New England coast.

Park Hours and Location

Scarborough Beach State Park is located at 418 Black Point Road Scarborough, Maine 04074. Management can be reached at (207) 883-2416 or scarboroughbeachstatepark@gmail.com.

Park Hours TimeTable: The park closes one hour before sunset, closing later during the summer months. 

  • April 1 – April 30: 9am – 5pm
  • May 1 – June 15: 9am – 6pm
  • June 16 – August 10: 9am – 7pm
  • August 11 – Sept. 15: 9am – 7pm
  • Sept. 16 – Sept. 30: 9am – 6pm
  • Oct. 1 – Oct. 31: 9am – 5pm

Scarborough Beach State Park: Things to Do

Scarborough Beach State Park offers some of the warmest waters in the area (60s in July and August), as well as untouched views of the Atlantic.

The Park offers clean water and ample beach area.

Swimming at Scarborough Beach

There are seasonal lifeguards stationed around the beach from June 10th until Labor Day. There are many shallow areas for kids to play in, but I’d recommend sticking to the designated swimming areas as rip tides are common. The beach is rocky which offers great opportunities for seaglass and rock collecting. I would suggest wearing water shoes due to the various pebbles along the shore. All children swimming under 12 must be supervised by an adult.

Floatation devices are allowed, but must be under adult supervision. Body boards must have a safety strap as not to endanger others.

  • If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard at Scarborough Beach apply online!

Surfing at Scarborough Beach

Scarborough State Beach is well-known for its warmer New England waters and big waves. Untouched by development along the shore, the Beach provides a peaceful experience for all visitors. Surfers are able to purchase after-hours passes to allow them extended access to surfing before visitors arrive at 9am. 

If you are new to surfing you are able to rent surfboards from the check-in station, but there are additional opportunities to take classes during the summer. Surfcamp Maine is located on Scarborough Beach and proudly is Maine’s only surf school/camp. There are multiple group classes geared toward both children and adults, as well as individual lessons. 

Scarborough offers some of the best surfing in New England

Scarborough Beach State Park: Amenities

Scarborough Beach has basic amenities options such as foot showers, picnic tables, and a snack bar. The bathrooms are primitive and basically a modern outhouse.

Is there food at Scarborough Beach?

While there is a snack bar and occasional food trucks, I’d recommend bringing a picnic lunch. If you are interested in becoming a food vendor at the park, submit an application. There is no glass or alcohol allowed at Scarborough Beach and feeding animals, including seagulls, is prohibited.

Can you rent equipment at Scarborough Beach?

You are able to rent chairs, umbrellas, or boogie boards for $6 per day or kayaks, surfboards, or paddleboards for $45 per day, or $30 per half day. Note that surfing/boating (windsurfing, kayaking etc) at the beach requires a permit which is purchased at the main entrance. 

  • Looking for a New England Beach with more amenities and entertainment? Check out New Hampshire’s Hampton Beach State Park that has weekly fireworks, live music and kid-friendly games.

Scarborough Beach Cost and Parking

The State Park charges entrance fees if you park in their lots from April 1- November 15th. I’d recommend arriving early to park as the parking lots reach capacity limits quickly in the summer months. If you get to the beach later in the day, you’ll have to park further away on the street which is a longer walk down to the water.

Scarborough Beach State Park offers kayakers an all access extended hours pass
  • The beach is accessed by a long wood walkway down to the water. This path to the beach is ADA accessible as it has accessibility mats to allow for better mobility for wheelchair users and strollers. 

There is free parking on the street side on the outer end of the beach entrance but spots are limited and require a long walk to the water.

On-season: Day use prices April 1- November 15

  • Adults (12 to 64 years): Maine Residents – $8.00 / Non-residents – $10.00
  • Children (5 to 11 years): Maine Residents – $6.00 / Non-residents – $7.00 
  • Children (under 5 years old): Free
  • Seniors (65 years+): Maine Residents – Free with ID / Non-residents – $6.00
  • Surfing for the day: Maine Residents – $16.00 / Non-residents – $ 20.00

Group rates

Groups can get a discount rate of $8 per person- just check with the check-in desk prior to arrival. There are some exempt groups that can get into the park for free including school programs (through the school year), organized groups with disabled/disadvantaged persons, or programs for state/federal institutions. If you are arriving in a group, it’s always worth alerting the Park staff before arriving.

Off-Season: Day use prices November 15- April 1

  • November 15 – March 3: Free – Parking on street only

Can you use the State Department of Conservation or Town of Scarborough Beach passes to go to Scarborough Beach?

No, state park or town beach passes are not usable at Scarborough State Beach Park as the beach is operated privately. The Park however does allow Veterans with a disabled veteran’s license plate or passVeteran, as well as active duty with a pass issued from Maine Bureau of Veteran Services to visit for free.

Maine has rocky shores and large waves

Seasonal passes

If you plan to visit Scarborough Beach State Park often, the Park has several options for seasonal passes including one that allows after hours access- perfect for early morning surfers looking to beat the beach crowd. The seasonal passes range from $100-200 per season and can be purchased online to be mailed to your address within 5 business days. These passes will sell out so buy early if you intend to get one. Day passes are still purchased in-person upon arrival to the park. 

After-hours access pass

The after-hours pass gives the visitor all-hours access to Scarborough Beach State Park through a pass activated gate system. Surfers, kayakers or boaters wanting to beat the 9am crowds can access the beach with this pass.

Vehicle pass

This pass allows day-use of Scarborough Beach State Park, Crescent Beach State Park, Two Lights State Park, Ferry Beach State Park and Kettle Cove to the occupants of one vehicle. Note that usual entrance cost is charged per person, so the per vehicle pass makes the cost savings add up quickly!

Individual use pass

If you don’t plan on having a car full of guests, you can purchase the individual use pass which grants an individual pass-holder day use access at Scarborough Beach State Park, Crescent Beach State Park, Two Lights State Park, Ferry Beach State Park and Kettle Cove for a season.

They only allows dogs on the off-season

Can I bring my dog to Scarborough Beach State Park?

Dogs are not allowed on the beach on-season from April 1st to October 1st. However, they are allowed off-season but must be leashed in the parking lot and access road. Remember to bring dog waste bags and pick up after your dog immediately. There are trash cans at the beginning of the beach access. 

Please note that the endangered bird Piping Plovers nest on the beach each spring. To help protect them- dogs, bikes and kite flying are not allowed on the beach from April 1st – October 1st.

Off-season activities and hours

While the beach may be a bit windier and colder during the off-season months, many still visit the park to walk their dog or beach comb in the serene landscape. Dogs are allowed off-season October 1- April 1, and the park costs no fee from November 15th to April 1st. All the normal amenities- bathroom, check-in station and snack stand will be closed off-season, but it’s still worth a visit for those wanting a peaceful walk.

Things to remember at Scarborough Beach State Park

  • No metal detectors (without permit)
    • By permit only issued at check-in station. Found items must be turned in 
  • No fires or grills
  • No smoking
  • No off-leash dogs, no dogs at all on the beach April 1- October 1
  • No alcohol 
  • No removing any natural/historic elements
  • No touching/feeding wild animals
  • No kites or bikes on the beach from April 1- October 1
    • To protect the endangered piping plovers nesting 

Is Scarborough Beach State Park worth it?

Yes, Scarborough Beach State Park is worth it as the beach offers beautiful views of untouched waters as well as swimming, surfing and picnicking. Don’t come expecting fancy amenities as the highlight of this park is the nature itself. If you have additional time in Scarborough Maine, explore the surrounding charming areas including artist Winslow Homer’s house or The Marsh Audubon Center. There are countless restaurants, and breweries in the greater Scarborough area to try.