Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
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Located at the mouth of the Spurwink River, Higgins Beach is small white sand beach on Cape Elizabeth just south of Portland, Maine. The area has not been commercialized like some other southern Maine beaches, and it retains its quaint, residential feel.

This beach, measuring just over a half-mile long, is popular with surfers and dog walkers. The mornings and evenings usually see an increase in both activities because surfing is not allowed between the hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from June 15 through September 15. At low tide, tide pools can be found in the rock formations to the southwest, and remnants of an old shipwreck lie closer to the mouth of the Spurwink River. Surf casting and fishing from the rocks is also permitted.

From May 1 until Labor Day, dogs are not allowed on this beach from the hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. They may be on a leash from 5 p.m. until dusk. There are restricted areas where dogs are not allowed to enter due to the piper plover nesting areas. For more information about dog regulations, please refer to the City of Scarborough website.

There are a dozen public one-hour parking spots along Bayview Avenue. Otherwise, the main municipal parking area to the beach is located off of Ocean Avenue about two blocks inland from the beach. At the municipal lot, there are restroom and shower facilities. Parking of a passenger vehicle or motorcycle in the lot will run $10 a day. Note that the collection hours for the parking lot are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Other

Pros

Non-commercialized. Surf.

Cons

Limited Parking.

Features

Fishing
Surfing
Tide pools
Wildlife
Bird watching
Tide pools

Location

Nearby Adventures

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