THE SOUTHERN MAINE COAST
Best beaches in Southern Maine for families
Wide-open sand, little neighborhood beaches, a lively pier, and quiet walks by the tide. Find the stretch of coast that fits your day.
Compare all 8 beaches ↓Southern Maine rewards a little advance planning. A beach made for a long walk may have limited parking; one with food and attractions nearby feels different from a quiet residential shore. This guide compares beaches from York to Scarborough and points to the detailed beach guides. Access, dog rules, parking, and swimming conditions can change, so verify local information before traveling.
Choose by family priority
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Compare 8 Southern Maine beach guides
Choose the beach that fits your family first. Then use the detailed guide for parking, tides, swimming, walkability and local rental options.
COMPARE THE COAST
Southern Maine beaches at a glance
Use this as a first-pass comparison, then open the individual guide for the details that matter most to your trip. Parking information below reflects 2026 municipal guidance and was rechecked October 1, 2026.
Swipe horizontally to compare all beach details →
| Beach | Town | Strongest fit | Parking | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higgins Beach | Scarborough | Quiet family stays · surfing | $20/day town lot; limited Bayview meters $5/hr, 1-hour limit | Residential, low-key |
| Pine Point Beach | Scarborough | Long walks · roomy sand | $20/day at Hurd Park | Beach-focused, quieter |
| Old Orchard Beach | Old Orchard Beach | Teens · attractions · walkable food | Municipal and private options; rates vary by lot and permit type | Lively beach town |
| Mother's Beach | Kennebunk | Toddlers · playground · lifeguards | $30/day or $100/week non-resident permit; permits Jun 15–Sep 15 | Family-focused, residential |
| Goose Rocks Beach | Kennebunkport | Quiet beach weeks · long walks | $40/day, $200/week or $325/season visitor permit; posted spaces only | Quiet, residential |
| Wells Beach | Wells | Classic family beach · day trips | $5/hr in paid lots; Casino Square is free | Traditional beach peninsula |
| Ogunquit Beach | Ogunquit | Walkability · dining · long sand | Main Beach $9/hr or $50/day | Beach + walkable village |
| Short Sands Beach | York | Families · teens · attractions | $4/hr in Ellis Park / Short Sands zones | Compact, active village beach |
KEEP EXPLORING
Find your stretch of the coast.
Pick the place that sounds like your kind of day, then read its detailed guide.
Explore the beach guides →More Southern Maine beaches to consider
Alongside our eight detailed beach comparisons, explore these additional family guides.
Long Sands Beach, York — a longer shoreline to compare with Short Sands.
Scarborough Beach State Park — a separate park with its own operator and entry arrangements.
Crescent Beach State Park — a Cape Elizabeth park outing with beach and picnic options.