Counting the wavesβ¦
Counting the wavesβ¦
Ferry Beach State Park hides between Scarborough's suburban sprawl and Old Orchard's carnival glitter, but the moment you cross the footbridge over the tidal creek, you enter a different Maine entirely. The sand here runs coarse and tiger-striped, packed firm enough for barefoot running at low tide when the water retreats past Stratton Island on the horizon. Behind the dunes, a rare tupelo swamp filters sunlight through gnarled trunks that flush crimson each October. The beach curves gently northward, sheltered enough that even when September swells pound Wells and Ogunquit, Ferry Beach offers knee-high rollers perfect for novice bodysurfers. Families colonize the mid-beach zone with popup tents and boogie boards, while couples migrate toward the rock jetty at the southern end where tidepools trap hermit crabs and periwinkles. The bathhouse, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, still smells faintly of cedar and sunscreen. Come in any season and you'll find someone walking the hard-packed sand: January joggers in fleece, April birders tracking piping plovers, August toddlers wielding plastic shovels. The park's nature trails loop through woods where you might spot white-tailed deer at dusk, then spit you back onto the beach where the lighthouse at Wood Island blinks its evening code across Saco Bay.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Ferry Beach.
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Ferry Beach is generally excellent for families with children due to its calmer waters and gradual slope. The beach is protected by nearby headlands, creating gentler waves compared to other Maine beaches. Lifeguards are not typically stationed here, so supervise children closely. Water temperatures peak around 60-65Β°F in late summer. Check local conditions before swimming, as Maine's Atlantic waters are cold year-round. The sandy bottom and shallow areas near shore make it safer for young swimmers than rockier Maine beaches.
Summer months (July-August) offer the warmest weather and water temperatures, ideal for swimming and beach activities. However, Ferry Beach State Park is open year-round and beautiful in every season. Spring and fall provide quieter visits with pleasant temperatures for hiking the nature trails and beachcombing. Winter offers stark coastal beauty and solitude, though facilities are limited. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends during summer. Arrive early on summer days as parking is limited and fills quickly.
Ferry Beach State Park has a parking lot accessed from Route 9 (Bay View Road) in Scarborough, about 10 miles south of Portland. The entrance is clearly marked. Parking requires a day-use fee (typically $6-8 for Maine residents, slightly higher for non-residents). The lot accommodates around 50 vehicles and fills quickly on summer weekends, so arrive before 10am during peak season. No public transportation serves the beach directly, so a car is necessary.
Ferry Beach itself has no food vendors, so bring your own picnic and beverages. The nearby town of Old Orchard Beach (4 miles south) offers numerous restaurants, ice cream shops, and casual dining. Scarborough center has grocery stores and cafes. Lodging options include several beachfront hotels and motels in Old Orchard Beach, plus vacation rentals throughout Scarborough. For a quieter stay, consider Higgins Beach area accommodations. Portland, 15 minutes north, provides extensive dining and hotel options.
Ferry Beach State Park features 1.5 miles of interpretive nature trails winding through rare tupelo trees and diverse ecosystems, including dunes, wetlands, and forests. The Tupelo Trail is particularly notable, as these trees rarely grow this far north. Trails are relatively easy, well-marked, and suitable for families. Educational signs explain the unique ecology. Boardwalks protect sensitive dune vegetation while allowing exploration. The trails connect to the beach, making it easy to combine hiking with beach time during your visit.
