2014 Visitor's Guide

Shore PLEASURES! You won’t have to give up beautiful sand beaches when you visit Maine—we’ve got uncrowded seaside playgrounds within a stone’s throw of downtown Portland. You can be sun tanning or surf boarding in the afternoon and enjoying a play or live music by nightfall. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Maine is renowned for its rocky coast lined with majestic evergreens so it comes as a surprise to many that the state also boasts expansive white sand beaches. Even within Portland proper, you can swim at East End Beach, a sand and pebble waterfront site at the base of the Eastern Promenade. And many beaches are dog-friendly, allowing your furry friends full romping privileges from fall through spring; in the height of the

season dogs are allowed on most beaches in the early morning and late at night. You can easily bike from Portland to two beaches in nearby South Portland—the small beach at Southern Maine Commu- nity College, and Willard Beach, a family neighborhood spot with a swing set, concessions, and restrooms. Each offer views of Spring Point Ledge Light, octagonal Fort Gorges, and a virtual fleet

Photos - Top Left: Thomas Mitchell; Right: Chris Lawrence; Bottom: Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld

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