2014 Visitor's Guide

of kayaks, ferries and tour boats plying the waters of Casco Bay. Crescent Beach, just eight miles south of Portland in Cape Elizabeth, features a fine sand swimming beach that is also popular for surfing and fishing. From adjacent Kettle Cove State Park a small network of gentle trails offers short hikes and other scenic views. There’s more than a mile of wide white sand at Scar- borough Beach, located in the state park of the same name on the ocean side of Prout’s Neck in Scarborough. Popular for swimming and surfing, Scarborough Beach also features dunes and marshes, a concession stand, rentals, showers, and restrooms. On the opposite side of Prout’s Neck, quieter Ferry Beach is sheltered from the open ocean and offers

gentle river currents for young children to play in. Pine Point Beach extends four miles from the jetty of the mouth of the Scarborough River, a long expanse of sandy beach with plenty of room to roam; it’s also a great spot to watch kiteboarders skim the waters. The next seven miles comprise Old Orchard Beach, best known for its dramatic historic pier sticking out into the ocean and Palace Playland, New England’s only beachfront amusement park. In summer, a Coney Island vibe pervades the entire town while fall and winter visitors will enjoy long walks on a beach empty of crowds. Old Orchard is full of hotels and guest houses, some of which are open year-round (see accom- modation listings on pg. 84).

Photos - Top Row: Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld; Middle Left: courtesy Summer Feet Cycling; Middle Right: Chris Lawrence; Bottom: Jennifer Tomlinson

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