Pine Point Beach: Scarborough, Maine

Located just north of the famous Old Orchard Beach is the much lesser-known Pine Point Beach, also known as Scarborough Town Beach. Many locals choose to come here to escape the tourist traps and still catch some waves. Here’s what you need to know about Pine Point Beach for your next trip!

Getting There

Pine Point Beach is located in Scarborough, ME, and is easy to access with miles of coastline. Coming from Portland or Lewiston-Auburn, you’ll simply head off of I-95 South to Route 1 and follow it to Route 9, which will take you directly to the beach.

From the south, take I-95 North until you reach I-195. Take I-195 and Route 5 to Old Orchard Beach, and follow the street with the coastline on your right until you reach Pine Point.

Parking & Fees

If you park in the parking lot located on Avenue 5 in Scarborough, you will need to pay $10 in cash. However, there is free street parking all around Scarborough, so keep driving until you find some if you want to avoid this fee. Do not park in business parking lots, as you will be towed within a matter of minutes!

Things to Do

There are plenty of restaurants and other attractions in Scarborough, but Pine Point Beach is the main attraction. Feel free to take your dog for a walk, play sports with friends, read, or go swimming when the weather allows it!

Otherwise, head over to the marshes on Route 9, which you could walk to, and rent a kayak. There’s supposedly great fishing in these areas, and you can rent all the gear you need with beautiful scenery in the area! It’s all run by the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, and it’s an excellent opportunity to view the inland wildlife in the area.

Review of Pine Point Beach

Pine Point Beach is, in our opinion, far better than Old Orchard Beach. It will still have a crowd during peak season, especially on the weekends, but it isn’t nearly as busy as Old Orchard Beach.

The only downside is that you won’t have the same access to tourist attractions, but it’s only a 10-minute walk or a few minutes drive down the road. There is still plenty of options for eating, including the famous Clambake seafood restaurant.

With white sands and great waves, it’s a tough beach to beat. That’s especially true for the notoriously rocky shores of Maine. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit!

Other Attractions in Maine

If you’re planning on a trip to coastal Maine, then Pine Point Beach should have a spot on your itinerary. However, there are plenty of other great destinations in the area worth visiting. As always, keep reading our blog for our latest reviews of your favorite destinations, check out some other New England beaches, and share your experiences in the comments below!