Scarborough is a coastal community just south of Portland with some of the finest beaches in Maine, a thriving local food scene, and easy access to both the city and the open Atlantic. Scarborough Beach State Park and Pine Point are summer destinations in their own right, while the Scarborough Marsh is the largest salt marsh in Maine and a world-class birding destination.
Best Restaurants in Scarborough, Maine
Scarborough has a growing dining scene anchored by some of the best seafood in southern Maine. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in neighboring Cape Elizabeth is a legendary seaside institution serving fresh lobster at picnic tables beside a working lighthouse. Rudy’s is a popular local spot for burgers and comfort food. The area along Route 1 has a range of casual dining options popular with locals year-round.
Best Hotels in Scarborough, Maine
Scarborough offers convenient lodging close to Portland with a more relaxed feel. The area has several well-maintained hotels along Route 1 and near the Maine Mall. Pine Point and Scarborough Beach have seasonal cottage rentals popular with families making a week of the beach — book early as these fill up quickly in summer.
Things to Do in Scarborough, Maine
Scarborough Beach State Park is one of the finest ocean beaches in Maine with excellent swimming and body surfing. Pine Point offers a quieter beach experience with a working lobster wharf and fresh seafood shacks. The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center rents canoes for paddling through the largest salt marsh in Maine — outstanding for birding and wildlife photography. Higgins Beach is a charming low-key community popular with surfers and those seeking a quieter shore experience.
Day Trips from Scarborough
Portland is just 15 minutes north with world-class dining, the Old Port, and the Portland Museum of Art. Old Orchard Beach is 10 minutes south for amusement rides and a classic Maine beach boardwalk. Cape Elizabeth offers Portland Head Light and Two Lights State Park within a short drive — two of the most scenic spots on the entire Maine coast.
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