Higgins Beach

(SIDE NOTE: I usually come to Higgins during the off season, so I can't speak to what it's like in the height of summer.) I always like walking Higgins. There's a shipwreck from 1897 there! I don't know if any other locals have noticed, but it seems like it's less and less exposed (the sands seem to be shifting a lot) these past few years. But the last time we came at low tide, it *was* there with its incredible ecosystem that exists in its adjacent tide pools! Higgins is super popular with: 1. Surfers! 2. People walking their doggos! 3. Plovers! There is an incredible amount of signage here in spring/summer educating and informing folks about where they can't bring their dogs because of the nesting area of our endangered/near-threatened shorebirds. If you're visiting: please, please pay attention to this and respect where both you and your four-legged friend can't run around in. It's tough parking here (from May 1st to September 15th if you park on the road you have to pay an hourly fee; there's also a public lot a few blocks away that's $10 a day), but it's a beautiful space with an expansive stretch of sand with a tidal river to the left.

My absolute favorite beach to go to in Maine... long sandy beach the kid can walk for five football fields and not be above their waist! Waves not to big just enough and no rocks or shells to cut your foot on

Loved the beach! So beautiful!!! Parking was difficult with limited availability near the beach. Paid parking was about two blocks away. Bathrooms were also not available nearby.

Great find! Clean, quiet beach, lots of surfing (we don't surf but it was fun to watch!). I would love to spend a full day here basking in the sun, playing in the waves, and enjoying the day.

Love this little gem of a beach! It is off the beaten path, so it is a nice spot for locals. I'm not gonna lie, the parking is REALLY difficult if you want to park along the water itself. I pretty much can only do that occasionally, October through April. But there is a beach parking lot a few blocks up from the water which has bathrooms and outdoor showers, so that comes in handy! The beach is relatively small, but so beautiful. The tides are typically calmer because it's near a little bit of an inlet, and even though it is small, there is plenty of room to spread out, at least during the off season. I haven't really attempted to go in the summer time, but where I have the summer off this year I'm going to try to pay it a weekday visit. Maybe I'll get lucky and get a front row spot! If not, I will happily park in the beach lot and walk my happy self right on down :)

Cool water cool views cool people but no parking Higgins Beach is a little local beach tucked away in an area that is difficult to find if you don't know exactly where you are going. That's fine because although the beach is free there is virtually no parking. Just a little loading and unloading zone to dump people off or pick them up. There are several other extremely nice beaches in the area but they all have have steep parking fees. This is a beach for the local people, you either have to have a house nearby, know someone with a house nearby or find a place to park and then ride your bike down here. The beach is pretty small, only a couple of hundreds yards in either direction but because it is rather sheltered and shallow is the water temperature isn't bad by Maine standards. That means the ocean is only cold and not absolutely freezing like many other Maine beaches. However you see lots of people in the 60 degrees water because the people up here are use to it. The beach is typical Maine, plenty of rocks and some great views in the distance. This is definitely not a crazy party beach like Old Orchard and some of the other ones nearby. Lots of quiet families and very polite and friendly people. I suspect stupid and rude behavior will not be tolerated A cool, quiet beach that hasn't changed over the decades. Still has lovely views and some very, very nice and special people. Not easy to find and and you are delusional if you think you are going to locate a place to park. If you are lucky enough to have access to this beach you are a very lucky person. The cool ocean water and great views are something special

This place is heaven. I can see why people are building on every possible land here that is not part of the preserve. I want to live here! This beach is popular with people with dogs and surfers! Yes, surfing in Maine, in Winter! We like going here all year round because when the tide is out, the beach can be busy but everyone has enough space to walk and not be bothered with a whole mass of dogs or humans. Also, the folks who walk thier dogs here are some of the most respectful I have ever come across. I can't say anymore than anyone else has... this place is so perfect, and even the water isn't dealthy cold in the Summer and we love it. Sunrise, Sunset and all the times in between, no matter the weather. There is a municipal parking lot with changing stations and porta potties since there is limited street parking.

Nice waves for surfing and a nice beach for relaxing. During high tide it's crazy small, but if you are lucky enough to time your visit during low tide the beach is huge! If you come in the evenings you can park 2 blocks away for free at the welcome center. There are showers and restrooms there as well. You can also park for free for an hour on the street (if there is any).

Love this cool beach! It's so nice because it is public and there are no fees. Yes the parking is a little scarce and you have to feed a meter but it's really nice and I'd recommend going here. This is what I think of when I think of a Maine beach! It's not too crowded.

This is another hidden gem. It's the local *public* (read: FREE) beach for Scarborough. It's stayed local because it's only 1/2 mile long, it has VERY little public parking, and it's located at the end of a residential section of Scarborough. Located off Rt 77 (turn at Ocean Ave and drive to the end of the road), it's hard to get to of you don't know where you are driving, but worth a visit if you are a beach bum. It's also local surfing hot spot, although a surfer friend tells me that there are regulations on when you can surf during the summer so it would be a good idea to look it up online before going. (Imagine, surfing in Maine...) It's just a beach, so there are no public restrooms, no concession stands, and on a good day, there are plenty of local people, so it can be crowded. But it's one of the few unrestricted (read: FREE) public beaches in this area, and it is so clean you could eat off the sand. Dogs are allowed during restricted hours, so make sure to check the regulations before bringing Fido. However, there is no restriction on people, so you can go anytime of day or night. For those who don't love the beach, there are a few other things in the beach area. It's close to the mouth of Spurwink Creek which has a shipwreck that you can supposedly still see at low tide, and a small bird sanctuary for the endangered piping plover is at one end (so be careful in the nesting season or you really will get fined....) The best thing to do is ride your bike to this beach, since parking is at a premium.

Low stars for a lack of parking along the beach for someone just wanting to stop for a few minutes. One star for a public bathroom still open in December that is a ways from the beach.

It can be a hassle to park, but the beach is beautiful. Great place for kids and families. The water is clear.

If you have the luxury of having friends with a beach house in this neighborhood, you are one lucky soul! As Lindsey mentioned, there is very little parking. I saw a small lot opposite the Higgins Beach Inn allowing parking for a $10 fee. And yes, I am one lucky duck! The beach isn't far from Crescent Beach, a popular small beach in the Portland-Scarborough area, and a great alternative to scary Old Orchard. Plus, you're not far from the Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth, which I can't believe I haven't tried yet. On the day after July 4th this year, me, Dave, and MMC, stopped off at the beach to visit the friend and her fam. It was the perfect way to delay the inevitable traffic on 95 south (20 miles back from the NH border this year!). The beach was packed and we almost couldn't fit in the yard with the car, but it didn't sway from the gorgeous day and perfect water temperature. You may be confused about this ... perfect water temperature? Maine? I was shocked myself. But somehow, the water was so bearable, we spent about 15 minutes just floating til we could feel the sun burning our faces (+ salt burn). Maybe it's the location of the beach being tucked in a shallow cove, protected from colder waters. Pictures, soon!

Awesome beach for the family. Clean and quiet- Has a small bathhouse 1/2 way up Ocean ave. We are fortunate enough to get here once or twice a year and have relatives right near the beach, so that is not an issue. Everyone there to enjoy the beach is always friendly and respectful, we haven't run into issues like some of the bigger beaches in the area or in MA. Big plus is the small farmstand at the end of the road has gone under new ownership recently, and has quite expanded selections, including sandwiches, craft beers and staples like fresh veggies and bread! I highly recommend this beach to anyone who is local or in the area, however, I think there are some beaches closer to my house I would go to if relatives were not in town.

Beautiful beach for hanging out ANY time of year! I bundled up with a book yesterday and watched people playing with their dogs. Great long walk along the surf, as well as a great spot for surfing (so I hear).

Great public beach with a private feel. The water is amazing and when the tide is high you'll see body surfers everywhere. Low-tide affords you the opportunity to walk the open sandy beach. Be careful with parking as the police patrol the area heavily, on bike! There is a public parking lot and a few metered spaces right by the beach, they fill up quick. I guess this is the neighborhoods polite way of saying, "we don't want large crowds". If you can ride your bike that will be best.

Sandy. Yes, you'll find rocky coastline in Maine, but Higgins is just plain beachy. We visited on a cool, summer day and found only a few other visitors. There weren't many shells to be found. Public parking (with showers) is somewhat of a walk from the shore. Overall, it's a great little beach for families.

Still a great local beach. Dogs and surfing only early and dusk, and in two years haven't seen ONE dog owner not pick up their dogs poo! Lots of family's and some young adults, all laid back and pleasant. Haven't seen any silly behavior, drugs, or excessive alcohol that you sometimes see at other beaches, especially our area of Florida. Little parking so come early. Better yet forget my review and keep this place a secret.

What a beautiful beach. The beach itself is gorgeous and clean, the waves are surprisingly big, and we spend a great deal of time exploring the tidal pools. If you're looking for touristy attractions, then this isn't the place for you. If you just want to appreciate how beautiful the world can really be, then go to this beach.