Higgins Beach

For dining near Higgins Beach, several excellent options are available. Dunstan Tap And Table offers a cozy atmosphere with a great selection of beers and cocktails, serving comfort food and small plates. Another popular choice is Clambake Seafood Restaurant, which specializes in Maine seafood dishes and features live music. For a more casual experience, Pine Point Grill provides American cuisine with a focus on dinner and desserts. Additionally, Shade at Higgins Beach Inn offers fresh beach fare with a charming ambiance. These restaurants cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone near Higgins Beach.

The dining scene around Higgins Beach is characterized by its emphasis on local seafood and casual, family-friendly environments. Many of these restaurants offer outdoor seating and takeout options, making them convenient for beachgoers looking to enjoy a meal without straying far from the shore.

For accommodations near Higgins Beach, the Higgins Beach Inn is a standout choice. This charming inn offers refined rooms with en-suite bathrooms and features a cozy restaurant on site. Another option is the Comfort Inn & Suites Scarborough-Portland, which provides a more casual stay with amenities like an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi. Both hotels offer a comfortable base for exploring the area, with Higgins Beach Inn providing a more intimate, beachfront experience and Comfort Inn offering a convenient location with modern amenities.

The hotels in the area cater to different preferences, from the historic charm of Higgins Beach Inn to the practical comforts of Comfort Inn. Both options are well-suited for families and couples looking to enjoy the beauty of Higgins Beach and its surroundings.

Higgins Beach offers basic amenities to enhance visitor experiences. Public restrooms with showers are available, ensuring convenience for beachgoers. However, there are no picnic or BBQ facilities directly on the beach. Rental equipment for activities like surfing or kayaking may not be readily available on-site, but nearby shops can provide these services. The beach's simplicity is part of its charm, focusing on natural beauty and outdoor activities rather than extensive facilities.

The Higgins Beach Association and the town of Scarborough maintain the beach area, ensuring it remains clean and accessible. Trash barrels are provided to encourage responsible waste disposal. While the beach itself does not offer extensive amenities, its proximity to Scarborough and Portland means that visitors can easily access a range of services and facilities in nearby towns.

Higgins Beach is renowned for its variety of outdoor activities. Surfing is a popular pastime, though it is restricted between 11 AM and 5 PM during the summer months. Striped bass fishing is another favorite activity, with surf casting being a common method. Kayaking and walking along the beach are also enjoyed by many visitors. The calm surf makes it an ideal spot for families to swim and play in the water. The scenic surroundings and historic shipwreck add to the beach's appeal, making it a great place for exploration and relaxation.

The beach's tranquil atmosphere and picturesque views make it perfect for leisurely walks or simply enjoying the sun and sea. The nearby Spurwink River and surrounding landscape offer additional opportunities for exploration and outdoor adventure.

While Higgins Beach offers public restrooms with showers, specific disability access features such as ramps or wheelchair rentals are not extensively detailed. However, nearby restaurants and facilities often provide wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the area with some ease. For more specific needs, contacting local businesses or the town's services in advance may be advisable to ensure accessibility.

Parking at Higgins Beach is limited, with a municipal lot located at 41 Ocean Avenue. This lot accommodates approximately 75 vehicles, and parking fees apply. On weekends during peak summer months, the fees are higher. There is also limited street parking available on Bayview Avenue, though this is restricted year-round except for designated spaces. The limited parking capacity means visitors should plan ahead to secure a spot, especially during busy summer days.

Despite the limited parking, the beach remains accessible, and the town's efforts to maintain public access ensure that visitors can enjoy this beautiful spot without excessive commercialization.

Higgins Beach has a rich history and several fun facts that make it stand out. The beach is known for its shipwreck, which is visible at low tide, adding a fascinating element to its natural beauty. The area has been a popular summer colony for decades, attracting families who return year after year. The beach's small-town charm and lack of commercialization have helped preserve its unique character, making it a beloved spot for those seeking a more laid-back beach experience.

The beach's location near Portland and its accessibility by car make it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway. Its reputation as a family-friendly destination with excellent fishing and surfing opportunities further enhances its appeal.

One of the most unique attractions at Higgins Beach is the shipwreck embedded in the sand, which adds a touch of history and intrigue to the area. The beach's proximity to other scenic spots like Prouts Neck and Crescent Beach State Park makes it an excellent base for exploring the region. Visitors can also enjoy the picturesque drive along Route 77, which passes through rolling fields and farmhouses, offering a quintessential New England experience.

For those interested in exploring beyond the beach, nearby Portland offers a rich cultural scene with museums, galleries, and a vibrant food scene. The combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions makes Higgins Beach an appealing destination for a variety of interests.