Scarborough, ME

Travel Guide
Scarborough showing general coastal views and a beach as well as a family
From salt marshes to sandy beaches, this southern Maine town located on Saco Bay is a naturally beautiful spot with an equally charming downtown area.

Experience the rugged beauty of Maine in Scarborough. The coastal town is the home of famed artist Winslow Homer. As you explore its beaches, parks and rocky coastline, see firsthand the scenes his paintbrush made famous.

Check out Scarborough’s many beaches. At Scarborough Beach State Park, stroll along the coastline or watch piping plovers nesting in the dunes. View the shipwreck at Higgins Beach, which dates back to 1897. Watch the waves in Saco Bay at Pine Point Beach.

Explore Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, one of the state’s largest salt marshes. Go on a guided tour through the center, led by a naturalist, or take a self-guided tour on foot or by canoe or kayak. Try bird-watching and be alert for the mink, otter, deer and other animals that live here. In the center, investigate interactive exhibits or purchase a Maine-themed souvenir.

Discover Prouts Neck, a peninsula that juts out from Scarborough. Visit Winslow Homer Studio, where the celebrated landscape artist lived and worked between 1883 to 1910. Look out toward an outcropping of rocks which Homer immortalized in the painting Cannon Rock.

Scarborough also has a number of entertainment venues. Cheer on the horses and riders at Scarborough Downs, Maine’s largest race track. Watch a car race at the NASCAR-sanctioned Beech Ridge Motor Speedway.

Enjoy the small-town charm of Scarborough. Sample fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants or browse its boutiques. For a wider selection of shopping and dining options, venture to nearby Portland.

Before it was named Scarborough, Native Americans referred to the area as Owascoag, or “the place of much grass.” Despite being only 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of the large city of Portland, the town still deserves its bucolic name. Enjoy the many different experiences it offers throughout the year, from warm summers to snowy winters.

Where to stay in Scarborough

Down on beach all alone. Wonderful!

Pine Point

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Travelers enjoy Pine Point for its beaches and gardens. Consider checking out Pine Point Beach while you're in the area.

Pine Point
Default Image

Grand Beach

Though Grand Beach might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Grand Beach and Pine Point Beach.

Grand Beach
Americas Best Value Inn Scarborough Portland
Americas Best Value Inn Scarborough Portland
2 out of 5
321 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,273 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥12,273
per night
May 12 - May 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Scarborough. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (964 reviews)
"Great area. I did not see breakfast available as listed. But other then that great place. Recommended."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Americas Best Value Inn Scarborough Portland
Comfort Inn & Suites Scarborough - Portland
Comfort Inn & Suites Scarborough - Portland
2.5 out of 5
329 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME
The price is ¥12,864 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥12,864
per night
May 12 - May 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6/10 (997 reviews)
"Nick was a very good host"

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Comfort Inn & Suites Scarborough - Portland
Candlewood Suites Portland - Scarborough, an IHG Hotel
Candlewood Suites Portland - Scarborough, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
700 Roundwood Drive, Scarborough, ME
The price is ¥18,177 per night from May 16 to May 17
¥18,177
per night
May 16 - May 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (908 reviews)
Weekend in Maine
"Great amenities for a weekend stay-love the stocked kitchen with plates, coffee, cooking stuff!!"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Candlewood Suites Portland - Scarborough, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
2 duplex
2 duplex
3 out of 5
58 Portland Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME
Stay at this apartment in Old Orchard Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Old Orchard Beach Pier ...
2 duplex
Charming Cottage Steps to Pine Point Bch - 1 mile OOB outside Scarborough w/ AC
Charming Cottage Steps to Pine Point Bch - 1 mile OOB outside Scarborough w/ AC
Scarborough
Stay at this vacation home in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Old Orchard Beach Pier and Grand Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Great Spot!!
"This is a great spot to stay no matter what time of the year!! Completely enjoyed my stay!!"

Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

Charming Cottage Steps to Pine Point Bch - 1 mile OOB outside Scarborough w/ AC
Gorgeous ocean-front home with stunning beach views
Gorgeous ocean-front home with stunning beach views
Old Orchard Beach
Book a stay at this beach condo in Old Orchard Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and balconies. Popular attractions Old Orchard Beach Pier and Palace ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
Perfect getaway!
"Great little condo. Right on the beach! Balcony is wonderful, as is the view from the master. Second bedroom is definitely a “kids” room with the two bunk beds. Garage was great for a car, would not fit the height of a truck"

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024

Gorgeous ocean-front home with stunning beach views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Scarborough

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
68
" "5 - Excellent 36.170212765957444%
4 - Good
93
" "4 - Good 49.46808510638298%
3 - Okay
24
" "3 - Okay 12.76595744680851%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1.5957446808510638%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 6, 2020

Close on the Maine mall

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jan 18, 2020

Its Scarborough it costs a lot of money to live there

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 11, 2019

I grew up in Maine and have seen it grow to what it is now

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 30, 2019

Nice community

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 23, 2019

Close to Pine point, Ken's seafood, Bayley's campground and Old Orchard Beach.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 22, 2019

Holy Donut was amazing! Donuts made from potatoes!

Cities near Scarborough