Name: Crescent Beach State Park
Location: 109 Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Activities: Swimming, nature watching, paddling, fishing, snack bar.
Dog-friendly: No
Hours: 9:00a.m.-sunset
Season: Year-round
Camping: No
Fees: $8.00 for non-residents, $6.00 for Maine residents

Cape Elizabeth often gets overlooked for other Maine beach towns—like York or Ogunquit. This quaint town is home to several coastal restaurants, ice cream shops, and beautiful sandy beaches. Among these beautiful places is Crescent Beach State Park—a State Park beloved by locals and visitors for its soft, white sand and picturesque views.

In this blog post, I share everything you need to know before visiting Crescent Beach State Park—including how to access the park, parking information, park amenities, activities, beach information, the best time of year to visit, and the best nearby eats.

History of Crescent Beach State Park

Crescent Beach State Park has a history that dates back to the early 20th century. In 1939, it was recognized at a potential recreation destination and was incorporated into the Maine State Park Commission’s 10-year plan, which was developed in collaboration with the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Maine legislature approved initial funding in 1959, and over the next few years, the state acquired the land through a combination of purchases and donations, including contributions from The Sprague Corporation and the Black Point Corporation. Crescent Beach State Park opened to the public in 1966, offering a mile-long, crescent-shaped beach, picnic areas, and other amenities. The park has continued to balance recreation with conservation, particularly protecting the nesting grounds of Piping Plovers and Least Terns.

Prepare for your Visit to Crescent Beach State Park

Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Pack all the necessary beach supplies such as water, snacks, toys, towels, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing to protect your skin from the sun

Directions + Parking for Crescent Beach State Park

Directions from I-95

Take Exit 45 toward I-295/US Route 1/ME-114/South Portland. In 0.3 miles, turn left onto the ramp towards ME-703. In 2.1 miles, take the US-Route 1 South exit. Drive 0.6 miles and then turn left onto Pleasant Hill Road. After driving 3.3 miles, turn left onto ME-77 North. Drive another 2.9 miles and the entrance for Crescent Beach State Park will be on your right.

Directions from Route 1

Drive either North or South until you end up in Scarborough, Maine. Turn onto Route 114 (Black Point Road). In 1.4 miles, turn left onto Fogg Road. Drive for 1.5 miles, then turn right onto Pleasant Hill Road. After 0.9 miles, turn left onto ME-77 North. In 2.9 miles, the entrance for Crescent Beach State Park will be on your right.

Park Rules for Crescent Beach State Park

Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1st to September 30th.
Charcoal fires are only allowed in the provided grills.
Carry out all trash you create during your visit.
Please stay on marked trails and refrain from picking flowers or any other vegetation.
Do not feed any animals you find in the park and keep a safe distance away. This includes seagulls.
Stay off the dunes, as they are extremely fragile and vulnerable.

Bathroom Facilities at Crescent Beach State Park

There are changing rooms, flush toilets, sinks, and showers located right near the parking lot. The changing room curtains usually have a hard time staying put and the floors are usually covered in sand—but they get the job done. There is no cost to use the facilities, but you may have to wait in line on busy days and weekends.

The Beach at Crescent Beach State Park

Crescent Beach State Park is known for its mile long crescent-shaped beach that provides swimmers with warm, calm waters. The sand is white and soft—very different from most coastal beaches in Maine.

The Snack Bar at Crescent Beach State Park

I’m hesitant to share any information about it because I rarely see it open—but there is a snack bar at Crescent Beach State Park. It seems to mostly sell sweet treats, like ice cream and soda. I’m not sure who operates it or what their hours are. Next time I go, I will try and find out so I can update this post! Wish me luck.

Crescent Beach State Park Activities

Paddling

Portland Paddle—a company offering sea kayak and stand-up paddle board tours around the Greater Portland area, has a watercraft rental site at Crescent Beach State Park. Rentals are available Saturdays and Sunday during the months of July and August. Paddlers can rent sea kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, stand-up paddle boards for the day or for the week.

Nature Watching

There is plenty of wildlife at Crescent Beach State Park—from sea birds to fish and everything in between.

Swimming

The calm waves make for a relaxing swimming experience for all ages. Bring a boogie board and you may be able to ride waves from the break to the shoreline.

Trails

Neighboring Kettle Cove State Park offers easy walking trails that provide great views of the shoreline, ocean, and beyond.

Insider Tips for Visiting Crescent Beach State Park

Best nearby eats:
- Fried seafood: The Lobster Shack at Two Lights provides great food paired with amazing views.
- Dessert: Check out Kettle Cove Ice Cream. They serve up delicious ice cream and fried food dinners.
- Dinner: The Good Table is known for their fresh ingredients and cozy community atmosphere.
The best time to visit: July through September, when the daily temps are in the 80s and the ocean water warms to a comfortable temperature.
L.L Bean is known for providing a “beach box” at Crescent Beach State Park filled with loaner beach chairs and games for the public to enjoy during their visit to the beach.
Stop by the iconic Portland Headlight Lighthouse on your way home—you won’t regret it!

Leave no Trace

When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.

Interested in more Maine State Park information and tips? You can find them all here.

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With love,

My Maine

A Visitors Guide to Crescent Beach State Park: The Most Beautiful Beach in Cape Elizabeth Maine