Cold ocean water, but lobster (working) boats anchored in the bay make great photography! Saw many kayakers enjoying the bay's calm waters. The shore did not have rocks, shells, or much of interest for beachcombing.
We went to the beach on a whim, and the views were fantastic! We could see a town in the distance to one side and mountains on the other side. When we arrived, the mountains were covered in fog, so it was pretty cool to see! Unfortunately, we happened to go during the low tide, and without water shoes, getting to the water is difficult because the sand turns into rocks that go on for quite some distance. There was a fee for entering the park, but it was nice and clean, there was a snack bar, restrooms, and full showers, so I think it was worth it. Oh, and just as a side note, we went on Labor Day and there was still plenty of parking and plenty of room on the beach. If I lived in the area, I would be there quite often.
The park is nice over all but, the beach was not the cleanest, lots of seaweed on shore and rolling in with the waves, virtually no shells, just rocks, some cool loking rocks, but just rocks! It has lots of picnic areas, decent bath houses and plenty of parking. Out of staters pay $6.50 per head. Oh, and the water was COLD!!! I would guess around 65 deg.
Our visit to Crescent Beach State Park was lovely. It was conveniently located to Portland, and there are not a lot of sandy beaches in that area so it is a good place to know about. There is a day fee, but at most other public beaches your pay for parking anyways and there are some amenities. There is ample parking, adequate bathroom and changing rooms as well as a snack bar and lifeguards. Other reviewers have commented on the seaweed and there is a fair amount of it on the beach and yes the water is cold. Also, you are in Maine on the North Atlantic so expecting more temperate water is not realistic. My nephew enjoyed playing the water and the rest of us enjoyed listening to the waves and soaking in the sun! I would definitely go back in the future.
Tons of parking, lots of sand, lifeguards, bathrooms, and inviting water on a cool day. This is a good State Park in Cape Elizabeth not too far from Portland. Scarborough Beach may be nicer and bigger, but there is more parking here and on a crowded day, that matters a lot. Plenty of room to walk from one end to the other and Kettle Cove is a nice place to explore as well as that's on one end of the beach.
Great beach with a beautiful view of offshore islands, woods and lobster boats. The beach is large enough to not be too crowded even at it's busiest time. There a picnic table and grills as well as a snack bar during the season.
I have the benefit of having family that lives in Portland and they know all the best places. Kettle Cove is adjacent to Cresent Beach. It's a smaller beach in a small cove with it's own parking lot right there. Please keep your expectations realistic. I see many reviews here that "there is a lot of seaweed" or "the water is COLD." It's Maine!! What did you expect? Palms trees and 80 degree water? The sand is soft, the breeze keeps you cool even on a hot day, and the view is spectacular and picturesque with the lobster boats moored just outside the cove.
We visited this beach and took a nice walk over the rock formations that look like lava rock. it was a cooler time and didn't go in the water but we got some nice pictures of the island and lighthouse in the distance.
CB State park has one of the finest beaches in the State -- Safe for everyone, incl small children. Bring a picnic lunch to spend the day watching lobster boats, sailboats and tanned bodies!
I will start by saying that my girlfriend and I frequent this beach because it is only about 15 mins away. We like the beach itself,except there is quite a bit of seaweed! It is a nice long beach though,and it handles quite a crowd,especially lately. We like the fact it is clean,decent restrooms,and a snack bar! You usually can't go wrong with a State Park,and it follows here. We see people of all ages here,popular with families it seems. We enjoyed our summer here,every other weekend this year! Check it out!