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Ferry Beach State Park in Maine is a beautiful coastal getaway where sandy shores meet the Atlantic Ocean. Located in Saco, it’s a place where you can relax on the beach, take a stroll through coastal forests, or enjoy a picnic with loved ones. With its rich history, natural beauty, and opportunities for outdoor fun, Ferry Beach State Park is one of my favorite destinations in Maine, and here is why!

Ferry Beach State Park

Ferry Beach State Park holds a slice of Maine’s rich maritime past. Once a busy site for ferries shuttling passengers and goods along the coast, the park’s name nods to this former function. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a grand hotel stood on these shores, welcoming vacationers seeking respite by the sea.

While the hotel is long gone, its foundation remnants add an intriguing historical layer to the park’s appeal.

Where To Park For Ferry Beach State Park?

There’s a designated parking area for visitors after you pay and drive through the gate. We visited during the off-season, which meant we took a long walk to the water, which was nice on a sunny spring day. If the parking lot is whole, you can park outside like we did and bike or walk in.

Coastal Forest Trails At Ferry Beach State Park

This state park has a good trail system, which is one of our favorite parts. We took the Coastal Forest Trails, which take you through the park’s wooded areas.

These trails allow you to enjoy the shade of the trees and observe the diverse plant and animal life that inhabits the coastal forest.

You will see this sign when to the left as you approach the beach.

We chose to do the White Oak trail to the Red Oak trail and back up using Tupelo. This made it a little over a mile.

First, you will take the long wooden walkway, which brings you to the start of the trail system.

You will take the White Oak Trail until it connects to the Red Oak Trail. Once you reach this sign, stay to the right.

Then, continue onto the Tupelo Trail; the route will take you back to the parking area.

The Tupelo Trail is on a wooden walkway around the Tupelo Swamp area. We visited when it is cool out, but bring bug spray if you are heading there in summer.

The Tupelo Swamp is home to plants that require the most soil. One of these plants is the black tupelo, a rare medium-sized tree in Maine.

The hiking trail will wind you through the swamp, eventually returning you to the car area.

Ferry Beach

After you make your way out of the forest, it’s time to head to the iconic Ferry Beach! Over 300 years ago, the beach was used as a highway for people from Boston. It got its name because travelers crossed the narrow section of the Saco River by boat.

Walk down the path from the parking lot towards the ocean, along this route you pass under this bridge.

After you make your way through the tunnel, you will walk the boardwalk to the end of the beach. During our visit, the boardwalk was a little beat up from the recent coastal flooding Maine has had.

The walkway will then go from boardwalk to sand, and the beautiful ocean will be right before you!

Enjoy the relaxing views while dipping your toes into the water. In the summer months, you can lay out a towel and enjoy the beach in its entirety.

You can also stroll down the beach while admiring seashells and beach combing.

Can You Swim Here?

Yes, you can swim at Ferry Beach State Park. The park features a mile-long sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean, providing ample space for swimming and enjoying the water. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in the ocean and relax on the beach, soaking up the coastal atmosphere.

How Much Does It Cost To Visit?

It’s affordable to visit the State Park. The fee is $5.00 for Maine residents and $7.00 for non-residents. You can review all the fees here.

Where Is Ferry Beach State Park?

Ferry Beach State Park is situated along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the coastline. It’s just a short drive from Portland.