Planning a beach day in Maine with your family should be fun, not stressful—especially when a loved one uses a wheelchair, walker, or other adaptive equipment. Whether you’re traveling with a child who has mobility needs or an older family member who could benefit from an easier path to the sand, Maine has several beaches working to make the coast more inclusive. From beach access mats to floating wheelchairs, we’re sharing some of the most family-friendly beaches in Southern Maine and the Greater Portland area that are making big waves in accessibility.
What Makes a Beach Accessible for Families?
When we talk about an “accessible beach,” we mean a shoreline experience that allows people with mobility challenges—like those who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other adaptive equipment—to comfortably and safely enjoy the beach. For families, accessibility can be even more important. You might have a child who uses a wheelchair, a grandparent who needs stable ground to walk on, or just a stroller that doesn’t handle sand very well.
Here are some key features that make a beach accessible and family-friendly:
Proximity to Amenities: Picnic areas, snack shacks, and shaded areas that are also accessible make a huge difference for families staying a while.
Beach Access Mats: These roll-out mats create a smooth pathway across the sand, so wheels (and little feet) don’t sink in.
Beach Wheelchairs: Designed with large, sand-friendly tires, these can often be borrowed at no cost from beach staff or lifeguards.
Accessible Parking: Designated spots close to the beach entrance make it easier to unload gear and get settled.
Accessible Restrooms & Changing Areas: Clean, nearby restrooms that are wheelchair-accessible are essential for families, especially with young kids or special needs.
Flat or Ramp Access: Instead of stairs, accessible beaches offer gradual ramps or flat entrances to get from the parking lot to the sand.
Top Wheelchair-Accessible Beaches Near Portland
Here are a few standout spots in the Greater Portland area that are taking accessibility seriously while still offering that perfect beach day vibe for families:
- Crescent Beach State Park (Cape Elizabeth) – Has a beach wheelchair available upon request, plus accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and gently sloped terrain from parking to the sand.
- Scarborough Beach State Park – Features beach wheelchairs available upon request, ramps leading to the sand, accessible restrooms and showers, and ADA-compliant parking, ensuring a comfortable beach experience for all visitors.
- Old Orchard Beach – Provides free beach wheelchairs at multiple locations, accessible public restrooms, flat paved promenade, and ample accessible parking. Call ahead to check availability.
- Ferry Beach State Park (Saco) – Equipped with a beach wheelchair, paved walking paths to shaded picnic areas, accessible restrooms, and close-by parking.
- Bayview Beach (Saco) – Features a Mobi-Mat for sand access and a beach wheelchair available by contacting Saco Parks & Rec. Street-level entry and adjacent parking.
Family Favorites Beyond Portland
If you’re willing to drive a little outside Portland, you’ll find even more family-friendly beaches with great accessibility options:
- Mother’s Beach (Kennebunk) – Offers ADA-compliant Mobi-Mats and a beach wheelchair through Kennebunk Parks & Rec. Family-friendly layout with curbside parking.
- Goose Rocks Beach (Kennebunkport) – Has a beach access mat and a beach wheelchair available by reservation. Limited parking—reserve early during peak season.
- Wells Beach – Features standard and floating beach wheelchairs, available on a first-come basis at both Eastern Shore and Drakes Island. Also offers accessible restrooms and drop-off access.
- Short Sands Beach (York) – Beach wheelchair available at the lifeguard stand, plus accessible sidewalks, bathrooms, and beachfront parking.
- Long Sands Beach (York) – Has flat sand entry at multiple points and accessible bathrooms. No beach wheelchair listed.
- Sebago Lake State Park (Casco/Naples) – Provides beach wheelchairs, paved paths to the shore, accessible picnic and bathroom facilities, and a large sandy beach with calm water—great for all ages.
- Popham Beach State Park (Phippsburg) – Equipped with Mobi-Mats and a beach wheelchair, plus accessible bathrooms and parking near the entrance.
- Range Pond State Park (Poland) – Features a free beach wheelchair, paved pathway along the beach, accessible bathrooms, and family-friendly amenities like picnic areas and a playground.
- Webb Lake Beach (Mount Blue State Park – Weld) – Offers beach wheelchairs, paved access to the beach, accessible restrooms, and ADA-accessible trails and nature areas.
What to Know Before You Go
A little planning can go a long way in making your accessible beach day go smoothly:
Safety First: If using a floating beach wheelchair, always have someone close by for supervision—even in calm water.
Call Ahead: Some beaches require you to reserve beach wheelchairs, while others offer them on a first-come basis. Check with local parks departments or town rec offices.
Pack Smart: Bring sun protection, adaptive swimwear, snacks, and plenty of water. Some beaches allow beach tents or umbrellas, which can help with sensory sensitivity or overheating.
Parking Tips: Accessible parking tends to fill up quickly—arrive early, especially on weekends.
Accessibility Varies by Season: Mats or chairs may only be available during peak summer months (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day), so double-check before your visit.
Sensory Needs: Consider noise-canceling headphones or a quiet beach if your child is sensory-sensitive. Beaches like Ferry or Goose Rocks are typically more peaceful than Old Orchard.
No one should have to miss out on a Maine beach day because of mobility challenges—and thankfully, more and more local beaches are recognizing that. Whether your child uses a wheelchair, your toddler has sensory sensitivities, or a grandparent needs a little extra support walking on the sand, these beaches are opening the shorelines to everyone. As you plan your summer adventures, we hope this guide makes it a little easier (and a lot more fun) to get out and explore the Maine coast with your whole family.
