Right Beaches › Maine › South Portland
Willard Beach
4.5★ · 446 Google ratings · South Portland, Maine
✓ Parking✓ Short walk✓ Restrooms✓ Showers✓ Picnic tables
At a glance
Parking
Street parking · 175 yd away
Walk
175 yd · 2 min
Restrooms
Yes · 325 yd away
Water
63°F
Tide
7 ft range today
Length
825 yd of shoreline
Sand
275 yd from the water to the back
Water quality
Poor · 12 of 45 samples over the EPA limit · 2025
Map of Willard Beach
1
1Parking175 yd from the listing
Guide
Good to know
Who may park
Free to anyone southportland.gov, 2026/09
Dogs
Dogs are permitted May 1st through September 30th from 7 am to 9 am and 7 to 9 pm only. From 7 pm to 8 pm dogs must be on leash. Dogs are permitted on the beach from October 1st through April 30th from 6 am to 9 pm however, they are required to be on leash from 10 am to 3 pm. Dog toys are not allowed on Willard Beach from May 1st through September 30th. From October 1st through April 30th, dog toys are allowed to be used between Beach Street and Fort Prebble. Long leashes are not allowed to be used on Willard Beach from May 1st through September 30th. From October 1st through April 30th, long leashes may be used. Dogs are not allowed to chase wildlife on Willard Beach. Dog owners are required to have a leash in hand at all times. Off-leash dogs must be kept within 100 feet and under voice control (returning to the owner or keeper after one signaling or calling). Pet waste must be bagged and properly disposed of in a trash receptacle or carried out of the park. southportland.gov, 2026/09
Arrive before 7am for dogs
Off-leash dog hours run 7-9am and 7-9pm April through October, with the morning slot being quieter and more enjoyable.
Expect a mix of sand and rocks
The beach transitions from soft sand near the picnic area to rocky sections near the water, with tide.
Perfect for young children and toddlers
The shallow, protected cove with gentle waves, playground, picnic areas, and nearby shops makes it ideal for families.
Visitors find sea glass here
Reviewers describe picking up weathered glass on this beach.Mentioned by 4 visitors · 2016–2026
Go early to secure parking
The small lot on Willow Street fills quickly on warm days, forcing visitors to hunt for street parking.
Check bathrooms before relying on them
Restroom access is inconsistent, with reports of facilities closing before official beach hours or being closed when visited.
Conditions
How it is right now
Air
68°F · partly cloudy
Water
63°F
Waves
2.3 ft · 6 s apart
Wind
6 mph from the WSW
Shelter
Cross-shore · wind running along the beach
UV index
7 peak today
| Time | Tide | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 05:36 | High tide | ↑ |
| 11:30 | Low tide | ↓ |
| 17:51 | High tide | ↑ |
Last updated Aug 20, 5:34 AM.
Practical
Plan your visit
📍 South Portland, ME 04106
🅿 Parking 175 yd from the listing
🌊 The listing sits on the shoreline
🚽 Restrooms 325 yd away
Nearby
Other beaches close by
0.9 miles away
1.6 miles away
1.8 miles away
3.8 miles away
4.3 miles away
5.5 miles away
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Questions
Common questions
Where do you park at Willard Beach?
The nearest mapped parking area is 175 yd from the listed location. Positions come from OpenStreetMap, not from review text.
How far is the walk to the water at Willard Beach?
The listed location sits on the shoreline itself, so there is no walk to speak of once you are out of the car.
Does Willard Beach have restrooms?
Restrooms are mapped 325 yd from the listing.
Measured from OpenStreetMap, public aerial imagery and live conditions data, and counted from visitor reviews. Every source, in full.
