Natural swimming hole
Crescent Beach State Park
Ocean cove · Maine
About this swimming hole
A mile-long, crescent-shaped sandy beach in Cape Elizabeth, about 8 miles south of Portland, opened as a state park in 1966 — a separate, much larger beach west of the small Kettle Cove pocket beach in the same park complex. Relatively warm water (by Maine standards) and light surf make swimming and boating a pleasure here. The park also has picnic tables and grills, a children's playground, a snack bar and a bathhouse with cold-water showers.
Good to know
| Water type | Ocean cove |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | Low 60s°F at warmest in summer |
| Best season | June-September |
| Fees | State park day-use fee |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 9am-sunset daily |
| Parking | Park lot at 7 Tower Drive / 109 Bowery Beach Road off Route 77 |
| Amenities | bathhouse, showers, picnic tables, grills, playground |
| County | Cumberland County |
| Nearest town | Cape Elizabeth |
| Safety notes | Cold ocean water; seasonal lifeguards — swim in designated areas; check Maine Healthy Beaches advisories after heavy rain |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Crescent Beach State Park?
Yes — Crescent Beach State Park is listed as a natural swimming spot in Maine. Reported water temperature: Low 60s°F at warmest in summer. Heads-up: Cold ocean water; seasonal lifeguards — swim in designated areas; check Maine Healthy Beaches advisories after heavy rain. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Crescent Beach State Park require reservations?
No reservations are required at Crescent Beach State Park based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Crescent Beach State Park?
Reported fee info: State park day-use fee. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Crescent Beach State Park?
The best season is typically June-September.