Found in Saco, Maine, along the shore of Saco Bay, Ferry Beach State Park offers outdoor experiences for every interest. It’s easy to find when you drive along Maine’s Route 9 along Bay View Road. The state park sits between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis, offering a stunning location that locals and visitors love to explore.
With its unique location, the park offers a few special sights that appeal to its visitors. Tupelo or black gum trees can be spotted, which are rare in this region.
The park earns its name for the ferry that transported travelers along the Saco River before motor vehicles were widely available. From 1880 to 1923, the Dummy Railroad also took travelers across the area between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis. Today, Ferry Beach State Park spans 117 acres and offers picnic grounds, changing rooms, and restrooms.
Here are a few of the other special features guests can enjoy:
Indulge in an Oasis for Sunbathers and Swimmers
The white sand beaches at Ferry Beach State Park offer a brilliant place for anyone who likes to tan in the summer sun. The beaches are well-kept. Just make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen since the white sand reflects the sun’s rays!
When you feel a little too warm, a dip in the water is the perfect way to cool off. Although it’s still a part of the North Atlantic Ocean, Saco Bay provides a nice alcove for swimming and snorkeling. The park even offers outdoor showers, giving swimmers the chance to rinse off after a day in the water.
Stretch Your Legs With an Easy Yet Interesting Hike
The park offers a variety of hikes that are easy for the entire family. If you’ve got an adventurous spirit, you can explore 25 hiking trails across the park, each offering a slightly different experience.
For example, you can walk alongside one of Maine’s few pocket swamps, a wetland that covers a small area in the region. This beautiful swamp provides the ideal growing environment for plants that need plenty of moisture and sunlight. Discover cinnamon fern plants and green sphagnum moss, along with rare tupelo trees.
Other trails in the park will take hikers on a tour along the diverse natural habitats that make up this part of the state. Visitors have the opportunity to explore rivers, ponds, and other natural bodies of water. Some trails will even take you deeper into Maine’s lush forests.
Take a Cruise Along the Water With Ample Opportunities for Fishing and Sightseeing
There are plenty of opportunities to take a cruise on the water when you visit Saco Bay. Popular choices include the Lighthouse Lovers Cruise or the Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise, along with many other excursions for sightseeing. These cruises offer a unique perspective, letting guests see the park and the lights of Maine from the ocean. This is a great opportunity to learn about the region’s history as well.
Fishing is another favorite pastime in the area. Trina Lyn Fishing Charters, Lucky Catch Cruises, and Rocky Bottom Fisheries are just a few of the fishing charter businesses in the area.
Catch a Delicious Bite to Eat
While grilling stations and picnic tables make it easy to prepare your own outdoor meals within the park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a hot meal nearby, too. With a variety of eateries close to Ferry Beach State Park, you’ll discover something to suit every taste, from ice cream parlors to the state’s best seafood restaurants.
For something sweet and cold, visit Garside’s Ice Cream Incorporated. They offer a wide range of ice cream flavors and have ample outdoor seating at their location on 320 Ferry Road.
Huot’s Seafood Restaurant At 29 Eastern Avenue serves lunch and dinner. Their menu items include delectable lobster rolls and fried clams.
You can also order a sub or salad at Ocean Park Subs & Grocery. The 69 Seaside Avenue venue is also known for its delectable cinnamon buns.
Additional dining options include Italian, Vietnamese, and Chinese fare. When you’re looking for strictly American cuisine, there are plenty of pubs and locally owned diners that serve traditional burgers and chicken platters.
Enjoy Nature and Adventure Along Maine’s Shores
Whether you want to host a picnic in an expansive outdoor location or get some exercise on the hiking trails, Ferry Beach State Park provides the ideal setting for any adventurous spirit.
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