Willard Beach

March 12, 2024

Willard Beach, South Portland, Maine

Willard Beach is located in South Portland and has it all, a playground, a lighthouse and a beach! When we visited here it was in the winter last year. We had a long week of the stomach bug at our house and we were finally feeling better but all a little stir crazy! No one was sleeping well all week so the kids needed some car naps so we took an hour drive in the hopes of some fun and this beach was adorable. It was very cold, a Friday in January, but there were a decent amount of people here!

Parking and fees

There was a small parking lot in a neighborhood a short walk to the beach. According to the website there is room in the parking lot for 75 cars which was empty in the off season but I’m sure it would fill up in the summer. The parking lot also has free parking which is nice! When I put the address to Willard Beach into my phone it took me to the entrance to the beach and the area for the parking wasn’t clearly marked. If you go, the parking is on Willow Street. I would recommend a wagon for the beach gear and the walk as it is not directly next to the beach.

Playground

The playground was a surprise so the kids were very happy! It was a small playground with no swings, which is always a disappointment for the kids, but they still had a great time. I love playgrounds with a beach view, that’s kind of my thing!

Bathrooms

There is easy access to bathrooms right near the entrance and the playground. It makes it so easy with kids. There are also outdoor showers according to the town website for the summer months.

Snack Bar

According to the town website there is a snack bar here! I feel like this is rare for beaches in southern Maine so I’d love to check this beach out this summer! When I do, I’ll update this with what it’s like, but if you are from the area and know, let me know! The snack bar is directly next to the playground, bathrooms and beach entrance so it is very convenient.

Lighthouse views

We walked the beach and there was an exposed drainage pipe at low tide that happened to be a lot of fun to walk on! Off in the distance there was a cool lighthouse, the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. We couldn’t check it out because it is a little far from the playground and beach entrance.

We really would’ve loved to check it out though but the kids got wet and it was only about 30 degrees out so we had to head back to the car. Since it was a far drive from home I had not packed their yellow rain suits and it was a huge mistake! If you go anywhere that involves water with your kids I couldn’t recommend rain suits more (check my Tips page for my must have items!).