Willard Beach

Great little beach. I stayed here in a rental house over the summer and absolutely loved being right off of the water. Of course many things have changed due to the storms with the fisherman shacks now being gone, but it is still a nice family friendly beach with dogs that can be off leash and wander in the mornings.

A clean sandy beach that is dog friendly for parts of the day. There is also a playground for kids. Dog culture vibe is apparent 7am-9am + 7pm-9pm

Beautiful little beach. Well protected and not very busy most days. Dogs allowed (limited hours) most mornings which is a treat to watch.

Plenty of parking. Always clean bathrooms. Food stand. Seating under canopy. Huge playground for kids. Very family friendly. Pretty views.

I love this beach. Even when there is alot of people there is still enough room for every one. The only reason this isn't a 5 for me is because the beach is open until 9 but the bathroom is closed the min the lifeguard leaves. This isn't ideal for when we have kids. If they don't want to leave the bathrooms open then maybe a port a poty would be nice. Instead of us having to leave completely

I would like to start with the fact that this has to be one of the cleanest beach restrooms I’ve ever been into! I came here on a foggy day to enjoy a beer and the nice foggy 😶‍🌫️ weather on the water. Friendly staff little play area for the kids and two lifeguards on duty. During the morning hours you can bring your dogs 🐶, I got lucky to be greeted by some on their way out.

Absolutely in my top 5 places to go to chill out as often as I can in the summer. Actually year round! Its a clean and well maintained beach with plenty of space and usually not to crowded. I have found quite a few decent pieces of sea glass and the rock at low tide make for interesting discoveries. There is a life guard on duty in the summer and on the days when I feel like wandering this place is excellent as there is a decent length of beach as well as an upper trail to look down over the beach. There are several sets of stairs off the beach to the upper trail that lead to the community college, fort Preble, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and for those really into walking you can go a mile further than the college lighthouse to Bug Light Park and the historical museum, the Liberty Ship Memorial and Bug Light Lighthouse. Easily a days worth of adventuring in one area. During the summer there are restrooms available at the beach entrance, at the college and at both light house locations. Bring sanitizer though as these are used often and not cleaned equally as often.

Great beach wasn't too crowded. Soft sand for a good bit of it, down near the water was a bit rocky, there was also large beautiful rocks to climb and tide pools to explore. Will definitely go back. Parking was a little confusing to me at first and it was great that there is a public bathroom that was not an outhouse! but it was small a little dirty the time we went.

Beautiful white sand beach close to Portland in the city of South Portland. View of Spring Point lighthouse, Fort Gorges and several of the islands in Casco Bay. Free parking, bathrooms, outdoor shower, playground and sometimes a snack shack, but my advice is to grab something at Scratch Baking Co and picnic on the beach. Popular spot on hot summer weekend days so get here early for a parking spot, or park on the street at Willard Square and walk down.

Excellent nice small beach; great way to spend time in all seasons with easy access. I do appreciate the parking lot ; do wish it was expanded though -and as others have mentioned it'd be great to have the bathrooms open more off-season.

We LOVE this beach. But interestingly enough we've only visited it in the springtime! Never in the summer to swim (we need to!). This place is a gem in the city of South Portland. A lighthouse, a fort, a walking trail, playground, ball park, can it get any better? Today when we were here, it must've been National Take Your Dog to the beach day or something. We saw a dog in every shape size and color, every breed, every age. It was like a dog show! So fun!

I love Willard Beach. So much. It will always have a special place in my heart. I love coming here off season to walk up and down the beach; I've seen so many amazing sea creatures; I come every Christmas Eve morning to enjoy a chocolate cinnamon roll and cup of coffee from Scratch. But, ooooooooof, has it changed over the years. This part applies ONLY to hot, sunny summer days: I think maybe because it offers free parking and free entry, it's become THE place to come for people who want sun, sand, and sea that's easily accessible both geographically and financially. Each summer it seems to be more and more crowded. (So crowded sometimes that people are laying their blankets out just inches away from you.) If you're not there by 11/11:30am or so, you're not getting any parking until someone else leaves. Even then, people park literally wherever they want if they can't find a spot (I've seen people park their car *in* the bushes, *on* the sidewalk, and double parked making it impossible to get your car out). Because of the heavier foot traffic, the trash is out of control. Carry in, carry out -- it's that hard especially since there's plenty of trash cans by the bathrooms. This part applies to summer days when it's completely overcast, foggy, or even the slightest threat of rain: Willard is deserted. Ample parking, ample beach real estate, and hardly a soul to be seen. AND since dogs aren't allowed from 9a to 7p May 1st to September 30th, there have been times I've had the beach entirely to myself midday, midweek when the weather is questionable! Love it! This part applies to October 1st to April 30th: Essentially this becomes a dog beach. There are A LOT and mostly off-leash. So heads-up if you're uncomfortable with dogs approaching you (which they most assuredly will). As you can imagine, all these dogs also means a lot of dog poop. Some not bagged. Some bagged and left stranded in the seaweed. Dog owners, please clean up after your pets.

My parents rented a house a block from the beach for the entire month of July. I came up the other weekend and was totally blown away by Willard Beach. It's a great family beach that seems to be most frequented by friendly locals. While I'm a Native New Yorker, am I sure it's not hard to tell at times, everyone that walked passed by greeted me with a friendly hello and a smile. The best part about this beach is that it is dog friendly! They allow dogs before 9am and after 7pm. My dad and I had a great time walking the beach from the one end all the way to the lighthouse, and back. On some mornings, I would head out by myself and explored some of the "secret" beach areas that are separated by the rocks. I had a great time "rock climbing". Seriously, there are some really cool and steep lines you can find (probably not the safest, but really fun). If you find yourself in Portland Maine, this beach sure is a welcome treat.

Willard Beach is a great spot to visit all four seasons! I went yesterday during a wicked winter storm, and it really gives off such New England vibes! The beach itself isn't huge, especially when it's high tide, but if you time it right in the summer, you can find a space to plop down and chill for the day! During the other three seasons, you can often find yourself being one of the only people on the beach! And if you are someone who hasn't been to the beach in the winter, you are missing out! Go check out Willard!

When I think of beaches in Maine, I do not think of sailboats. Yet, here it is, a beach full of boats anchored to the base of the water. The floor of the beach is gravel-like and the sand has a ton of debris. The water is full of seaweed and is murky. I've been here twice and each time, I've been disappointed. I wouldn't come here to enjoy a day at the beach. Luckily, there is not an entrance fee. You can park in the private lot on Willow Street or in the neighborhood. Be cautious of NO PARKING signs.

Willard beach is the closest large-ish beach near Portland. It can get pretty small at high tide but there's still room. It's beautiful in the summer with the moored boats, beautiful in the winter with the snow sprinkled sand. The sand is soft and the beach is abound of happy, playful dogs. Except in the summer when the city gives you 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening to go with anything more than two legs. Alas, rules are rules. For the doggos, head over to the East End beach for more reasonable open dog hours. Besides that, the scenery is so beautiful. Walk over to the end towards the south and you get to Fisherman's Point on top of the hill. If its high tide the stairs may not be accessible. There's a tiny little cove that could be idyllic seclusion, except you'll have plenty of people peeping over you as they look out towards the edge of the world. Make it an adventure and walk the Spring Point breakwater, then scramble over the rocks to Willard. The folks that live right there are so lucky!

Love this beach. Really disappointed that the city of South Portland won't make the effort to open the public bathrooms at the beach in springtime. This is a very popular beach with families, and I was surprised they offer no toilets in April, even just during daylight hours on sunny weekends. What are people supposed to do, and the children? We like to visit from Portland, and expected South Portland to be family-friendly. Tried buying bathroom access with coffee and treats at the remodeled Scratch Bakery, but they haven't considered patrons needs (at their food and beverage shop!), despite the opportunity they had with a remodel. All around disappointing that basic sanitation isn't a consideration at this beach.

I love love love this beach! When it's off season. I love coming here during the off season, just before the tourists pour in and just after they leave. During the off season, parking is abundant, space on the beach is ample, and it is super relaxing. During the summer season when the tourists are in town, it is impossible to find parking unless you get there very early, or if you park up the hill on the main street. It's not a deal breaker, but if it's crazy busy I don't even try to find parking. I like that this beach is off the beaten path, and that it is very close to Scratch Baking Company. I frequently come here after I go there and bring my treats with me to enjoy on the beach. The view is wonderful, and it truly is a nice relaxing beach, even when the tourists are in town. Even though the parking might be a little nutty during the summer months, once you get to the beach it doesn't feel that way. It's a lot bigger than you think upon walking in. I highly recommend this beach!

Small walkable neighborhood beach. This beach is protected by surrounding islands so the water is calm. Paddle boarding would be fun! You can see Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse from here. (And Peak's Island.) Definitely worth a visit for a stroll or a zen place to just sit by the water.

If you are looking for a peaceful and secluded beach, you've found it! We came across this place at around 5/6pm and were pleasantly surprised. Parking is free and convenient. We had such a nice and relaxing time with our feet in the sand and watching dogs run around and play in the water! Awesome soft sand and perfect flat skipping rocks!

Willard Beach is a great local small beach. It has a small parking lot that is free. Snack shack, playground and bathrooms. Just a great beach with very small tiny waves to relax on. It's also a great spot to watch the boats and sailboats go in and out of the harbor.

A great beach to visit if you are in the area. It is clean and convenient to get to. There is a small playground for kids and also a concession stand. The bathrooms are also clean and well lit. There is no mirror though, so no checking if your sunscreen is rubbed in or if your ponytail has any strays. Conveniently, there is a free parking lot nearby. It is small though, so you might have trouble finding parking. A lot of the side streets have no parking signs.

A weekend stroll @Willard Beach! It's beautiful and clam. There wasn't much crowd, nice sunny afternoon and that cold breeze, it was so nice to be here.

I wanted a beach day yesterday, but didn't want to trek out our way for one so we ended up at Willard Beach. I must say, it's nice to live in Portland when Willard isn't so far away. Parking: First off, it's FREE! There's a lot for 75 cars on 30 Willow Street, South Portland ME. The parking lot is definitely limited, but there's always someone leaving so I'm sure you'll find a spot. My Point of View: To me, Willard Beach is unique because of how small it is. Aside from the beach being pebbly when it's low tide, the sand is fine and white/grayish which I think is interesting. It always feels nice to bury your feet deep down in sand that isn't so heavy and dense! I was able to have peace and quiet time without the insane chatter you'd find at a bigger beach. There's a playground, snack bar which is cash only, clean restrooms, showers and life guards on duty. This beach is dog friendly and are allowed on site in the summer before 9AM and after 7PM. Weather: I couldn't have asked for better weather yesterday. The weather held at mostly sunny skies with an approximate temperature of 83 degrees. You bet I was basking for quite some time before taking a dip in the cold water. That felt refreshing transitioning from really hot to really cold. There's also a whiteboard on the beach to let you know about the low tide/high tide times, water temp and weather the day you're going to the beach! I find that very helpful! I can't wait to go back soon!

Great beach. It is the beach my mom always brought me to as a kid. It has plentiful parking and a food shack. There are also restrooms. The problem with the food and bathrooms is that you have to get there during the day, because they all lock up early. It's a gentle beach with very few waves so it's great for little kids. Plus there is a playground. The views are great! Water is freezing! It's great for a quick beach day if you don't want to drive to some of the larger beaches.

Fantastic beach - and this is coming from someone that lives on a beach year-round. Spending time here with some friends and their kids, I got a new appreciation for what makes a family-friendly beach. Yes, there is a playground with steps and slides that are safe enough for a 2-year old to toddle up and zip down. There is also a really cool concession stand with $2 slushies and hot dogs and other miscellaneous snacks to keep said kids happy (although I wish they'd stay open past 4, as they lock the restrooms when they close!). What makes this beach special is the tidal effects of the ocean. Let me explain (and try not to be too much of a geek about it). If you go to the beach late at night, you'll be amazed at how little beach there actually is - the tide gets quite high. When a family would be at the beach though, there is a decent amount of clean sand to park upon, and the water which has receded has a very gentle slope to it. You really have to have your eye off your little ones to miss them wandering into a danger zone. As the afternoon wears on though, and the tide continues to go out, what suddenly appears is a plethora of marine life for little kids to look at and learn about. That rock is covered in snails! Over there is a little hermit crab scurrying about trying to keep up with the receding water!! Grab a big rock, throw it at a random patch of sand, and you're almost certain to see the spout of a disturbed clam ejecting water to make itself smaller, and kids will happily dig it up to study what a clam actually looks like (that isn't on their parents' plate). The best part of it all is the people. Everyone just seemed chill here. Parents happily let their kids all interact and play without helicoptering over them. Adults and teens of all ages were just in their own worlds, converging into little Venn diagrams if they were up to being social and then parting ways happily. I saw nothing of the loud, angry, ASBO behaviour normal to NY/NJ beaches, and it made each day a delight.

As a frequent traveler, I love finding quiet, less touristy places to hang out and unwind and this is definitely one of those places. I was there on a weekday from 9am-12:30pm. When I first got there it was me and maybe 5 other people within a 50 ft radius from me...that number maybe increased to 15 people over the next few hours. It never got super crowded. No strict rules. Free street parking. Free entrance. Basic but clean bathrooms and outdoor showers. Good for families or solo beach goers.

I absolutely adore Willard beach I love that has a playground at the snack shack in a bathroom right when you walk onto it and you can walk left a SMCC or right to my absolute favorite spot towards the beautiful ol fishing shacks on a ledge covered w lawn and benches!!

Willard Beach is my favorite spot in the entire Portland area! Actually in South Portland (SoPo) and very close to Fort Williams Park, Willard is populated by two very different (yet similar) crowds. What crowd you will find there depends on the time of year. From May 1st through September 30th you will find regular beachcombers enjoying a beautiful scene overlooking the Casco Bay. You know, your typical mom slathering too much sunblock on her kids, who just want to hit up the playground on the beach. Football tossing Midwestern visitors. Throngs of teenagers cruising the beach together... That kind of stuff. Come the cooler months though, and Willard turns into a hotbed for dog-owners. During this time of year the beach opens for dogs all day. From May to September dogs are allowed on the beach, but only between 7-9am and 7-9pm. My dog, Zoe absolutely LOVES this place! The sun, the sand, the SEAGULLS! There are tons of dogs enjoying Willard each and every time that I head down there, it is easily my favorite dog 'park' in the Portland area. Sure, the water is cold and the beach is kinda rocky. If I am looking to swim I head over to the Saco Bay, where conditions are much nicer for typical beach activities. But when I want to chill, and I mean really chill, I head to Willard.

A great small family beach in a residential area where you can achieve your own space on the sides of the beach. During summer season dogs are allowed from 7-9 Am or 7-9 pm. Dogs are off leash and play in the water or beach area. It was very manageable with no undue aggression. There is a great spot for photos from a hill above offering great sunset or sunrise opportunities. There is also a long jetti leading to a lighthouse. So relaxing.

When they say this beach is dog friendly, they really mean it. From 7-9 am and 7-9 pm during the summer, dogs are allowed to come out and play on this 0.5 mile long beach. Even if hubs and I didn't have pup, I would still have wanted to visit just to see all dogs playing in the waves and running down the beach. Was an absolute riot! We chatted with a number of people, all of whom were very friendly and kind. Wish we were locals just to have access to this gem year-round! Great first beach experience for pup - he slept hard after an hour and a half here!

Love the beach here -- tons of sand and not so hard surf. Ideal for families. When the tide is low you can walk a long ways. Some tide pools exist, too.

This is my beach! Not literally, but you know what I mean. It is my go-to, my happy place, my wonderful place. I used to think it was a secret, but every time I go now, it's more and more crowded. The secret must be out! Willard Beach is awesome! I never, ever park at the main beach entrance even though it's free. I like to go find a different side street and park there. There isn't a limit on how long you can park and I don't mind a little bit of walk. I've never had a problem finding a parking space. You wouldn't think there was a beach hidden away because to get there you have to drive through a college campus and then a neighborhood. The beach itself is great. It's always clean and well maintained. It just has a relaxing vibe. I've spent hours there at a time reading a book or wading in the water. The nice thing about Willard is that you can walk way out and the water doesn't get incredibly deep. I've been way out from the beach and only up to my waist. Granted my lower body is frozen, but it's numb so I can't feel it anyway! The views from the beach are really nice. You can watch the ferries coming and going and you might even hear the rock music from a booze cruise. Plus you can see lighthouses, watch people on boats or just enjoy the sunshine while getting a tan. It's a hidden gem (sort of hidden) and I hope most tourists continue to head south to Old Orchard and leave this wonderful place to us Mainers!

Lovely little HIDDEN beach in a quiet neighborhood. We were lucky to be visiting some locals who took us to this quaint spot following an ice cream trip to Willard Scoops. The beach itself is tucked away, had a handful of people [and dogs--we visited as the sun was setting], and the mosquitos were out for blood (BRING BUG SPRAY!) This is the perfect spot to pack a lunch and have a picnic, bring a chair and relax, enjoy the water or relax while watching a beautiful sunset. You won't be disappointed by this gem of a spot and people might even take you for a local if you're seen here!

Love, love taking morning/afternoon walks on this beach throughout all the seasons - it's quite a gem. Here's our Willard Beach routine : First we go to Scratch Bakery and grab bagels, pastries, and coffee - or whatever delicious treats you fancy, and then we walk to Willard Beach (about a 5 min walk from the bakery) whilst eating our brunch, sipping our coffee, and taking in some vitamin sea. When it's nice out, we will usually extend our walk throughout the neighborhood and ooo and ahh at the cute cottages/bungalows. Overall, the Willard Beach area gives off a cute, "beach town" kinda vibe which I love.

I am lucky enough to live within walking distance of this amazing specimen of earth's beauty. You can see both portland head light and spring point light from this beach. The volunteers do a great job of keeping it clean and dealing with seaweed. It is neat to climb up to the fisherman's shacks and sit on the little cliffs to look out onto the islands. Protips: Don't park in front of the locals houses. It's not kind. The beach is within walking distance of willard square where it is acceptable to park if the lot is full. Also, watch your feet. Dogs frequent this beach. Most owners do a good job of cleaning up but some like to leave the waste where it lays.

This place is wonderful. I suggest it to be the number one place you go when you take family from out of town. To begin go Willard Scoops and pick up a nice bit of ice cream. Then walk down to the beach. Start at the main enterance and walk towards the South Portland Bug Light (looks like a giant spark plug). You will have fun walking on the beach (especially after 7:00 P.M. when you can let your dog run around without a leash on). Make your way to the rocks that connect Willard beach to the old WWII fort. Explore the fort and then make your way out on the breakwater to the lighthouse. Willard beach provides a beautiful view on the Casco Bay, where you can see the islands and watch the ferry's come in and out. Pack a lunch or just spend the day. I assure you you won't be dissaponted (unless you are wierd).

Adorable beach town ! Free parking free entrance, felt like we found a hidden treasure..... took our beach chairs right into the water and relaxed for hours. Can't say I've had a more relaxing time. Water is clean and cold, people are scarce and mind their own business. After you get your dose of vitamin sea , take a 3 min drive to the light house and get the best lobster roll you can eat @ bite into Maine food cart !!! Don't pass up the blueberry ice cream

This beach doesn't even look like it's part of the United States! On the right day, this cove looks like your in small European nation. I was simply blown away with its beauty.

This is a great little beach. Dog friendly in the off-season, or morning and evening during peak. Never had a problem finding a spot on the sand and it's free! This a favorite spot for us in the Portland area.

I'm so fortunate to have bought my beautiful beach bungalow in 2009, when it was a huge buyers market.. Now the Willard Beach area is the most coveted neighborhood in the greater Portland area... My own little slice of Heaven. I'm a little reluctant to share this best kept secret & gem.. I want to keep this oasis peaceful, and not overrun with tourists... Go to OOB and have french fries!!

We went off 4 th of July week, hit day plenty of street parking. Beach was clean and but very crowded. A def must if you're in the area.

THE BEST BEACH. Ever. This beach is awesome. No fee for parking and so peaceful. Such a beautiful view, as one would expect. I love sitting on Willard with my book watching The Cat (the Portland to Nova Scotia ferry) pass through as well as the Peaks Island ferry. Such a hidden gem and the small walk to the beach from where you park is a non-issue when it is free! Willard is a beautiful, quiet, clean beach and my favorite in Southern Maine.

I lived in the area most of my life and Willard is a very spot to go especially if you are looking for warm sand in the summer to put yours toes into. The meeting of the water and sand though can be quite rocky (tiny ones) which can hurt your feet, so I do suggest you have on water shoes. There's also a nice little place on the beach to get things from candy to burgers I must say it's not bad at all. I highly recommend this area. Parking can be tricky, but if your patience in waiting for people to come up to leave the beach and wait for them to open the spot. Parking has no time limit in the lot, on street I am quite sure does.

Beautiful view ! Found by accident, but glad I did. Wasn't crowded at all. Couldn't get over the beauty of it all!!!

Great relaxing time, and walkable to downtown within an hour. Great place to spend the day....

Cute little beach that we went to, recommended by the lady at Scratch. It was filled with tanners, families, and kids, but there was enough space for us to dip our toes in the water. It was a really nice surprise. The beach was sandy, and bathrooms were rather clean for being a beach bathroom.

I don't swim here or lay on the beach for the day considering the fact that they need a flag for days that the water is not safe for swimming, but my dog likes to come here for a walk and it's great for that but I don't trust the water, and the beach itself isn't grand either.

Great spot to take the family. Easy free parking. Sand to play in. Views of Head Light, Casco Bay islands.