Planning a Trip? Higgins Beach Dog Rules 2025 Explained
The simple Higgins Beach dog rules make accessing the beach easy for pet owners. This is one of the renowned dog-friendly Maine beaches where puppies can have an ultimate experience.
It is a quaint neighborhood beach that is private but has public access. This beach provides many amenities, which make it more accessible. With white sand and crystal-clear water, Higgins Beach has something for everyone.
There is an abundance of restaurants and residential options for tourists. Natural parks like Fort Williams Park, Bug Light, etc, are near the beach where people can spend some time.
Higgins Beach Dog Rules and Policies, South Portland, ME
- From 15th May to Labour Day, dogs are prohibited from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From sunrise to 9 a.m., dogs can be on a leash or under voice control. After 5 p.m. till sunset, dogs are allowed on a leash.
- Dogs must be away from the red flag-restricted areas.
- From 1st April to Labor Day. Dogs are strictly disallowed from Champion Street to Spurwink River.
- From Labor Day to April 14th, dogs must be leashed from 1 a.m. to 3 p.m. Except for these hours, dogs are allowed off-leash at any time of the day.
- Owners must clean up after their pets and carry them themselves.
- Pets are disallowed on the beach 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.
Higgins Dog Beach, Maine
Higgins Beach Dog Licensing
All dogs should be licensed by the municipality in which they reside. Dogs 6 months and above must be licensed. In this case, they should get their license within 10 days after adaptation. A current rabies certificate is required.
The license expires on December 31st of every year. It can be renewed on October 15th. If the dog is neutered, owners should bring written proof.
How To Reach Higgins Beach
- By Flight: Portland International Jetport (PWM / KPWM)
- By Train: Portland Transportation Center
- By Bus: Marginal Way + Franklin St
- By Ferry: Cosco Bay Ferry Lines.
About Dog-Friendly Higgins Beach – Scarborough, Maine, US
Higgins Beach is a picturesque beach tucked between a quiet neighborhood that dates back to the late 1800s. This is a small private beach that gives public access. The white sand and pristine water are what people love about this beach.
It has all the perfect ingredients to make it an ideal holiday destination. The Town authority and the Higgins Beach Association maintain the beach. A small river tip has formed at the northeastern end of the beach by the Spurwink River.
People often visit this beach to take a relaxing bath in the water, catch fish in the river, sunbathe, surf, etc. Canoeing or standing paddleboarding in the river is another perk of this place. Visitors love to watch the sunrise and sunset here.
There are around 300 cottages in the seaside neighborhood for people to stay in. Many restaurants provide local cuisine and offerings. A part of a shipwreck, which remains from the 1897 large schooner, is still visible during low tide.
Many tidal pools are formed on this beach, which attracts kids. Striped bass fishing is another focal point. This beach has no lifeguard, so tourists must be cautious while swimming.
- Parking: No street parking beside the designated space on Bayview Avenue.
- Things To Do: Sunbathing, Kayaking, Surfing, Sand Dollar Hunting, Fly Fishing, Body Boarding
- Pet-Friendly Restaurants: O’Reilly’s Cure Restaurant & Bar, St. Joe’s Cafe
- Dog-Friendly Hotels: Homewood Suites by Hilton Portland, Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Scarborough
- Dog-Friendly Rentals: Badger Cottage, Scots on the Rocks
- Dog Boarding: Another Dog Day, Mutty Paws Academy
- Events: Higgins Beach Art & Craft Show
- Amenities: On-site restrooms and shower facilities.
- Nearby Visiting Places: Scarborough Beach State Park, Two Lights State Park
- Beach Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Higgins Beach Rules and Regulations
- Camping is strictly prohibited.
- Alcohol is prohibited.
- From 15th June to 15th Sept, visitors are disallowed from surfing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Horses and horseback riding are prohibited.
- Smoking and the use of tobacco are restricted except in designated areas.
- Open fire, fireworks, grills, and charcoal are forbidden on the beach.
- Trash should be carried out.
- Visitors are kindly requested to refrain from feeding the seagulls.
Does Higgins Beach cost money?
Yes, Higgins Beach costs money. Visitors need a beach pass to enter Higgins Beach. These passes can be seasonal or daily. Seasonal passes for Scarborough residents are $40, while for non-residents, the cost is $200. The single-vehicle daily rate is $20. Higgins Beach Bayview Ave Lot’s hourly rate is $5(collected from May 1 to September 15 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Beach passes are required from the Friday before Memorial Day (May) through Labor Day (September). It is collected from 7 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
What is there to do at Higgins Beach?
Beachgoers can enjoy surfing, kayaking, sunbathing, boogie boarding, etc, at Higgins Beach.
Is Higgins Beach public?
Higgins Beach is a private beach with public access. The public access is maintained and operated by the town.
What time does Higgins Beach open?
Higgins Beach is open from sunrise.
Conclusion
Higgins Beach in Maine was a dream for me and my pup—simple dog rules made it easy to relax and explore. We chased waves, strolled the shore, and soaked up the salty breeze. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer. A must for any beach-loving dog owner.
Maine Dog Beach Articles:
- Pine Point Dog Beach, Maine
- Old Orchard Dog Beach
- Wells Dog Beach
- Dog-friendly Goose Rocks Beach
- Ogunquit Dog Beach
- Long Sands Dog Beach in Maine
- Fort Foster Dog Beach
- Seapoint Dog Beach in Kittery
- Dog-Friendly Willard Beach
- Kennebunk Dog Beach, Maine
- Dog-Friendly East End Beach, Portland, Maine
