Willard Beach derives its name from the historic Willard family or the Willard Square neighborhood in South Portland, creating a four-acre sand and pebble beach tucked between Fisherman's Point and Southern Maine Community College campus. This intimate beach hugs Simonton Cove in a quiet residential area, offering panoramic views of Spring Point Ledge Light, Fort Scammel, Fort Gorges, Peaks Island, and Cushing Island across Casco Bay.
The beach provides swimming, sunbathing, and tide pool exploration at low water when wildlife discovery opportunities attract families and nature enthusiasts. A summer bathhouse offers restrooms, a snack bar, and outdoor showers, with a 75-car parking lot on Willow Street and access to the Spring Point Shoreway Trail at the north end, while seasonal dog restrictions permit pets May 1-September 30 from 7-9am and 7-9pm only.
South Portland dining includes Saltwater Grille for upscale waterfront seafood with city skyline views and fresh lobster and oysters, Docks Seafood for casual fried and steamed platters with Maine craft beers, and SoPo Seafood Market & Raw Bar at 171 Ocean Street in Knightville for regional fish and shellfish.
