Outdoor activities are almost endless during the summer months in Maine.
Beaches and Swimming
Visit the areas sandy beaches for sun soaking and fantastic swimming.
Old Orchard Beach is less than a 30 minute drive from PineCrest Inn. More than just a "beach", it is a family oriented resort which spans 7 miles of Maine coast.
It offers everything from great ocean swimming and beach lounging to fun events, games, amusement parks, dining and golf.
There are even fireworks shows during the summer months. For a quieter beach experience visit Higgins Beach, a few miles south of Cape Elizabeth.
Sebago lake State park features fresh water swimming, water sports, and park grounds for picnicking. »View a Map of Nearby Beaches
Canoeing and Kayaking
Kayaking off the coast of Maine gives an exciting perspective to the sights and sounds of coastal life.
Kayak rentals, route information and guided tours are offered by
Kayak Excursions which is located in Kennebunkport, Maine (A 30 minute drive from the Inn).
They also offer kayak delivery to launch sites from York to Portland. »View kayak launch Sites
Canoeing the flat waters of Scarborough Marsh is a MUST DO for any paddle enthusiast.
Visit the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center (about 20 minutes from PineCrest), for canoe (or kayak) rentals and explore the fascinating salt water marshes. They provide a map and natural guide for navigating you through the Dunstan River. There are also guided canoe tours all of kinds including "Early Morning", "Sunset" and the very popular "Full Moon" excursion. All tours are suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers.
Sailing and Whale Watching
View picturesque Casco bay and beyond by schooner. The Portland Schooner Co. offers windjammer sails on authentic wooden schooners (Bagheera or Wendameen) built in the early part of the 20th century.
Spend an afternoon or an entire day enjoying the experience of sailing the sea. Sails and Tails is a special day of classic windjammer sailing & traditional island lobster bake on beautiful Cow Island
If you prefer to use you own sailing skills, why not rent a sailboat on Sebago Lake. The lake provides great winds for sailing in this best kept secret. Spend a day traveling the lake and through the lock for a spectacular look at the Sebago lakes region.
There are plenty of nice spots for swimming and restaurants along the way. Sailboat rentals are available at Sebago Sailing.
Interested in learning how to sail? Private lessons are available. Learn the basics of sailing in just two-three 2 hour sessions.
Board Portland's Odyssey for a spectacular whale watching excursion. Tour sightings have included: Humpbacks, Finbacks, Minkes, North Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins, Basking sharks, Ocean Sunfish, Sea Turtles, as well as countless seabirds.
Sporting Events
Don't miss the chance to attend a Portland Sea Dog’s baseball game. The Portland Sea Dogs, a Boston Red Sox affiliate team, is a fun way to spend a few hours from early spring all the way into early fall. The small ball park, Hadlock Field, doesn't have a bad seat in the park. You can feast on great traditional ball park food and more unexpected items including local micro beers. The games are entertaining even for those lacking baseball knowledge. Often stars from the Major Leagues can be seen during their rehab stints before returning to the Red Sox. If you are a baseball lover, than this is where you catch the stars of tomorrow playing their hearts out today. Great family fun, kids and adults alike will enjoy a few hours behind the plate.
Golfing
Don't forget to bring your clubs! If golf is your game, there are some beautifully maintained and scenic golf courses in the Greater Portland area. Please refer to each individual course for details.
Summer Fruits and Vegetables
Nothings tastes finer than a sampling of summer's sweet strawberries (available early summer to late fall) and blueberries (available Late summer). Our area of Maine has plenty of great berry patches ready for picking. Visit Broadturn Farm in Scarborough and Crabtree's Blueberries in Sebago and take home a quart or two or three or MORE...of super delicious and healthy berries. Make your own strawberry rhubarb pies and blueberry treats, or if you prefer, pick up freshly made baked goods at one of the farms and/or local bakeries.
Stop by one of the many farm stands along route for freshly picked vegetables and amazing crops of fresh tomatoes (many of which offer organic produce).
See also:
Maine activities for ANY season
