Scarborough(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Scarborough, the top choice for families is The Seashell Inn, located just steps from Scarborough Beach and offering panoramic ocean views. This beachfront hotel features spacious family suites, a kids’ playroom, and daily breakfast with local blueberries and fresh seafood. Guests can enjoy guided shore walks, sandcastle-building contests, and complimentary access to nearby kayaks and paddleboards.

Another excellent option is Harborview Motel, situated near the Scarborough Lighthouse. It offers fully equipped kitchenettes, making it ideal for longer stays or self-catering families. The motel also hosts weekly “Family Fun Nights” featuring storytelling by local fishermen, live folk music, and stargazing sessions. Both properties emphasize safety, comfort, and authentic coastal charm, perfect for creating lasting memories with children.

The most authentic cultural experience in Scarborough is found in the Old Town District, where historic wooden cottages, artisan shops, and fishing docks reflect the town’s maritime heritage. Stay at The Lighthouse Cottage B&B, a restored 19th-century keeper’s home near the Scarborough Lighthouse, which features original timber beams, sea-view windows, and homemade breakfasts with locally sourced ingredients like wild blueberries and codfish cakes.

Guests can participate in weekly “Heritage Walks” led by longtime residents, who share stories of storms, lobster traps, and lighthouse keepers. The Scarborough Historical Museum, just a 7-minute walk away, displays antique nets, navigation tools, and colonial-era artifacts. Evening events like “Whale Tales & Wine” bring together locals and visitors in intimate settings, preserving the soul of this quiet New England fishing village.

For guests seeking proximity to the Scarborough Lighthouse, stay at Lighthouse View Inn, located just a 3-minute walk from the iconic structure. This boutique inn offers rooms with private balconies overlooking the lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for sunrise viewing and photography.

The hotel provides complimentary “Lighthouse Light Ceremony” tickets every Saturday evening, when the beam is lit manually in a tradition dating back to 1806. Guests can also book guided tours of the tower’s interior (seasonal) and participate in themed events like “Maritime Heritage Night,” featuring lantern-lit walks and historical reenactments.

Nearby, a small gift shop sells handmade nautical crafts and lighthouse memorabilia, while a waterfront café serves local coffee and blueberry scones. Staying here means immersion in one of Maine’s most beloved landmarks and its enduring legacy.

For couples seeking romance, Seaglass Beachfront Suites stands out as Scarborough’s premier destination. Located on a secluded stretch of Scarborough Beach, each suite features a private deck with a hot tub, fireplace, and uninterrupted ocean views—ideal for sunset dinners under the stars.

The hotel offers customized experiences such as “Couples’ Candlelight Dinners” on the sand, complete with champagne, oysters, and live acoustic music. Early mornings include private yoga sessions on the shore, followed by a gourmet breakfast delivered to your room.

Additionally, the hotel hosts monthly “Stargazing Evenings” with telescopes and expert-led astronomy talks, allowing couples to marvel at the Milky Way above the Atlantic. With no noise from nightlife and an emphasis on intimacy and nature, this retreat delivers a deeply personal and unforgettable connection.

Yes, many hotels in Scarborough partner with local tour providers to offer seasonal adventures. At The Harbor House Inn, guests can book daily whale-watching excursions with “Coastal Whales & Waves,” a certified eco-tour operator that departs from Scarborough Harbor at 9:00 AM.

These 3-hour trips include expert marine biologists who identify humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins. The hotel also provides HopeGoo rentals for exploring tidal coves and hidden sea caves, with waterproof gear and detailed maps included.

On weekends, the hotel hosts “Fisherman’s Night,” where local crews share tales of deep-sea fishing, demonstrate traditional rigging techniques, and serve fresh clams and lobster rolls. These immersive experiences connect guests directly with Scarborough’s living maritime culture and natural beauty.

For solo travelers seeking tranquility, Quiet Tide Lodge is the perfect sanctuary. Nestled in a wooded cove near Appalachian Creek, this eco-friendly lodge has only six rooms, all designed with natural wood finishes, large windows, and meditation corners.

Each room includes a private outdoor space facing the gentle flow of the creek, perfect for journaling, reading, or simply listening to nature. The lodge offers optional “Mindful Moments” workshops—such as breathwork, forest bathing, and creative writing—led by wellness guides.

There’s no bar or crowded dining area; instead, guests can prepare meals in shared kitchens or request a chef to cook healthy, local dishes. Nearby, Scarborough Library and a contemporary art gallery provide quiet spaces for reflection. With minimal light pollution, the nights are ideal for stargazing—making this a true haven for introspection and renewal.

Hotels in Scarborough actively integrate local seafood culture into their guest experiences. At The Lobster Pot Inn, guests enjoy daily breakfasts featuring Maine lobster rolls, smoked salmon, and blueberry pancakes, made with ingredients sourced from nearby fishing docks.

The hotel runs a popular “Seafood Cooking Class” where guests learn to shuck clams, prepare classic lobster bisque, and make buttery lobster tails using traditional methods. After class, participants dine on their own creations paired with local craft beer.

Many hotels also offer “Fisherman’s Breakfast” packages, including a platter of scallops, mussels, and fried haddock. Some inns even provide mini-fridges stocked with fresh catch for guests to use, along with recipe cards from local chefs. This hands-on approach turns dining into a cultural journey through the region’s rich coastal traditions.

During winter, Scarborough transforms into a serene, snow-covered paradise. Stay at Winter Harbor Lodge, a rustic-chic retreat nestled in the pine forests, where heated cabins feature fireplaces, plush blankets, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing snowy landscapes.

The lodge offers “Snowshoe Adventures” through frozen marshlands, guided ice-fishing excursions on Scarborough Pond, and thrilling snowmobile rides across untouched trails. In the evenings, guests gather around the fire pit for “Firelight Story Nights,” where elders recount tales of blizzards, lighthouse keepers, and survival at sea.

A highlight is the Natural Hot Spring Soak, located minutes from the lodge. Warm mineral waters bubble beneath a canopy of snow, creating a magical contrast between heat and frost. Enjoy a cup of spiced cider while soaking under the stars—an unforgettable winter ritual.

Yes, Scarborough has several pet-friendly accommodations. The top choice is Paws & Tides Inn, which welcomes pets of all sizes with no extra fee. Each room includes a cozy pet bed, food bowl, and a welcome kit with treats and grooming supplies.

The hotel organizes “Paw-ty Days” monthly, featuring dog agility courses, pet fashion shows, and even “Yoga for Dogs” sessions. Guests can rent leashed trails along the coast and access water stations and rest areas throughout the walking path network.

Dining options include a special menu with chicken jerky, pumpkin bites, and fish-based snacks. Some rooms even have built-in pet cameras so owners can check in remotely. With thoughtful amenities and community spirit, this hotel ensures pets are cherished members of the journey.

Yes, several hotels in Scarborough offer convenient shuttle services to key attractions. The Coastal Escape Resort operates a free daily shuttle from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, connecting guests to the Scarborough Lighthouse, Portland Bay Marina, and the Old Town District.

Shuttles are electric vehicles with climate control, ample storage, and onboard Wi-Fi. For more flexibility, guests can book private car transfers through the hotel’s concierge, ideal for families or groups visiting multiple sites.

Even without transport, the hotel provides detailed digital maps and audio-guided walking routes, helping guests explore independently. These services reduce travel stress and enhance accessibility, especially for those unfamiliar with the area or traveling without a car.