Where is All The Affordable Beach Parking in Maine?

As the world continues to grapple with inflation, Maine is a market that is filled with supply and demand. The increased costs on everything from gasoline to food to lodging hasn't seemed to deter people from traveling to Maine during the summer months.

Southern Maine is littered with incredible beaches that ocean-starved tourists can't wait to visit. The summer of 2024 has given plenty of opportunities to visit the beach and native Mainers have been trying to take advantage of their chances..

But when they've arrived to visit places like Higgins Beach and Pine Point in Scarborough, there continues to be some sticker shock when it comes to the price to park.

Shared on Reddit by ejoburke90, parking fees during July and August have doubled for many of southern Maine's most popular beaches in the last couple of years. For many in the state, a $15 fee to park for a few hours feels high. Now, they're faced with a $30 plus fee for the same parking spot, which feels absurd.

Unfortunately, this isn't anything new. Last year, both locals and tourists alike were stunned at the price for all-day parking in Old Orchard Beach. Shared on Facebook by Jessica Laskey, several lots close to the beach continue to charge upwards of $40 to park on Saturday and Sunday. Just five years ago, those lots offered all-day parking for $25 or less.

The price of parking in Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, and other beachfront communities continues to be a point of contention. Many who call the surrounding areas home feel like they're being priced out visiting their own beaches.

Commenters in the Reddit post suggested that the state should consider a "locals" discount for native Mainers at state park beaches.

Private lots remain a different story. Similar to Maine's housing market, it remains a supply and demand issue. As long as there's enough people willing to pay $30-$40 to park near a popular beach, those prices don't seem to be wavering.

In fact, Mainers should prepare themselves to see $50 per day lots next summer.