My Favorite South Portland Spots

Hannah Truman
Jul 23, 2019
3 min read

Updated: Aug 26, 2024

Though South Portland is home to the Maine Mall, the largest shopping mall in the state, the city offers a great deal of other things to do in the summer. From cozy cafes and scenic ocean spots, check out a few of my favorite places outside of the commercial hub of Maine.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

To reach Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, you'll drive through SMCC's campus. However, this charming lighthouse is open to all visitors. Positioned at the end of a 900-foot jetty, it offers a picturesque setting for photographs.

You can make your way out onto the rocky path towards the lighthouse or simply enjoy the scenic views around you at the small beach nearby. In the distance, you are able to see the Portland Harbor, the Casco Bay Islands, and some historic forts.

Scratch Baking Co. - 416 Preble St

Scratch Baking Co. is a small neighborhood bakery that is known for their scrumptious bread and baked treats. You might have a hard time deciding what to get since everything displayed in their cases looks mouth-watering, but I promise you won't go wrong with a bagel or a cookie the size of your head. Serving local coffee from Coffee by Design, Speckled Ax, and Rwanda Bean Co., you can always count on a good cup of joe to go with your baked treat.

If you’re headed to Portland Headlight then Scratch is an essential stop you have to make along the way. Or grab your goodies and head down the street to eat them at Willard Beach, a short 2-minute drive away.

Scratch has a second location called the "Toast Bar" dedicated to their famous bread and bagels. With a wide array of toppings including homemade jams and jellies, flavored cream cheeses, and Casco Bay Butter, there's something for everyone.

Willard Beach

Nestled in a private neighborhood, Willard Beach is a local go-to for a stress free beach visit off the beaten path. While many tourists are distracted with the popular beaches in Southern Maine such as Old Orchard or Pine Point, you can find usually find less people and free parking at South Portland's Willard Beach.

With a glimpse of the Portland Headlight and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in the distance, Willard Beach also has some of the prettiest views. If you are looking for a spot to cool off this summer, this is the perfect place to take a dip in the water or to enjoy the ocean breeze.

Willard Scoops - 429 Preble St

Nestled near Willard Beach and Scratch in Willard Square, Willard Scoops is a beloved local ice cream shop known for its delicious homemade flavors. Indulge in a scoop or two of their freshly made ice cream.

Night Moves Bread - 695 Broadway Unit 2

Night Moves Bread in SoPo is a must-visit for bread and pastries. The welcoming staff makes navigating their incredible bread selection a breeze. We savored the smoked potato and sweet onion bread, perfect on its own. Their coffee cake is a winner too – moist and delicious. The only drawback is the lack of seating, so I suggest taking your treats to the nearby park, Mill Creek Park.

Broadway Gardens - 1640 Broadway

Broadway Gardens is a local greenhouse that I visit annually in springtime to pick out flowers for my outdoor gardens. This neighborhood gem is celebrated for its vibrant array of plants, flowers, and gardening supplies. Whether you're a dedicated gardener or just looking to bring a touch of nature into your home, Broadway Gardens offers something for everyone.