Terri, I am in Scarborough - about 7 miles south of Portland. Our beach is almost a mile long with a river on the north and lots of rock formations on the south. Great playing areas for all ages! Great fishing from shore or boat. Great surfing too. Water is cold, but most people wear wetsuits now. Our tide goes out about 250 feet, so sometimes it is a long walk to the water. And sometimes during storms the water comes right up to your house!! I am just about 100 feet from the beach - makes for easy access. Just not much land with my house, but have to give up something I guess.