Southern Maine Community College is located on the former site of Fort Preble. The campus is filled with historical buildings that have been renovated into classrooms for students today. Students here are just steps away from two beautiful beaches, multiple lighthouses, athletic fields, and a great walkway/path known as the Greenbelt Walkway. Stepping off-campus students are just minutes from Portland, Maine’s largest city. Portland features concerts, night spots, sporting events, shopping,  culinary scenes, and much much more. Featured below are 2 of my favorite spots to visit, and I recommend you check them out!

Willard Beach is located just steps off the campus of SMCC. The beach is a very popular spot for both tourists and locals,  coming for the gorgeous views of Cushing Island, and Ram Island Light in Casco Bay. On the beach, visitors can watch the ferries and other boats cruise through the waters of the bay, listen to the buoys clanging offshore, or what most people choose to do is spread out in the sun and then go for a refreshing swim. Parking for the beach is free however it is also limited to 75 cars and requires a short walk to the beach. At the south end of Willard Beach sits a staircase that gives access to Fisherman’s Point Park. At this Park, people can enjoy views of the Portland Headlight!

Some rules and regulations for Willard Beach

• Park hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Dogs are permitted May 1st – September 30th from 7 A.M – 9 A.M. & 7 P.M. – 9 P.M. ONLY. From 7 P.M to 8 P.M dogs must be on a leash. Dogs are permitted on the beach from October 1st – April 30th from 6 A.M. – 9 P.M. however, they are required to be ON LEASH from 10 A.M. -3 P.M.
• Dog toys are not allowed on Willard Beach from May 1st – September 30th. From October 1st – April 30th, dog toys can be used between Beach Street and Fort Prebble.
• Long leashes are not allowed to be used on Willard Beach from May 1st – September 30th. From October 1st – April 30th, long leashes may be used.
• Dogs are not allowed to chase wildlife on Willard Beach.
• Dog owners are required to have a leash in hand at all times. Off-leash dogs must be kept within 100 feet and under voice control (returning to the owner or keeper after one signaling or calling).
• Pet waste must be bagged and properly disposed of in a trash receptacle or carried out of the park.
• Entry into sand dune vegetation by dogs and people is unlawful and strictly prohibited.
• Glass containers are not permitted on the beach.
• Consumption of alcohol and tobacco is prohibited.

Bug Light Park,  located on the eastern end of the Greenbelt Walkway, offers breathtaking views of Portland. The site contains a lot of history behind it. During WWII the massive park was home to a major shipbuilding operation. An estimated 30,000 people were employed here from 1941-1945. Their jobs were to create liberty ships for the New England shipbuilding Corp. and the South Portland Shipbuilding. Today, Bug Light Park is a popular site for picnicking, boating, saltwater fishing, and, of course, kite flying. It also hosts many seasonal events, which feature a car show, summer movie nights, a day-long 4th of July celebration with fireworks, and a kite festival.

Some rules and regulations for Bug Light Park.

• Park hours: Open daily, 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Dogs are permitted on and off leash; however, if they are off leash they must be kept within 100 feet and under voice control.
• Pet waste must be bagged and disposed of in trash bins or carried out of the park.
• Consumption of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is prohibited.