Discover the best of coastal Maine! Explore picturesque towns and villages like Wells, Ogunquit and more. You’ll discover stunning lighthouses, mouthwatering seafood, and breathtaking views that will make you fall in love with this state. You’ll also find out about some of the hidden gems and local secrets that make each town unique and charming. Join us as we share our family’s unforgettable summer journey through coastal Maine.
Our First Stop in Coastal Maine: The Nubble Light in York, Maine
We kicked off our coastal Maine adventure with a visit to the Nubble Light, a perfect introduction to the many magnificent lighthouses that dot the coast. Even though the weather was gloomy and foggy, the lighthouse was still impressive, perched high on a rocky island with giant waves crashing around it. Near the lighthouse, at Sohier Park, there is a large parking lot, a gift shop, and restrooms. This place is a hot spot for tourists and locals alike, so be prepared for crowds.
Ogunquit Beach: A Coastal Maine Paradise
Ogunquit Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Maine, with a beautiful white sand beach, clear water, and gorgeous coastal views. You can relax on the beach or enjoy water activities like swimming, boating, and surfing. There is a parking area for the beach as well as restrooms and showers. But hurry, parking fills up fast! You can also hop on the local trolley that takes visitors to and from the charming town of Ogunquit. There, you can explore the shops, galleries, and restaurants that reflect the artistic flair and local flavor of this seaside community.
Perkins Cove: A Charming Seaside Village in Ogunquit
This fun little fishing village is filled with local boutiques, artisan and souvenir shops, and tons of restaurants. You can watch the boats go through the historic drawbridge on their way to and from the marina, a big hit with the kids.
Before you enjoy a delicious meal at one of the waterfront restaurants, we recommend taking a walk on the scenic trail “Marginal Way” that runs along the coast. It is an easy, paved path that has many benches and spots to stop, rest, and admire the views. The summer flowers were in full bloom when we visited, including beach roses and tiger lilies! Along the path, you will find the Lobster Point Lighthouse, a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. You can also drive to the lighthouse, but parking is limited, so walking the path might be more convenient. Perkins Cove is a perfect place to experience the charm and beauty of Maine.
Shain’s of Maine: A Local Favorite
Our campground host recommended Shain’s of Maine for a great lobster roll at a very reasonable price. It is a local favorite located in Sanford Maine. When we got there for lunch, the line was out the door! The lobster roll was fantastic, especially with a side of clam chowder. You can choose to have your lobster roll warm with butter or cold with mayo. We preferred the buttery one, but you should try both and decide for yourself. The kids will love the huge ice cream sundaes and hot dogs, with plenty of flavors and toppings to choose from. We also grabbed a whoopie pie, a popular New England treat, to take on the road. Decadent, chocolatey, and delicious!
Mount Agamenticus: Off The Beaten Path
Taking a break from the beach, we headed to Mt. Agamenticus, located in York, for a family picnic and hike. If you are feeling adventurous, you can park at the bottom of the mountain and hike or bike to the top. You can also take the scenic drive to the summit parking area, which is what we chose to do. There is a small parking fee that you can pay with an app. The restrooms were under construction during our visit in summer 2023 but there were portable facilities available.
There is a Learning Center and many trails and overlooks at the top. Take the loop trail around the summit to enjoy ocean vistas on the east side of the mountain and beautiful mountain views to the north and west. On a clear day, you can even see the White Mountains in New Hampshire!
A Scenic Drive To Portland: Route 1 of Coastal Maine
Route 1 offers a scenic drive along the Maine coast, with many charming fishing villages, ports, and coastal towns to explore. You can find something fun and interesting to see at every stop.
Kennebunkport
One of the highlights is Kennebunkport, a resort town known for its historic sea captain mansions, scenic beaches, art galleries, and local shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to see Walker’s Point, the summer estate of the Bush family, from the overlook on Ocean Avenue or the “Anchor to Winward” dedication. You’ll also enjoy the breathtaking views of the rocky coast. Another attraction is the Seashore Trolley Museum, the oldest and largest electric railway museum in the world.
Freeport
If you love shopping, you’ll love Freeport. It’s known for its shopping outlets, including the home of L.L. Bean, which we highly recommend visiting. There are fun events held all summer long, including yoga on the lawn, free family movie nights, and even a concert series.
Portland Lighthouses
Bug Light, the nickname for the Portland Breakwater Light, does not look like your average Maine Lighthouse. It resembles a miniature Greek temple on the sea. It sits at the edge of a rocky breakwater in South Portland. You can see the lighthouse up close at Bug Light Park. Also check out the Liberty Ship Memorial, watch huge ships come and go from Portland Harbor and enjoy the scenic coastal views.
Portland Head Light is the oldest and probably most famous lighthouse in Maine. At the Portland Head Light Museum, you can discover its fascinating history and browse the gift shop for souvenirs. Don’t miss this stunning attraction on your coastal Maine tour. We couldn’t see much through the fog when we went, but we can’t wait to go back and enjoy the views. Since we couldn’t take any pictures, please check out the Portland Head Light website for a photo gallery of this magnificent lighthouse.
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing summer getaway, coastal Maine is a fantastic destination. The charming coastal towns have something for everyone, from sandy beaches and boating adventures to hiking trails and lighthouses. Add in a scenic drive and some delicious seafood, and you will have yourself a great Maine vacation! I hope this blog helps you get ready for your own coastal Maine adventure. If you are looking to add even more adventure to your coastal Maine trip, I highly recommend Acadia National Park. This park offers spectacular rugged landscapes, scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing. For more tips and recommendations, check out my post about Acadia National Park. Happy travels!
