Southern Maine is your ticket to coastal charm, lobster rolls, and epic outdoor fun. From iconic lighthouses to quirky fishing villages, this stretch of New England packs a punch for families, foodies, and nature lovers alike.
Whether you’re snapping pics at Nubble Lighthouse or strolling Ogunquit’s beaches, here’s your guide to the best places to visit in Southern Maine. Let’s dive into the salty air and good vibes!
Nubble Lighthouse in York: Picture-Perfect Coastal Magic
Kick off your trip in York at Nubble Lighthouse (aka Cape Neddick Light). This postcard worthy lighthouse is perched high on a rocky island across from Sohier Park.
Built in 1879, it’s one of Maine’s most photographed spots. Even on a foggy day, the lighthouse was still just as stunning. It was a perfect introduction to the many magnificent lighthouses that dot the coast.
Park at Sohier Park for free, explore the gift shop, and soak in the ocean views. Grab a sweet treat at the very popular Dunne’s Ice Cream, just down to road. Nubble Lighthouse is a quick stop but a total must for anyone chasing those classic Maine vibes.
Ogunquit Beach: Eclectic Vibes and Beachy Bliss in Southern Maine
Ogunquit blends charm and quirky in the best way. This seaside town (its name means “beautiful place by the sea” in Abenaki) is very popular with locals and tourist alike, with its mix of artsy shops, top-notch restaurants, and miles of fantastic sandy beach.
Spend the day in the sun and surf at Ogunquit Beach, a 3.5-mile stretch of soft sand- great for swimming, boating, and surfing. Head over to Main Street and pop into eclectic boutiques for sea glass jewelry or local art. Try Pepper’s Seafood Co for great seafood or dinner at The Front Porch for piano-bar vibes and tasty cocktails.
The summer season gets very busy, so hit the beach early to snag a parking spot! You can also hop on the local trolley and skip the parking crowds altogether.
Perkins Cove: A Charming Seaside Village in Ogunquit
This fun little fishing village is filled with local boutiques, artisan galleries, and tons of restaurants. You can watch the boats go through the historic drawbridge on their way to and from the marina, this was a big hit with the kids.
Stroll the scenic Marginal Way, a 1.25-mile path that runs along the coast with gorgeous ocean views. It is an easy, paved path that has many benches and spots to stop, rest, and admire the sights.
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, it’s small but so cute, and you can walk right up to it to snap a pic.
Back at Perkins Cove, browse quaint shops and galleries featuring handmade goodies, collectibles, and souvenirs. Take a break and enjoy the views while dining at Footbridge Lobster or M.C. Perkins Cove. Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat from Perkins Cove Candies.
Beaches, Nature, and Small-Town Charm in Wells
Wells is a fun resort town in Southern Maine with family-friendly beaches, tasty eats, and fun attractions. Wells also served as our base camp for exploring the area, where the vacation vibe was in full swing. Enjoy the sun and sand along miles of beaches including Wells Beach, Crescent Beach, and the quieter vibes of Drakes Island Beach.
Have a thrilling day playing mini-golf, riding go-karts, and playing in the awesome arcade at Wonder Mountain Fun Park. Wonder Mountain was within walking distance of the RV park where we stayed, talk about convenience!
For great local eats, check out Mike’s Clam Shack or Billy’s Chowder House for seafood, The Steakhouse for a great steak dinner, or The Maine Diner for classic comfort food.
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. A short drive from Wells, this local favorite is 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.
The kids loved the huge ice cream sundaes, with tons 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!
Hiking in Southern Maine: Trails for Every Vibe
Taking a break from the beach, hit the trails and enjoy nearby nature hiking and local wildlife.
Mount Agamenticus (York): Take the scenic drive to the top or for an extra challenge, hike or bike from the parking area at the bottom. The summit awaits with epic views of mountains and coastline.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (Biddeford): The Timber Point Trail is an easy 2-mile loop through marshlands, forests, and rocky shores along the coast. A great hike for birdwatching and quiet vibes. Bonus: at low tide, you can cross to Timber Island- just be sure to check the tide charts so you don’t get stuck!
Another popular hike is the Carson Interpretive Trail. A quick, easy 1-mile loop along the saltmarsh with interpretive stops and benches along the path.
Orris Falls Conservation Area (South Berwick): The Orris Falls and Balancing Rock Trail winds past beautiful wetlands, Orris Falls, and the gorge of Orris Falls. The trail was easy and kid-friendly, with a cool side trail to the massive Balancing Rock.
For more information about these hikes and our other favorites in Maine, check out our post: Exploring the Best Hikes in Maine!
Route 1: A Scenic Coastal Drive in Southern Maine
Craving a road trip? Route 1 offers a scenic drive along the Maine coast, with many charming fishing villages, ports, and coastal towns to explore.
Portland
Stop at Portland’s Old Port for cobblestone streets, craft breweries, and lobster shacks. Visit Fort Williams Park to see Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest and most famous lighthouse, plus a museum and gift shop.
Another fun stop is Bug Light Park in South Portland. Visit the Portland Breakwater Light as well as the Liberty Ship Memorial on the other end of the park. Kite flying was a very popular activity on the breezy day we visited along with family picnics and lots of fishing.
Kennebunkport
One of our highlights was Kennebunkport, a resort town known for its historic sea captain mansions and scenic beaches. Wander around Dock Square for coastal chic boutiques and unique gift shops.
Stroll Parsons Way for rugged coastal views along Ocean Avenue. Observe the Anchor to Winward dedication and peek at Walker’s Point across the bay, home to the Bush family summer estate.
Another popular attraction is the Seashore Trolley Museum, the oldest and largest electric railway museum in the world.
Freeport
End in Freeport, 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. This was such a fun stop!
Southern Maine Wrap Up
Southern Maine has it all: lighthouses that steal your breath, beaches that beg for barefoot walks, and quaint coastal towns ready for a stroll. Whether you’re enjoying lobster rolls with the locals, taking in a spectacular nature hike, or watching the boats in Perkins Cove, you will find something memorable. Plan your trip and get ready for a coastal escape to Southern Maine!
Looking for more to discover in Maine? Check out our post on How To Experience The Best of Coastal Maine in One Summer.
Happy travels!
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