10 Finest Seaside Cities in Maine

York

York is the second-oldest city within the state, residence to gorgeous shows of basic New England-style shingle structure and the well-known Nubble Lighthouse. Now a basic summer time trip vacation spot, it’s an excellent selection for friends coming from the southern states, because it sits near the New Hampshire border. Lauren Mendoza, proprietor of Slack Tide Sea Salt and York native, says, “Harbor Seaside is small and candy, Cape Neddick Seaside is superb for tide pooling, and Lengthy Sands is our largest seashore and is ideal for a morning stroll.”

“Wiggly Bridge and Fisherman’s Stroll is the prettiest and most peaceable strolling path. It goes over a tiny suspension bridge and into the woods for a brief loop,” she says. After spending the afternoon by the water, you possibly can cease into the classic Enjoyable-O-Rama arcade for a fast recreation of Skee-Ball, and in response to Mendoza, “that you must make a go to to The Goldenrod for saltwater taffy. We all the time cease on the home windows for a bit to observe them make it.” She additionally recommends The Little Auk for cocktails and The Viewpoint for dinner with a incredible view of Nubble Lighthouse.

Ogunquit

With greater than three miles of sandy seashores and a picturesque downtown, the previous artist colony of Ogunquit is a long-time favourite for summer time holidays. “You may catch free films all summer time lengthy on the Leavitt Theatre together with stay music, comedy exhibits, and extra. In addition they have a incredible cocktail program and scrumptious meals,” says Jake Cryan, creator of Maine meals and journey Instagram, Consuming By the Seacoast.

“Ogunquit Playhouse has Broadway-caliber performances all summer time. I wish to go to Brix + Brine for oysters earlier than a matinee, after which dream of shopping for all of the artwork on the Van Ward Gallery subsequent door,” says Mendoza. “Ogunquit Museum of American Artwork has a good looking assortment and is true on the ocean. You may stroll the grounds and see their sculptures on the garden earlier than testing the artwork inside,” she says.

Wells

This historic city is residence to 4 seashores spanning over seven miles — and it is proper within the coronary heart of Maine’s vintage alley. To gear up for a day on the shore or the outlets, Cryan recommends a cease by Brewed Awakenings: “Begin your day proper with a breakfast sandwich and a cup of espresso from this quaint cafe. My decide is The Dude: a New York bagel, two grilled farm-fresh eggs, American and cheddar cheese, apple cider bacon, and sausage.” For lunch, pop into Billy’s Chowder Home which was established in 1979 and is likely one of the oldest waterfront eating places in Wells. Or, seize a fisherman’s platter from Spinnakers. “This informal, woman-owned seafood stand serves contemporary Maine seafood, together with fried clams, scallops, and lobster, good for a fast lunch or to choose up takeout for the seashore,” says Cryan. Don’t miss a cease at Bo-Mar Antiques, the place yow will discover treasures from greater than 100 cubicles. It is the proper place to discover a area of interest nautical memento to remind you of your time spent in Vacationland.

Kennebunkport

Maybe probably the most iconic seashore vacation spot in Maine, Kennebunkport is residence to spectacular seashores, a walkable downtown, and an ever-evolving culinary scene. “The realm has many stunning seashores, the native favourite being Goose Rocks Seaside. With restricted parking, it feels peaceable and quiet even on the busiest days,” says Cryan. Guests wander by the outlets of Dock Sq., like Daytrip Society. As for lodging, the world has no scarcity of stellar spots. The White Barn Inn boasts 27 not too long ago refreshed rooms, in addition to a wide range of experiences for friends, from bike driving to visiting native apple orchards to conventional Maine lobster bakes. The Nonantum Resort is a historic property set alongside the Kennebunk River, providing friends unparalleled waterfront views. Hidden Pond gives friends with an expensive and secluded keep, with bungalows and treetop studios nestled amongst 60 acres of birch groves and actions like watercolor portray and yoga within the backyard.

Gas up earlier than an extended day on the seashore at Bev’s Cafe. “It’s the proper spot for breakfast and brunch. The breakfast burrito, with housemade sausage, bacon, tater-tots, spicy ketchup, scrambled eggs, and pepper jack, all the time hits the spot,” says Cryan. When it’s time for lunch, don’t miss The Clam Shack, which is situated on the bridge over the Kennebunk River. This no-frills basic is the proper cease after an extended day on the seashore, and for my part, the clam cake burger is criminally underrated. When time for supper rolls round, pop by Rosella, says Cryan. “This sustainably targeted sushi hotspot serves contemporary, regionally sourced seafood. Ensure to catch shocking favorites like pink grouper nigiri, housemade fish sausage sliders, and pickled Maine mussels.” And for a cocktail or expertly brewed pilsner? Cryan suggests Batson River.

Biddeford

As soon as a bustling mill city with a sturdy textile manufacturing business, Biddeford is residence to a thriving culinary scene, a newly opened boutique lodge, and a number of the greatest seashores within the state. Begin your day with a stack of the world’s best flapjacks at Palace Diner, seize a sandwich for the seashore at BiddoBanh, and finish the day with award-winning cocktails, incredible meals, and unparalleled hospitality at Magnus on Water. My favourite summer time spot on the town is the Biddeford Pool, which provides ample parking and a large seashore in order that regardless of how busy it’s, it by no means feels too crowded.

Saco

Saco has the very best of each worlds: peaceable seashores and family-friendly amusements. Ferry Seaside State Park is a 100-acre space with a sandy seashore and huge nature trails, whereas close by Camp Ellis is on the mouth of the Saco River with longtime native favourite Huot’s serving up fried seafood. For vacationers with children, or simply children at coronary heart, close by Funtown Splashtown USA is a neighborhood amusement park with an incredibly incredible wood curler coaster, and neighboring Aquaboggan Water Park provides water slides and mini-golf. Do not miss the revived Saco Drive-In, which provides double options virtually each night time.

Previous Orchard Seaside

This seven-mile stretch of seashore is the proper vacation spot for guests who’re searching for a basic seashore boardwalk vibe. Working since 1898, the pier at Previous Orchard Seaside hosts a number of bars and distributors, whereas the neighboring amusement park has rides, carnival video games, an arcade, and weekly fireworks all through the summer time. On the lookout for a snack? Make sure to seize some Pier Fries and cease by Lone Pine’s beer backyard.

Cape Elizabeth

If lighthouses and lobsters come to thoughts once you consider Maine, head to Cape Elizabeth. Dwelling to the state’s oldest lighthouse, this city has a number of seashores, together with Crescent Seaside State Park, with its namesake mile-long crescent-shaped seashore, and Kettle Cove State Park, with oceanfront strolling trails and tide swimming pools. Fort Williams Park is a 90-acre space the place you may discover the Portland Head Gentle and meals vans like Chunk Into Maine. Close by Two Lights State Park is residence to the primary twin lighthouses on the coast of Maine and The Lobster Shack at Twin Lights, which has been serving contemporary seafood for the reason that Nineteen Twenties.

South Portland

In line with Carla Tracy, South Portland resident and hospitality publicist, “the Willard Seaside neighborhood in South Portland turns into a summer time seashore city the primary day temps hit the mid-70s.” She notes that Willard Seaside is exclusive as a result of it is one of many solely space seashores that enables canines (throughout regulated hours), has facilities together with a snack bar, lifeguards, showers, loos, and a playground on the seashore, and provides free parking. High locations to seize a chunk embrace SoPo Seafood’s oyster bar and market, Cafe Louis, and Bistro Leluco. Depart room for a candy deal with from Willard Scoops and Scratch Baking Firm.

Scarborough

Only a brief drive from Willard Seaside is Scarborough, residence to Scarborough Seaside State Park and Higgins Seaside, the place you may discover “longer stretches of seashore, killer waves for browsing [and] physique browsing, and plenty of room for sandcastles and extra,” Tracy says. “Ferry Seaside in Scarborough is a private favourite for sunsets and leisurely swimming. The calm waters and dramatic excessive and low tides are good for seashore lovers of all ages.”

Need to hit the waves? Tracy recommends Woman Slide Classes, run by the Maine Surfers Union for ladies throughout the summer time on Wednesdays at Higgins Seaside. She additionally says the Higgins Seaside Market is the proper place to choose up all of the provisions you may want for an excellent seashore day.