10 Greatest Seashore Cities in Maine

York

York is the second-oldest city within the state, residence to gorgeous shows of traditional New England-style shingle structure and the well-known Nubble Lighthouse. Now a traditional summer season trip vacation spot, it’s a terrific selection for company 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 Seashore is small and candy, Cape Neddick Seashore is superb for tide pooling, and Lengthy Sands is our largest seaside 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 may cease into the classic Enjoyable-O-Rama arcade for a fast sport of Skee-Ball, and based on Mendoza, “you could make a go to to The Goldenrod for saltwater taffy. We at all times cease on the home windows for a bit to look at them make it.” She additionally recommends The Little Auk for cocktails and The Viewpoint for dinner with a unbelievable 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 season holidays. “You may catch free films all summer season lengthy on the Leavitt Theatre together with reside music, comedy exhibits, and extra. In addition they have a unbelievable cocktail program and scrumptious meals,” says Jake Cryan, creator of Maine meals and journey Instagram, Consuming By means of the Seacoast.

“Ogunquit Playhouse has Broadway-caliber performances all summer season. 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 phenomenal 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 retailers, 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 choose 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 without doubt one of the oldest waterfront eating places in Wells. Or, seize a fisherman’s platter from Spinnakers. “This informal, woman-owned seafood stand serves recent Maine seafood, together with fried clams, scallops, and lobster, good for a fast lunch or to choose up takeout for the seaside,” says Cryan. Don’t miss a cease at Bo-Mar Antiques, the place you’ll find treasures from greater than 100 cubicles. It is the right place to discover a area of interest nautical memento to remind you of your time spent in Vacationland.

Kennebunkport

Maybe probably the most iconic seaside vacation spot in Maine, Kennebunkport is residence to spectacular seashores, a walkable downtown, and an ever-evolving culinary scene. “The world has many lovely seashores, the native favourite being Goose Rocks Seashore. With restricted parking, it feels peaceable and quiet even on the busiest days,” says Cryan. Guests wander via the retailers 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 company, from bike using to visiting native apple orchards to conventional Maine lobster bakes. The Nonantum Resort is a historic property set alongside the Kennebunk River, providing company unparalleled waterfront views. Hidden Pond offers company with an opulent 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.

Gasoline up earlier than a protracted day on the seaside at Bev’s Cafe. “It’s the right spot for breakfast and brunch. The breakfast burrito, with housemade sausage, bacon, tater-tots, spicy ketchup, scrambled eggs, and pepper jack, at all times 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 traditional is the right cease after a protracted day on the seaside, and for my part, the clam cake burger is criminally underrated. When supper time rolls round, pop by Rosella, says Cryan. “This sustainably centered sushi hotspot serves recent, regionally sourced seafood. Be certain to catch shocking favorites like crimson 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 trade, Biddeford is residence to a thriving culinary scene, a newly opened boutique resort, and a few of the greatest seashores within the state. Begin your day with a stack of the world’s biggest flapjacks at Palace Diner, seize a sandwich for the seaside at BiddoBanh, and finish the day with award-winning cocktails, unbelievable meals, and unparalleled hospitality at Magnus on Water. My favourite summer season spot on the town is the Biddeford Pool, which provides ample parking and a large seaside in order that regardless of how busy it’s, it by no means feels too crowded.

Saco

Saco has one of the best of each worlds: peaceable seashores and family-friendly amusements. Ferry Seashore State Park is a 100-acre space with a sandy seaside 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 an area amusement park with a surprisingly unbelievable picket 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.

Outdated Orchard Seashore

This seven-mile stretch of seaside is the right vacation spot for guests who’re in search of a traditional seaside boardwalk vibe. Working since 1898, the pier at Outdated Orchard Seashore 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 season. Searching 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 whenever you consider Maine, head to Cape Elizabeth. House to the state’s oldest lighthouse, this city has a number of seashores, together with Crescent Seashore State Park, with its namesake mile-long crescent-shaped seaside, 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 recent seafood for the reason that Nineteen Twenties.

South Portland

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

Scarborough

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

Wish to hit the waves? Tracy recommends Woman Slide Classes, run by the Maine Surfers Union for girls in the course of the summer season on Wednesdays at Higgins Seashore. She additionally says the Higgins Seashore Market is the right place to choose up all of the provisions you may want for a terrific seaside day.