Why is the Southern Maine Coast Your Dream Destination?
Southern Maine Coast is a postcard-perfect blend of rugged natural beauty and quaint seaside towns. Each town has its unique charm waiting to be explored and experienced.
From Kittery to Portland, you can find some of the best beaches with sand that squeaks under your feet when the tide goes out. You can enjoy the sugar sands of Ogunquit, Wells, York Beaches, and Old Orchard Beach. While you’re there, explore historic seaport towns and visit iconic lighthouses like the Nubble Light.
Savor the taste of freshly prepared lobster rolls, clam chowder, and blueberries – freshly harvested from the source. Hiking, biking, kayaking, and whale watching for the more adventurous!
If you ever feel like exploring by foot, Kennebunkport’s charming streets, antique shops, or Kittery outlets are also options. Perfect for family, partner, and solo travel, the Southern Maine Coast is calling your name.
Maine has rich maritime traditions and a very long history of working waterfronts in its coastal towns. The Thirteen Colonies’ economies were linked to one another and with the mother country.
That connection to one another and the wider world has left an impact on the surrounding areas today. There are historic districts in many towns with beautifully preserved buildings, museums, and even living history demonstrations.
By the end of the 19th century, the tourism industry had started to gain traction across the board, and today, it is one of the principal sources of employment and comfort in the city, offering a selection of things to see and do.
Plan Your Perfect Visit to the Southern Maine Coast
Summer is a vibrant time, with warm sunshine, lively beaches, and a plethora of activities. But pay attention to the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the coast transforms into a romantic getaway.
The cool temperatures, stunning foliage, and fewer tourists create a serene and picturesque setting.
Winter is also quite lovely, but it is really the off-sea, so many businesses close during winter, and the weather can be pretty brutal. If snow and cold are not your style, it is a safe bet to consider that while planning your vacations.
Culinary Delights You Can’t-Miss on the Southern Maine Coast
Southern Maine Coast cuisine employs fresh, local ingredients and features a few icons you will want to order, such as the Maine lobster roll. Warm your insides with a steaming bowl of succulent clam chowder full of sea textures.
Maine is probably best known for its wild blueberries, so take advantage and enjoy pie, pancakes, or local craft beers. Be sure to grab a whoopie pie to experience this local traditional cocktail! It resembles a chocolate cake cookie filled with light whipped cream.
And, as the coast beckons, so does celebratory fried seafood: clams, haddock, scallops, all exquisitely fried and often with an ocean view. You can also sample the vibrant craft beverage scene in Maine with fresh drinks and treats from local breweries, wineries and distilleries (and all the region’s seasonal specialties).
Read on to learn more about the best towns, activities, and hidden gems of the Southern Maine Coast.