Touring the Maine Coast is a journey. With more coastline than California
(3,478 miles), it takes some time to view the Maine Coast. The State of Maine is larger
than the other 5 New England states combined. With all that vastness, and the absence of
one specific "shore route", we recommend touring the spectacularly scenic Maine
Coast in sections, and whenever possible venturing out on one of the many boating
excursions offered from the numerous ports and harbors all along the coast. We encourage visitors to spend several nights in each town. Get off the beaten path and explore the nooks and crannies of this remarkable coast called Maine. If this means you only get to visit two towns this year, then you will just have to return next year to visit the those you missed and have another great vacation. Most people cross over the mighty Piscatiqua River (on I-95) into Maine from New Hampshire. Immediately the coast beckons. However, many are drawn to Kittery’s famous factory outlets with over 120 factory and retail outlets and the popular Kittery Trading Post, shoppers are sure to find what they were looking for and at prices 20 to 70% off retail.
As we continue our journey north we discover Ogunquit – which means "Beautiful Place by the Sea" in the language of the Algonquin Indians. A visit to the irrepressible Perkin’s Cove is definitely in order. This miniature working lobster & fishing village is chock full of wonderful little shops, and restaurants. There is a walking drawbridge, a beautiful walkway along the ocean (the Marginal Way) and numerous boating excursions venture from these docks. Ogunquit is also home to a 3 mile stretch of near perfect sand. This community is a thriving artist community, featuring one of the last remaining summer theaters, the not to be missed Ogunquit Playhouse. Wells is home of the Wells National Estuarine Reserve at Laudholm Farm. This captivating saltwater farm preserves 1,600 acres of field, forest and beach, with seven miles of nature trails – ideal for cross-country skiing in winter or scenic walks year round.
If you’re in the mood for an amusement park,
Saco has the answer for you. Funtown/Splashtown is
Old Orchard Beach is a perfect stretch of long-wide sand, hence their well deserved name "Maine’s Premier Family Beach Resort". This stretch of beach is home to Palace Playland, a seaside amusement park, cotton candy, and "The Pier" jutting nearly 500 feet straight out into the Atlantic. For those looking for some "action" they will want to drop their towel near the Pier. If it is quiet one seeks, no problem, just move a mile north or south of the Pier. If you’re still not satisfied, and want that "solitude on the beach" feeling, simply explore a mile either direction of the Pier. Old Orchard Beach is plenty big and diversified enough to accommodate everybody.
Keep your camera ready, because a few miles north is the oldest, and possibly the most famous of all Maine lighthouses, the Portland Headlight. America's first lighthouse, it was commissioned by America's first President, George Washington and was built in 1787 to guard the state's busiest harbor. Continuing up the fabled Maine Coast you will come upon the wonderful seaside town of Freeport - Home of L.L. Bean, and 120 upscale factory outlets. Non-shoppers can explore the delights of the nearby Maine Maritime Museum, Wolf's Neck Park and Farm, and the Sequin Island Lighthouse, with a foghorn so loud, it's knocked seagulls out of the air! Heading north again (Down East, as the natives say), you'll follow a ragged coastline so dotted with lighthouses and picture-perfect seaside villages that it's impossible to describe them all here! Boothbay Harbor, Camden and Rockport are just a few of the many perfect Maine towns. Enjoy schooner rides, whale watches, lobster and seal boat tours from any of these spectacular harbors.
One last piece of driving advice, when traveling to the region you want to explore, whenever possible, use I-95 (the Maine Turnpike) to travel South to North. When looking at a Maine map first timers often think that if they travel on Route One they will see more of the Maine Coast. While there are sections of the Mid-Coast Regions visited only by Route One, when possible, use the Interstate – get there – explore – enjoy! The truth is you will be several miles closer to the coast than the Maine Turnpike but not close enough to see the coast. With all of Route One's traffic lights your drive time will double. Enjoy the beautiful state of Maine a state of seaside treasures for you to discover. Maine Lodging & Campground Directory
|
The first 30 miles of coast are known as the
"Southern Maine Coast Region" comprised of the towns of
The historic and scenic
town of York will summon you as you venture out along scenic Rt 1A. The Old York
Historical Society operates a wonderful living history museum here, including the oldest
jail in America, "where history comes alive" for all ages. No visit to York is
complete without a trip to Nubble Light, perhaps the most beautiful lighthouse in America.
Our journey now brings us north into the villages of
Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport is best known for its’ popular summer
visitors – President and First Lady, George and Barbara Bush. Both towns offer a
wealth of history, arts, hospitality and five more long and beautiful sandy beaches. Some
of the popular arts and heritage attractions include the Brick Store Museum, Nott House,
Arundel Barn Playhouse and the Seashore Trolley Museum – popular among young and old
– with the largest collection of trolleys and mass transit vehicles in the country.
the largest amusement Park in the
state, and new this year, will offer the Maine’s first wooden roller coaster in 50
years! 
Just 12 miles north of Old Orchard Beach is the
small city of Portland and its historic Old Port district brimming with charming boutiques
and restaurants. On the way to 
Traveling further up
the coast you will go over a narrow causeway onto Mount Desert Island