Travel + Discover Wells: Maine Vacation Guide
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Tucked in between Kennebunkport and Ogunquit on Maine’s southern coast, Wells calls itself the “Friendliest Town in Maine.”
While smiles are super, the abundance of natural beauty also welcomes visitors. Options span from sandy beaches to tidal marshes to wooded campsites.
But Wells is more than salt air and seabirds. It’s also a haven for antique lovers. Route 1 is peppered with barn-style shops and no-frills showrooms that are packed with everything from old lobster traps to vintage postcards.
Wells doesn’t just invite you to slow down. It gives you plenty to dig through while you’re doing it.
Getting to Know Wells, Maine
Long before it was a European settlement, the Wells area was home to the Abenaki people. It was one of the few settlements in Maine to survive repeated attacks during the French and Indian War – a conflict in which the Abenaki, allied with the French, resisted British colonial expansion.
Wells was founded in 1643 and is the third oldest city in the state. The town was named after Wells, England.
Over time, Wells transformed into a farming community and also became known for its fisheries and shipbuilding. With the arrival of railroads, it became, and still is, a popular tourist destination in southern Maine.
Wells was named the Most Welcoming Town in Maine by Islands.
The Wells Neighborhoods and Districts
First-time visitors to Wells should know about the different districts and neighborhoods that offer unique and friendly activities. It’s also worth noting that the town is a perfect stop on a Route 1 road trip.
Wells Harbor
Wells Harbor is one of the more active corners of town, where the Webhannet River spills into the Atlantic. The Wells Harbor Community Park anchors the area with its playground, picnic spots, and trails that cut through salt marsh and dunes.
It’s a go-to for families, birders, and anyone who just wants to be near the water. You can launch a kayak, try paddleboarding, or fish right off the dock. The working harbor’s also a solid place to watch boats come and go.
Wells Beach
Wells Beach is the town’s main draw, and it earns it. Long, flat, and great for walking, the beach stretches for miles with room to spread out even on busy summer days.
There’s public parking, spots to grab a bite, and a mix of cottages and motels lining the shore. It’s a classic Maine beach day: sand, surf, and salt air without too much fuss.
Drake’s Beach & Drake’s Island
Drakes Island Beach is the quieter side of Wells – no shops, no crowds – just sand, sea, and the occasional tide pool.
It’s mostly residential, with a couple of small parking lots and lifeguards in the summer. You’ll find families, beach walkers, and locals who know this is where to go when you want the ocean without the noise.
Wells Center
Wells Center is where most of the action is, at least as much action as you’ll find in Wells! Shops, restaurants, and everything else you might need are within walking distance. It’s a convenient base for visitors who want to be close to both the essentials and the beach.
Annual Events in Wells
Whether you’re looking for food, family events, or fun in nature, Wells brings several options to plan a trip around.
Wells Harborfest
Part carnival, part craft fair, and part competition, Wells Harborfest takes over the harbor in late July each year. Expect carnival games, food samples, and the famous Lobster Trap Toss event. Wells Harbofest, and the trolley rides to get there, are free!
Wells Chili Fest
Chowder might be a Maine staple, but Chili takes over wells in late summer. Categories include Red Chili, Homestyle Chili, and Verde Chili. This isn’t just a chili free-for-all; the International Chili Society sanctions Wells Chili Fest. The winners go on to the ICS World Championship.
Woodies in the Cove
The Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit hosts a classic car show – Woodies in the Cove – each summer, usually in early August. It features the cars known as Woodies.
If you remember the Wagon Queen Family Truckster from the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” movie, a Woodie is one of those – a station wagon with wooden elements on the sides. Models dating back to the 1920s take over Wells for a parade and car show.
Wells is also close to Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Ogunquit, all of which offer fun festivals nearby throughout the year.
Enjoy Wells Harbor
Wells Harbor is home to a myriad boats – from lobster fishermen to pleasure yachts and fishing charters. Within the harbor, you can canoe or kayak up the Webhannet River, or paddleboard around the calm waters, or venture out to see through the Wells breakwater.
Here, you can find scenic sailing excursions, fishing adventures, or chartered boats for a private adventure.
Soak Up the Sun and Swim at the Beach
Wells is a popular beach destination, as much for families looking for some relaxation as for surfers looking to catch a big swell.
The Webhannet River separates inland Wells from the four different beaches: Wells Beach, Drakes Island Beach, Crescent Beach, and Moody Beach.
Wells Beach is one of the best family vacation attractions on the Southern Maine Coast. It stretches for 1.5 miles – from soft dunes to tidal inlets and marshes – all beautiful beaches in Wells.
It’s also the widest, with Crescent Beach nearly getting swallowed up at high tide. Drake’s Island Beach is a bit more remote and also offers a breakwater you can explore on foot. Harbor Beach is great for a paddling spot or families, as it’s shielded from the raw power of the ocean.
Note: It’s best to avoid Moody Beach in Wells, which is right at the Ogunquit border. This beachfront has long been contested as a private beach by residents, and the issue is working its way through the Maine Supreme Court as of this publication.
If you do go, you only have rights to the intertidal zone – between the high tide and low tide line.
(Other) Outdoor Things to Do in Wells
There’s more than just surfing and sandy beaches in Wells. In fact, some of the best wildlife and wilderness preserves are within the town limits, and that’s just the beginning.
Coast Encounters
You probably hear a lot about tidepooling in Maine, but for those who aren’t familiar with what that means or what to do, call “Coastal Carol” of Coast Encounters. The intertidal excursions cater to those aged 7 and older.
This is a hands-on experience that teaches you about the importance of tidepools and the life cycles they contain. This adventure lasts about three hours.
Wonder Mountain Fun Park
If the beach fog rolls in or the kids need a break from building sandcastles, Wonder Mountain Fun Park is a fun detour. It’s got two mini-golf courses, a human maze, a go-kart track, and an old-school arcade.
The vibe is laid-back and a little nostalgic – perfect for a few hours of vacation fun. It’s open seasonally, generally from late May through mid-October.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Explore the marshes, coastline, and forests of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a little tricky at first, but once you understand that the refuge is a series of protected areas along Maine’s southern coast, it’s easier to narrow down your favorite spot.
Parts of it are in Wells, including the headquarters and the popular Carson Trail. The 1-mile loop packs a lot of ecology and wildlife into an easy walk. This is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife property, and leashed dogs are allowed.
Wells Reserve at Laudholm
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is part research hub, part walking trail network, and part historic farmstead – all rolled into one coastal gem.
Unlike the more hands-off wildlife refuge next door, this place invites you in with 7 miles of trails, educational programs, and seasonal events. It’s great for birdwatchers, families, and anyone who wants to learn a little while exploring salt marshes and forest paths.
Bonus: It’s one of the few spots with beach access, too. Check the schedule for guided walks and paddle tours.
Webhannet Falls Park
Webhannet Falls Park isn’t big, but it’s a nice little pull-off if you’re already cruising Route 1. There’s a short path that brings you to a small waterfall – just enough movement and sound to reset your brain a bit.
It’s also one of the oldest mill sites in the area, with a plaque commemorating the first settlement in 1640.
Apex Charters and Guide Service
When you want to experience Wells from the water, Apex Fishing Charter & Guide Services has an excursion for everyone. Choose from scenic sunsets, sand bar blasts, lobstering, or fishing.
Tours last from two to six hours, and there are some especially coordinated for kids. Lobster tours include taking a specimen home, and fishing charters can be just offshore or deep-sea.
Indoor Things to Do in Wells
While it’s hard to go inside with so many outdoor things to do, here’s a sample of indoor activities for rainy days or when you want to see this side of Wells.
Wells Harbor Shellfish Lab
Crabs, clams, and oysters steal the show at this educational and research facility.
Wells Harbor Shellfish Lab isn’t big, but there’s plenty to do, including a touch tank and a home for half a million baby soft-shell clams. Shell experts will tell you about babies, life cycles, and feeding routines.
Did you know? If the lab inspires you to try clamming, Wells allows harvesting with certain restrictions. Enjoy!
Antique Shops
We mentioned earlier that there’s a collection of antique shops along Route 1 in Wells. Here’s a quick summary:
- Anytime Antiques: Won the silver award for Best of the 207 in the antiques & collectables category.
- R. Jorgensen: Is it an antique store or a museum? You’ll feel both vibes as you explore the showrooms in one of the oldest houses in Wells.
- Bo-Mar Hall Antiques & Collectables: Browse the shop or enjoy the outdoor flea market, weather permitting.
- The Farm Antiques: Worth going off Route 1 to find this hidden gem of antique treasures.
- Breakaway Design & Antiques: Can’t find the perfect piece? They make custom requests with antique parts.
- Half Moon Vintage Market: Peruse more than 75 vendors in one place!
Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit Museum
Get details and historical stories of two towns under one roof. The Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit Museum offers eight galleries to explore. Topics include Indigenous history, photo galleries of the past, and nostalgic postcards.
Dine on Some Delicious Maine Seafood
You can’t visit Maine without trying seafood. Being right on the water, Wells has some of the freshest seafood around, and there are plenty of dining options available depending on what you’re craving:
- Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant — If you came to Maine for seafood, this is a great place to get it. The menu includes several varieties of lobster rolls, hot lobster dinners, feasts, and even bowls of fresh chowder. There’s also live music throughout the summer.
- Billy’s Chowder House — No trip here is complete without a bowl of Billy’s famous clam chowder, but you can also delight your tastebuds with seafood stew, lobster stew, and haddock chowder.
- Maine Diner — This eatery has been featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” and for good reason. The menu is huge, and you can find just about anything you’d ever want to eat. You can treat yourself to a seafood lunch or dinner, opt for an American favorite, or enjoy meals that remind you of home.
- Scoop Deck — The perfect place for sweet treats! More than 50 flavors of ice cream are offered here, as well as frozen yogurt, popsicles, and more. There are all your favorite flavors and fun ones like City Water, Sea is for Cookie, and Monkey Business.
- Congdon’s Doughnuts — This is a Wells institution that has been serving donuts and other breakfast foods since 1955. Take your pick of donuts – there are seven chocolate offerings alone – or choose from bagels, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and even whoopie pies.
Dining out in Wells is something not to be missed as many of its popular restaurants have been featured on hit TV shows and in top culinary magazines as the best of the best. Also, the town is home to some delicious seafood dives and family-friendly restaurants.
A few other Wells restaurants worth checking out are:
What Else to Know About Wells?
While there are four seasons of things to do in Wells, it’s largely a seasonal town. That means the community wakes up from winter in late April or early May and goes through Indigenous Peoples’ Day in mid-October.
An off-season visit means you don’t have to worry about beach parking passes, but summer guests should read the rules and scout out parking ahead of time.
Also, to make your trip easier, check the Maine Healthy Beaches Portal before finding a spot in the sand. The same goes for possible shellfish closures in season.
One final note of caution – Atlantic Avenue and Webhannet Drive along Wells Beach are notorious for getting slammed by waves when nor’easters or tropical weather kicks up.
Joshua’s and Veranos are no longer open.
Thanks for the update!