I visited Old Orchard Beach in the off-season, so most of the shops, restaurants, and amusements…read morewere closed; but I actually found that to be part of the charm. Without the summer crowds, the beach felt quiet and serene. I could walk for miles along the sand with only the sound of the waves and the gulls for company. The pier was closed, but it was still nice to see it up close and I can imagine how lively it must get in the warmer months. A few local spots were still open and the locals I met were friendly and welcoming! The chilly air gave the town a calm, coastal feel that was really refreshing. If you're looking for the classic seaside excitement, definitely come back in the summer. But if you enjoy peaceful walks, ocean views, and a slower pace, Old Orchard Beach in the off-season has its own quiet beauty.

Old Orchard Beach is the perfect mix of relaxation and fun, whether you are visiting as a couple or…read morewith the whole family. The West Grand area is especially nice with clean bathrooms, easy access to the sand, and plenty to do nearby. Staying right on the beach at places like Ocean House or Beechwood is ideal. It is so much better than commuting in and out each day. There is something for everyone, big kids, little kids, and kids at heart. From the water to the boardwalk, you will never be bored. Just remember, like at any beach, keep a close eye on the little ones in the waves. If you are not staying overnight, be prepared for parking fees ranging from 20 to 40 dollars per day. But once your feet hit the sand, it is worth every penny. Old Orchard Beach has that classic seaside charm that makes you want to come back year after year like we do.

We love Kettle Cove, it's clean and not too big, which means it typically isn't too crowded…read more There is a cute beach area, that is very typical of our state, seaweed, sticks rocks and some sand. When the tide goes, out, it's pretty amazing to walk out onto the mudflats and see some of the ocean life that usually covered during low tide. The beach is protected by rocks on each side, so there aren't usually waves. Given the characteristics, it's not crowded with people that usually go to the larger beaches in the southern Maine which is why we love it. We typically see artists, readers, families and friends enjoying quiet picnics by the ocean on the nice green area, people enjoying the dedication benches staring out quietly at the water or having wonderful conversations. Around sunset in the summer, it's common to see photographers with couples, engaged, in wedding attire, with new babies, family photos. It's so picturesque - I don't blame them. The park fees should be deposited in the metal receptacle just before the beach area. PLEASE DO NOT forget to place your money in the bin before you leave. Parking area is small and so it's not always possible to find a spot, but when you can, it's a lovely place to be.

We have enjoyed the drive around Cape Elizabeth in the past, but this was the first time we stopped…read moreat this beautifully situated and serene park. The view of the cove, rocks, lobster boats and beach at Crescent State Park is quiet nice. A perfect place to rest awhile on one of the park benches before continuing on exploring the cape.

My sister lives nearby and this location, and nearby Crescent Beach, are the site of our annual…read morepost-Thanksgiving celebration family walk with out of state guests. With its gorgeous views and the ample parking available during the off season, it is a spectacular place to visit.

Such a pretty area! Not a beach you can lay on and catch some rays, more a walk the path and see…read morethe true rocky shore of Maine. Sit on the bluff and enjoy the view and sounds of the sea.

We had such a lovely time here exploring the island. For such a small fee per person we were able…read moreto park and walk the trail along the perimeter. We saw the deaf school, pet cemetery, and fairy forts made with branches. I think it was probably 1-2 miles long. We saw many benches dedicated to general important people. There are mini trials within this island you can walk through and there's a natural "dock" you can walk on to see more of the water. This place is beautiful!!

This place was amazing and such a great 1-2 mile loop that is easy walking for all ages! They have…read morea fairy garden, pet cemetery and beautiful views all over the island. I am going to come here more often to walk the loop and take in the scenery. The only downside is there are not many parking spots so it probably can get really busy in the summer. We found one easily in November though.

If heading to Peaks in the summertime sounds far too overwhelming for you, Long is the solution…read more Although Long is far more than a tourist destination, it's severely overlooked by Portlanders who want to take a day trip out to the islands. They have a couple fantastic white sand beaches. Perfect place to bike around for the day!

Apparently (according to the captain of the ferry I was aboard during my first visit here), Long…read moreIsland used to be a part of Portland until Portland made their already painfully high property taxes even higher. Residents of Long Island felt this was pretty unfair because they weren't really benefitting (especially with city services) from this at all, so they voted to secede from Portland; and, on July 1st, 1993 they became their own Town of Long Island (and, interestingly enough, the first new town in ME since 1925). When we got off the ferry, and walked through an impressively large parking lot, we didn't know which way to turn - left or right. Luckily for us, we overheard some other tourists ask some locals which way they suggest. "Left's really got nothing but houses; right's got the post office and store and stuff." Sounded good to us, so off we went. I think one of the things that struck me the most about Long Island was the sense of community and how protective people seemed to be of their little oasis - it was seems like such a well maintained space from the community garden to the fresh water pond. Every single person or vehicle that passed us waved. At one point we watched a mom in a sundress holding a giant platter of watermelon slices lead a parade of very excited, very tan children down the street. It looked like something out of an L.L. Bean ad. When we ended up at the beach - which I believe was Fowler - we were very clearly the only mainlanders as most people were older, settled in with books and sweaters like they had been sitting there for days and no where else they needed to be, or were openly enjoying wine and playing bocce ball. Also... at one point we were walking down Harbor de Grace St - locally known as Bunny Hop. Uhm, as a rabbit lover this entirely unexpected quirk made me a fall a little in love as there are quite literally bunnies - handmade, purchased, big ones, little ones, normal looking ones, cartoony looking ones - in the woods, right off of both sides of the streets. I have no idea why this is, but I like it. A lot. I'm thrilled I now know this little slice of heaven exists. There's not really anything "to do", so it really is for those people who just want a good walk, or some uninterrupted and peaceful beach time, or are in need of a little solitude and serenity in nature, or just a break from the hustle and bustle of Portland. I can see, Long Islanders, why you seceded indeed!

This may be one of my favorite areas in Wells next to the Estuarine. But def my fav beach. Plenty…read moreof space and tho popular not over crowded. There is town parking 1/3 mi from the beach at $5/hr or just ride your bike. We actually had a whale pod sighting today!

If you want a quieter beach than the madness of Ogunquit, then come to Drake's Island beach,…read morequieter, more locals and very laid back, I spent a whole day here by myself. Kennebunkport, Wells, Ogunquit and York are all side-by-side seaside communities along the Maine coast and they all have their own beaches as well. It really depends on what you're looking for but if you want a locals-only beach then this would be it. Also if you plan on swimming and not just dipping in quickly, try to find a spot on the estuary side as opposed to the ocean side, the water is easily 20 degrees warmer on the estuary side. Parking here is at about $5 /30 minutes and paid by machine and credit card only.

It's seems like Mainers crave "secret beaches" more than ever before. With so many tourists in the…read moresummer time, the usual haunts can be overcrowded and offer limited parking and costly fees (because tourists are actually willing to wait in lines and fork over cash for an authentic coastal exeprience). Because going to the beach is sacred for me (I'm a mermaid, afterall) I am one of those locals looking for a spot where I can sun in splash in peace. I had heard of Laudholm Beach in passing, and decided one hot Friday to seek it out. Just a fortyish minute drive from Portland brought me to the Wells Reserve where you can access this beach after walking the Barrier Beach Trail (stay on it until it brings you out of the woods and over a wooden staircase). It's a dream come true: impressive and expansive views of sparkling Atlantic Ocean, piping plovers, waves, (comparatively) warm water, lobster boats, and limited people (and most of that small number are just here to walk the length of the beach before returning whence they came). There are quite a few rocks to navigate past at first, but that's what keeps most people at bay. You can pull up a patch of sand and spend hours uninterrupted here, or you can explore a bit and find mud flats and salt marshes that help protect various beach life (birds, fish, plants). Just be warned... at high tide there is little to no beach . Not an exaggeration. My walk back to the trail was partially in water (and back over those aforementioned rocks making it a bit dangerous...what's life without adventure though?!). Happy to know this place exists for when my other "secret" spots are overtaken by the loud, rude, non-mermaid believers.

We visited the Wells Reserve at Laudholm and decided to hike to this beach which lacks the crowds…read moregenerally found at Maine beaches. Unless your are private landowner near the beach, this is the only way to access the beach.

Our family visited Portland Head Light (in Fort William Park) to take photos around 6pm in July…read more2026. It's about a 10 minute drive from South Portland and well worth the trip! First, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine (which was completed in 1791 and authorized by George Washington). Second, it's easily accessible - just a short walk from the parking lot. Third, you have the option to buy lobster rolls if it's lunch or dinner time or bring your own picnic to spread out on the spacious grounds. Parking is only $3 per hour. Since the WiFi connection for Verizon was weak, I paid for a printed paper ticket (minimum of $6 for 2 hours). Would strongly recommend coming here within 2 hours of sunset for the best lighting of photos. Also, be sure to spend some time walking along the coast for stunning views of the rocks below.

Locals said this is the most photographed and most painted lighthouse in the world! I think it's…read morealso the most beautiful! It's fairly easy to get to, and parking is easy as well. There are easy trails all around the lighthouse so you can walk to different directions and take photos from different angles. On a clear day it is beautiful beyond words. Though not that easy to get to, Portland is a beautiful town, worth a serious visit. This lighthouse just makes it so much more spectacular!!