The Southern Coast region of Maine aligns directly with the boundaries of York County, the state's southernmost and oldest county, boasting a stunning coastal landscape bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. This area draws in visitors with its mix of bustling beach towns and quieter retreats. South of Portland, the vibe is lively and geared toward day-trippers looking for quick escapes filled with sun, sand, and entertainment, while north of the city, the pace slows down, offering more tranquil spots for relaxation and exploration.
Here's a list of key cities and towns in the region, each with its
own unique charm, history, and attractions:
Arundel - A peaceful,
inland town known for its antique shops, historic farms, and access to
outdoor activities like kayaking on the Kennebunk River. It's a great
base for those seeking a quieter escape near the coast.
Bar Mills - A
small village within Buxton, featuring remnants of old mills along the
Saco River, ideal for scenic walks and fishing in a rural setting.
Biddeford - A revitalized former mill town
with a growing arts and culture scene, home to the University of New
England, trendy galleries, and a vibrant downtown with breweries and
eateries.
Buxton - A rural community offering hiking trails, access
to the Saco River for canoeing, and proximity to natural areas like the
Buxton-Hollis Historical Society museum.
Kennebunkport - A
picturesque seaside village famous for its upscale shops, lobster boats
in the harbor, and the Walker’s Point estate (the summer home of the
Bush family). It's a hub for boating tours and coastal strolls.
Kennebunk - Known for its elegant historic homes, including the iconic
Wedding Cake House, along with beaches, the Brick Store Museum, and
nearby nature preserves for birdwatching.
Kezar Falls - Located near
the New Hampshire border in Parsonsfield, this spot appeals to outdoor
enthusiasts with hiking, fishing in local ponds, and a laid-back,
small-town atmosphere.
Kittery - The southern entry point to Maine,
renowned for its premium outlet malls, naval shipyard history, and fresh
seafood markets—perfect for shopping and exploring Fort McClary State
Historic Site.
North Berwick - A quiet, family-friendly town with
golf courses, berry farms, and community events, plus easy access to
hiking in the Bauneg Beg Mountain Conservation Area.
Ogunquit - An
artistic enclave celebrated for its dramatic cliffside Marginal Way
walking path, Perkins Cove harbor with galleries and lobster shacks, and
a thriving theater scene at the Ogunquit Playhouse.
Old Orchard Beach
- A classic beach resort town featuring a lively pier with arcades,
rides at Palace Playland amusement park, fireworks in summer, and seven
miles of sandy shoreline for sunbathing and watersports.
Saco -
Biddeford's twin city across the river, offering family fun at Funtown
Splashtown USA water park, riverfront trails, and historic sites like
the Saco Museum.
Sanford - The county's largest town, with lakes for
boating and fishing, an airport for small planes, and a mix of
industrial heritage and modern amenities like golf courses.
Waterboro
- Centered around Lake Arrowhead and Little Ossipee Pond, this area is
prime for water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and ice fishing
in winter, with nearby conservation lands.
Wells - Famous for its
pristine beaches, the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve for
wildlife viewing, and the Wells Antique Auto Museum showcasing vintage
cars.
York - A historic gem divided into York Village, York Harbor,
and York Beach, highlighted by the photogenic Nubble Lighthouse, golden
sands, the Wiggly Bridge (a miniature suspension bridge), and the Old
York Historical Society museums.
Beyond the main towns, explore natural gems like the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells for salt marsh trails and birdwatching, or the Eastern Trail, a multi-use path stretching through the county for biking and hiking. Don't miss the Kittery Point area for coastal forts or the serene Mount Agamenticus in York for panoramic views from its summit.
The Southern Coast is easily accessible by car via Interstate 95, which runs north-south through the region, connecting to major cities like Boston (about 1-2 hours away). Fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM), roughly 20-40 minutes north, with shuttle services or rentals available. Amtrak's Downeaster train stops in nearby Saco or Wells, while bus options include Concord Coach Lines from Boston or Greyhound for regional travel. For scenic arrivals, consider ferry services from Portsmouth, NH, or private boats docking at harbors like Kennebunkport.
A personal vehicle is the most convenient way to navigate the area's spread-out towns and rural roads. Rent cars at the Portland airport or local agencies. Public options include the Shoreline Explorer trolley system in summer, connecting beaches from Kennebunk to Ogunquit, or COAST Bus for routes around Kittery and Portsmouth. Biking is popular on trails like the Eastern Trail, and ride-shares like Uber are available in busier spots like Old Orchard Beach.
The region's beaches are a highlight, with standout spots at York (including Long Sands and Short Sands for tide pooling and surfing) and Wells (Drakes Island and Moody Beach for quieter shores). Other must-sees include the iconic Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse in York, the charming Wiggly Bridge and Steedman Woods Preserve, and the Marginal Way cliff path in Ogunquit for breathtaking ocean vistas. Venture to the Bush Compound at Walker's Point in Kennebunkport or explore historic lighthouses and forts scattered along the coast.
Outdoor adventures abound: Go whale watching or lobster boat tours from Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, kayak on the Saco River, or hike in the Wells Reserve. Thrill-seekers can hit the rides at Palace Playland in Old Orchard Beach or try stand-up paddleboarding. Cultural options include visiting the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport or catching a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse. In summer, enjoy festivals, golfing, or berry picking at local farms.
Seafood reigns supreme here—savor fresh lobster rolls at places like the Maine Diner in Wells or The Lobster Shack at Two Lights near Cape Elizabeth. For upscale dining, try Earth at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport for farm-to-table fare, or casual spots like Alisson's Restaurant in Kennebunk for pub grub. Bucket-list eateries include Fore Street in nearby Portland for rustic New England cuisine, or Congdon's Doughnuts in Wells for sweet treats. Don't miss ice cream at Rococo in Kennebunk or classic diners like Palace Diner in Biddeford.
The nightlife skews relaxed but fun, with craft breweries like Barreled Souls in Saco offering unique beers in a cozy setting. Hit Batson River Brewing & Distilling in Kennebunk for cocktails and local spirits, or Old Vines Wine Bar in Kennebunkport for wines with ocean views. For lively bars, try MaineStreet in Ogunquit for inclusive vibes and live music, or The Front Porch in Ogunquit for piano bar entertainment. Beachside spots like The Porthole in Portland (near the border) provide decks for sunset drinks, while Hardshore Distilling in Portland offers gin tastings.
The Southern Coast of Maine refers to the coastal region primarily encompassing York County and Cumberland County in the southernmost part of the state. This area stretches from Kittery near the New Hampshire border northward to Cape Elizabeth, just south of Portland, the state's largest city. It includes notable towns such as Biddeford, Kittery, York, Wells, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and Scarborough. Geographically, this region is defined by its intricate interaction between land and sea, forming a transitional zone between the broader coastal lowlands of Maine and the more rugged interiors to the north. It was one of the earliest settled areas in Maine during the 19th century, thriving as a shipbuilding and trading hub, and today it serves as the epicenter of the state's tourism industry, boasting approximately 90% of Maine's sandy beaches. The coastline here appears relatively straight on large-scale maps but reveals a complex, jagged profile up close, with peninsulas extending into the Atlantic Ocean and a mix of sandy shores and rocky headlands.
The southern coastline of Maine is predominantly low-lying and sandy, extending for miles with long, expansive beaches that are a hallmark of the region. These beaches, such as those in Old Orchard Beach and Wells, are backed by salt marsh estuaries and occasional rocky headlands punctuated by historic lighthouses, creating a picturesque fringe where land meets the sea. The shore is marshy in the southwest, featuring low grassy islands and barrier beaches that shelter creeks and large salt marshes. As you move eastward, the coastline becomes bolder, rising to steep cliffs and rounded summits, especially on islands and promontories. Notable features include wide, well-protected harbors like Portland Harbor on Casco Bay, and beautiful bays such as those around Kennebunkport. The jagged nature of the coast results in numerous inlets, tidal pools, and peninsulas that jut into the Atlantic, contributing to a "fringed and tasseled" appearance. This area also hosts a great number of offshore islands, many with high sea cliffs on their southern and eastern sides, enhancing the dramatic seascape.
Inland from the immediate coast, the terrain transitions into a hilly belt that bridges the flat coastal lowlands and the more mountainous northern regions of Maine. This area features rolling hills, forested uplands, and occasional rocky outcrops, with elevations generally remaining modest compared to the Appalachian influences farther north. The landscape is interspersed with shallow lagoons, swamps, and streamlets that weave through valleys and hillsides, creating a mosaic of wetlands and uplands. While not as elevated as central Maine's mountains, this transitional zone provides a varied topography that supports diverse recreational activities, from hiking in state parks to exploring inland forests.
Rivers play a crucial role in shaping the southern coast's geography, with several major waterways draining into the Atlantic and forming tidal marshes and estuaries. The Saco River, for instance, flows into the ocean near Biddeford and Saco, creating a dynamic mix of freshwater and saltwater environments that support rich biodiversity. Other notable rivers include the Piscataqua River at the southern border and smaller tributaries that feed into bays like Casco Bay. The region is dotted with lakes, ponds, and swift or sluggish streams that reach into every valley, contributing to the area's hydrological complexity. Tidal influences extend inland through inlets, fostering extensive salt marshes and sheltered creeks behind barrier islands.
The climate of southern coastal Maine is distinctly maritime and moderate, influenced heavily by the Atlantic Ocean. Summers are warm but tempered by sea breezes and northerly winds, with average high temperatures reaching about 79.9°F (26.6°C) in July, though occasional heatwaves can push readings to 100°F (38°C) for short periods. Winters are cold but consistent, with average lows around 12.1°F (-11.1°C) in January, and the region receives between 60 and 90 inches (150–230 cm) of snow annually. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed, totaling about 41.84 inches (1,063 mm) per year, often in the form of rain or snow depending on the season. The growing season is relatively short, lasting less than five months between frosts, but the oceanic moderation makes extremes less severe than in inland areas.
Ecologically, the southern coast is a vibrant mix of marine, wetland, and forested habitats. Salt marshes and estuaries dominate the coastal fringes, providing critical habitats for migratory birds, fish, and shellfish. The region's forests are primarily evergreen, featuring species like red and white spruces, balsam fir, eastern hemlock, and white and red pines, intermixed with hardwoods such as beech, yellow and white birches, sugar and red maples, white oak, black willow, and black and white ashes. This biodiversity supports a range of wildlife, from seabirds nesting on cliffs to mammals in the inland woods. The area's islands and headlands add to the ecological diversity, with unique microhabitats on rocky shores and in tidal zones. Conservation efforts focus on preserving these ecosystems amid tourism pressures, including protected areas like state parks and wildlife refuges.
Key geographical landmarks include the Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth, one of the oldest lighthouses in the U.S., perched on a rocky promontory overlooking Casco Bay. Mount Desert Island (though slightly farther north, it influences the broader coastal context) features dramatic cliffs, while closer landmarks like the beaches of Ogunquit and the harbors of Kennebunkport exemplify the region's charm. Quoddy Head offers bold shores with high sea cliffs, and the extensive sandy stretches of Old Orchard Beach represent the area's beach-dominated landscape. These features not only define the geography but also draw visitors for their scenic beauty and historical significance.