Beach and Ocean Resorts
Vacation at Beach & Ocean Resorts from Kennebunk to Boothbay to Bar Harbor
From the sandy and family-friendly beaches of York and Ogunquit to the magnificent rocky cliffs of Bar Harbor and Acadia, the coast of Maine offers a wide range of beach and ocean resorts for a romantic getaway to a lavish family vacation. The Maine coast is divided, broadly speaking, into the South Coast (Wells, Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunkport, etc.); the coastal city of Portland; the Midcoast (Rockport, Boothbay, Sebasco); and the northernmost Down East region (the heel of the state profile), home of Bar Harbor.
Throughout, lodgings offer shelter, comfort, and first-class spa service. Many have indoor or outdoor pools and access to the beach and antique shopping, and to whale-watching, windjammer, and lobster boat tours. Some waterfront lodgings have extensive grounds and gardens. There are cozy, in-town bed-and-breakfast style inns and places with large suite to welcome families with kids, groups, weddings, and reunions. Exercise rooms and hot tubs for a smooth recovery may be found. Dining is varied and wonderful, from Maine blueberry pancakes for breakfast to a lobster bake to end the day. Browse the beach and ocean resort listings below with assurance that one or more are ideal for the lifetime thrill of a Maine coastal vacation.
About the South Coast of Maine
Whatever your vacation preference, you should be able to find it on the Southern Maine Coast. Maine has a variety of beautiful beachfront towns. Maine's South coast consists primarily of Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, and Old Orchard Beach. Kittery is the first town you’ll come across when entering Maine, and it provides you with everything you’ll need to get a sample of Maine right on Route 1. For a beautiful beach vacation, York’s sandy beaches and fantastic scenery could match what you’re looking for. Drive a little bit further up the coast and visit Old Orchard Beach for a lively, energetic atmosphere with restaurants, rides, and more.
About Casco Bay, Maine
Portland, ME, sitting in the heart of Casco Bay, offers a city feel with a twist. Located right along the coast, Portland has some of the best restaurants inspired by Maine seafood and local food. The shopping in the Old Port is fun at boutiques along cobblestone streets. From Portland’s waterfront, there is easy access to Casco Bay ferries, water taxis, and boat tours to nearby islands, including Peaks Island, Diamond Island, and Long Island. Drive over the bridge to explore beaches and scenic Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough.
About the Midcoast of Maine
As we head up the coast, you’ll land upon the picturesque villages and vibrant waterfronts that make up the Midcoast. The primary towns along the coast include Camden, Rockport, Boothbay Harbor, and Brunswick. Among these quaint towns are beautiful waterfronts and scenic views. These coasts all have unique qualities for people of all ages. With lively waterfront scenes and incredible harbor views, Camden and Rockland are perfect options for a classic oceanside town experience. Boothbay Harbor will bring you a more “city” feel, with multiple streets of restaurants, shops, and activities for the kids.
About Downeast Maine
The Downeast area of Maine cannot be missed. This region is famous for its rocky shoreline, scenic harbors, and incredible mountain-to-sea views. Home to Acadia National Park, one of Maine's most frequently visited locations, this region looks straight out of a magazine. Besides Acadia, other people areas include Bar Harbor, with an incredible downtown area full of shops and restaurants, and Mount Desert Island, one of the largest islands in the United States with indescribable views.
6 listings
Scarborough, ME
Featured listing: Black Point Inn
510 Black Point Road 207-819-4064Fall in love with picture-perfect Prouts Neck and this historic, exquisite inn
With the Black Point Inn as your home base, you’re in the perfect location to explore all that this part of coastal Maine has to offer. You could even say that Prouts Neck, where the inn first opened its doors in 1878, is picture-perfect, given that Winslow Homer’s cottage was right next door. (You can still visit his studio.) With miles of sandy beaches, water views from its spacious rooms and suites and a welcoming restaurant with a porch perfect for sunset-gazing, you’ll fall in love with this inn and Prouts Neck. You can explore the area with an inn bike or kayak, swim in or lounge by the geothermically heated outdoor pool, work out in the fitness room or just relax with afternoon tea in the library.
Wells, ME
Village By The Sea
1373 Post Road 207-646-1100Spacious condo resort close to some of Maine’s most scenic beaches
It’s a long list of fun things to do when you stay at Village by the Sea, an 11-acre condominium resort near several scenic beaches. Located next to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, this popular resort offers spacious, generously appointed one- and two-bedroom condos, many with scenic marsh views. Nearby Wells Beach features seven miles of sand and surfing areas; Wells Harbor Beach is great for kids with its tidal pools and playground. Spend your non-beach days exploring beautiful seaside villages, visiting amusement parks, golfing, kayaking, zip-lining, taking a schooner tour – or just relaxing in the resort’s indoor and outdoor pools and hot tub. Also at the resort: basketball court, firepit with patio, fitness center and game room.
Old Orchard Beach, ME
Sea Cliff House
2 Sea Cliff Avenue 207-934-4874“Steps from the beach” is no exaggeration at this welcoming waterfront hotel
Here’s a phrase you want to hear when selecting a hotel for your coastal Maine vacation: “steps from the beach.” At the Sea Cliff House, that’s not an exaggeration: walk right out your door to a peaceful walk along a stretch of sand in either direction. It’s just 10 minutes to the Pier at Old Orchard Beach, ME, extending 400 feet into the Atlantic and offering many entertainment and dining options. Or, you can arrange for a fishing excursion or whale watch at nearby Camp Ellis, walk the scenic boardwalk at Ferry Beach State Park or head into Ocean Park, a classic seaside vacation village, for movies, concerts and walking trails. The hotel has a pool, hot tub and barbecue grills and accommodations from spacious rooms to luxury suites and efficiencies.
Wells Beach, ME
Lafayette's Oceanfront Resort
393 Mile Road 207-646-2831Start your day any time of year by stepping right onto the sand
Lafayette's Oceanfront Resort sits directly on beautiful Wells Beach, where the ocean is always just steps away. The resort has an indoor pool, a large waterfall hot tub, a fitness room, and rooms with balconies or patios that look out over the water. For bigger families or groups, private cottages nearby offer even more space. Guests keep coming back, often for generations, drawn by the stunning beach, the convenient location, and the friendly staff who make every stay feel like coming home. Around Wells, and just a short drive to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, there are sailing cruises, lobster boat trips, lighthouse visits, sea kayaking, and deep-sea fishing adventures. You can explore scenic hiking trails, browse charming shops, enjoy fresh lobster at local restaurants, visit museums and galleries, play golf, or catch a movie. In winter, cross-country skiing, skating, sledding, and snowshoeing are all close by, or you can simply stroll the beach and enjoy the peaceful beauty of every season.
Ogunquit, ME
Dunes on the Waterfront
518 Main Street 207-646-2612Cottages by the sea in a coastal paradise
Set on 12 secluded coastal acres this acclaimed seaside getaway is one of Maine’s original cottage resorts with a peaceful setting and prime access to the beach and downtown Ogunquit. Classic New England-style one-and two-bedroom cottages and cottage suites feature hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplaces and screened porches, full baths, full kitchens, and complimentary high-speed wireless internet throughout. There is a heated outdoor pool, games, and a dock for fishing and boating. A trolley will take you to the local attractions, shops, restaurants, the famous Ogunquit Playhouse, museums and galleries. Row across the tidal river to the sand dunes and beach during high tide or take the boardwalk over the natural vegetation of the dunes when the tide is out.
Dunes on the Waterfront has been voted one of the Top 24 Hotels in the Northeast in the 2025 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.
Scarborough, ME
Higgins Beach Inn
34 Ocean Avenue 207-883-6684You’ll soon see why Higgins Beach is a favorite when you stay at this comfortable inn
It’s a pleasure to rise and shine each morning when you are vacationing at the Higgins Beach Inn. Have your breakfast on the covered patio at the inn’s Shade restaurant and watch the surfers attack the waves and families head down to the soft sands of the beach. You may soon follow, spending the day watching the kids frolic in the waves, or taking time for a shoreline stroll. It’s also a great place for kayaking, or perhaps you might want to take y our canoe to tour the Scarborough Marsh. Or maybe take a day trip to visit the galleries and museums in Portland, ME, just 20 minutes away. Dinnertime means refreshing cocktails, great seafood and steaks at Shade, as the sun goes down over your new favorite beach.