Travelers preferring to use Boston as a jumping off point can rive from Beantown to the Pine Tree State in 90 minutes, or hop on the Amtrak Downeaster for a relaxing train ride. By car, Route 1 is the major artery running through the region and the link to some of the most exquisite beaches along the Atlantic – at Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Biddeford, and Old Orchard.

Southern Maine fun for serious shoppers begins at the border, where Kittery’s retail outlets number more than 120. At the other end of the region is Freeport, home to world-famous L.L. Bean.

Throughout Southern Maine you can find forts, lighthouses, colorful villages, summer theaters, antique stores, historic homes, and museums. Accommodations range from antique-filled bed and breakfasts to campgrounds. If you like the outdoors, you can go fresh or salt water fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, white-water rafting, swimming, or sunbathing, golfing, hiking, or biking. In winter, you can ski, snowboard, drive a dog sled, skate and ice fish.

Finally, if you enjoy eating, Southern Maine has more to offer than just boiled lobster and fried clams. The region features a number of award-winning restaurants and chefs, year-round farmers’ markets, and plenty of “pick your own” blueberry, raspberry and apple farms.

Wells consists of 62 square miles and includes the communities of Moody Beach, Wells Beach, Drakes Island along the ocean and High Pine, Wells Branch and Merriland Ridge inland. 

You can immerse yourself in the archives and photos of early times at the First Meetinghouse Museum on Route 1. It is owned and operated by the Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit and often used for educational and cultural events. 

If you love taking nature photos or are a bird watcher, visit the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve located on Laudholm Farm and Trust off Route 9. You can hike or cross country ski on trails that provide access to spectacular views of the habitats in woodlands, fields, wetlands, beaches and dunes.

A pleasant way to arrive in Wells is aboard the Amtrak Downeaster train. Then you can hop on a trolley for some relaxing sightseeing or to reach a variety of vacation destinations.

The Hope Hobbs Gazebo, pavilion and observation deck in Harbor Park is the center piece for free concerts, festivals, art and craft shows, family picnics and community events. Wells starts its summer season with HarborFest.

A “must see” trolley stop is Perkins Cove.  The cove remains a working harbor and creative designers have converted old fishing and dock shacks into stylish boutiques and restaurants.  Marginal Way is a 1-1/4 miles winding footpath.  It’s an easy hike, safe for children, strollers and is handicap accessible. You start at Perkins Cove and end at Ogunquit Beach.

To appreciate Ogunquit’s impact on the art world visit the award winning Barn Gallery and the Museum of American Art, which deserves the distinguished title of “The most beautiful little museum in the world.”

Another attraction that helped build the town’s artistic reputation is the Ogunquit Playhouse. It started in a converted garage in 1933 and has become known as “America’s Foremost Summer Theater.”

From one end of Ogunquit to the other you’ll find accommodations from motels, inns, B&Bs and cottages to luxury resorts. You have a broad range of restaurants and eateries, an entertaining nightlife and a host of summer attractions – such as fishing, sailing, whale watching, golf and tennis – that the entire family can enjoy.

Their colorful history along with the blessings of stunning coastlines, natural beauty and historic landmarks helped build the Kennebunk’s – as they are called for short – into a popular vacation destination.

Kennebunkport offers three distinct tourist areas – Dock Square, Cape Porpoise and Goose Rocks Beach.

In and around Dock Square you’ll find inviting gift and antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, marinas and whale watching, sight seeing and fishing boat excursions. Some of the opulent buildings that date back to the prosperous 1800’s have been refurbished as inns and bed and breakfasts and are a short walk to town attractions.

Cape Porpoise village and harbor may be one of the most picturesque New England sights you’ll ever see. It has restaurants, galleries, a working pier and a stunning view of Goat Island Lighthouse.

Goose Rocks Beach offers an out-of-way spot for swimming and sunning on its one mile long beach of fine sand.

Adding to Kennebunkport’s acclaim as a holiday destination, former President George Bush has a summer home on Walker Point, a small rocky peninsula off Ocean Avenue.  “Bush watchers” can take souvenir photos of the compound from a vantage point across a short stretch of ocean cove.

You can see a majestic sunset from Parson’s Way and relax in a ride around town on a horse drawn wagon. Or catch a trolley and immerse yourself in some local folklore as you view the sights. A way to experience the times of a by-gone era is to ride the rails at the Seashore Trolley Museum where volunteers restore vintage train cars with loving care.

Stroll across the Kennebunk River bridge from Dock Square and you’ve arrived in Lower Village. This charming section of Kennebunk offers more eye-catching shops, galleries, restaurants, inns and boating excursions.

From here it’s a short ride to the ocean and a choice of three beaches. Gooch’s Beach is great for swimming, sunning and surfing. Middle Beach is a rocky stretch with tidal pools where kids can finds urchins and other sea treasures. Mother’s Beach is a favorite for families with smaller children. Further south you’ll find Parson’s Beach, another gem for seaside fun.

On the way to the beach you pass by the Franciscan Monastery, a 20 acre retreat and shrine open to visitors.

Getting to Downtown Kennebunk you’ll pass the “Wedding Cake House.”  This often photographed private home has achieved national acclaim because of its decorative and flamboyant trimmings. A legend sprang up that the house was built for a forlorn bride left by her sea faring husband on their wedding night. While this fable is imaginative, the authentic story of its design provides another romantic notion. Its ornate motif was inspired by the gothic spires, turrets and pinnacles of the Cathedral in Milan, Italy.  It was constructed from 1852-56 by the prosperous ship builder George W. Bourne.

Near downtown Kennebunk you’ll witness more grandeur. Wealthy Sea captains and ship builders constructed stately mansions designed in elegant Colonial, Greek Revival, Victorian and Federal styles.

Downtown you find a classic New England tree lined main street with the famed Brick Store Museum. Across the street is a church with a Christopher Wren style steeple and bell cast at the Paul Revere foundry. Nearby is Lafayette Park which honors the French nobleman who became Washington’s aide during the American Revolution.

Is it any wonder that the eye-catching scenery and life style has motivated a talented colony of artists, writers and crafters?  For sports enthusiast you’ll have ample opportunities to golf, bike, hike, play tennis, go fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding along with other sports.

Starting in 1662 with it first sawmill, Biddeford evolved into a robust mill town manufacturing textiles, shoes, lumber products and other staples. You can still see the influence of the families who migrated here, many from Quebec, in search of a better life. Take your family to the “La Kermese”, a summer gala festival where the city pays a lavish tribute to it strong French-Canadian heritage.

Throughout the year you can go to downtown Biddeford and enjoy theater performances at the renovated City Theater. Almost torn down, theater lovers saved this old vaudeville palace built in 1895 from the demolition ball and with loving care renovated it to new grandeur. There’s a colorful backstage legend that an actor who died on stage still haunts the building in search of a final curtain call.

Let’s hope you don’t need it, but the Southern Maine Medical Center offers the latest medical assistance. More fun would be a visit to the new Biddeford Crossing shopping center with 20 retail shops and 5 restaurants. Or you can “get smart” at the University of New England which has its campus along the Saco River.

Biddeford also has seaside neighborhoods at Hills Beach, Biddeford Pool, Fortunes Rocks and Granite Point.

Across the Saco River, downtown Saco has emerged from it industrial heyday with a delightful array of retail stores, antique shops, galleries and restaurants. It is also the sight of an annual arts and crafts show on Main Street. You’ll find the area’s history has been kept alive since 1866 at the York Institute and its neighboring Dyer Library.

Now that the massive brick factories buildings no longer function as manufacturing centers, enterprising businessmen are converting them into housing, shops and offices.

You can see one of the most stunning displays of nature’s wonder at the Saco Heath, a part of the Saco Bay Trail which provides access to outdoor exploration. Ferry Beach State Park not only offers you 117 acres on the Saco River for picnics and nature tours, here you can see a stand of tupelo trees, a rare sight in our latitude.   

When you visit Biddeford or Saco you’re close to golf courses, hiking and bike paths, bowling, an ice arena, boating, fishing, beaches and one of the few remaining movie drive-in theaters. Also, a special treat for kids – young and young at heart – is a visit our amusement and water slide parks.

Settled in 1623, Kittery has the distinction of being the most southern and oldest town in Maine. In its early years Kittery played a vital part in the nation’s ship building industry. During the Revolution the demand for new ships became critical. Kittery responded with warships like the Range, built in 1777, that would go into battle under the command of John Paul Jones.

While you’ll come upon history around every curve in the road, modern day shoppers have added to Kittery’s reputation as a fun place to visit. Concentrated along a stretch of Route 1 you’ll find more than 120 brand name outlet stores and the famous Kittery Trading Post. You’ll have a grand time shopping on your way to discovering great restaurants, inns, B & B’s, galleries, boating, beaches and scenic attractions in the “Gateway to Maine.”

The area’s long tradition of shipbuilding led to the establishment of the Portsmouth Navy Yard in 1800. It is the oldest U.S. Navy shipyard in continuous operation. Don’t be puzzled that the yard has the name of our neighboring city in New Hampshire across the river basin. It’s just one of the quirks that adds to the folklore of the area. Today the yard’s mission is to overhaul, repair and modernize submarines.

Another piece of history and geography that Kittery shares with New Hampshire is the Isles of Shoals. It is a group of nine small islands about 10 miles off the coast and a great place for sailing excursions.

Visit the Kittery Historical and Naval Museums to see artifacts and exhibits that portray Kittery’s historical and maritime past.

You’ll find more testaments of Kittery’s rich history when you veer off the major highways. Tucked along narrow winding roads like Route 103 dwell a cluster of vintage cottages, charming river coves and examples of imposing colonial architecture.

For an excellent representation of this by-gone era visit the Lady Pepperell House built in 1760. She was the widow of Sir William Pepperell a hero of the French and Indian War, who became the richest man in New England. You’ll find more history at the First Congregational Church built in 1730 and The John Bray House, built in 1662, believed to be the oldest surviving house in Maine.

From adjacent cemeteries take tombstone rubbings for an uncommon approach to record family histories.

Take time to enjoy a picnic, spectacular water view and brush with the past at Fort McClary and Fort Foster on Kittery Point. Fort McClary, on 27 acres, started as a fortification to protect the harbor in 1689. It was upgraded as the need to safeguard our shores grew. Kids will love roaming the fort’s octagon blockhouse, granite walls and earthworks

Fort Foster on Gerrish Island was established in 1872 and expanded in following years. It’s the site of the summer Seaside Festival.

Another Kittery first is Frisbee’s, started in 1828, and claims to be the oldest family run general store.

Neighboring rural Eliot was part of Kittery until 1810 and shares a great deal of Kittery history. Clipper ships and crafts of all sizes were launched from Eliot’s piers.

Buildings of historical interest in Eliot include the William Fogg House and Library, the Dr. Willis Homestead built in 1725 and the 1768 Libby Home, a former roadside tavern.

Settled in 1624, its original name was Agamenticus in tribute to the Indian tribe that abandoned the area. It took on the name of Bristol in 1638 after the home of new settlers who established a thriving plantation. In 1642 it received another name – Gorgeana – and was granted the first city charter for a city in America.

After years of server hardships, Indian raids and conflicting land grants, in 1692 the citizens joined Massachusetts, which renamed the town York. After years of struggle prosperity came to the region in the late 1800’s when affluent tourists discovered its colonial charm.

In York Village you find quaint tree-lined streets, the village green, buildings dating back to pre-Revolution times and history preserved in its architecture and character. Look for the Old York Historical Society in the heart of the village. It maintains seven historic buildings where stories of the vexing times early villagers had to endure are dramatized.

The picturesque downtown area has restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, businesses and classic white churches with towering steeples. For an encounter with history visit the Old Gaol, rebuilt in 1719 and believed to be the oldest public building in the U.S. Until 1860 it served as the jailhouse where debtors and criminals were imprisoned.

Other notable buildings include Jefferd’s Tavern, where tours begin, the Emerson-Wilcox House, with outstanding examples of furniture and décor of the day – and perhaps a wandering ghost, the 1745 School House and the John Hancock Warehouse, once owned by the signer of the Declaration of Independence.

York Harbor echoes the colonial atmosphere of the village with the addition of old-world mansions and estates. Some have been converted to inns and bed and breakfasts complete with an old world flavor.

You’ll see some breathtaking sights when you stroll along the famous Cliff Walk at the end of the harbor. Be surefooted as you follow along the rocky shoreline path that meanders between the ocean and vacation cottages and large residences. Fisherman’s Walk, stretching out along the northern shore of the harbor, provides another opportunity to enjoy the scenery. Check the harbor for working lobster boats along with luxurious yachts of various sizes. The beach in the harbor offers a serene view and gentle surf.

Visit boisterous York Beach when you’re ready for a more upbeat and playful mood. It offers a zoo, amusement rides, arcades, gift shops, restaurants, taffy candy and a more animated summer attitude. At Ellis Park you can enjoy a summer concert performed from the gazebo.

Families gather on Long Sands and Short Sands beaches for swimming, sunning, sailing, kayaking and other seaside activities or just relaxing with some light reading.

Be sure to bring your camera to Cape Neddick where you can take spectacular photos of Nubble Light, the renowned lighthouse at Sohier Park. Just offshore on a small rocky island, the lighthouse was built in 1879 and towers 88 feet above the high water mark. You may want to visit during “Christmas in July” or the winter holiday season. That’s when the lighthouse and service buildings get festooned with thousands of white lights to celebrate the season.

One of most curious sights you’ll see is the Wiggly Bridge, a 75-foot long pedestrian bridge. It’s billed as the world smallest suspension bridge and leads to the 16-acre Stedman Woods Preserve . If you’re not alert you’ll think you’re watching a movie production where they’re filming with miniature sets.

Further inland, Mount Agamenticus provides great hiking, biking and horseback riding. When the weather is clear you have a panoramic view of the coast, New Hampshire’s Mount Washington to the west and Boston to the south from its 692-foot peak.

Sports fans can tee-up at one of four golf courses, play tennis and other outdoor events, while ocean lovers can enjoy deep sea fishing, whale watching and sailing.

Mother Nature smiled on Old Orchard Beach by favoring this seacoast town with one of the finest continuous seven mile beaches in Maine. Visitors have flocked to its shore and created a spirited resort town that has attracted families and sun and fun seekers for generations.

The area first came into prominence in 1657 when Thomas Rogers cultivated grape vines and fruit trees on a 12-acre plantation of high ground. His orchard become identified on maps as “Rogers’ Garden” and was used by sailors as a critical marker when navigating the coast.

In 1820, the same year Maine entered the Union as a state, the first hotel and bowling alley open, ushering in the beginnings of the tourist trade.

When you tour the town it’s hard to believe that fire devastated most of the area seven times between 1907 and 1975. Following each disaster citizens brought the town back with a new look and revitalized energy. Today, officials have created a distinct and inviting look to the town with such classic design features as brick sidewalks and Victorian lighting fixtures.

Railroads played an important part in the growth of Old Orchard Beach. Passenger service from Portsmouth, New Hampshire started in 1842. Today you can travel on the Amtrak Downeaster to the middle of town on the train’s run between Boston and Portland. Many French-Canadians discovered OOB – as it often gets called – when the Grand Truck Railroad opened in 1853 with a connection to Montreal. With the influx of so many northern visitors, French has become the area’s unofficial second language.

Your visit wouldn’t be complete without strolling on the landmark pier. When first built in 1898 the pier was constructed of steel and hovered 20 feet above and 1770 feet out over the sea. Through the years it was rebuilt numerous times after ravaging storms and fire destroyed it. Restored again in 1980 and shortened to 475 feet, it remains at the heart of the town’s vacation activities

You can almost hear the music performed during the heyday of big bands in the 1920s and 30s, when eager admirers danced to headliners like Guy Lombardo, Rudy Valle, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman at the Pier Casino.

The first amusement park appeared in 1902. Today, families and kids flock to enjoy the park’s carousel, Ferris wheel, roller coaster and flashy arcade with video games and food concessions. In addition to swimming, sunning and relaxing on the beach your summer vacation will be filled with festivals, free band concerts, parades, exhibitions, street dances and special events like the sand castle building contest and beach Olympics.

Plan to be near the pier on Thursdays nights for the elaborate firework display.

Accommodations range from campgrounds, cottage rentals, motels, inns, B&Bs and resort hotels. All are a short distance from the beach. Gift stores, souvenir shops and restaurants line the bustling streets. For a lively evening’s outing you can choose from a variety of lounges, nightclubs and pubs.

A fact almost lost to history is that during the early days of aviation the hard packed beach at low tide became a landing field for fliers daring a trans-Atlantic crossing. In 1927 Charles Lindberg made a forced landing of his “Spirit of St. Louis” on the beach when dense fog prevented his scheduled visit to Portland.

A short distance south, but leagues apart in character from the flashy pier surroundings, you’ll find Ocean Park. Founded in 1881 as a religious summer community it offers a quiet retreat in a peaceful setting. It hosts several cultural and entertainment events throughout the year. It is also part of a Maine Game Preserve, with mile of trails for viewing wild life and birds.