The New England coastline is one of the most beautifully untouched parts of the country. From the rocky cliffs to the sandy beaches, the crisp Atlantic coast is brimming with activities. We have everything you need to know about discovering the best Maine coast attractions to invigorate your trip and leave you with life-long memories.
7 Maine Coast Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss
Plan the ultimate vacation with the best stops along the way. We have everything you need to know about the best Maine coast attractions to ensure your best trip to the coast. What are you waiting for? Let’s explore.
Nubble Lighthouse
Just south of Kennebunkport in the town of York is one of the most iconic lighthouses on the east coast. Nubble Lighthouse sits just off the coastline on a picturesque, rocky, New England island. Expect to see fishermen, scuba divers, and an array of coastal wildlife including Herring Gulls and Harbor Seals. Bring a picnic lunch along and relax in the scenic Sohier Park.
New England Eco Adventures
New England Eco Adventures brings you a Maine Coast experience like no other right here in Kennebunkport! Tour the scenic lighthouses, hop aboard a whale watch, and even take a high-speed thrill ride through the wide-open Atlantic. You do not want to miss the excitement of an eco-adventure!Â
Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge
The Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge is a quick ten-minute drive from The Inn at English Meadows. The refuge encompasses over fourteen thousand acres and is home to salt marshes, estuaries, barrier dunes, and coastal meadows. You’ll want to bring your camera and your walking shoes for this adventure.Â
Cape Elizabeth
Plan your day in Cape Elizabeth. See everything from the Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park to the peaceful Great Pond and Cresent Beach State Park. The town is flush with delicious dining options from the wildly popular food truck, Cousins Maine Lobster, to the nostalgic Good Table Restaurant.Â
First Chance Whale Watch
Hop on a First Chance Whale Watch boat for a chance to see whales in their natural habitat or learn about how lobsters are harvested on one of their scenic lobster tours. Looking for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends? They also offer a private evening cruise of Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise. The First Chance Whale Watch docks are an easy 1/2 mile walk from the Inn.
Boothbay Railway Village
Boothbay Harbor began as one of the most active shipping ports in the Northeast in the 1860s and has only blossomed since then. The Boothbay Railway Village is a quaint replica of what life was like in the late 19th century. It includes a village, model railroad, antique automobile exhibit, and a full history of the town.
Portland Observatory
The Portland Observatory is one of the last pieces of maritime history left in Coastal Maine. The observatory was built in 1807 to provide a safe watch over Portland’s deep harbor. There are no better views of the bustling city than from the seventh story of this historic landmark.Â
York Cliffs
York Cliffs offers exclusive, unrivaled views that you won’t see anywhere else in the world…as long as you’re willing to make the trek. The main trailhead is a reasonably brief one-mile in and out path alongside the beach. Why walk the beach when you could travel the cliffs?
Step it up a notch with a visit to Bald Head Cliff. Stand above the ocean as it crashes into the steep rocks and rescinds back into the deep, blue Atlantic.Â
Come Back to The Inn at English Meadows
Tack on another memorable experience to your Maine trip with our Maine Culinary Vacation Package. The immersive culinary package includes a two-night stay in one of our quaint rooms, a hands-on cooking class with a local Kennebunkport chef, an artisan cheese plate and a bottle of perfectly paired wine, and a pair of English Meadows coffee mugs to commemorate your visit. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Kennebunks!