Hi there! Southern Maine is a fantastic place to visit if you enjoy small-town charm, great food and spending time outdoors! Southern Maine is filled with tons of shops, restaurants and hotels, and it is especially lovely to visit during the summer and fall months. In this post I will be sharing tons of fun things to do in Southern Maine (year-round!) as well as my top hotel and restaurant recommendations.
Keep reading for everything you need to know when planning a trip to Southern Maine!
Towns in Southern Maine – an Overview
Southern Maine is comprised of numerous small towns that have a quaint and welcoming feel. A few of my favorite towns include Kittery, York, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. However, Old Orchard Beach and Wells are also popular vacation destinations.
In all of these towns you’ll find lovely beaches and ocean views, cute shops and yummy seafood.
These towns are all relatively close together, so it’s super easy to take a weekend road trip through Southern Maine, stopping by numerous little towns on your way.
Fun Things to do in Southern Maine
Cliff Walk in York
The Cliff Walk in York starts at the York Harbor Beach, and is a one-mile trail with incredible ocean views. The trail begins on a paved path, that gradually becomes less and less structured, and takes on an enchanted garden feel.
This walk is a lot of fun, and the uneven path with wildflowers and plants is beautiful to adventure through.
Although this trail is not long, I do not recommend it for people who are not confident walking on uneven surfaces with stone steps.
Visit Nubble Lighthouse
Nubble Lighthouse in York is a stunning lighthouse and great photo spot! The lighthouse is located on an island (that is closed to the public,) but is viewable from the mainland. Many years ago, Nubble Lighthouse could be accessed by cable car and the original car is still intact, although out of use.
When visiting the mainland, visitors can climb on the rocks near the ocean, take in the views of the lighthouse and take photos.
Walk Along Marginal Way in Ogunquit
Marginal Way is another beautiful cliff walk in Southern Maine with views of the ocean. Unlike Cliff Walk in York, Marginal Way is paved and super well maintained.
The walk is about 1.25 miles, and while there are some stairs and steps, Marginal Way is a great place for all ages to take an ocean walk.
While walking along Marginal Way, you’ll find rocky beaches, benches to take in the views, and rocky viewpoints for photos!
See a Show at the Ogunquit Playhouse
Located in Ogunquit, the Ogunquit Playhouse is a great place to go to see a play or performance. While I was in Southern Maine, I saw Mystic Pizza the musical at the playhouse – and it was so much fun.
This is the perfect evening activity after a day of exploring.
Go Shopping in York, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport
Throughout the towns in Southern Maine you’ll find a great selection of boutiques, souvenir shops and art galleries.
Personally, I think Ogunquit has the best selection of shops, but each town is worth checking out.
Check out the Candy Shops
In addition to the boutiques and souvenir shops in Southern Maine, you’ll also find tons of specialty candy stores! Most towns have multiple candy store options that feature treats like homemade fudge, chocolate and saltwater taffy.
These sweet treats are delicious and also make great gifts!
Go to the Beach (if the weather is nice)
If you’re visiting Maine in the summer, or even early fall, then the beach is definitely a must-visit!
Throughout the towns in Southern Maine you’ll find a variety of beaches to visit. Personally, I really enjoy going to the beach in Kennebunkport – but Ogunquit also offers great beach options.
If you’re traveling with kids, and are looking for a beach with a boardwalk, then head to Old Orchard Beach. Old Orchard Beach has a traditional beach pier and boardwalk, and is fun for the whole family!
Check out Portsmouth, NH
I know Portsmouth is not part of Southern Maine, but it is super close! This lovely town is located just across the bridge from Kittery, and is definitely worth a visit. You can drive or walk across the bridge, which is an added bonus.
I recommend spending a couple hours walking around the town and checking out the boutiques and little shops. There is also a great selection of cafes and restaurants if you want to grab a bite to eat!
Must Try Restaurants in Southern Maine
Breakfast/Brunch
Lil’s Café – located in Kittery, this café is perfect for breakfast. They are famous for their cruller donuts, but all of their food is delicious.
Lovebird Donuts – located in Kittery this completely vegan donut shop is a must visit! They are 100% plant-based and serve some of the best donuts I’ve ever had. Their coffee is also wonderful!
Loveshack Juicery – located in Ogunquit, this smoothie and açai bowl shop is a great place to visit after walking along Marginal Way. Everything is delicious and I love that it’s a healthy option!
Lil’s Cafe 
Loveshack Juicery
Lunch/Dinner
Robert’s Maine Grill – a farm-to-table restaurant that specializes in seafood. For a more low-key option, check out their sister restaurant, Bob’s Clam Hut.
Lobster Cove – a great, no-frills restaurant in York! They’re well-known for their lobster rolls, but they have tons of great options. Sit upstairs for unbeatable ocean views.
Anju Noodle Bar – a small Kittery eatery with great Asian fusion dishes. The ramen and bao are amazing, but I wanted everything on the menu!
Old Ferry Landing – a lovely place to eat overlooking the water in Portsmouth! A great place for seafood with views.
Portsmouth Gaslight – pizza night anyone? Great for eat-in or take-out!
Dessert
Kilwins – Kilwins is a chain, but that doesn’t stop it from having delicious desserts! Check out the Portsmouth location for great ice cream, chocolate treats and caramel apples!
The Best Hotels in Southern Maine
Southern Maine is a region filled with tons of lovely small towns and great hotels. You really can’t go wrong with staying in any of the towns, as all of the others are just a short drive away. However, my favorite towns to stay in are definitely York and Kennebunkport!
Located in Kittery + York
- Water Street Inn – a low-key, small inn in Kittery (Maine’s oldest town!)
- Viewpoint Hotel – located in York
Located in Kennebunkport
Located in/near Portsmouth, NH
- Wentworth by the Sea – a historic and luxurious hotel
Well, there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Southern Maine! If you have any questions, or anything to add to this post, let me know in the comments below.
For more things to do in the Northeast, check out my New Hampshire and Vermont guides!
Lastly, please share this post with someone you know who needs a trip to Maine! We super appreciate your support.
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♡Kate
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Even growing up in the northeast (in Maryland), I feel like I still have so much more to explore. Great post! I think I would especially love trying the Cliff Walk and some of those yummy restaurants; sounds like there are so many dining options and all of that seafood is probably delicious! Xx Sara
That lighthouse looks really cool, and I am so glad you mentioned lobster rolls because Maine. Great tips and photos.
Maine is a beautiful part of the country. I was lucky to visit once as a kid. The lighthouse and shops look really fun. Great suggestions. Hope I have the chance to visit again soon.
i have never been myself, but have heard such great things about Ogunquit…. i hope to visit one day, especially to enjoy a Maine lobster roll lol but after seeing your photos, i see there’s quite a bit to explore in this charming town.
Love this curated list of all the charming towns in southern Maine. I used to live in Vermont so miss this area of the country. Need to visit!
Such a great post! I lived in the North East for over a decade. Love Maine! This brings backs wonderful memoreies of the lobstah rolls, the salt water taffies and the idyllic summers in Kennebunkport. I look forward to checking out some of the restraunts the next time I’m there.
Maine in the Fall is definitely on my bucket list. Great guide for other things to see and do while visiting.
I love Marginal Way and those rocky shores. Soft sand is always fun, but something about the rocky shore has such a beautiful appeal to it.
I’ve always wanted to go to Maine! Do you think it’s still too cold around the middle of May?
The middle of May is a wonderful time to visit! Usually temperatures are pretty mild (between 50-65 degrees), and it’s a nice time of year to walk around and explore. It won’t be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but if that’s not the main purpose of your visit then you should be all set!
Beautiful post! Thanks for this very informative article! Would love to visit Maine one day!
This looks like such a pretty area to visit! I love the look of that lighthouse – such a nice spot for photos.
I can’t wait to visit Maine someday! The cliff walks look beautiful. Saving this for someday (hopefully in the near future)!
So many beautiful small towns in southern Maine. Love this guide on all the things to do, where to stay and where to eat.
What beautiful shots! Thanks for sharing.