The Maine Beaches
Counties | Towns & Cities | Climate | Events | Attractions | Region Map | Deals
The Maine Beaches (Southern Maine Coast), best known for its’ broad expanses of white sandy beaches, offers four seasons of fun for families and singles of all ages. Historic coastal towns including The Yorks, Wells, Ogunquit, The Kennebunks, and Old Orchard Beach offer an extraordinary selection of shops, restaurants, theater and nightlife. Museums and historic sites are many and range from lighthouses and forts to 19th century villages. Sporting attractions feature swimming, sailing, sea kayaking and saltwater fishing, as well as hiking, biking, and golf. Maine Event highlights include Chamber Music Festival, Beachfest, Beach Olympics, the Tri-State Fishing Tournament and the Winter Carnival.
Counties in the Region
- York
To see a map of York County and all towns in the county, click here.
10 Largest Cities & Towns*
- Biddeford (21,277)
- Sanford (20,798)
- Saco (18,482)
- York (12,529)
- Kennebunk (10,798)
- Wells (9,589)
- Kittery (9,490)
- Old Orchard Beach (8,624)
- Buxton (8,034)
- Waterboro (7,693)
Other towns of interest include: Acton, Cornish, Dayton, Hollis, Kennebunkport, Lyman, Ogunquit, and Shapleigh. *Population figures are based on 2010 Maine census estimates.
Climate – Average High/Low Temperatures (F)
- Sanford, Maine: January: 32.5 to 10.4, April: 57.3 to 32, July: 83.2 to 57.1, October: 62.5 to 37.1.
Geography & Natural Attractions
Numerous white, sandy beaches from Kittery to Old Orchard Beach. Ogunquit has one of the country’s top rated beaches.
Major Events
- February: Winter Carnival (Kennebunk)
- April: Patriot’s Day Celebration (Ogunquit)
- June: Chamber Music Festival (Ogunquit)
- July: Beachfest (Old Orchard Beach), Harbor Fest, Summer Solstice Craft Show (Wells), York Days (York), Greek Festival (Saco)
- August: Kennebearport Teddy Bear Show, Riverfest (Kennebunk), Yankee Village Festival (South Berwick), Beach Olympics (Old Orchard Beach), Sidewalk Art Show (Ogunquit), Acton Fair (Acton)
- September: Tri-State Fishing Tournament (Old Orchard Beach), Autumn Fest (Wells), Antique Show & Sale (Ogunquit)
- October: Octoberfest (Kittery), Harvestfest (York)
- November: Lighting of the Nubble (York)
Major Historic and Cultural Attractions & Sites
- Kennebunkport: Brick Store Museum, Kennebunkport Maritime Museum
- Kittery: Fort McClary, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
- Newfield: Willowbrook – 19th Century Village
- South Berwick: Sarah Orne Jewett Home
- York: Nubble Lighthouse, Old Gaol Museum
State Parks
Ferry Beach State Park (Saco) and Vaughan Woods State Park (South Berwick).
Recreational Activities
Biking, Hiking, Golf, Swimming, Boating & Sailing, Canoeing & Kayaking, Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing.