Wells

Lacking any kind of noticeable village center, Wells could be easily overlooked as nothing more than a commercial stretch on U.S. 1 between Ogunquit and the Kennebunks. But look more closely—this is a place where people come to enjoy some of the best beaches on the coast. Part of Ogunquit until 1980, this family-oriented beach community has 7 mi of densely populated shoreline, along with nature preserves where you can explore salt marshes and tidal pools, and see birds and waterfowl.

The area is also rich in history; Wells has been a thriving community in one way or another since the mid-1600s. It's actually a little more peaceful now than it was back then—the flocks of tourists that crowd the beaches and roadsides are far friendlier than the American Indians and French who engaged in near constant warfare and attacks during the 17th century.