The Southern Coast: Places to Explore

Cape Neddick is one of the less developed of York's villages, running from the water (and Route 1A), along U.S. 1 between York and Ogunquit. The town has many modest residential homes, with a sprinkling... Read more

Sometimes bypassed on the way to its sister town of Kennebunkport, Kennebunk has its own appeal. In the 19th century the town was a major shipbuilding center; docks lined the river with hundreds of workers... Read more

Kennebunkport has been a resort area since the 19th century, but its most famous residents have made it even more popular—the presidential Bush family is often in residence in their immense home... Read more

One of the earliest settlements in the state of Maine, Kittery suffered its share of British, French, and Native American attacks throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, yet rose to prominence as a vital... Read more

A resort village in the 1880s, stylish Ogunquit gained fame as an artists' colony. Today it has become a mini Provincetown, with a gay population that swells in summer. Many inns and small clubs cater... Read more

Back in the late 19th century Old Orchard Beach was a classic, upscale, place-to-be-seen resort area. The railroad brought wealthy families looking for entertainment and the benefits of the fresh sea air... Read more

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... Read more

Like many shorefront towns in Maine, York Beach has a long history of entertaining summer visitors. Take away today's bikinis and iPods and it's easy to imagine squealing tourists adorned in the full-length... Read more

Just a few miles from the village proper, York Harbor opens up to the water and offers many places to linger and explore. The harbor is busy with boats of all kinds, while the harbor beach is a good stretch... Read more

As subdued as the town may feel today, the history of York Village reveals a far different character. One of the first permanently settled areas in the state of Maine, it was once witness to great destruction... Read more