Hi, I am looking to go on a short trip at the end of August with my family (wife and two children, one will be 8 and one will be 4 this coming summer). We live in NJ and are thinking about trying our first flight with them somewhere within an hour and a half or so. I am thinking Maine may be a good idea. Probably for three nights.

Any recommendations? I know there is the northern part by Bangor and Bar Harbor/ Acadia , and then the southern part by Portland, kennebunkport, etc. I think the two areas are a bit far to squeeze in three nights so probably better off just staying in one area. Also, is it too cold to go to the beaches at the end of August?

thank you!

Keep in mind that sandy beaches tend to be south of Portland. York beach and the amusement park used to be a family favorite. It's ideal if you can find accomodations within walking distance of the little downtown area and entrance to the animal/amusement park.

We¡re not swimmers but I think August would be tour best time. A lot of schools go back before Labor Day but Labor Day will still be busy.

Last year we rented and air b&b close to a Wells Beach. There was only one far area where parling was available. Residents along the street we were on had a long walk to the beach. I was disappointed so check about parking wherever you go.

Portland and south destinations give you choice of airports including Manchester NH.

Rhere,s a facebook group Travel Maine which you should find helpful.

Hello,
With only 3 nights, stick to southern Maine. Try to fly into Portland. Manchester airport is about an hour from York, Ogunquit, Wells. In York, there are 3 beaches, Harbor Beach, Long Sands, and Short Sands. Short Sands has the amusement park and an arcade and is very family friendly. You can walk the Fisherman's Walk, enjoy the beach, drive 15 minutes to Portsmouth,NH and visit historic Strawbery Banke. Take a walk along the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, swim at the gorgeous beach, visit Laudholm Farm , visit Kennebunkport and walk the shore path, or visit the Rachel Carson preserve. More than enough to keep you busy.
Beware, August is incredibly busy here, so make reservations early, and be prepared for traffic.
Maine is the best place to be in the heat of the summer! Your kids will thank you.

Next time, fly to Bangor, drive one hour to Acadia and spend a minimum of 3 nights. If possible, spend more. Also, very, very busy in summer.

I agree with the others, southern Maine for beaches. Try to get lodging very close to the beach, many beaches do not have bath houses, so go in your beach gear and use the potty before you go.

The water is always cold, but the kids will dip their toes and wade. Or there are lovely lake beaches less than 45 mins drive from the coast.

Book a rental car now because they do sell out in July and August, or get very expensive. Just book something with no pre-payment obligation or cancellation fee. In fact book a couple of different reservations if you're not sure yet where you'll be flying in to.

The Sea Cliff Motor Inn near Ocean Park (the quieter end of Old Orchard Beach) is an easy walk out to the beach and has a pool practically on the beach. They have a half-decent cancellation policy and you're 22 mins drive from Portland airport and Cape Elizabeth, in the other direction 25 mins drive down to Ogunquit. (At Two Lights Park in Cape Elizabeth you can get a taste of the 'rocky coast' of Maine as opposed to the miles-long sandy beach area around Old Orchard.) There are also some more upscale inns and condos in the area.

Try to stretch to 4 nights if at all possible. A 3 night stay only gives you 2 full days in between to get out and about and there is plenty for a family to do in southern Maine, the beaches, the lake swimming, the wildlife parks, the boat harbors, the rocky coast, amusement parks etc.

Does it have to be Maine? Do you for sure want to fly? Just asking because you can easily drive from New Jersey up to Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire. To me 3 nights is so short to spend the money and make the effort going to an airport, flight, car rental, etc. Just seems like a road trip would be easier (assuming you have a car and drive).