Hey everyone,

My boyfriend and I beginning to plan our summer vacation. We have been to Old Orchard Beach,ME and to Hampton Beach, NH however we would like to try somewhere new. I have heard many good things about Ogunquit as well as Wells. However, I am not sure what we should expect in terms of things to do. We like a boardwalk or town center with arcades/shops/restaurants/stands and we like to be close to some sort of shopping area (Portland/Portsmouth). We are 24, and were just wondering if we would enjoy these two places?
Based on the above do you think that we will have enough things to do to fill 7-10 days? We like to take it easy on the beach during the day and walk along the boardwalk or in the town during the evening.

Thanks for your suggestions!

Layla

If Hampton and Old Orchard Beach is your scene then you probably won't love Ogunquit or Wells. Wells is really all about the beach and Ogunquit is more quaint, no arcades or boardwalk or anything.

That being said, you are certainly within easy driving distance to a lot of places, including Portsmouth and Portland which have great bars and restaurants.

Hi Wyatt,

Thanks for your response. It's not so much that Hampton and Old Orchard are our "scene" but we do like the combo of beach and some fun little things to do. We don't want to get to a place and be like "what now??". I know that Wells and Ogunquit are probably beautiful places, but I think we should stick to something I know we enjoy.
Do you have any suggestions regarding places that offer a similar or better experience/vibe/atmosphere to Hampton or OOB?

Thanks again,

Layla

Not sure what your budget is but I love the Wentworth by the Sea hotel in New Castle NH. It's on the water (a harbor) and is a short 5 min drive to downtown Portsmouth.

Portsmouth is great, there are tons of fun bars, restaurants and shops. You're also about 20 min away from Hampton Beach.

You'd probably really like Pirate's Cove Beach in Rye. It's a nice beach, pretty mellow, with tons of people in your age group. It's just past Wallis Sands beach, you park on the side of the road. But don't tell anyone about it, I grew up in Portsmouth but notice that it's gotten more crowded in the past 5 years

Another option could be the Anchorage Hotel in York Beach ME. It's across the street from the beach and York has a little town with some kitchy shops and such. Not as much to do at night but it might be worth a look.

If you want to try someplace entirely new, I would wholeheartedly recommend Newport RI, I think you'd love it.

Hey Wyatt,

Thanks sooo much for your answers. You have been so helpful. I will look into all of your suggestions.

I really appreciate all your help!

Thanks!

Layla

Hi Wyatt,

I posted a question about Newport on the forum, but I was just curious if you would be willing to give me a few more details. I researched a bit and saw that there are a few option in terms of where to stay (Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, Jamestown etc.) What would you suggest? Is the beach and boardwalk set up similar to that of hampton/old orchard?
Any little details would be helpful as we are considering this as an option. From what we have seen so far it looks very cute.....i'm glad that you suggested it.
Thanks!

Layla

Ooops...
I posted the below on the wrong thread:

Newport and Ogunquit are going to have some similarities. Both are have lots a restaurants and shopping for the evening, but neither will have arcades or "boardwalks," so to speak. Both have "cliff walks" that run along the ocean for beautiful daytime views, and great beaches, although the water in Newport will be a good deal warmer. There is a Best Western on the Newport/Middletown line that has great beach access.

Another area that might be similar to OOB or Hampton is Hyannis on Cape Cod. Arcades and mini-golf abound, and lots of people out walking at night to gift shops and bars. Craigville Beach is a great beach just nearby to Hyannis.

Good Luck, and have fun!