DH and I are planning to spend a week in Boston next summer with our 2 adult children. Following that we would like to spend several days relaxing on a beach in southern Maine, eating lobster and perhaps going whale watching. Any recommendations for which town we should stay in? Thanks!

We're not beach goers. The family used to make annual trips to York Beach staying near Short Sands (I think!) where we could walk to the down town area which was basically t shirt shops, and the amusement park. Fine with little kids but probably not a great adult area. I would suggest you choose a beach based on where you like the accommodations. I liked The Dunes of Ogunquit but because they have a large grassy area and pool with a variety of accommodations from motel to cottage. We liked relaxing in the shade. I liked the Elmwood in Wells for a September visit but it's not on the beach.

You have several choices. There are 4 beaches in York, Harbor Beach, Long Sands, Shorut Sands and the small Cape Neddick Beach. Since you
Are 4 adults, I recommend Harbor Beach. You could stay at the York Harbor Inn or Stage Neck Inn. Good food in their restaurants, perfect views, right
at the beach. Short Sands is definitely family oriented. All are close to each other, so you could certainly visit all, but for accommodations I'd stay at Stage Neck or YHI.

ON the other hand, Ogunquit Beach is about 8 miles further north. STUNNING Beach, lots of accommodation, many oceanfront, the famous Marginal Way, some upscale shopping all walking distance from each
other.


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BTW.....make reservations well in advance.

Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll check them out.

This place is very relaxing. Dining nearby is mostly pretty basic stuff but there are a couple of good seafood places within a few minutes drive. 30 minute day trips to Cape Porpoise/ Kennebunkport or into Portland and to Cape Elizabeth.
www.billowhouse.com

The later in summer that you can go, the better as far as crowds and traffic. Aug 25-Sept 15 usually has great weather and half the mobs of July and early August.

Most of the southern Maine towns have great beaches. Ogunquit is probably the most impressive, but it does get very crowded. It depends on what kind of vibe you want.
York is the most family friendly, Oguquit the most upscale and artsy, Wells doesn't have much of a downtown, just lots of beachfront, Kennebunkport has a nice mix of good beaches and a pleasant downtown. Finding lodging within walking distance of the beach is a big plus -most of the towns charge $20-$30 a car to park, except for York, which has parking meters. Two things to be prepared for - the tide changes are dramatic, so at high tide everyone is packed in to a fairly narrow stretch of sand, at low tide you have acres of open sand to spread out on. Also, water temps are quite chilly - late summer is typically has the warmest water temps. Plenty of lobster and whale watching cruises everywhere.

Thanks again for the suggestions. I really appreciate the input.

Southern Maine is quite good.