11 Best Sights in The Southern Coast, Maine

Restaurants, art galleries, clothing boutiques, and other shops—both trendy and touristy—line this bustling square and nearby streets and alleys. Walk onto the swing bridge to admire the tidal Kennebunk River; cross to the other side and you are in the Lower Village of neighboring Kennebunk.

On a small island just off the tip of Cape Neddick, Nubble Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the globe. Direct access is prohibited, but the small Sohier Park right across from the light has stunning coastal views, parking, historical placards, benches, and a seasonal information center that sells gifts and shares the 1879 light's history.

This was the site of twin lighthouses erected in 1828—and locals still call it Two Lights—but one of the lighthouses was dismantled in 1924 and converted into a private residence. The other lighthouse still operates, and you can get a great photo of it from the end of Two Lights Road (note that it's not quite visible from the nearby Two Lights State Park). The lighthouse itself is closed to the public and set off on a hill, but down by the water you can explore the tidal pools.

Built in 1773, just before the American Revolution, this stunning church is a marvel. The 1804 Asher Benjamin–style steeple stands proudly atop the village, and the sounds of the original Paul Revere bell can be heard for miles.

Fisherman's Walk, which begins near Harbor Beach, is an easy stroll. Starting across Stage Neck Road from the beach, it passes waterfront businesses, historic homes, and rocky harbor beaches on the way to York's beloved Wiggly Bridge. This pedestrian suspension bridge alongside Route 103 (there is minimal parking here) leads to Steedman Woods, a public preserve with a shaded loop trail along the York River estuary's ambling waters. You can also enter the preserve near the George Marshall Store Gallery in York Village.

The storefront windows and bead-board trim at the George Marshall Store Gallery (built in 1867) pay homage to its past as a general store, but the focus here is on the present. Changing exhibits, installations, and educational programs focus on prominent and up-and-coming regional artists. Stop in on weekends or by appointment through summer and fall.

For an unusual experience, visit this 650-acre grasslands habitat that is home to several rare and endangered species and managed, in part, with controlled burns (an interpretive, mile-long loop trail explains the benefits of burning). Locals call it Blueberry Plains, and a good portion of the area is abloom with the hues of ripening wild blueberries in late July; after August 1, you are welcome to pick and eat all the berries you can find. The area is maintained in a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

This mile-plus-long, paved footpath hugs the shore of a rocky promontory just beyond Ogunquit's downtown. Thirty-nine benches along the easygoing path allow you to appreciate the open sea vistas. Expect heavy foot traffic, even in the off-season—which is the only time of the year that dogs are allowed.

Founded in the 1880s, Old Orchard Beach is the state's premier family-resort destination. The carnival lights and sounds of the amusement park Palace Playland have pulled in residents and visitors for generations, while shops and stands hawking souvenirs line Grand Avenue. But the star attraction is 7 miles of sandy oceanfront that’s popular for swimming, walking, socializing, and just plain gazing out at the ocean. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets. Best for: partiers; sunset; surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

This neck of land off Shore Road in the lower part of Ogunquit village has a jumble of sea-weathered fish houses and buildings that were part of an art school. These have largely been transformed by the tide of tourism into shops and restaurants, including the classic Barnacle Billy's seafood spot. When you've had your fill of browsing, stroll out along the mile-long Marginal Way.

You can explore this Maine Audubon–run nature center on foot or by kayak or canoe and on your own or as part of a guided walk or paddle. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent and come with a life jacket and map. The salt marsh is Maine's largest and is an excellent place for bird-watching and peaceful paddling along its winding ways. The center has a discovery room for kids and a good gift shop. Programs include birding walks and full moon and sunset tours. Entrance is free, as are many programs, including family nature walks held on Wednesdays.