Maine > State > Resorts and Luxury > Beach and Ocean Resorts

Vacation at Beach & Ocean Resorts from Kennebunk to Boothbay to Bar Harbor

From the sandy and family-friendly beaches of York and Ogunquit to the magnificent rocky cliffs of Bar Harbor and Acadia, the coast of Maine offers a wide range of beach and ocean resorts for a romantic getaway to a lavish family vacation. The Maine coast is divided, broadly speaking, into the South Coast (Wells, Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunkport, etc.); the coastal city of Portland; the Midcoast (Rockport, Boothbay, Sebasco); and the northernmost Down East region (the heel of the state profile), home of Bar Harbor.

Throughout, lodgings offer shelter, comfort, and first-class spa service. Many have indoor or outdoor pools and access to the beach and antique shopping, and to whale-watching, windjammer, and lobster boat tours. Some waterfront lodgings have extensive grounds and gardens. There are cozy, in-town bed-and-breakfast style inns and places with large suite to welcome families with kids, groups, weddings, and reunions. Exercise rooms and hot tubs for a smooth recovery may be found. Dining is varied and wonderful, from Maine blueberry pancakes for breakfast to a lobster bake to end the day. Browse the beach and ocean resort listings below with assurance that one or more are ideal for the lifetime thrill of a Maine coastal vacation.

About the South Coast of Maine

Whatever your vacation preference, you should be able to find it on the Southern Maine Coast. Maine has a variety of beautiful beachfront towns. Maine's South coast consists primarily of Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, and Old Orchard Beach. Kittery is the first town you’ll come across when entering Maine, and it provides you with everything you’ll need to get a sample of Maine right on Route 1. For a beautiful beach vacation, York’s sandy beaches and fantastic scenery could match what you’re looking for. Drive a little bit further up the coast and visit Old Orchard Beach for a lively, energetic atmosphere with restaurants, rides, and more.

About Casco Bay, Maine

Portland, ME, sitting in the heart of Casco Bay, offers a city feel with a twist. Located right along the coast, Portland has some of the best restaurants inspired by Maine seafood and local food. The shopping in the Old Port is fun at boutiques along cobblestone streets. From Portland’s waterfront, there is easy access to Casco Bay ferries, water taxis, and boat tours to nearby islands, including Peaks Island, Diamond Island, and Long Island. Drive over the bridge to explore beaches and scenic Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough.

About the Midcoast of Maine

As we head up the coast, you’ll land upon the picturesque villages and vibrant waterfronts that make up the Midcoast. The primary towns along the coast include Camden, Rockport, Boothbay Harbor, and Brunswick. Among these quaint towns are beautiful waterfronts and scenic views. These coasts all have unique qualities for people of all ages. With lively waterfront scenes and incredible harbor views, Camden and Rockland are perfect options for a classic oceanside town experience. Boothbay Harbor will bring you a more “city” feel, with multiple streets of restaurants, shops, and activities for the kids.

About Downeast Maine

The Downeast area of Maine cannot be missed. This region is famous for its rocky shoreline, scenic harbors, and incredible mountain-to-sea views. Home to Acadia National Park, one of Maine's most frequently visited locations, this region looks straight out of a magazine. Besides Acadia, other people areas include Bar Harbor, with an incredible downtown area full of shops and restaurants, and Mount Desert Island, one of the largest islands in the United States with indescribable views.

Inn at Diamond Cove

22 McKinley Court Portland, ME, 04109 Phone: 207-805-9836

Nestled along an island shores, this inn is a classic retreat with fun activities, first-class amenities

Water, water everywhere — how wonderful! At the Inn at Diamond Cove, guests take a short, scenic cruise from Portland, ME’s charming Old Port to arrive at this luxury island retreat. Condo units have custom furniture; some have balconies or kitchenettes. But you won’t be spending a lot of time in your room because: Water! A secluded beach, kayaks to rent, dining al fresco looking out over a glistening cove. Rent an inn bike and explore the rest of the shoreline, or relax in an Adirondack chair and look out over the water. There’s a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, tennis courts, game room, cabana bar, fitness room and a deep-water marina. And there’s a fire pit where you can relax with a glass of wine while watching the sun set over the cove.

Bluenose Inn

90 Eden Street Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone: 207-288-2665

Surrounded by water views and activities, classic hotel is a must for your coastal vacation

At the Bluenose Inn, a classic Bar Harbor hotel, water views are everywhere, from the deck of the Looking Glass Restaurant (honored for its breakfasts and its views by Yankee Magazine) to the balcony in your spacious room or suite. But that’s just the beginning of your waterfront vacation. You can also get a pass at the front desk to Acadia National Park, where water views from mountains – and popular Sand Beach – will take your breath away. The area is also known for kayaking, canoeing, whale-watch tours and other boating and sailing adventures. The inn has heated indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub and fitness center and a piano lounge with live music. All rooms are beautifully appointed; many have fireplaces.

Cliff House

591 Shore Road Cape Neddick, ME, 03902 Phone: 207-361-1000 Toll-Free: 855-210-6901

Have you been imagining a Maine vacation? Let this resort make your dream a reality

The Maine of your imagination will come to life at the Cliff House, the luxurious resort that stretches across 70 oceanfront acres. The Atlantic is everywhere – you’ll see it from your spacious room, suite or cottage, all with private terraces or balconies; you’ll be suspended above it when you dine on lobster at The Tiller; you’ll see it from the luminous sanctuary room at The Spa at Cliff House. This world-class resort also features an indoor and outdoor pool and indoor and outdoor hot tubs, all of which, like the ocean, are salt water. There are children’s activities, an art gallery and a state-of-the-art fitness center and movie theater. Area attractions and activities include museums, river kayaking, golf courses, hiking and biking trails and, come winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Waves Oceanfront Resort

87 West Grand Avenue Old Orchard Beach, ME, 04064 Phone: 207-934-4949

On Old Orchard Beach!

Walk from your room onto the sand; swim, build sand castles, stroll in the surf or just relax and enjoy the feel of the sun on your face while you enjoy the view.

Our resort boasts 139 air-conditioned rooms each with private deck, telephones, color cable TV, kitchenettes with refrigerator, stove and sink. Amenities including our New Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub, bike rentals, and the Beach Street Café serving breakfast each day in season We are just a short walk from the Pier at Old Orchard Beach, which has restaurants, shopping and the only amusement park on the beach in Maine. Enjoy spectacular sunrises in the morning over the water, followed by romantic moonrises in the evening. Open May through October.

Visit our sister property - Sea View Inn

Village by the Sea - Family Fun with Room to Stretch Out! - Wells, ME

Dunes on the Waterfront

518 Main Street Ogunquit, ME, 03907 Phone: 207-646-2612

Cottages by the sea in a coastal paradise

Set on 12 secluded coastal acres this acclaimed seaside getaway is one of Maine’s original cottage resorts with a peaceful setting and prime access to the beach and downtown Ogunquit. Classic New England-style one-and two-bedroom cottages and cottage suites feature hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplaces and screened porches, full baths, full kitchens, and complimentary high-speed wireless internet throughout. There is a heated outdoor pool, games, and a dock for fishing and boating. A trolley will take you to the local attractions, shops, restaurants, the famous Ogunquit Playhouse, museums and galleries. Row across the tidal river to the sand dunes and beach during high tide or take the boardwalk over the natural vegetation of the dunes when the tide is out.

Lafayette's Oceanfront Resort

393 Mile Road Wells Beach, ME, 04090 Phone: 207-646-2831

Start your day, any season of the year, by walking out your door to a beautiful beach

Begin your day at Lafayette’s Oceanfront Resort by walking out your door to the beach. The four-season resort, directly on beautiful, sandy Wells Beach, also has an indoor pool and oversized waterfall hot tub, exercise room and accommodations with balconies and water views, as well as private cottages close to the resort and beach. The Wells area, and nearby Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, offer sailing cruises, lobster boat excursions, lighthouse visits, sea kayaking and deep-sea fishing trips. There are numerous hiking trails, fun shops, great restaurants (yes, lots of places to get the world’s freshest lobster), museums, golf courses, movie houses, galleries and other cultural venues. In the winter, go cross-country skiing, skating, sledding, snowshoeing – or stroll the beach, enchanting every season of the year.

Visit our sister property - Norseman Resorts

Village By The Sea

1373 Post Road Wells, ME, 04090 Phone: 207-646-1100 Toll-Free: 800-444-8862

Spacious condo resort close to some of Maine’s most scenic beaches

It’s a long list of fun things to do when you stay at Village by the Sea, an 11-acre condominium resort near several scenic beaches. Located next to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, this popular resort offers spacious, generously appointed one- and two-bedroom condos, many with scenic marsh views. Nearby Wells Beach features seven miles of sand and surfing areas; Wells Harbor Beach is great for kids with its tidal pools and playground. Spend your non-beach days exploring beautiful seaside villages, visiting amusement parks, golfing, kayaking, zip-lining, taking a schooner tour – or just relaxing in the resort’s indoor and outdoor pools and hot tub. Also at the resort: basketball court, firepit with patio, fitness center and game room.

Black Point Inn

510 Black Point Road Scarborough, ME, 04074 Phone: 207-819-4064

Fall in love with picture-perfect Prouts Neck and this historic, exquisite inn

With the Black Point Inn as your home base, you’re in the perfect location to explore all that this part of coastal Maine has to offer. You could even say that Prouts Neck, where the inn first opened its doors in 1878, is picture-perfect, given that Winslow Homer’s cottage was right next door. (You can still visit his studio.) With miles of sandy beaches, water views from its spacious rooms and suites and a welcoming restaurant with a porch perfect for sunset-gazing, you’ll fall in love with this inn and Prouts Neck. You can explore the area with an inn bike or kayak, swim in or lounge by the geothermically heated outdoor pool, work out in the fitness room or just relax with afternoon tea in the library.

Click here to see more Migis Hotel Group properties.

Sea Cliff House

2 Sea Cliff Avenue Old Orchard Beach, ME, 04064 Phone: 207-934-4874 Toll-Free: 800-326-4589

“Steps from the beach” is no exaggeration at this welcoming waterfront hotel

Here’s a phrase you want to hear when selecting a hotel for your coastal Maine vacation: “steps from the beach.” At the Sea Cliff House, that’s not an exaggeration: walk right out your door to a peaceful walk along a stretch of sand in either direction. It’s just 10 minutes to the Pier at Old Orchard Beach, ME, extending 400 feet into the Atlantic and offering many entertainment and dining options. Or, you can arrange for a fishing excursion or whale watch at nearby Camp Ellis, walk the scenic boardwalk at Ferry Beach State Park or head into Ocean Park, a classic seaside vacation village, for movies, concerts and walking trails. The hotel has a pool, hot tub and barbecue grills and accommodations from spacious rooms to luxury suites and efficiencies.

Higgins Beach Inn

34 Ocean Avenue Scarborough, ME, 04074 Phone: 207-883-6684

You’ll soon see why Higgins Beach is a favorite when you stay at this comfortable inn

It’s a pleasure to rise and shine each morning when you are vacationing at the Higgins Beach Inn. Have your breakfast on the covered patio at the inn’s Shade restaurant and watch the surfers attack the waves and families head down to the soft sands of the beach. You may soon follow, spending the day watching the kids frolic in the waves, or taking time for a shoreline stroll. It’s also a great place for kayaking, or perhaps you might want to take y our canoe to tour the Scarborough Marsh. Or maybe take a day trip to visit the galleries and museums in Portland, ME, just 20 minutes away. Dinnertime means refreshing cocktails, great seafood and steaks at Shade, as the sun goes down over your new favorite beach.

Click here to see more Migis Hotel Group properties.

Norseman Resorts

135 Beach Street Ogunquit, ME, 03907 Phone: 207-646-7024 Toll-Free: 800-822-7024

Walk out your door at this year-round resort to one of Maine’s loveliest beaches

A beautiful three-mile stretch of beach is yours to explore, practically from your front door, when you stay at the Norseman Resort, the only beachfront hotel on Ogunquit Beach. This year-round resort features views of the ocean, the ever-changing tidal river, and the picturesque dunes in between from comfortable accommodations, many with balconies, patios or decks – and massage chairs. Diners enjoy one of the best views in town at the resort’s Splash Beachfront Restaurant with a casual cafe menu and signature beverages. (You’ll want to try a lobster roll and a mango mai tai.) Resort guests have access to a seasonal outdoor heated pool, tennis court, sauna, exercise room and laundry facilities at the Aspinquid, just 250 yards down from the Norseman.

Visit our sister property - Lafayette's Oceanfront Resort

Spruce Point Inn

88 Grandview Avenue Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538 Phone: 207-633-4152 Toll-Free: 800-553-0289

Enjoy that iconic Maine coastal experience at this spacious, inviting inn

Named a Conde Nast Top Resort, the inviting Spruce Point Inn, perfectly poised between the woods and the sea on Maine’s coast, has been helping guests get away from it all for more than a century. The resort, with inn room, lodges, cottages and townhouses, has the perfect sanctuary for every visitor, set on acres of mature woodlands, gardens and trails. Delightful food and spirits and fun recreational activities for children and adults round out the off-the-beaten-path experience. Saltwater pools, tennis, a gameroom with vintage arcade games, croquet and shuffleboard, a private boat launch and sailing sloop, kayaks, bikes and paddleboards are just some of the fun activities at this enchanting inn.

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