Wood Island Lighthouse near Biddeford - photo courtesy of Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse
The Bush compound in Kennebunkport.
Paddling along the Kennebunk River.
Young surfers catch a wave at Gooch's beach.
Mackerel are easily caught off southern Maine.
Just an hour or so from Boston, Maine’s South Coast Region is a paradise for anyone who loves sandy beaches, small New England towns, fresh lobster—and the outdoors!
Paddle the scenic and protected coastal rivers such as the Mousam, Kennebunk, York, Ogunquit, and Saco, all of which offer great fishing for striped bass from June through September. If you are feeling adventurous, try a sea-kayaking expedition along the rock coast.
Immerse yourself in nature at the spectacular Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, where you can hike, paddle, fish, and view a variety of birds and other wildlife all year round. The Refuge is popular among nature photographers, for obvious reasons.
Boating is big here, too, and there are excellent launch facilities and marine services in most of the towns along the Mid-Coast Region.
Swimmers, surfers and sun-lovers will find plenty of beaches to fit their needs, including Gooch’s, Mother’s, York, Ferry Beach State Park, Long Sands, and more!
If you like to hike, visit Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal. The park features multi-use trails that also allow for horseback riding, mountain biking and snowmobiling. If you’d prefer a coastal amble, save an afternoon to walk the famed Marginal Way, which winds along the rocky shore from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach.
Once you’ve sampled the outdoors, relax and refuel at one of the many restaurants along the coast, many of which specialize in fresh seafood. You’ll also find quaint towns filled with shops and galleries, as well as museums and theaters.
Structure to provide access to rare Atlantic white cedar swamp.
Explore the estuarine world of Maine at these two coastal sites.
Escape the tourist scene on Maine’s South Coast Region on a tranquil paddle along the tidal Kennebunk River.
This sparkling coastal refuge on the South Coast of Maine provides important habitat for a wide variety of Northeast species, and those who appreciate the natural world.