RELAX. EXPLORE. REPEAT.

Savor the last gasps of summer with us;

Maine season lives on in September

Summer is slip-sliding away, and you’re kicking yourself because you never made it to Maine this year. Well, there’s still time to make that happen! Some of the best things about Maine in the summer are also some of the best things about Maine as we head into fall. 

Long ago Labor Day used to unofficially end tourist season here, but now with the majority of shops, restaurants and visitor attractions extending their season till late fall and into the holidays, September merely brings about a different vibe to a Maine Beaches escape. 

If you like lighter crowds along with summer weather by day, cooler air with fall-feels by night, then late-summer travel is for you! Kids have gone back to school, working folks are back to business, and Vacationland moves into a more leisurely pace of exploration.

So if Maine is on your bucket list this year, relax, you still have plenty of time to take it all in. Come explore our Maine beaches, then repeat!

RELAX

Take your pick! There are so many different accommodations and ways to stay: do you want a hotel (Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford) or bed & breakfast (Inn at English Meadows in Kennebunk) A resort (Alouette Beach Resort in Old Orchard Beach) or an inn (Nellie Littlefield Inn in Ogunquit) If you want to make the most of the late-summer season, how about a seasonal cottage (Old Orchard Beach Cottages) or campground (Cape Neddick Campground or glamping at Huttopia in Sanford) before they close for the season? Wherever you choose, you can often find lower rates in late summer and early fall, so poke around!

After landing your overnight accommodations, make a plan to relax. Take the day at your pace, there’s fewer people vying for favorite restaurant seats, the same parking spots, hot tickets to the show, or seats on the boat. 

The summer vibe here lives on, thanks to live music venues that are still rocking into the fall. There’s the Sunset Deck at Old Orchard’s Pier and Vinegar Hill Music Theater in Arundel. And it’s always a treat to catch a musical at the spectacular Ogunquit Playhouse! Lucky us, you can see Playhouse favorite Sally Struthers in “Tootsie” (Broadway musical) playing Sept. 28-Oct. 29. Let the music play on! 

EXPLORE

You’ve arrived! By air, land, or sea, there are so many nooks and crannies of Southern Maine to explore. Given the closing window on seasonal opportunities, we encourage you to explore our seaside communities from a different perspective.

By land, climb (or drive) to the top of Mount Agamenticus to explore the network of trails and catch a breath-taking 360-degree view from the tallest point in Southern Maine, with spectacular views of the Atlantic. For a traditional hike in the woods, try Vaughan Woods in South Berwick. And if you want to “walk on the edge” along the crashing waves below, you’ll want to walk the popular paved Marginal Way in Ogunquit. Timber Point is Biddeford is a quick, scenic stroll with spectacular views of Goose Rock Beach and the mighty Atlantic.

By air, you can take a Nubble Lighthouse Tour with Pine Tree Helicopters out of Sanford Airport.This tour explores 15 miles of picturesque coastline from Nubble Light in York up to Kennebunk and back. There are other tours to choose from, such as a sunset tour, lighthouse tour (seven Maine structures) and a 100-mile seacoast tour from Portland to Portsmouth, NH. This is an amazing way to see some of Maine’s most iconic landmarks!

By water – which is one of our favorite options because all are so uniquely Maine – explore the coastline aboard any number of sailboats, lobster boats, schooners or a larger whale watch boat. Apex Fishing Charter Services operating out of Wells Harbor can help you test out your sea legs. Whether you choose a high-speed thrill ride, a sunset schooner cruise or a sea kayak rental, we think you will enjoy seeing the coastline from a very unique perspective.

If you’ve ever wanted to tour a lighthouse, Maine Lighthouse Day is Saturday, Sept. 9, when dozens of lighthouses are open to the public. Locally, Goat Island Light in Cape Porpoise and Wood Island Lighthouse in Biddeford are open.

REPEAT

Do you really want to rush the last days of summer? Go ahead and extend your stay, so you can do it all over again. It’s a new day, and a new adventure awaits because it truly takes days to fully enjoy the southern coast of Maine.

Fall is one of the best times to visit Maine. All the Maine staples that visitors enjoy in the summertime are a different kind of wonderful in the fall. The lobster is always fresh, the beaches are still breath-taking, and our landmarks still shine. Enjoy them at your own pace.

For more information on any of these ideas, or inspiration to make it your own, visit TheMaineBeaches.com. Whatever your visit entails, whether a day trip or an overnight, late summer is a spectacular time of year to relax, explore (and repeat!) at the Maine Beaches.

INTRODUCING THE MAINE BEACHES POCKET GUIDE

Check out our all-new Pocket Guide App, featuring self-guided tours of our beach communities - from Kittery to OOB - plus info on beaches, lighthouses, where to eat, family fun, trails for walking, hiking, biking, theater, galleries, and so much more.

READY TO PLAN YOUR VISIT?

The Maine Beaches 2023 Visitor Guide, full of information and inspiration to help you plan your visit the Maine Beaches is ready for download from our website! This 64-page guide includes in-depth descriptions of our towns, our beaches, things to do on and off the water, dining, shopping and play for kids of all ages (even the grown up ones). We invite you to browse our magazine and let the pages guide you as you plan your visit. Summer 2023 is on the doorstep and if you haven't already started, now is the time to Relax, Explore, and Repeat!

LOOK OUT

FOR ME!

No matter the season, we want to take a moment to remind our visitors of the simple ways you can explore all of the rich, natural wonders we have to offer while keeping your footprint light.

Look Out for ME is a statewide initiative that offers easy to incorporate tips to enjoy the land and preserve its pristine beauty.

From taking care of the land to taking care of yourself, we hope you'll spend a few minutes reading through so that when you leave your chosen spot it's ready and intact for those who follow in your footsteps.