15 Wells Beach Vacation Tips from a Seasoned Pro
If you’re looking to get the most out of your Wells Beach vacation, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve got the goods on what to do. For the uninitiated,…
If you're looking to get the most out of your Wells Beach vacation, you've come to the right place. I've got the goods on what to do.
For the uninitiated, Wells Beach is the hidden gem of the Maine Seacoast. Forever in the shadow of the bustling York Beaches, hip Ogunquit Beach, and tony Kennebunkport, Wells Beach offers an alternative. It's typically less crowded than those other beaches. It's also a bit smaller and a bit quieter, yet there's plenty to do in Wells proper when you need a day away from the beach.
I've been vacationing in Wells with my family since I was in grade school. For one week each summer, we head up Rt. 1 to relax in a rental on the Webhannet River. That's the special thing about the beaches in Wells: they're bordered by the Webhannet River and its surrounding wetlands. So, as I'll share below, you get the sunrise on the beach side, and the sunset on the river side.
Wells Beach is my happy place. When I was growing up, our week vacations there were what I looked forward to most every year. Continuing the tradition with my own kids as they've grown up has further deepened my love for the place. Shout out to my folks, who've secured the weekly rental every year for the last 30+ years and made sure we have a great place to stay.
15 Wells Beach Vacation Tips from a Seasoned Pro
Let me put my expertise to work for you. I'm going to walk you through a typical week in Wells below, full of the fun and traditions my family and I have shared over the years. I hope they'll come in handy whether you're planning on spending a week at the beach, a long weekend, or just daytripping.
Breakfast at the Maine Diner
Any trip to Wells Beach should include a stop at the Maine Diner. Breakfast all day, baby. I usually order "El Tiante," Red Sox great Luis Tiant's favorite breakfast: poached eggs over corned beef hash.
Remember the Maine
The Maine Diner is a popular place, so you're likely going to have to wait to be seated. Kill some time next door at the Remember the Maine gift shop. If you've got a couple of quarters and a penny in your pocket, you can make a souvenir!
Congdon’s Donuts
If you want old-fashioned donuts that have been made the same way for decades, Congdon's Donuts on Rt. 1 is the place to go. Get there early! Like, when they open. Otherwise, you'll be waiting in line with all the other donut lovers.
Lovebirds Donuts
OK, I'm cheating a bit here. Lovebirds is about 20 minutes down Rt. 1 in Kittery. But I have a kid who digs vegan donuts. And these vegan donuts are so good and taste so much like the real thing you won't even know the difference.
Harding Books
Harding Books, Maps & Prints is like a time capsule for bibliophiles. Room after room of used and rare books. A great place to spend a rainy day.
Books
Practicing my elocution.
Trempherbe Cheeses
The ultimate "if you know, you know" product for Seacoast regulars. Look for it when you're picking up your groceries or hitting the cheese shop.
The Scoop Deck
There are many ice cream options in Wells and up and down Rt. 1. None are better than the Scoop Deck.
Boardwalk Arcade
The Boardwalk Arcade is just steps away from the Casino Circle end of Wells Beach. Perfect for a beach break or a rainy day, and the selection of old school and new school arcade games is unparalleled.
Mile Road
Take a walk or a bike ride from the beach up Mile Road and you'll find a handful of dining options before you even reach Rt. 1, including Billy's Chowder House.
Beach Walk
Walk the beach. It's good for your health and good for the soul. Just mind the seagulls and piping plovers.
Jetty Walk
Once you hit the jetty end of the beach, climb the rocks and walk out to the end. You'll be surrounded by ocean and be able to watch the boats coming in and out of Wells Harbor.
Beach Sunset
Did I say something about watching the sun rise on the beach earlier? That's all well and good, but the sunsets are just as pretty. And you don't have to wake up early.
Marsh Sunset
Of course, if you can watch the sunset on the marsh, you'll get an even more spectacular show. Especially when the tide is high.
Wells Station
Another great thing about Wells: The Amtrak Downeaster stops there. And there's a trolly that will take you to the beach.
Beach Angel
I hope you found my tips helpful. Wells Beach is a pretty special place.
