Wells has about seven miles of coast, and most of it is open sand. That is good news if you want room to spread out, but it also means several beaches, several lots and a few rules that catch visitors off guard. This guide explains how the Wells beaches work, what parking costs and when dogs are allowed.
Bringing a dog? See our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Maine for the rules beach by beach.
Quick Answers
- Parking cost: Metered at $5 per hour, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day.
- Dogs: Not on the beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 16 to September 15. Leashed dogs are allowed from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. during that period.
- Payment: Meters take cards and coins, not paper money.
- Overnight parking: Not allowed in the beach lots.
- Wells Beach: The main beach, with lots at the end of Mile Road and the end of Atlantic Avenue (the Eastern Shore lot).
- Drakes Island Beach: At the southern end, with the Gross Lot and the Jetty Lot. A quieter, more residential feel.
- Crescent Beach: Reached from the Gold Ribbon Lot on Webhannet Drive.
- Harbor Beach: Near Wells Harbor, by Harbor Road.
The Wells Beaches
Parking
Visitors pay at the meters or with the ParkMobile app. The paid season runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. The lots are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and overnight parking is prohibited. RVs and campers are allowed only at the Eastern Shore lot and the Drakes Island Gross Lot.
Wells residents and taxpayers can buy a $50 multi-use permit instead of feeding meters. Veterans who qualify pay $45. Visitors from outside Wells pay the meter rate. Fees and rules can change, so check the Town of Wells beach parking page before a long stay.
Dogs
From June 16 to September 15, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. they may be on the beach on a leash and under the control of a responsible person. Service dogs are exempt. Outside those dates, leash rules still apply, so check the town’s beach page. Many entrances have waste bags.
Lifeguards, Restrooms and Accessibility
Lifeguards work the main beaches during the summer season, and public restrooms are available at the lots. Beach wheelchairs can be borrowed first come, first served from the Eastern Shore lifeguard shack and the Jetty Lot, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily from the July 4 weekend through Labor Day, then weekends only until Columbus Day. Call the Wells Fire Department at 207-646-7912 with questions.
Tides
Wells has big tides, and the beach looks very different at high and low water. At low tide there is a wide stretch of firm sand, which is good for walking and games. At high tide the beach narrows and some sections have little dry sand. Check a tide chart before you pick a time, and keep an eye on your belongings.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
For restaurants, lodging and more to do, see our Wells guide. Comparing towns? Read Wells versus Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach versus Wells and Kennebunk versus Wells. Next door, see Ogunquit Beach, or browse all Maine beaches and the best beaches in Maine.
Wells Beach FAQ
How much does it cost to park at Wells Beach?
Meters cost $5 per hour from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the paid season, which runs from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day.
Are dogs allowed at Wells Beach?
In summer (June 16 to September 15) only on a leash from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Which Wells beach is best?
Wells Beach is the main one, with the most parking and services. Drakes Island is quieter.