Wells is a classic southern Maine beach town with seven miles of sandy Atlantic coastline, a thriving antiques trade, and easy access to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Situated between Ogunquit and Kennebunk, Wells draws families, nature lovers, and beachgoers looking for a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbors.
Best Restaurants in Wells, Maine
Wells dining is casual and family-friendly. Congdon’s Doughnuts is a southern Maine institution since 1945 serving hand-cut doughnuts in dozens of varieties. Billy’s Chowder House on the salt marsh is a Wells landmark for fresh seafood and classic New England chowder. The Litchfield’s restaurant has been a reliable local favorite for decades, and several good pizza and pub options line Route 1 for casual family dinners.
Best Hotels in Wells, Maine
Wells has a solid range of family-friendly motels and cottages along Post Road and near the beaches. The Haven by the Sea is a beautiful inn in a beautifully restored 1889 church with soaring ceilings and elegant rooms — one of the most unique lodging experiences on the southern Maine coast. Many visitors opt for weekly cottage rentals in the Wells Beach and Moody Beach neighborhoods for a true Maine summer experience.
Things to Do in Wells, Maine
Wells Beach and Moody Beach offer miles of uncrowded sandy shoreline with gentle surf ideal for families. The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve at Laudholm Farm has seven miles of trails through salt marshes, beaches, and coastal forest — outstanding for birding and nature photography. Wells is also famous for its antique shops concentrated along Route 1, making it one of the best antiquing destinations in New England. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge protects thousands of acres of coastal habitat just minutes from the beach.
Day Trips from Wells
Ogunquit is five minutes north with its famous beach, Marginal Way coastal walk, and Perkins Cove seafood shacks. Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are 15 minutes north for upscale dining, the Clam Shack lobster roll, and Walker’s Point. Portland is 45 minutes up the coast for a full day of dining, the Old Port, and the Portland Museum of Art.
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