Things to do
Things to Do
in Wells, Maine
Explore beaches, nature, seafood & Southern Maine
Wondering what to do in Wells, Maine? Located on the Southern Maine coast between Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, Wells offers seven miles of coastline, sandy beaches, salt marshes, nature preserves, local seafood, shopping and easy access to some of Maine’s most popular coastal communities.
The list
The best things to do
in Wells, Maine.
Whether you are planning a family beach vacation, a romantic Maine getaway, a weekend with friends or a longer stay, there are plenty of things to do in Wells, and even more to explore just a short drive away.
01
Beaches
Spend the day at Wells Beach
For many visitors, a trip to Wells begins at the beach.
Wells Beach is one of the area's most popular stretches of sandy shoreline, offering plenty of room for walking, relaxing, swimming and enjoying the Southern Maine coast. Wells has approximately seven miles of beaches, including Wells Beach, Moody Beach, Crescent Beach and Drake's Island Beach.
Spend the morning walking along the water, build sandcastles with the kids, search for shells or simply settle into a beach chair and enjoy the sound of the Atlantic.
Best for: Families, beach lovers, swimming, walking and classic Maine beach days.
02
Nature
Explore the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Nature lovers should not miss the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells.
The refuge protects coastal habitats including salt marshes, forests, beaches and wetlands, and provides opportunities for hiking, birding, wildlife watching, photography and fishing.
The Carson Trail is an easy, approximately one-mile loop through coastal forest and salt marsh. The trail is mostly level and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Best for: Hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, photography and families.
03
Nature
Visit Wells Reserve at Laudholm
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is one of the most special places to explore in Wells.
The 2,250-acre reserve protects coastal habitats and includes forests, fields, freshwater wetlands, salt marshes and a barrier beach. Visitors can explore approximately seven miles of trails and walk to Laudholm Beach.
The historic Laudholm Farm adds another dimension to the experience, while the Reserve also offers nature programs, guided walks, kayaking programs, talks and special events throughout the year.
Best for: Hiking, nature lovers, families, photography, birding and anyone looking for a quieter coastal experience.
04
Beaches
Discover Laudholm Beach
Looking for a more natural and peaceful beach experience?
Laudholm Beach is reached by walking through the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. Unlike the more developed public beaches, this stretch of coastline feels much more connected to the surrounding protected landscape.
The shoreline includes sand, cobble and tide pools, with low tide offering particularly interesting opportunities for exploring. Pack water, wear comfortable shoes and make the journey part of the experience.
Best for: Nature lovers, walkers, photographers and visitors looking for a quieter beach.
05
Waterfront
Visit Wells Harbor
Head to Wells Harbor for a glimpse of the town's working waterfront.
It is a great place to enjoy the coastal scenery, watch boats come and go and experience a different side of Wells beyond the beach.
Wells Harbor also puts you close to several local restaurants and opportunities for boating, fishing and exploring the surrounding waterways.
Best for: Waterfront views, boating, fishing and enjoying a classic Maine harbor.
06
Food
Eat your way through Wells, Maine
No trip to Wells is complete without eating some Maine seafood. You will find everything from lobster and clam chowder to fried clams, haddock, lobster rolls and casual family dining throughout town.
For a classic Maine experience, stop at Maine Diner and Gift Shop, a longtime Route 1 favorite known for New England comfort food and seafood. For waterfront dining, Billy's Chowder House offers classic Maine seafood in the Wells Beach area, while Fisherman's Catch Restaurant offers a casual seafood experience near the harbor and marsh.
Other popular Wells dining options include Mike's Clam Shack, Hobbs Harborside Restaurant and The Steakhouse.
Best for: Lobster dinners, casual seafood lunches, family breakfasts and classic Maine diners.
07
Beaches
Visit Crescent Beach
For visitors looking for a quieter beach experience, Crescent Beach is another option in Wells.
It is a smaller public beach that is often appreciated for its more relaxed atmosphere compared with some of the area's busier beaches. Bring your beach towel, a good book and plenty of sunscreen and enjoy a slower-paced day by the ocean.
Best for: Relaxing, walking, families and visitors looking for a quieter beach.
08
Beaches
Spend time at Drake's Island Beach
Drake's Island Beach offers another opportunity to experience the Southern Maine coastline.
Its broad sandy shoreline is particularly appealing around low tide, when there is plenty of room to walk and explore. If you are looking for a beach day with a somewhat quieter, residential feel, Drake's Island can be a great addition to your Wells itinerary.
Best for: Quieter beach days with a residential feel.
09
Outdoors
Go hiking & wildlife watching
Wells is an excellent destination for travelers who want more than a traditional beach vacation.
Between the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and Wells Reserve at Laudholm, visitors can explore forests, fields, salt marshes, wetlands and coastal habitats without traveling far from town.
Bring binoculars and keep your eyes open for birds and other wildlife. The area's protected natural spaces are also beautiful places for photography, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Best for: Hikers, birders and photographers.
10
Outdoors
Go kayaking or explore the water
The waterways surrounding Wells provide another way to experience the Southern Maine coast.
Depending on the season and conditions, visitors can enjoy kayaking and other water-based activities around the area's estuaries, marshes and coastal waterways. The Wells Reserve offers guided kayaking programs and other opportunities to learn about the area's coastal ecology.
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, couples, families and anyone who wants to experience Maine from the water.
11
Shopping
Shop along Route 1
Take a break from the beach and explore the shops along U.S. Route 1 in Wells.
You will find Maine souvenirs, gifts, clothing, specialty stores, antiques and plenty of places to pick up something to remember your trip. Route 1 also makes it easy to combine shopping with lunch, dinner or a visit to one of the area's classic seafood restaurants.
Best for: Souvenir hunting, antiques and rainy afternoons.
12
Nearby
Explore Ogunquit
One of the best things about staying in Wells is the location.
Head south to Ogunquit for a walk along Marginal Way, a visit to Perkins Cove, shopping, restaurants and one of Maine's most picturesque coastal villages. Ogunquit is close enough to make an easy half-day or full-day excursion from Village by the Sea.
Best for: Half-day and full-day excursions.
13
Nearby
Visit Kennebunkport
Travel north from Wells to Kennebunkport and discover galleries, boutiques, restaurants, beaches and beautiful coastal scenery.
Walk around Dock Square, explore the waterfront or continue toward the beaches and scenic roads around the Kennebunkport area.
Best for: Shopping, dining and coastal scenery.
Day trips
Make Wells your
home base.
Wells is ideally located for exploring the beaches and coastal communities of Southern Maine. You do not have to choose just one beach for your Maine vacation.
Easy day trips from Village by the Sea
- Wells Beach
- Crescent Beach
- Drake’s Island Beach
- Moody Beach
- Ogunquit Beach
- Footbridge Beach
- Kennebunk Beach
- Goose Rocks Beach
With kids
Things to do with children
Wells is an especially good destination for families because you can combine beach time with nature, swimming, outdoor activities and casual dining. Family favorites include Wells Beach, the Carson Trail, the Wells Reserve, tide pools, ice cream shops and Wells Harbor.
Autumn
Wells in the fall
Fall brings cooler temperatures, changing foliage, quieter beaches and a slower pace along the Southern Maine coast. It is a wonderful time for hiking, photography, exploring local restaurants, visiting nearby towns and walking along the beach.
Off season
Wells in the off season
Spring and fall are excellent times to experience Wells without the peak-summer crowds. Walk the beach, explore the nature preserves, enjoy local restaurants and take day trips to Ogunquit, Kennebunkport and Portsmouth.
Rainy days
When it rains
Because our condominium suites include living spaces and many include full kitchens, a rainy afternoon can be an invitation to slow down rather than a reason to cancel your plans. The indoor heated pool, hot tub and game room are open year round.
Your home base
Stay in Wells,
explore it all.
After a day at the beach, hiking through the marsh, exploring Ogunquit or enjoying a Maine seafood dinner, come back to a place where you can actually relax. At Village by the Sea you will have more than a traditional hotel room.
On the property
- Indoor heated pool
- Seasonal outdoor pool
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
- Game room
- Gas grills
- Eleven acres of property
- Easy access to Southern Maine’s beaches and attractions
Visiting Wells
Frequently asked questions.
What are the best things to do in Wells, Maine?
Some of the most popular things to do in Wells include visiting Wells Beach, exploring the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, hiking at Wells Reserve at Laudholm, visiting Wells Harbor, enjoying local seafood and exploring the surrounding Southern Maine coast.
What beaches are in Wells, Maine?
Wells has approximately seven miles of coastline and several beaches, including Wells Beach, Moody Beach, Crescent Beach and Drake's Island Beach.
Is Wells, Maine good for families?
Yes. Wells offers beaches, easy nature trails, wildlife viewing, outdoor activities, casual restaurants and family-friendly accommodations. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge's Carson Trail is an easy, mostly level trail suitable for families and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
What is there to do in Wells besides the beach?
Wells offers much more than beaches. Visitors can hike, birdwatch, explore nature preserves, visit Wells Harbor, kayak, shop, enjoy local restaurants and take day trips to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport.
Is Wells, Maine close to Ogunquit?
Yes. Wells is immediately north of Ogunquit, making it easy to visit Ogunquit's beaches, shops, restaurants, Marginal Way and Perkins Cove during your stay.
Is Wells, Maine close to Kennebunkport?
Yes. Wells is south of Kennebunkport, making Kennebunkport an easy day trip from Wells.
What is the best time to visit Wells, Maine?
Summer is ideal for beach vacations, while spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and a quieter coastal experience. Wells is a year-round destination for travelers interested in nature, restaurants, shopping and exploring Southern Maine.
Where should I stay when visiting Wells, Maine?
Village by the Sea offers spacious condominium-style suites on eleven acres in Wells, Maine. Its location between Ogunquit and Kennebunkport makes it a convenient home base for exploring Southern Maine.
Plan your Wells,
Maine vacation.
Beaches. Nature. Seafood. Adventure. Relaxation. Stay in Wells, explore Southern Maine, and make Village by the Sea your home base.