Wells sits right between Ogunquit and the Kennebunks and is the southern coast's beach-and-nature town — quieter and generally more affordable than its flashier neighbors, with miles of sand and two excellent reserves.
What Wells is good for
- Beaches — roughly seven miles of sandy shoreline (Wells Beach, Drakes Island, Moody), family-friendly and less crowded than nearby towns.
- Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge — easy marsh and woodland trails, great for birding.
- Wells Reserve at Laudholm — trails to the beach through a historic farm and estuary.
- An easy launch pad for Ogunquit and the Kennebunks, both minutes away.
Best time to visit
Summer is the beach season. Spring and fall are quiet and lovely for the reserves and off-season rates.
Where to stay in Wells
Stay near the beaches for easy sand-and-surf days; Wells is a common, value-friendly base for exploring the whole southern coast. See what's available on the Wells where-to-stay map.
Getting there
Wells is in far southern Maine, about 1 hour 15 minutes from both Portland and Boston, just off I-95, and has its own Amtrak Downeaster stop.
Best for: beach families, budget-minded southern-coast trips, and birders and nature walkers.