You know those Maine beach towns everyone raves about?
Yeah, theyโre absolutely worth the trip… but what no one tells you is that during peak season, it can take 40 minutes just to find parking, and the line for ice cream wraps around the block.
Not exactly kid-friendly vibes.
Weโre breaking down the small towns in Maine that your friends are obsessed with, and why theyโre even better before the crowds.ย
Youโll still get all the best parts of a Maine summer, minus the August chaos… and, maybe even find a new favorite spot to add to your list.
The Maine Beach Towns Families Return to Every Year
These are the Maine beach towns your friends keep going back toโฆand not just because their rental is already on repeat. ย
Theyโre easy, familiar, and the perfect place for a laid-back early summer trip that still checks all the boxes.ย
Kennebunkport
The only traffic jam here is strollers on Dock Square.
Kennebunkport can feel like a lot in August, but visit during the shoulder season, and youโll see why itโs one of Maineโs favorite seaside towns.
In the early summer months, the shops are open, the town is walkable, and the crowds are easygoing.
You can wander through Dock Square without dodging wedding parties, and Goose Rocks Beach still has plenty of room to spread out.ย
Why Kennebunkport is better before the summer crowds hit
Once August hits, Dock Square gets packed, and dinner reservations start to feel like strategy sessions.
But in the early summer months, you can browse the shops, stroll the main streets, and eat without the stress โ the way Kennebunkport was meant to be.
Early-season Kennebunkport is when you get the real magic: breezy tables by the river, long walks on Goose Rocks Beach without the crowds, and the kind of easy conversations with locals that disappear once the tourist crush kicks in.
The beach vibe in Kennebunkport
Goose Rocks Beach is soft, wide, and super calm, perfect for younger kids and long, peaceful walks along one of Kennebunkportโs most beautiful beaches.
Itโs a surprisingly laid-back stretch of sand for a small coastal town known for designer boutiques and gallery browsing.
Love to wake up with views of the water?
Check out our favorite oceanfront places to stay in Maine…breezy patios, salty air, and easy beach access.
Shoulder season wins
Parking is still manageable, even near the beautiful beaches.
Outdoor dining is open, and you can actually snag a table.
You can get in and out of town without sitting in a parade of traffic.
Shops along the main streets feel browsable, not overcrowded.
While youโre in Kennebunkportโฆ
Grab breakfast at Mornings in Paris… and actually get a seat without stalking a table.
Let the kids climb the rocks at Colony Beach or watch the boats come and go along the breakwater.
Wander Dock Square, pick up something sweet from The Candy Man, and soak up the small-town vibe before the crowds arrive.
TLJ Pro Tip
Boulangerie (in nearby Kennebunk) opens early and has the best pastries in the areaโฆ go early and stock up on extras to bring to the beach.
If youโre planning a trip to the Maine coast, you can find even more inspiration at Visit Maine.
Ogunquit
A post-dinner stroll that turns into โjust one more treatโ
Ogunquit feels like one of those seaside towns that just gets it right. Itโs artsy without trying too hard, super walkable, and home to one of Maineโs best beach views.
In the early summer months, you get the magic without the madness. Marginal Way is actually peaceful, Perkins Cove still feels like a working harbor, and you can park without needing a backup plan.
Why Ogunquit is better before the summer crowds hit
By mid-July, Ogunquit gets packed, sidewalks are jammed, beach space gets competitive, and dinner feels like a game of who made a reservation three weeks ago.
But in June or September, you get sunny days, full restaurant hours, and way fewer crowds. Parking is manageable, Marginal Way is peaceful enough for a stroller walk, and grabbing lunch at places like The Lobster Shack actually feels fun, not like survival mode.
The beach vibe in Ogunquit
Ogunquit Beach is wide, soft, and somehow still feels relaxed… even in the middle of summer.
The tidal river creates a great shallow spot for younger kids to splash safely, and the miles of sandy beaches mean thereโs usually plenty of space to stretch out, even on the busiest days.
Shoulder season wins
Parking is easier to find, especially near Shore Road and the entrance to Marginal Way.
Perkins Cove still feels like a real working village, not just a backdrop for Instagram.
You can actually walk Marginal Way without dodging elbows (or stroller traffic).
Restaurants are open, and you might even get a table without pulling out the bribery snacks.
While youโre in Ogunquitโฆ
Grab breakfast at The Greenery before heading out for a full day of beach walks and tide pool peeking.
Walk the length of Marginal Way to Perkins Cove for tide pools, lobster rolls from Barnacle Billyโs, and a real working harbor vibe.
Let the kids splash in the calm shallows near the river inlet… Itโs warm(ish), shallow, and perfect for littler ones who arenโt ready for open ocean waves yet.
TLJ Pro Tip
Skip the main Ogunquit Beach entrance and head to Footbridge Beach instead.
Itโs quieter, the walk across the footbridge keeps kids entertained, and youโll usually find easier parking if you arrive before mid-morning.
Bonus: there are restrooms right near the bridge… no long walks when nature calls.
Wells
Wide beaches, tide pools, and no one asking for a plan.
Wells is where you go when you want easy days and wide-open beaches.
Itโs a small coastal town with just the right mix of beautiful beaches, lobster shacks, and local spots youโll want to come back to year after year.
In the shoulder season, you get the best of Wells, long beach walks, quiet nature trails, chowder breaks, and even a few antique shops worth poking around…ย all without the summer crowds.
Nothing fancy, nothing flashy, just the kind of natural beauty that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Why Wells is better before the summer crowds hit
By August, Route 1 backs up, beach lots fill before mid-morning, and even grabbing ice cream at Big Daddyโs comes with a wait.
But in the early season, Wells still feels like a small coastal town.
You can pull into the beach lots without circling, stroll the nature trails without the crowds, and take your time at the seafood shacks… no lines out the door.
The beach vibe in Wells
Wells Beach is long, wide, and made for walking. Where you can actually get a beach day in without feeling crammed between umbrellas.
The waves stay gentle, the tide pools are fun to explore, and even little kids can run free without you worrying about them disappearing into a crowd.
Parking is paid near the main beach, but early season mornings still leave plenty of easy spots… no circling, no racing the clock at the meter.
If youโre looking for quieter spots, Drakes Island Beach and Crescent Beach are great options just down the road.
Drakes Island has a smaller paid lot and a more local vibe, perfect for a low-key morning with younger kids. Crescent Beach stays quieter even in August, with soft sand, dune views, and a short walk from the car to the sand.
Shoulder season wins
You wonโt need a beach sticker at most lots if you time it right. Early season mornings often mean easy parking and no meter worries.
Donut lines are shorter (and yes, Congdonโs Donuts is 100% worth it).
You can still find last-minute rentals, easy dinner reservations, and space to stretch out at the local seafood spots.
The trails at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and Wells Reserve are peaceful, shady, and actually manageable with kids.ย
While youโre in Wellsโฆ
Grab lunch at Billyโs Chowder House and sit outside overlooking the tidal marshes.
Walk the easy trails at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm. Enjoy flat terrain, shady stretches, and beautiful open views.
Let the kids climb and run at Wells Harbor Parkโs playground before heading back, with the harbor breeze and fishing boats as your backdrop.
TLJ Pro Tip
If the main lot at Wells Beach is full, skip the circling and head to the Jetty Lot at Drakes Island.
Itโs usually less busy, has direct beach access, and a short walk to bathrooms… major win if youโre carrying half the house in beach bags.
Want to bring a little bit of Maine home with you?
We rounded up the best food gifts from Maine for lobster lovers, sweet tooths, and snack stashers.
Visit These Maine Beach Towns Before Theyโre Packed
These Maine beach towns buzz with summer energy, from arcade lights and candy shops to the smell of fried clams drifting down the boardwalk.
Visit in the early season, and youโll catch it all while it still feels easy… shorter lines, open tables, and plenty of room to stretch out on the sand.
Spring in Maine has its own magic.
If youโre visiting early, take a look at our favorite things to do in Maine in spring beyond just hitting the beach.
York
Saltwater taffy tastes better without a crowd.
Pre-season, York gives you that classic Maine small coastal town feelโsaltwater taffy, oceanside arcades, and lighthouse viewsโall without the full-on summer crowds.
It gets busy by July and August, but in the early season, the beaches feel wide open, the seafood lines are manageable, and you can actually soak in the view of Nubble Light without circling for a parking spot.
Nubble Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine, and you can learn more about visiting it here.
Why York is better before the summer crowds hit
By August, parking near the beach requires strategy, and the central stretch of Short Sands gets busy fast.
But in the early season, York feels just right.
You can grab a spot along Long Sands without circling, enjoy the arcade and fried dough before the lines kick in, and take in the view of Nubble Light without working around a dozen people taking selfies.
The beach vibe in York
Long Sands lives up to its name… a long, wide stretch of sand thatโs perfect for beach walks, sandcastle missions, and wave watching.
Thereโs metered parking along the road, plenty of space to spread out if you get there early, and gentle surf thatโs great for younger kids to splash and body surf.
Short Sands is smaller, busier, and right in the heart of town โ perfect for a quick beach stop after arcade runs or seafood dinners. Youโre steps from candy shops, ice cream, and public restrooms, which makes it an easy win for younger kids or shorter visits.
Shoulder season wins
Street parking near Long Sands and Short Sands is easier to find… no endless laps required.
You can actually grab a bench near Nubble Light and snack without squeezing into a crowd.
The arcade is still open, but you wonโt have to elbow your way to the change machine.
The beaches are just as beautiful, and thereโs still plenty of space to spread out.
While youโre in Yorkโฆ
Pick up a lobster roll from Foxโs Lobster House and picnic near Nubble Light…ย the views (and the breeze) are better than any patio table.
Let the kids burn off steam at the playground near Short Sands Beach, then cool off with a quick dip or arcade run.
Swing by The Scoop Deck for ice cream on your way out of town, and take the scenic route home along Route 1A for lighthouse views and those classic Maine coastal vibes.
TLJ Pro Tip
If you need a bathroom break or a playground pit stop after visiting Nubble Light, head five minutes down the road to Short Sands Beach.
There you’ll find public restrooms, a big playground, and a beach snack stand all in one spot.
Old Orchard Beach
Early season = no line for fries, no crowd on the sand.
Old Orchard Beach is Maineโs most unapologetically classic beach town โ part carnival, part boardwalk, part beach day with a soundtrack of seagulls and skee-ball.
The beach is huge. The amusement park is steps from the sand. And the wooden pier stretches out over the ocean, packed with arcades, fried food, and souvenir shops.
Some are open-air, others tucked inside with blinking lights and the smell of summer.
Why Old Orchard Beach is better before the summer crowds hit
Early season is the sweet spot at Old Orchard Beach.
Parkingโs easier, the rides are open, and the beach feels wide enough for castle-building, kite-flying, and actually walking along the water without stepping over six chairs.
You can grab pier fries without waiting in line, ride the Ferris wheel without standing around, and still make it to dinner without anyone hitting the overtired wall.
The beach vibe at Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is big, wide, and made for easy beach days.
The sand is soft, the waves stay gentle, and thereโs plenty of room for frisbee gamesย and the occasional sandy toddler negotiation.
Parking is available near the beach and along the side streets, though spots closest to the pier fill up first.
Restrooms are easy to find, especially around the pier and the main boardwalk area… no long hikes required.
The energy feels classic: a little busier near the pier, a little calmer if you wander farther down. Either way, itโs the kind of beach day that doesnโt need much planning beyond snacks and a towel.
Shoulder season wins
Palace Playland is open for the season, with classic rides and arcade games just steps from the beach.
Pier fries are still hot and ready, no twenty-minute wait required.
Parking is easier to find within a short walk of the beach.
The pier feels way more fun when youโre not shoulder-to-shoulder with half of New England.
While youโre in Old Orchard Beachโฆ
Let the kids load up on candy at Dickinsonโs Candy while you grab coffee and treats from Cafรฉ 64.
Snap a photo under the pier… Itโs dramatic in all the right ways.
Order a whole box of pier fries and eat them with your feet in the sand.
Ride the carousel at Palace Playland โ itโs the perfect speed if youโre still holding coffee (or holding a kid whoโs not quite sure about the bigger rides).
TLJ Pro Tip
Metered spots near the beach are easier to grab in the early season, but if you want to skip the crowds altogether, check Union Avenue first.
There are a few side-street gems that can save you a lot of looping.
Your Cheat Sheet to the Best Maine Beach Towns to Visit Before the Summer Rush
Still deciding which Maine beach town is right for you? Hereโs the quick version.
Whether you’re planning a slow beach week, a quick weekend escape, or just chasing a lobster roll before the lines get long, youโre in the right place.
Want lobster rolls, linen shirts, and a beach your kids can actually handle? โ Kennebunkport
Want sandy beaches, walkable trails, and a super cute town? โ Ogunquit
Want low-stress beach days and a town that doesnโt require an itinerary? โ Wells
Want arcades, pier fries, and just enough chaos to keep the kids happy and your eye twitching? โ Old Orchard Beach
Want a lighthouse, old-school beach town energy, and the thrill of seagulls eyeing your fries? โ York
Pick your vibe, pack the snacks, and donโt wait for peak season to enjoy Vacationland.
Happy travels…
