The Ultimate Southern Maine Summer Bucket List: 20 Things You Need to Do This Season
There’s something special about summer in Southern Maine.
Maybe it’s the salty ocean air, mornings that start with coffee by the water, afternoons spent exploring coastal towns, or evenings watching the sun disappear over the marshes. It's a season that invites you to slow down, spend more time outside, and truly enjoy where you live.
Whether you're new to the area, considering making Southern Maine your home, or you've lived here for years, here's your ultimate summer bucket list.
1. Spend a Day at the Beach
Southern Maine is home to some of New England's most beautiful beaches.
Some local favorites include:
Wells Beach
Drakes Island Beach
Ogunquit Beach
Moody Beach
Goose Rocks Beach
Long Sands Beach in York
Crescent Beach State Park
Pack a picnic, bring a good book, and enjoy a classic Maine beach day.
2. Walk the Marginal Way
One of the most iconic coastal walks in New England, the Marginal Way in Ogunquit offers breathtaking ocean views, rocky cliffs, and beautiful gardens.
It's the perfect sunrise or sunset stroll.
3. Eat Fresh Lobster
No Southern Maine summer is complete without lobster.
Whether you choose a traditional lobster roll, fresh steamed lobster, or lobster tacos, make sure it's on your summer menu.
Bonus points if you eat it overlooking the water.
4. Visit Dock Square in Kennebunkport
Spend the afternoon exploring local boutiques, bookstores, art galleries, and cafés before grabbing dinner along the river.
It's one of the most charming coastal towns in Maine.
5. Take a Boat Cruise
See the coastline from a different perspective.
Choose from:
Lighthouse cruises
Lobster boat tours
Sunset sails
Whale watching excursions
It's one of the best ways to experience Maine's rugged coastline.
6. Grab Ice Cream After Dinner
Few things say summer quite like an evening ice cream run.
Support one of the many local creameries throughout York County and make it part of your weekly tradition.
7. Explore Local Farmers Markets
Summer markets are filled with:
Fresh blueberries
Local strawberries
Artisan breads
Flowers
Homemade jams
Local crafts
It's one of the easiest ways to support local farmers and businesses while enjoying seasonal produce.
8. Catch a Sunrise on the Beach
Southern Maine sunrises are worth the early alarm.
Bring your coffee, find a quiet stretch of sand, and enjoy one of the most peaceful moments of the day.
9. Enjoy Fresh Seafood
From fried clams to oysters, scallops, haddock, and chowder, summer is the perfect excuse to try every seafood spot along the coast.
Every town seems to have its own local favorite.
10. Hike Mount Agamenticus
If you're looking for something beyond the beach, Mount Agamenticus offers scenic hiking trails with panoramic views stretching all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
11. Visit Nubble Lighthouse
Cape Neddick Light—better known as Nubble Lighthouse—is one of Maine's most photographed landmarks.
It's especially beautiful during golden hour.
12. Paddle the Coast
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore:
Wells Harbor
Mousam River
York River
Kennebunk River
You'll experience Southern Maine from a completely different perspective.
13. Have Dinner Outside
One of the best parts of summer is dining outdoors.
Whether it's waterfront seafood, rooftop cocktails, or a cozy patio tucked into town, outdoor dining simply feels different in Maine.
14. Visit a Local Brewery
Southern Maine has an incredible craft beer scene.
Many breweries offer outdoor seating, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly spaces throughout the summer.
15. Watch a Summer Concert
Many coastal towns host free outdoor concerts throughout the season.
Bring lawn chairs, pack snacks, and enjoy live music under the evening sky.
16. Take a Scenic Drive
One of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon is simply driving through Southern Maine's back roads and coastal towns.
Windows down.
Music up.
No destination required.
17. Watch the Sunset Over the Marsh
While the beaches get most of the attention, Southern Maine's salt marshes offer some of the most incredible sunsets you'll ever see.
The reflections alone are worth stopping for.
18. Attend a Local Festival
Summer brings countless community events including:
Art festivals
Seafood festivals
Craft fairs
Fourth of July celebrations
Outdoor markets
There's always something happening nearby.
19. Build the Perfect Beach Picnic
Grab fresh bread, local cheese, fruit, sparkling water, and seafood from a nearby market and enjoy an evening picnic by the ocean.
Sometimes the simplest moments become the most memorable.
20. Imagine Calling Southern Maine Home
After a summer spent exploring the beaches, small towns, restaurants, trails, and coastline, it's easy to understand why so many people choose to put down roots here.
Southern Maine offers more than beautiful scenery—it's a place where community, outdoor living, and coastal charm come together to create an incredible lifestyle.
Whether you're looking for your first home, your forever home, or a brand-new construction designed around the way you want to live, there's no better place to call home.
At PED Homes, we're passionate about helping families find more than just a house—we help them discover a community and a lifestyle they'll love for years to come.
Ready to make Southern Maine your home? Contact PED Homes today to learn more about our available communities and new construction opportunities.