Southern Maine Coast Area Attractions
AMUSEMENT PARKS
Palace Playland - Maine's premier beachfront amusement park. Giant arcade, beautiful carousel, Kiddieland, & Galaxy Coaster. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day. Fireworks every Thusday night by the Pier, Old Orchard Beach, 934-2001.
Funtown/Splashtown U.S.A - Family amusement and waterpark. Home of Excalibur, Maine's only wooden roller coaster ranked one of the top ten in the world. Voted one of the cleanest parks in America and offers many rides, slides, pools, giftshops, games, arcades and eating facilities. Open weekends May and Sept. Daily starting early June. Free parking. Unlimited ride pass, slide pass or combination pass, group rates. Rt. 1, Saco, 284-5139.
Aquaboggan Park - Waterslides, bumper boats, gigantic wave pool, mini golf and more! Rt. 1, Saco, 282-3112.
York's Wild Kingdom - Zoo and theme park, Rt. 1 York, 363-3883.
Personal Recreational Tour Guides - PRTG provides “Personal Recreational Tour Guides” to those visitors who want more out of their vacation than the beach and local shopping. Sometimes too much of a good thing is just too much! Let the Certified Maine Guides at PRTG expand your vacation and take you to places that you wouldn’t likely find on your own. Whether it is local hiking trails, seasonal berry picking, surfing, fishing, secluded swimming holes or just cruising down the coast in an open air Jeep or Land Cruiser, PRTG can cater a personal tour to your unique adventurous needs. Visit PRTG Web Site
MINIATURE GOLF COURSES
Pirates Cove Adventure Golf - 36 holes of championship mini golf within walking distance of the beach. 70 First St., Old Orchard Beach, 934-5086.
Cascade Golf Range - Rt. 1 Saco, 282-352.
Schooners Mini-Golf - 58 Ocean Park Rd., Saco, 284-6174.
Sunset Ridge Golf Course and Sports Park - Miniature golf, plus driving range, swimming pool, batting cages, tennis, basketball, shuffleboard. 853 Cumberland St., Westbrook, 854-9463
WATER ACTIVITIES
Kayak Excursions - Southern Maine's full service kayak tours and rental company based in Kennebunkport. Serving towns from York to Portland. Kayak rentals delivered to your chosen launch location. Guided Tours departing from your chosen location. email: stefan@kayak-excursions.com.
Rock N' Reel Sports Charters - 21 Snow Rd., Scarborough, 883-1015.
Trina Lyn Fishing Charter - Private sport fishing charters within five minutes of Old Orchard Beach for up to four people. P.O. Box 431, Camp Ellis, Saco, 284-2352/cell phone 283-2352.
Steve Brettell - Fish stripers in the ocean of Kennebunkport with a licensed Coast Guard Captain. 336 Guinea Rd., Biddeford, 283-4129
Casco Bay Sailing - Recreational and sailing excursions from Camp Ellis. 14 Beach Av.e, Saco, 283-1624.
Gone with the Wind – Kayaking rentals, lessons, and equipment, 283-8446.
Canoe Trips - Scarborough Marsh Nature Center - Maine's largest salt marsh is best explored by canoe. Abundant and unexpected wildlife sightings. Rt. 9, Scarborough, 883-5100.
Personal Recreational Tour Guides - PRTG provides “Personal Recreational Tour Guides” to those visitors who want more out of their vacation than the beach and local shopping. Sometimes too much of a good thing is just too much! Let the Certified Maine Guides at PRTG expand your vacation and take you to places that you wouldn’t likely find on your own. Whether it is local hiking trails, seasonal berry picking, surfing, fishing, secluded swimming holes or just cruising down the coast in an open air Jeep or Land Cruiser, PRTG can cater a personal tour to your unique adventurous needs.
PORTLAND HARBOR
Bay View Cruises – 66' - 117 passenger boat with scheduled cruises. 184 Commercial St., Portland, 761-0496.
Casco Bay Lines - Year-round narrated cruises on Casco Bay. Daily ferry service to five Casco Bay Islands. From Casco Bay Ferry Terminal at Commercial and Franklin St., Portland, 774-7871.
Coast Watch & Guiding Light Navigation – Daily cruises to Eagle Island, 170 Commercial St., Portland, 774-6498.
Lucky Catch Lobstering – Experience lobstering first hand. 170 Commercial St., Portland, 233-2026.
Old Port Mariner Fleet – Scenic Cruises, Whale Watches, Deep Sea Fishing. Long Wharf, Commercial St., Portland, 775-0727.
Maine Island Kayak Co. – Half day to 7 day trips. Peaks Island, 776-2373
KENNEBUNKPORT HARBOR
Kennebunkport Marina- Boat Slip Rentals. Boat Launch. Power Boat, Canoe and Kayak Rentals, Fishing Tackle, Bait and Supplies, Boat Repair and Service. 207-967-3411.
Rugosa Lobster Boat Tour - Classic New England lobster boat tour of Kennebunk River and Walker's Point. See seals and haul lobster traps. Departs daily from Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkpor,. 207-967-5595.
Pineapple Ketch Sailing Excursions - Beautiful sailboat tour along Kennebunkport shore. Two-hour sails depart daily from Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, 207-468-7262.
Whale Watch - Two trips daily in July and August (approx 4 hours each). Just South of the Kennebunkport Bridge (Rt. 9) behind Mobil/Big Apple Station, Kennebunk Lower Village, 967-5507, 1-800-767-2628.
Scenic Lobster Boat Cruise - 1½ hour scenic cruise, Harbor seals, Walkers Point, lobster catches. 967-5507.
Tidewater Fishing Charters - Departs from Nonantum Marina - Guided Saltwater light-tackle and fly fishing charters aboard a 23" SeaCraft Center Console, 229-0201.
Lady J Sportfishing Charters - Captain Adam Littell, Registered Maine Master Guide. Arundel Wharf, 985-7304.
Chicks Marina - Kennebunkport, 967-2782.
Schooner Eleanor - Sailing Trips - Arundel Wharf, Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, 967-8809.
Shenanigans Chartered Cruises - Private Chartered Cruises, 967-3507
STATE PARKS, WILDLIFE REFUGE AND OUTDOOR WALKS
Ferry Beach State Park - 117 acres of beach and nature trails. Off Rt. 9 in Saco, 283-0067.
Scarborough Marsh Nature Center - Maine's largest salt marsh is best explored by canoe. Guided and self guided canoe tours. Abundant shorebird sightings. Nature center offers slide shows, exhibits. Rt. 9, Scarborough, 883-5100.
Gilsland Farm - Maine Audubon Sanctuary offering trails, field trips and a gift shop. North of Portland in Falmouth off Rt. 1, 781-2330.
Maine Wildlife Park - Moose, Bear, Deer, Cougars, Eagles and more. Nature Trail and Displays. R.t 26, 56 Game Farm Rd., Gray, 657-4977.
Wells National Estuarine Reserve at Laudholm Farm - 1600 scenic acres of research reserve including a 19th century saltwater farm, Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge area, Laudholm Farm Visitors Center, exhibits, and seven miles of spectacular marsh walkways and trails along marshes, fields, and wetlands. Open year round. 342 Laudholm Farm Rd., Wells, 646-1555.
Rachel Carson Wildlife Preserve - Open sunrise to sunset for bird watching and self-guided tours. Rt. 9 Kennebunk/Wells Town line, 646-1555.
Marginal Way Scenic Walk - Ogunquit one mile path along coast. Ends in Perkins Cove.
LIGHTHOUSES
Cape Elizabeth Light/Two Lights State Park - Two lighthouses are perched atop the rocky shoreline. Off Rt. 77 in Cape Elizabeth. Directions: Take Rt. 1N to traffic light at Oak Hill (intersection Rt. 1N & Rt. 207) Take right onto Rt. 207 (Black Point Rd.). Follow almost to the end and take a left onto Rt. 77. Follow Rt. 77 to Two Lights Rd. on right.
Goat Island Lighthouse - Built in 1834. Best viewed from Cape Porpoise Pier. Follow directions for Wood Island Light but stay on Rt. 9 toward Kennebunkport. When you come into Cape Porpoise, take a left at the Stop Sign where Rt. 9 makes a 90-degree right hand turn. Drive half amile to end/Pier and park.
Portland Headlight and Museum - Maine's oldest lighthouse. Commissioned by George Washington in 1791. Adjacent to Fort Williams Park. Large grounds with picnic facilities and museum on the premises. 1000 Shore Rd. (off Rt. 77) Cape Elizabeth. 799-2661. Directions – Option One: Follow directions to Cape Elizabeth Light continuing beyond Two Lights Rd. on Rt. 77 to Shore Rd./Portland Headlight. Option Two: Take Rt. 1N to 295N to Old Port/Waterfront Exit and stay to left. Take Danforth St. through 3-4 traffic lights. Take right on State St. and cross over Casco Bay bridge onto Broadway St. Take right at second traffic light (Cottage Rd.) to Shore Rd. Headlight is on left. On a clear day, you can see six area lights.
Wood Island Lighthouse – Take Rt. 1S to Rt. 9 (Main St./Saco). Go thru downtown area passing over Saco River and past Saco Island. At bottom of hill past river bear right. Taking next left onto Rt. 9 (Hill St.). Take left at first set of traffic lights (Pool Rd./Rt. 9/Rt. 208). Follow Rt. 208 to end. Take left on Rt. 208 through Biddeford Pool and lighthouse is on right.
RECREATION, HORSEBACK RIDING, BOWLING AND MORE
Biddeford-Saco Ice Arena - Open to the public Friday night 6:30-8:30pm, 283-0615. Get on Rt 1 South and drive through Saco and Biddeford. When you get to Rt 9 (at a five way intersection). Go right on Rt. 9 following signs for I-95. Go 2 miles and Arena is on right, prior to the entrance to I-95 (set back off the road).
Bike Rentals: Cape Able Bike Shop - Now with 2 locations. The main (and original) shop at 83 Arundel Rd., Kennebunkport. And "The Outpost" - perfect for in-town bike rentals, this new seasonal shop is conveniently located downtown in the Kennebunk Lower Village Yellow Building next to the Chamber, 967-4382.
Desert of Maine – Natural phenomenon, narrated tours, nature trails, museum. Open early May to mid October daily. 95 Desert Rd., Freeport, 865-6962.
Farmers Market - Saco Valley Shopping Center Parking Lot. Every Wednesday and Saturday Morning in season.
Harris Farm Cross County Ski Center - 40 km of groomed X-C trails and snow shoeing. Rentals and lunch available, ice skating pond. Maple sugaring in March. 30 minutes from Old Orchard Beach just off Rt. 35. 252 Buzzell Rd., Dayton, 499-2678.
Happy Wheels Skate Center - Roller skating rink, Portland, 797-8207.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad - Ride along Portland's waterfront in an historic narrow gauge. Fun for all ages. 58 Fore St., Portland, 828-0814. Directions – Rt. 1N to I-295N to: Take Old Port Waterfront Exit. Bear right at Rt. 1A at stop sign onto Commercial St. Follow Commercial St. railroad is near end of street before it curves away from the water (after DiMillos Restaurant).
Romanza Salon – Day Spa and Wellness Center. Pine Point ad., Scarborough, 883-8338.
Smiling Hill Farm – X-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Homemade ice cream. Westbrook, 775-4818.
Twentieth Century Lanes and Sports Bar - Biddeford, 284-0980.
Vacationland Bowling and Recreation Center - Rt. 1 Saco, 284-7386.
Balloon Rides - HotAirBalloon.com. 17 Freeman St., Portland, 1-800-952-2076
AREA SHOPPING
Kittery Outlets - Just 50 minutes south of Old Orchard Beach. Over 120 outlets and the Kittery Trading Post with savings of 20-70% daily. This shopping mecca is often referred to as "America's Maine Street for Outlet Shopping."
L.L. Bean - World famous and open 24 hours, 365 days per year. 30 minutes north in Freeport. Freeport also offers over 100 outlet stores.
The Maine Mall - Over 135 stores including restaurants, theaters and more. 364 Maine Mall Rd., So. Portland, 774-0303.
The Old Port - Portland's Historic District offers over 158 shops, 65 restaurants, 28 galleries, and numerous pubs. All located in a charming five block area lined with cobblestone streets on Portland's historic waterfront. 400 Congress St., Portland, 772-6828.
Antique Shops and Auctions – All along Rt 1 in Kennebunk, Wells, Ogunquit, York and Kittery.
Len Libby Candy Shops – 419 US R.t 1, Scarborough, 883-4897.
Lighthouse Depot - Largest collection of lighthouse gifts in the world. Rt. 1, Wells, 646-0608. Get on Rt 1 South through Saco, Biddeford and Kennebunk. Depot is on right soon after crossing into Wells.
ENTERTAINMENT
Live Bands and Karaoke - Pier Patio Pub, Village Inn Restaurant & Brew Pub, PICS Pizza and Surf 6.
Fireworks Display by the Pier – Every Thursday at 9:30pm from late June through Labor Day.
Weekly Concerts in Town Square – Free Shows by the Pier every Monday and Tuesday, 7pm in season.
Salvation Army Pavilion Amphitheater - Outdoor amphitheater, live entertainment throughout the summer. Church St., P.O. Box 285, Old Orchard Beach, 934-2024
Comedy Connection –America's top stand-up comedians. 6 Custom House Wharf, Old Port. Portland, 774-5554
Southworth Planetarium - Shows for children and adults including laser concerts. Off I-295 Forest Ave., North to 96 Falmouth St., University of Southern Maine's Science Building. Portland, 780-4249
Portland Symphony Orchestra - Concerts year round. Special events. 30 Myrtle St., Portland, 773-8191
Portland Concert Association - Dance, opera, musical theater, jazz, and more. 1-800-639-2707
Portland Opera Repertory Theatre – Grand Opera in Portland's magnificent Merrill Auditoriu,. 767-0773
Cumberland County Civic Center – Music Concerts, Sporting Events Etc.
KIDS ENTERTAINMENT
Children's Theater of Maine - Live theater for adults and children. 25A Forest Ave., Portland, 874-0371
Portland Public Library - Story telling and entertainment for children. 5 Monument Sq., Portland, 871-1707
MOVIE THEATRES
Cinemagic – Twelve-screen, stadium seating, digital stereo theater and arcade. Rt. 1, Saco, 282-6234
Smitty's Cinema Pub - 5 Points Shopping Center, Rt. 111, Biddeford, 888-580-2211.
Maine Mall Cinema - Maine Mall Rd., S. Portland, 774-1022.
SUMMER THEATRE/THEATRE
City Theater - Theatrical productions. 205 Main St., Biddeford, 282-0849.
Arundel Barn Playhouse – Summer Theatre, Just off Rt. 1, Arundel, Tue–Sat in Season, 985-5552. Take Rt. 1 South through Saco and Biddeford into Arundel. Go left at the light (just prior to Blue Moon Diner) - Playhouse is 200 yards on your left.
Ogunquit Playhouse – Stock Summer Theatre, R.t 1 Ogunquit, 646-5511. Take Rt. 1 South through Saco, Biddeford, Arundel, Kennebunk, Wells and Ogunquit. Playhouse is on left in Ogunquit just prior to York Town Line.
Saco River Grange – Salmon Falls Rd., Bar Mills. Just off Rt. 117, 929-6472
ARTS, MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Old Orchard Beach Historical Society - Features historical memorabilia on the Old Orchard Beach area since the 17th Century. Top of Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach, 934-9319.
Saco Museum - Paintings, decorative art, tools, period furniture, etc. from 18th century to present. 371 Main St., Saco, 282-3031.
Maine Maritime Museum - Historic shipyard site and maritime history building on Kennebec River. 243 Washington St., Bath, 443-1316.
Willowbrook at Newfield - Restored 19th Century Village with 36 buildings and 11,000 artifacts including 1894 carousel. Off Rt. 11 on Main St., Newfield, 793-2784.
PORTLAND
Portland Museum of Art – Maine's largest and oldest art museum. Designed by world renowned I.M. Pei. Features fine and decorative art from the 18th century to present. 7 Congress S.t, Portland, 773-2787.
Portland Observatory – Not a lighthouse, it is the last maritime signal tower in the US. Built in 1807 as a communication tower for the harbor. Guided tours and exhibits. 774-5561
Children's Museum of Maine - Exhibits. Toddler Park, Cave & Farm, Interactive Science Exhibits, Space Shuttle, Camera-Obscura-Theater. Fun for all ages. 142 Free St., Portland, 828-1234.
Victoria Mansion - One of America's most significant Victorian homes. All interiors are original and quite spectacular. 109 Danforth St., Portland, 772-4841.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House - Boyhood home of the famed 19th Century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Seasonal. 485 Congress St., Portland, 774-1822.
The Arts District – Portland's cultural community along Congress St., Portland, 772-6828
KENNEBUNKS (Meseums, Historical Societies)
Brick Store Museum - Ship models, historic displays, rare antiques, paintings, decorative arts. 117 Main S.t, Kennebunk, 985-4802. Rt. 1 South. On left in downtown Kennebunk.
Walking Tours of the Kennebunkport - One hour Historic walking tours from the Nott House, 967-2513 or 2751
Kennebunkport Historical Society - 135 North S.t, Kennebunkport, 967-2751
Guided Tours of the Kennebunks. Intown Trolley - in season
Nott House - Greek Revival House – Open Mid June to Mid-October, Dock Square, Kennebunkport, 967-2513 or 967-2751
Seashore Trolley Museum – Largest collection of trolley cars in the world. Countryside rides on historic rides. Log Cabin Rd., Kennebunkport, 967-2800
FITNESS CENTERS
Seacoast Fitness - 952 Post Road, Wells, Maine. Open 365/7 - 5am - 10pm - 207-646-6898.
Fitness Nuthouse - Rt 1, Kennebunk - Shoppers Village. 10 minute drive.
Quest Fitness - 7 Shape Drive. Kennebunk, ME 04043-6601. 207-467-3800
Planet Fitness - Biddeford Location and Sanford Location
Saco Sport & Fitness - 329 North St., Saco, 284-5953
Body Works Health and Fitness Center - 644 Main St., Saco, 284-9924
Biddeford YMCA Northern York County - Alfred Rd., (Rt 111), Biddeford, 283-0100
Maine Rock Gym Indoor Climbing Gym – No experience needed. 127 Marginal Way, Portland, 780-6370
SPORTING EVENTS
Beech Ridge Motor Speedway - Auto racing every Saturday night. Holmes Rd., Scarborough. 883-5227.
Portland Pirates Hockey - AHL affiliate of NHL Washington Capitals. Play in Cumberland County Civic Center. Regular Season: October to early April. 775-3458.
Portland Sea Dogs Baseball - AA Farm Team for the Boston Red Sox. Home games held at Hadlock Field, Portland, from late April through early September. 879-9500.
Scarborough Downs - Seasonal harness racing, Rt. 1, Scarborough. 883-4331.
MICRO BREWERIES
D.L. Geary Brewing Co Inc. - 38 Evergreen Dr., Portland, 878-2337
Kennebunkport Brewery Tours - Shipyard Ale, Federal Jacks Brew Pub - Lower Village - Kennebunk, 967-4322
Shipyard Brewing Co. - 86 Newbury St., Portland, 761-0807
Stone Coast Brewing Co. - 74 York St., Gorhams Corner, Portland, 733-BEER
