4 days in Wells Beach, Maine

As most beach enthusiasts will tell you,  beach-going is a Year-round affair! I don’t care what time of year I go, or how cold the water may be, I’m going in! It helps when you have access to a hot tub…It was going to be a gorgeous weekend so I took advantage for the Easter break to head to Wells Beach, Maine.

A Love Affair

I’ve had a love affair with Maine’s beaches for as long as I can remember. I’ve not missed going at least once per year since I was 4. My parents would take my sister and me on our annual summer vacation. We’ve been up and down the Eastern Coast over the years, but we always seem to come back to Maine. It’s by far the closest beach to Montreal, Qc, and despite the chilly water and beige-brown sand, I’ve found the beaches of Maine to outrank some of the prettier Carribean spots I’ve traveled to.

The whole family is hooked. Both my parents used to go with their own parents, then later with friends. Those friends had families, whose children became my unofficial cousins for life. Since my sister and I had kids, we too have taken them to Maine. And so another generation falls in love… Wells Beach is one of the first beaches I went to as a child.

What to Do in Wells Beach, Maine

According to Wikipedia, Wells is a town in York County, Maine, United States. Founded in 1643, it is the third-oldest town in Maine. The population in 2010 was 9,589. Wells Beach can be found at the end of Mile road. There is limited parking, so if you are not staying at a nearby hotel, arrive early! The town has recently adopted a Pay and Display system; you’ll find two meters that accept Debit and Credi Cards (no cash!). If the parking is full, head to the  Wells Transportation Center located on Rt. 109 by Exit 19 of the Maine Turnpike and hop on a trolley. Parking is free.

Downtown is very small, and not nearly as entertaining as Old Orchard Beach with it’s Palace Playground, various shops, dozens of motels and a diversity of eating and drinking establishments. However, if you are looking for a quaint and quiet place to relax, this is it! Also, bear in mind that Wells Public Beach disappears at high tide as the water rises all the way to the wall. Make sure to check the Tide Charts.

 

Where to Stay in Wells Beach, Maine

There are quite a few options when staying in Wells Beach. If you prefer to rent a house, I can attest that Garnsey Brothers Real Estate and Rentals is the best. Their website is easy to search and has many options according to your party size and budget. If you want a beachfront hotel,  both Lafayette’s Beachfront Resort and Atlantic Oceanfront Motel are sure to please. If you don’t mind a short walk, you might consider the following: Eastwinds Resort, Haven by the Sea, and Bellevue by the Sea.

Those on a tighter budget or who don’t mind a longer walk down Mile Road, you’ll find numerous accommodations on Route 1.

Bellevue By The Sea

This is one of my favorite places to stay, especially off-season. They are open year-round. Amenities include a large indoor, heated pool as well as a hot tub and sauna, all accessible directly through the main building. Perfect for a winter getaway! There are multiple accommodation types, from cottages to studio rooms. Most of them have a kitchenette, but some have full kitchens. I prefer to cook my own meals and spend as much time on the beach as possible. On the lower floor, you’ll also find a communal and game room for rainy days and larger groups.

Here are some pictures of room 207, a second-floor, one-bedroom room with full kitchen and a pull-out couch. This one is facing west, so we can watch the sunset from the patio with a glass of wine…

A Walk on the Beach

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a walk on the beach. Sunrise or sunset, the view is always spectacular and Wells Beach does not disappoint! Here are a few pictures I took on my daily walks.

Getting Around in Wells, Beach, Maine

The is no better way to get around than the Trolley! Trolleys run every 20-30 minutes from 9 am daily, with the last trolley leaving the Majestic Regency at 11 pm. Fare is $1 (one way) and is free for kids under 12. Blue 4 line runs in and around Wells. The Trolley stop. The Shoreline Explorer system goes from York Beach to Ogunquit to Wells to Kennebunk-Kennebunkport and Sanford to Wells. Trolleys are equipped with bike racks. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Seasonal service provided from late June to Labor Day. Year-round shuttle service with bike rack from Sanford to Wells is part of the system. The system provides access to the Amtrak Downeaster at Wells and Sanford Regional Airport. For more information, visit the Shoreline Explorer website.

Moody Beach

Moody Beach is a private beach situated between Wells Beach and Ogunquit Beach. The 100 or so homeowners on this mile-long beach are a bristly bunch, so avoid settling in front of their homes at high tide. They are they consider this part of the beach as their own private beach.  According to Wikipedia, in March 1989, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court sided with homeowners in Bell v. Town of Wells, also known as the Moody Beach case. The court affirmed that, in Maine, owners of beachfront property or property adjoining tidelands have private property rights to the low-water mark or low tide area, subject only to a public easement for “fishing, fowling, and navigation.”

But don’t let that keep you from enjoying a stroll on the beach, no matter the tide. Low tide just happens to be easier to walk on… If like me you are a fan of the classic Maine beach house, you’ll adore drooling over the homes as you walk. Here are a few of my favorites!

For more information about Wells and Wells Beach, please visit the Wells Chamber of Commerce.