15+ Best Things to Do in Wells Maine (2025 Travel Guide)

When you’re searching for the best things to do in Wells Maine, you might not expect just how quietly this little town wins you over. It’s nestled between the flashier neighbors like Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, but Wells doesn’t try too hard — and that’s the magic. It’s not in your face. It just kind of… grows on you.

By 2025, the town is still doing what it does best: calm, coastal moments with a slower pace that makes you actually feel like you’re on vacation.

Think open beaches with barely a crowd, sea breezes slipping through old antique shops, and trails where herons might be your only company. Whether you’re into nature, history, food, or just looking for things to do in Wells Maine that don’t feel rushed — this place has layers.

From sunrise beach walks to fall foliage hikes, there’s a mix of things to do in Wells Maine year-round that keeps surprising people — even the locals sometimes.

Wells Maine Like a Local: 15 Things You Won’t Find in Tourist Brochures

So, if you’ve been wondering about the 15+ best things to do in Wells Maine, or looking for a less-touristy alternative to nearby Wells Maine attractions, this guide will walk you through the hidden gems, the local favorites, and the can’t-miss experiences — all with a little heart.

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1. Relax on Wells Beach

There’s something grounding about the way Wells Beach greets you. It’s not overly commercialized. Just miles of wide, soft sand with dunes in the back and the Atlantic stretching ahead. You don’t get distracted here. You settle in… maybe with a book, maybe with nothing at all.

By summer 2025, new walkways have made beach access smoother, and there’s now an updated tide chart posted right at the entrance — super helpful if you’re timing your visit for low tide or early-morning walks. Sunrise here? Yeah, it’s unreal. Subtle pinks, deep blues, and barely a whisper around you.

Parking can fill up quick, especially on weekends. Locals swear by early mornings for peace, or late afternoons if you’re not into the harsh midday sun. Families love the shallows for kids, and shell seekers usually find a few unexpected treasures along the shoreline.

Bring snacks. Or don’t. Just breathe.

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2. Explore Drakes Island Beach

If Wells Beach is the main headline, Drakes Island Beach is the quiet poem in the back pages. Fewer crowds, gentler waves, and a slower kind of magic. It’s where you go when you want to really walk the coast — not dodge umbrellas or flying frisbees.

It’s perfect for sunset. And the photos? Somehow always better than you expect. The tide pools here keep kids busy (and barefoot) for hours. Crabs, little fish, sea glass… it’s a whole world in miniature.

Quick heads-up: Dogs are allowed off-season but check signage for seasonal rules. There’s limited parking, so if you’re visiting during peak hours, maybe bike in or carpool.

You’ll probably lose track of time here. That’s kind of the point.

3. Wander the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

You don’t really understand the beauty of Southern Maine until you step onto the winding trails of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. It’s quiet here… like, deep quiet. The kind that makes you hear your own footsteps and the occasional flutter of wings.

If you’ve got kids in tow, this is one of those peaceful “adventures” that doesn’t feel like a forced activity. Just long boardwalks, salt marsh views, and little learning signs tucked along the way. Plus, in 2025, there’s talk of an expanded nature center near the entrance — part of their conservation outreach to help younger visitors get curious about the land and its story.

It’s one of the best things to do in Wells Maine with kids, especially if you want to slow down without screen time or crowds. You might spot herons, osprey, or even a deer if you’re lucky. And yeah… bring bug spray in the warmer months. Trust me.

Oh, and fall? Absolutely golden. The whole trail flares up with color and you start wondering why you haven’t been doing more of this back home.

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4. Ride the Wells & Ogunquit Trolley

Alright, hear me out — trolleys aren’t just for tourists. The Wells & Ogunquit Trolley is genuinely one of the easiest (and kind of fun) ways to hop between beaches, shops, and attractions without playing parking roulette all day.

Especially in peak summer 2025, when Wells Harbor and Wells Reserve are buzzing, this little trolley saves you the headache. It runs regularly between key stops like Moody Beach, the Wells Chamber of Commerce, and some hotels and antique centers. It’s got that vintage charm — wooden seats, open windows — and, let’s be honest, a bit of nostalgia too.

For couples looking for relaxed things to do in Wells Maine for adults, hopping on the trolley with zero plans can actually be the best part. Just ride it. See where it goes. Jump off when something catches your eye.

Tickets are super affordable (family passes too), and in 2025, they’ve added live driver commentary on some routes. It’s a small touch… but honestly kind of delightful.

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5. Browse Wells Antiques & Vintage Shops

This is where Wells surprises you. Beyond the beaches and lobster rolls, it’s a low-key haven for antique lovers. And I don’t mean just dusty furniture and mismatched dishware — though you’ll definitely find those too. The Antique Center of Maine and Goosefare Antiques alone could take up half your day if you really dig into the details.

Wells has become something of a vintage goldmine on the Southern Coast. Locals say even celebrities have swung by on off-season weekends, hunting for something one-of-a-kind. Lamps from the ’50s, quirky nautical maps, hand-carved duck decoys… stuff you don’t find in chain stores.

2025 is bringing back the Summer Solstice Craft Shows and occasional pop-up markets hosted by the Wells Rotary Club, so keep an eye on the Wells Chamber of Commerce bulletin boards or their local Facebook page if you’re around.

And if you’re someone who loves the thrill of the find, well… this might end up being one of your favorite Wells Maine attractions.

6. Tidepooling at Crescent Beach

Some beaches are made for swimming. Others… they’re for discovering tiny, strange, wonderful things. Crescent Beach fits the second category beautifully. Tucked just south of Wells Beach, this spot feels a bit more hidden, a little less polished — but in the best possible way.

If you’ve got curious kids or just that explorer itch yourself, go an hour or two before low tide. That’s when the tidepools reveal their secrets: starfish, snails, maybe a crab darting sideways. It’s a top pick for things to do in Wells Maine with kids, especially if you want something hands-on without spending a dime.

Locals usually bring their own buckets and tiny nets. You don’t need gear, but it helps if you want to take a closer look and still let everything go back safely.

Just a heads-up: in 2025, new signage was added to help visitors identify common creatures… kind of a mini field guide printed right there on wood. It’s subtle, but smart. And a nice touch if you’re not a marine biologist.

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7. Dine at Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant

This place? It’s loud, smells like the ocean, and you’ll probably leave with butter on your fingers and a smile you didn’t plan on. Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant is one of those spots that doesn’t need to try too hard — it just is what it is. A classic shack-style eatery with the freshest lobster you’ll find on the Southern Maine coast.

The line can get long in summer, but it moves fast. And it’s worth it. By 2025, they’ve added more outdoor seating near the Webhannet River, so you can sit, crack a claw, and watch the sun start to slip.

Locals rave about the clam chowder (thick, creamy, and somehow not heavy), and if it’s your first visit, go with the lobster roll. No need to dress it up. Just lobster, butter, maybe a little lemon. That’s all it needs.

If you’re hunting for solid restaurants in Wells Maine, this one stays at the top for good reason. It’s not fancy. It’s just real.

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8. Kayak or Paddleboard on the Webhannet River

This one’s more about the feeling than the activity. You step onto a kayak, push off, and within a few minutes, the world softens. The Webhannet River stretches through marshes and bends, and it’s one of the more peaceful ways to see Wells, especially early in the day when the water’s still like glass.

Whether you’re renting from a local outfitter or bringing your own board, you’ve got options. In 2025, guided eco-tours are expanding — great if you’re into bird spotting or want someone to explain the layers of life beneath the salt marshes.

It’s one of those things to do in Wells Maine for couples that doesn’t require too much planning. Just show up, paddle, and let the wind decide how far you go.

Sunrise is magic. Sunset is warmer. Midday can get a bit crowded, but even then… the stillness somehow holds. And yeah, your arms might ache later. Worth it.

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9. Visit Historical Society of Wells & Ogunquit

Okay, so maybe history museums aren’t always at the top of every traveler’s list. But this one? It kind of sneaks up on you. Tucked into a small colonial-style building just off Route 1, the Historical Society of Wells & Ogunquit is intimate, unassuming… and surprisingly engaging.

Inside, it’s got that familiar scent of old paper and wood floors. There’s a room dedicated to shipbuilding, another full of coastal maps, and rotating exhibits that shift with the seasons. In 2025, they’re showcasing a special on the early fishing communities of the Southern Coast, including rare photos of the original lobster boats that launched from Wells Harbor.

It’s the kind of place where even kids start asking questions. Where you catch yourself spending longer than expected reading about things like the Wells Fire Museum or the founding of the Wells Parks & Recreation Department.

And if you’re into the quieter, more reflective side of travel… this is one of those Wells Maine attractions that actually sticks.

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10. Stay in a Cozy Beachside Cottage

There’s something different about waking up to ocean air when you’re not in a big resort. Beachside cottages in Wells — especially the locally owned ones — offer this kind of gentle immersion. It’s not flashy. But it’s yours for a few days, and that feels grounding.

By 2025, more travelers are leaning into Airbnb-style stays or boutique inns near Moody Beach, Drakes Island, or tucked around the Wells Reserve. These places are often just a few steps from the sandy beaches, and many now offer modern comforts without losing that classic seaside town charm.

For couples, it’s romantic in that soft, slow way — morning coffee on a tiny porch, watching early walkers pass by. For families? Space to spread out. No elevators. No lobby noise.

It’s definitely one of those things to do in Wells Maine for couples that isn’t really a “thing” at all… but somehow becomes the highlight.

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11. Grab a Cone at Scoop Deck Ice Cream

If you know, you know. And if you don’t — well, Scoop Deck Ice Cream is probably going to change your definition of “just ice cream.” This spot is wildly popular with both locals and tourists, and by summer 2025, they’re pushing past 90 flavors… which is honestly overwhelming in the best possible way.

Think wild combos like Shark Attack (yes, it’s blue), classic fudge swirl, or maple walnut with real Maine syrup. You don’t have to be a kid to feel excited in line — though if you do bring kids, good luck getting them to pick just one.

It’s located not far from the Wells area of Maine that wraps around Beach Plum Farm Road, and pairs perfectly with an evening walk along the nearby coast or a stop at Wells Harbor to catch the last light.

Tip: mid-afternoon has fewer crowds. Unless it’s a weekend… then, honestly, just embrace the chaos.

12. Walk the Wells Reserve at Laudholm

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is one of those places that quietly expands in your memory long after you’ve left. It’s not just a trail system — it’s a whole mood. Part ecological preserve, part research center, part coastal retreat.

Sprawling out across a salt marsh, forest, and open fields, this spot has over 7 miles of trails that weave toward the rocky coast. In 2025, they’ve added new interpretive signs along the boardwalks, highlighting climate research and native plant life — something thoughtful to read while you pause to listen to the breeze in the grasses.

The science center near the entrance offers hands-on exhibits (great for kids), and if you’re traveling with a dog, good news — there are dog-friendly paths, just remember your leash.

This one’s not flashy. But it’s steady. So if you’re looking for things to do in Wells Maine in winter, or honestly anytime, the Wells Reserve is a quiet gem that feels a little different with every visit.

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13. Join a Deep-Sea Fishing Charter

Even if you’ve never baited a hook in your life, there’s something kind of epic about heading out into the Atlantic on a deep-sea fishing charter. The smell of saltwater, the engine rumble, the gulls squawking overhead… and the moment someone yells they’ve got a bite? You’re in.

Captain Tom and Apex Fishing Charter & Guide Services are among the local favorites in 2025, both launching regularly from Wells Harbor. Whether you’re hoping for haddock, mackerel, or cod, summer’s the best season to give it a shot — and most charters offer half-day or full-day options, depending on how serious you are.

If you’re with teens, it’s a great bonding thing. For couples or solo travelers, it’s just one of those unique things to do in Wells Maine you’ll tell stories about later — even if you don’t catch a thing.

Just don’t forget sunscreen and a windbreaker. It gets breezy fast out there.

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14. Visit a Local Winery or Craft Brewery

Maine isn’t just about lobster and lighthouses anymore. Its craft scene is quietly exploding — and Wells is riding the wave. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, crisp white wines, or something in between, there’s something a little grown-up and laid-back about tasting your way through the Southern Coast.

Start with Hidden Cove Brewing Company, a rustic-chic spot not far from Route 1, offering a lineup of bold ales and seasonal sours. In 2025, they’re debuting a new beachfront beer garden — small, casual, and full of character.

Prefer wine? Nearby vineyards like Coastal Carol offer tastings with a side of ocean air. It’s a nice detour if you’re looking for things to do near Wells Maine, especially on a lazy afternoon when you just want to sip and stare into the trees.

Honestly, even if you’re not a drinker, some of these spots have food trucks, live acoustic sets, or yard games like cornhole… so yeah, you can still hang.

15. Try Beach Yoga at Sunrise (or Sunset)

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to balance adventure with a little serenity, beach yoga in Wells is honestly a must. In the warmer months — especially June through September — local instructors run early morning and evening sessions right on Drakes Island Beach or Wells Beach.

There’s something really grounding about doing sun salutations with actual sunrises. You’ve got the Atlantic as your backdrop, the scent of salt in the air, and that soft sound of waves rolling in. Even if you’re not a yogi, it’s a peaceful, moving way to start your day. And if you’re more of a sunset person? Some sessions around Moody Beach happen just before golden hour. It’s pure Maine magic.

Check community boards or local wellness studios like Yoga on York — they often post pop-up classes throughout summer 2025. If you’re searching for romantic things to do in Wells Maine, this quiet moment shared with a partner? Kinda unforgettable.

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16. Day Trip to Kennebunkport or Ogunquit

While Wells has its own quiet charm, it’s also perfectly placed for short day trips. Two local favorites? Kennebunkport and Ogunquit — both just a 10 to 20-minute drive and packed with coastal character.

Kennebunkport leans a little upscale with its quaint boutiques, boat tours, and the Walker’s Point overlook (yep, the Bush family compound). It’s great for shopping, galleries, and lobster rolls at The Clam Shack — still a legend in 2025.

Ogunquit, on the other hand, is all about the artsy beach vibe. Think: the Marginal Way coastal walk, live shows at the Ogunquit Playhouse, and that super chill beach scene with soft sand and small surf. Whether you’re into theater or just hunting for fun things to do near Wells Maine, these two towns deliver.

And hey, if you’re road-tripping down Route 1 anyway, might as well make a full day of it — each town offers a totally different kind of coastal vibe.

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17. Plan Around Events: Festivals & Local Markets

Here’s the thing about Wells, Maine in 2025 — it’s not just a sleepy beach town anymore. The events scene is slowly gaining steam, and if you time your visit right, you might stumble onto something unexpectedly awesome.

Every July, there’s the Wells HarborFest, a casual waterfront festival with food vendors, boat tours, and live music (think more acoustic folk than wild party).

In August, look for the Antique Show & Vintage Market, where you can dig through treasures from New England’s quirkiest collectors. And throughout summer and early fall, local farms like Spiller Farm host pop-up markets with fresh produce, homemade goods, and sometimes even cider tastings.

These events aren’t massive — and that’s kind of the point. They feel like hidden gems in Wells Maine — not overrun, just authentic little moments that stick with you.

So if you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do beyond the usual… check the town calendar. You might just catch something you didn’t expect.

Final Words

So… if you were wondering whether Wells is worth more than just a quick beach stop — the answer’s a big yes. Sure, it’s got those postcard-perfect shores, but it’s also quietly full of unique things to do, little surprises, and a whole lot of Maine charm that kind of sneaks up on you.

Whether you’re hunting for romantic things to do in Wells Maine, exploring local nature trails, hitting up antique shops, or just eating your weight in fried clams — this place has a way of slowing you down in the best possible way. It’s the kind of town where you’ll accidentally create memories just by doing… not much at all.

So go ahead. Pack light. Leave the strict itinerary at home. Wells might not shout for your attention like some touristy hotspots — but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.

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Frequently Asked Questions