When wanderlust grabs your attention, take a Wells beach day trip from Wolf Cove Inn. You’ll reach Wells, Maine’s third-oldest town, in under an hour. Known for its stunning natural beauty and miles of sandy beaches, Wells is recognized as the “friendliest town in Maine.”
Spend the day frolicking in the ocean, shopping for antiques, hiking beautiful nature trails, and dining on fresh seafood. Tucked in between the delightful towns of Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, Wells exudes a charm of its own. It’s well worth spending a day exploring its many attractions.
On the Water + Outdoor Adventures
Beautiful Beaches
Miles of white, sandy beaches attract visitors throughout the year, especially during the warmer months. Wells Beach, a 1.5-mile stretch of sand, abuts the Wells Beach Jetty, popular with kids and anglers. Three other beaches in Wells are just as lovely.
- Drakes Island Beach: The perfect spot for body surfing and skimboarding.
- Moody Beach: Lined with private homes, this mile-long stretch of sand adjoins Crescent Beach to the north and Footbridge Beach to the south.
- Crescent Beach: Rockier than other beaches, Crescent Beach lies between Wells and Moody beaches. At low tide, tidal pools form with abundant sea life.
Go Tidepooling
Take an authentic Maine experience with Coastal Encounters. Explore tide pools and learn about marine life that live in them. Poke under rocks and around seaweed for one of the best educational adventures in Maine.
Launch a Kayak at Wells Harbor
Take a self-guided kayak tour of Wells Harbor to explore the central part of the Webhannet River towards the Mile Road Bridge. Or travel in the opposite direction for a paddle up one of the two estuary brooks that teem with marine life.
Magnificent Nature Trails
Two outstanding nature preserves protect Wells’s salt marshes and estuaries. Miles of trails guide visitors through migratory bird habitats and waterfowl migration routes. Unplug and reconnect with nature at both of these magnificent spots.
In Town Stops + Shopping
Mouth Watering Dining Spots
As most would expect of a seaside town along the coast of Maine, fresh seafood reigns supreme on most restaurant menus. But fish and shellfish are not the only options to tempt your taste buds. Dozens of offerings line the town’s main streets, but a few stand out for their culinary delights.
- Fisherman’s Catch: The spot for a lobster dinner, fresh lobster roll, and fried seafood baskets, Fisherman’s Catch offers live music in season.
- Billy’s Chowder House: Famous for its chowder, Billy’s waterfront restaurant has been serving classic seafood dishes since 1979. It is a true Wells Maine institution.
- Maine Diner: Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and the Phantom Gourmet, the Maine Diner’s menu is lengthy. No one goes hungry here.
- Scoop Deck: With over 50 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbert, it has something for everyone’s sweet tooth.
- Congdon’s Doughnuts: Serving breakfast, doughnuts, and sweet and savory confections since 1955.
Visit a Farmstand
Pick up fresh produce, specialty meats, spices and more at one of Wells’s local farm stands and stores. Chase Farms specializes in farm-raised beef and locally sourced Maine products. Stop at Spillers’ Farm Store to pick up picnic supplies for a day at the beach. The store also offers a selection of delicious subs, salads and pizzas.
Antique Capital of Maine
Known as the “Antique Capital of Maine,” Wells features over 25 antique shops along Route 1, making hunting for artwork, jewelry, furniture, and other treasures easy. Begin your shopping spree at some of the top spots.
- Breakaway Design & Antiques
- Carboni Antiques
- The Farm Antiques
- R. Jorgensen Antiques
- Bo-Mar Hall Antiques and Collectibles
- Reeds Antiques and Collectibles
- Anytime Antiques
Shop at Reny’s
Head to Reny’s Department Store in Wells for a unique shopping adventure. There’s some truth to the oft-stated adage, “If Reny’s doesn’t have it, I don’t need it.” Food, clothing, toys and games, home goods, housewares, electronics, and more fill the aisles on any given day at Reny’s. It’s a bargain hunter’s treasure chest, for sure.
Visit Wonder Mountain Fun Park
Wonder Mountain Fun Park features a remarkable collection of fun indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. Two miniature golf courses challenge even the seasoned mini-golfer. Climb the mountain, play through caves, and enjoy the cool mist emanating from the waterfalls.
Memorable Historic Sites
Several small but memorable historical sites reveal Wells, Maine’s storied past. History buffs should visit these spots to trace the evolution of this seaside village.
- Bridge of Flowers at Webhannet
- Col. John Wheelwright’s Garrison
- Founders Park
- Meetinghouse Museum
- School House Division No. 9
- Storer Park
Relax on Tripp Lake
After your Wells Beach day trip, return to the welcoming hospitality of Wolf Cove Inn. Sit outside and admire the view across Tripp Lake. Purchase a s’mores kit to enjoy by the fire pit. Book some private time to relax in the sauna and wind down your eventful day with pizza or a steaming bowl of chili prepared by our staff, especially for you. In the morning, you’ll wake to a fresh and delicious organic Maine breakfast to fuel you for your next adventure.
Photo Credit:
© Linda Raymond via canva.com
© Geeratad Thaiprasansap via canva.com