A Tour of Coastal Maine: Charming Homes, Beautiful Beaches, and Boutique Hotels — Sunday Guides Summer 2026 by The Paris House

Why Maine Captures Our Hearts; Best Places to Visit in Coastal Maine; Kennebunkport & The Kennebunks; Ogunquit & Perkins Cove; Portland's Old Port; Where to Stay in Maine; Best Restaurants & Lobster Rolls; Boutique Shopping & Local Finds; Late Summer & Fall in Maine; Scenic Drives, Beaches & Coastal Walks; Plan Your Maine Getaway

 
The Paris House Sunday Guides Editor's Letter about places to visit in Maine
 

EDITOR’S LETTER

By Michele Rosenthal. Follow me on Instagram @theparishouse

Maine’s beautiful and unique landscape entices people from all over the world to come visit. From its rugged cliffs and rocky terrain overlooking the Atlantic ocean to the most delicious lobster rolls in the world, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this issue, we explore Kennebunkport, The Kennebunks, Ogunquit, Perkins Cove and Portland. You can stop for a day at the scenic Marginal Way at Perkins Cove, a quintessential fisherman’s village resembling a postcard that has come to life, or take quiet drives along the ocean with watercolor sunsets or head to a more hip and bustling town such as Portland. Enjoy fine dining in Kennebunkport’s superb restaurants, scenic drives along the ocean with views of Walker’s point the Bush Family compound. It is easy to see why Maine is like no other place in the world.

 
The Paris House Sunday Guides Editor's Letter about places to visit in Maine continued
 

Our family and friends have been vacationing there for many years, so we have an insiders view of this beautiful state. In this article, we will highlight our favorite hotels, restaurants, shops, beach clubs, theaters, and more to help you plan the perfect getaway. Maine is also wonderful in the autumn where it’s quieter, the prices come down a bit and the ocean is surrounded by evergreens and vibrant fall foliage.

We have a wonderful New England, Canada, and Adirondack Autumn travel show on Joie de Vivre TV network which is based in Paris, France, more on that below in this magazine issue. We also have a more condensed Kennebunkport, Maine Sunday Guide from 2023 as well on our website.

Maine is the only place I go where my heart actually aches when we leave and I long to return each year. I have traveled the world and I love every place I go to and I often say they are all my “favorites” but Maine is extraordinary. Read below to see which restaurant received food and wine 2024 best lobster roll award in America and we couldn’t agree more. Read our tips on how to throw a party on your travels, where to find the best flowers in town, our favorite coffee shops, and the most charming little beach where we love to walk our dog Ernie.

Our favorite “Late Summer Early Fall Fashion” beauty products, local out and about day trips, recipes and favorite books are all here, in this month’s Sunday Guides!

Michele Rosenthal

 
Map of Kennebunkport Maine by Courtney Palmer
 

Map by Courtney Palmer

www.palm-prints.com

 
collage of Maine homes
 

Maine Homes

 
Collage of boats and beaches in Maine
 

Boats and Beaches

 
Maine garden fence
scenic coastal view of Maine with white sailboats
Maine coastal inlet shoreline beach
Maine coastal inlet shoreline beach
The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine, historic oceanfront resort
 

The Colony Hotel

 
scenic gardens in Maine
lounge chairs in Maine
Dock Square Coffee House sign, a classic vintage yellow vehicle, and the counter at Aunt Marie's in Kennebunkport Maine
 

Foods

 
New England coastal Maine homes
 

Maine Homes

 
dock on a lake with American flag
New England Maine coastal home with American flag
New England Maine home with porch
Maine coastal home with dock
New England Maine home with shingles blue shutters and flowers
New England coastal shingle-style Maine home
The Wedding Cake House (officially the George W. Bourne House) located at 104 Summer Street in Kennebunk, Maine
 

The Wedding Cake House

 
Maine shops lobster rolls storefronts, Mabel's Lobster Claw restaurant, and pastries in Maine
 

Shopping & Dining in Maine

 
Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club waterfront bungalow in Kennebunkport Maine
St. Ann's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Kennebunkport Maine
Michele Rosenthal's dog enjoying a sunset in Maine
Kennebunkport Maine Hotel Views luxury waterfront views, outdoor fringe-canopy dining by a marina, and fresh Maine lobster
 

Hotel Views

Continue Reading

Kennebunkport, Maine Travel Guide: Best Restaurants, Things to Do & Coastal Charm
Explore Goose Rocks Beach, Dock Square, boutique shopping, lobster shacks, charming inns, and everything that makes Kennebunkport one of New England's most beloved coastal destinations.

Fall Foliage Getaway Guide: Best Autumn Destinations in New England & the Northeast
Discover scenic coastal drives, charming villages, colorful foliage, and unforgettable autumn escapes throughout New England.

The Paris House Book Club: The Maine House I & II
Celebrate the timeless beauty of Maine's cottages, architecture, and coastal heritage through two beautifully photographed books that capture the spirit of New England living.

Travel Planning Services by The Paris House
Let The Paris House create your perfect New England getaway with personalized itineraries featuring boutique inns, coastal villages, scenic drives, exceptional dining, artisan shopping, gardens, and unforgettable experiences throughout Maine and beyond.