The Maine coast is long — almost 3,500 miles counting every peninsula — but most travelers concentrate in the southern stretch from Kittery to Portland. This guide picks five rentals in the southern-coastal band where the beaches are sand (not rocks), the water is warm enough to actually swim in, and you’re within 30 minutes of Portland’s food scene. Each pick targets a specific kind of coastal trip.
The Bottom Line: The Maine coast is longer than California’s; narrow it by vibe — Kennebunks for classic, Midcoast for lobster villages, Acadia-adjacent for drama. Five Everrow homes below covering each zone.
The Southern Maine Coast in Five Towns
- Old Orchard Beach — seven miles of sand, a pier, and a beach-town summer scene
- Saco — the quieter neighbor; more house for the money
- South Portland / Willard Beach — a neighborhood beach five minutes from downtown Portland
- Falmouth — Casco Bay waterfront, quiet, north of Portland
- Cape Elizabeth — lighthouses and rocky headlands (day-trippable from any of the above)
What Makes a Great Maine Coast Rental
The trade-offs sort themselves. On the sand = premium, hot in July, often walk-to-everything. Two blocks back = half the price, no real difference once your feet are in the water. Up-bay (Falmouth, South Portland) = calmer water, better views of the Portland skyline, easier parking.
Five of the Best Places to Stay on the Maine Coast
1. Tideside House — Old Orchard Beach
- Best for: family beach week
- Town: Old Orchard Beach
- Price tier: $$$
A four-bedroom house walking distance to the OOB pier and beach. Built for families or couples splitting the week — real kitchen, real living room, real outdoor space.
- Walk to the beach and pier
- Four bedrooms
- Summer-season staple
2. Oceanfront Loft & Style — Old Orchard Beach
- Best for: couples who want surf from the window
- Town: Old Orchard Beach
- Price tier: $$
A newly renovated oceanfront loft with the kind of direct view that makes a Maine summer feel worth the drive. Smaller footprint, bigger impact.
- True oceanfront
- Newly renovated
- Walk to OOB restaurants
3. Ocean View! Luxury Condo with Beach Access — Old Orchard Beach
- Best for: couples who want the view without the house
- Town: Old Orchard Beach
- Price tier: $$$
A luxury condo with direct beach access and proper ocean views — the pick when you want resort-style amenities and sand on demand without committing to a full house.
- Direct beach access
- Condo amenities
- Fully oceanfront
4. Modern Waterfront Apt with Bay Views — Falmouth
- Best for: couples who want a quieter water view with Portland access
- Town: Falmouth
- Price tier: $$
Falmouth is the up-bay alternative to the beach-town scene. Calmer water, a Portland skyline view across the bay, 12 minutes to downtown restaurants.
- Casco Bay views
- 15 minutes to Portland
- Quiet neighborhood
5. Arlie’s Digs! — Walk to Willard Beach (South Portland)
- Best for: couples splitting time between city and beach
- Town: South Portland
- Price tier: $$
Willard Beach is Portland’s favorite local beach, and Arlie’s is steps from the sand. You can do a morning swim and be at a West End restaurant for dinner the same day.
- Walk to Willard Beach
- 10 minutes to downtown Portland
- Neighborhood restaurant scene
Plan Your Trip
Warmest water?
Late July through August on the southern coast.
Best pick for families with young kids?
Tideside or the Little Miss Cottages — see our OOB family guide.
Coast plus city in one trip?
Stay in South Portland or Falmouth.
Keep planning: explore Maine region guide, Maine with kids, or Old Orchard Beach.
Looking for the right rental or considering hosting?
Whether you’re planning a stay or thinking about putting your own Maine home on the market, Everrow can help. Browse our curated collection of vetted rentals, or learn how our full-service management turns the right property into a reliable year-round business.
