Maine’s 15 Best Oceanfront Hotels & Resorts You Need to Visit Right Now

Maine’s east coast is a wonderful New England gem, known for its rocky coastline, tucked away beaches, fresh lobster, outdoor activities and quaint towns to explore. Exploring Maine’s most picturesque harbors can be easy, relaxing and fun for all ages and travelers when you know where the best oceanfront places to stay in Maine are.

We love Maine, and staying on the coast is our favourite way to travel when we’re lucky enough to visit. Which is why we’ve put together a list of our favorite Maine hotels, inns and cottages to suit your dream vacation with family or friends. One’s we’ve either stayed in, or have great reviews and are places we’d stay in ourselves.

Whether you are looking for a luxury beach resort with a spa for a romantic getaway, or a fun family beach resort with outdoor pools, and suites for a restful family vacation, we have a wide range of options and budgets to choose from up and down the coast.

Top 3 Picks: Best Hotels in Maine on the Ocean

#1 TOP PICK

INN BY THE SEA

✔️ Outdoor Pool & Full Spa

✔️ Free bikes, Sandy Beach

✔️ Pets stay free

⮕ BOOK IT

#2 PICK

CLIFF HOUSE MAINE

✔️ Family & Adult Only Pools

✔️ Luxury Spa & Wellness Center

✔️ Live Music & Events Weekends

⮕ BOOK IT

#3 PICK

ATLANTIC OCEANFRONT SUITES

✔️ Steps from the beach

✔️ Indoor salt pool

✔️ Full kitchen, living area

⮕ BOOK IT

AMAZING OCEANFRONT PLACES TO STAY IN MAINE

Maine is well known as an amazing vacation spot for families, couples and adventurers. For those who want to spend a week relaxing at the beach on the Atlantic Ocean, hiking in Acadia National Park, or taking in the local brew pubs and foodie scene in Portland, ME.

Best Maine Hotels Quick Guide

These are all conveniently located near popular towns with many local activities, restaurants and outdoor adventures nearby

• Best Maine pet friendly Hotels – Grand Harbor Inn, Camden & our top pick Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth
• Best All-Suites Maine oceanfront retreat – Atlantic Ocean Suites, Old Orchard Beach
• Best Bar Harbor oceanfront hotel – Bar Harbor Inn & Spa
• Best Maine quiet romantic getaway – Harbor Towne Inn, Boothbay Harbor

1. Inn By The Sea: Best Oceanfront Resort Maine

• 📍 Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME
• 🏆 Known for: Sandy beachfront, spacious suites, pet friendly, great staff
• 🏩 Book Inn by the Sea

Located close to Portland, Inn by the Sea is the perfect spot for a family friendly or couples coastal Maine vacation. And is one of our top picks for the best oceanfront resort in Maine.

We had this booked for our family vacation last year, unfortunately we had to cancel due to a family emergency. But it’s still on our Maine bucket list, as Portland, ME is only a 10 minute drive away.

So not only can you enjoy direct access to a mile long stretch of sandy beach by the resort, it’s easy to tap into fun foodie tours, strolls to lighthouses, and the arts & culture scene of Portland, Maine.

With 61 different rooms and suites, you’ll find something for all group sizes at this seaside inn. The Cove & Beach suites with two full bedrooms, are great for larger families, and come with a a living room, kitchen and a private deck.

For families, there’s also the outdoor pool and free access to bikes. Plus other activities such as ice cream socials, Bug Life Tours, family yoga, children’s art, and a nightly fire pit with s’mores. Inn by the Sea is one of the best family resorts in Maine.

⭐️ “Fabulous spot. Once again, Inn by the Sea did not disappoint. A beautiful hotel, immaculate accommodations and fantastic staff! We have visited a number of times and each visit is as perfect as the past.”

– Jen ⭐️ Inn by the Sea review

Adults can book a day at the spa, enjoy adult-only pool times, yoga and guided garden and beach walks.

Inn by the Sea is also one of the first pet-friendly luxury beach resorts near Portland, Maine. So you don’t have to leave your furry friends at home.

🐾 Travelling with pets? Inn by the Sea is one of the best pet-friendly beach resorts in Maine. They offer pets stay for free and and a host of add-ons to spoil them too.

2. Cliff House Maine Resort: Best Resort Southern Maine Coast

• 📍 Location: Cape Neddick, York, ME
• 🏆 Known for: Cliff views, family & adult pools, luxury spa, customer service
• 🏩 Book the Cliff House Maine Resort

Cliff House Resort in Cape Neddick is an historic Maine coast hotel and resort, tracing its roots back to 1872.

This charming & iconic seaside resort has been updated & transformed into an oasis, atop Bald Head Cliff on the southern coast of Maine. The way it sits on the cliffs makes you feel like you are on a ship, with magnificent views of the ocean crashing into the rocks. There is a fence along the cliff side, so it does feel safer for families with younger kids.

⭐️ “Perfect celebration weekend. Amazing hot tub overlooking the stunning ocean views. Service was impeccable and the restaurant menu was farm to table mouth watering.”

– Karla ⭐️ Cliff House Maine review

Perfect for romantic getaways especially in the quieter off season, with its coastal style, luxury spa and wellness center, and oceanfront dining.

Families also enjoy their spacious family rooms, the family pool and fun activities the resort puts on  like the movie theater and other events (usually on Thursdays-Sundays).

Conveniently located near Perkins Cove with cute shops, good restaurants and options for boat tours. Ogunquit , York and Kennebunkport are also all a short drive away.

Between the yoga studio, 24-hour fitness center, sauna, movie theater, gift shop, art gallery, coffee shop, ocean-view restaurant, lobster shack, and in the winter, an ice skating rink you may never want to leave this ideal beach resort in Maine.

3. Atlantic Ocean Suites – Beachside Condos

• 📍 Location: Old Orchard Beach, ME
• 🏆 Known for: Spacious beachside apartments, indoor salt pool, walking distance to pier
• 🏩 Book Atlantic Ocean Suites

Atlantic Ocean Suites are comfortable and spacious beachside apartments, that sleep up to 6, right on the water.

It’s wonderful location along the Maine coastline is a fantastic option for couples who want a little extra privacy, or families who need a bit more space & a kitchen.

⭐️ “Loved the location, the view, the proximity to the ocean and town. The owners / family were very friendly and accommodating. Loved the history of the hotel. Everything was clean and neat. We wished we could have stayed longer.”

– Randi ⭐️ Atlantic Ocean Suites review

Step outside and have your morning coffee right on the beach. Then walk only a few minutes to Old Orchard Beach Pier, and Palace Playland for the rides.

The Atlantic Ocean Suites provide all the beach necessities you’ll need for a fun few days at the beach (beach toys, umbrellas, chairs & a wagon to carry it around in).

4. Harbor Towne Inn on the Waterfront – Quiet, Romantic B&B

• 📍 Location: Boothbay Harbor, ME
• 🏆 Known for: Quiet, relaxing atmosphere, gourmet breakfasts, friendly hosts
• 🏩 Book Harbor Towne Inn

Harbor Towne Inn on the Waterfront is a historic B&B, located in the heart of Boothbay Harbor near the marina. It has earned the distinction as the “finest B&B on the Waterfront,” in Maine.

The 11 guest rooms & one penthouse suite are delightfully decorated & spacious and a great retreat for you and your sweetie.  Sweet sleeps in a comfy bed await, in well appointed rooms that have a private bathroom, mini fridge and microwave. Sit on the wide deck outside for relaxing views of the harbor.

⭐️ “Comfortable, welcoming, close to everything, right on the waterfront. Breakfast was outstanding. Our host made a special vegetarian breakfast for me each day.

– Nancy ⭐️ Harbour Towne Inn in the Waterfront review

Guests rave about the fresh, gourmet breakfasts made from local produce and farm fresh eggs.

Breakfast can be eaten at the tables in the front garden, on the balcony strewn with beautiful flowering plants and a view of the bay or in the beautiful dining room. 

The inn is within walking distance of all the souvenir shops, unique boutiques as well as the many restaurants and boating/sailing vessels available for touring. 

5. The Tides Beach Club Resort – Romantic Beach Getaway

• 📍 Location: Kennebunkport, ME
• 🏆 Known for: Goose Rocks Beach views, great food
• 🏩 Check rates & availability on booking.com

Add the Tides Beach Club Resort to your list of the best oceanfront hotel in Maine for a romantic getaway. The Tides is a high-end yet casual beach style resort open seasonally from May to October. 

Located in Goose Rocks Beach area of Kennebunkport, the hotel’s quaint terrace is perfect for sunset watching or reading a book.

Their 21 rooms, including two oceanfront suites, combine clean modern facilities, mixed with a beachy vintage vibe.

⭐️ “Excellent. The Inn is very quaint and with beach ambiance. Full bar and dining room with great food and drinks. The front porch area provides a bird’s eye view of the beach.”

– Mark ⭐️ Tides Beach Club review

Enjoy an unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean and Goose Rocks Beach from your private balcony.

Free shuttle bus is available to their sister location nearby which has a spa center, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center you can use. 

Indoor & outdoor oceanfront dining at the Tides onsite, with gourmet food & live music Fridays.

6. Atlantic Oceanside Hotel – Bar Harbor Oasis

• 📍 Location: Bar Harbor, ME
• 🏆 Known for: Ocean views & it’s own beach, Indoor pool (open all year) & outdoor pool
• 🏩 Check rates & availability on booking.com

The Atlantic Oceanside Hotel is an oasis on 12 acres of oceanfront property, with it’s own small beach

Located just one mile from Acadia National Park, its beaches, and all the shops and restaurants of historic downtown Bar Harbor. It’s the ideal spot for your Acadia getaway.

Enjoy epic ocean views from your room, and the waterfront access to gorgeous Frenchman Bay, just steps away. A perfect place to reconnect with your loved ones.

⭐️ “What a gorgeous location. This hotel was the highlight of our trip to Maine. Beautiful ocean views from our balcony.The food was delicious and the bistro meal was super high end. Everything is so upscale and it’s so close to main street. Absolutely loved it.”

– Karianne ⭐️ Atlantic Oceanside Hotel review

The morning breakfast bar will get you ready for your busy day, with perfect egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, fresh fruits and more. We found their Bistro restaurant had amazing food (lobster pot pie and salmon dinners & blueberry specialty drinks are favorites).

Atlantic Oceanside Hotel makes breakfasts, and early mornings at Cadillac Mountain easy. Just grab it to go and catch the Seasonal Free Shuttle to Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park right out front!

The Portside and Oceanside buildings which are very private, have a motel style entrance so no elevator. With different buildings at different price points, you can find something to suit your budget.

7. Cornerstone Oceanfront Cottage – Larger Group Retreat Near Acadia

• 📍 Location: Lamoine Beach, Maine
• 🏆 Known for: Fully stocked kitchen, laundry, oceanfront, close to Acadia
• 🏩 Book Cornerstone Oceanfront Cottage

Cornerstone Oceanfront Cottage overlooks Eastern Bay, and has wonderful views of the mountains of  Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. 

This 4 Bed/ 2.5 bath New England Cottage sleeps up to 8, on a 1.5 acre lot with shore access in the quiet town of Lamoine, Maine. Historic charm updated with modern amenities, and a fully stocked kitchen & little touches like laundry detergent, spices.

Enjoy your morning coffee on the back deck, overlooking the ocean. And gather around the firepit for stories, laughter and maybe even s’mores after a busy day.

⭐️ “We couldn’t have asked for anything more. The house was immaculate and a true gem weaving the charm of the past with a modern touch. The lawn allowed plenty of room for the boys to burn off some energy and the views were amazing. The distance from Bar Harbor was both convenient and a bit off the beaten path – perfect for our liking.”

– Krista ⭐️ Cornerstone Oceanfront Cottage review

Cornerstone Cottage is an ideal home base for exploring Acadia National Park (35 min), and the charming villages of Bar Harbor (30 min), and Southwest Harbor (30 min) on Mount Desert Island.

It’s also within walking distance from the charming Lamoine Beach and Lamoine State Park. 

Check out their guest book which has info on all the local restaurants &  activities like whale watching, kayaking, fishing, lobstering tours, sailing, paddle boarding, hiking, bird watching, nature tours, and historical tours. 

8. Grand Harbor Inn – Pet Friendly, Luxury Waterfront Boutique Inn

• 📍 Location: Camden, ME
• 🏆 Known for: Small boutique inn, private oceanfront balconies, homemade breakfasts
• 🏩 Book Grand Harbor Inn

Grand Harbor Inn is one of Camden’s newest luxury, waterfront boutique inns. With only 10 rooms, you get personalized service from their warm & attentive staff. 

Their waterfront rooms and suites offer guests unparalleled views of Camden Harbor and the islands of Penobscot Bay. Relax by the fireplace or on your private balcony overlooking the harbor. 

Grand Harbor is just steps away from all the best Camden restaurants and bars, ice cream, coffee, clothes shops, harbor tours and kayak rentals.

⭐️ “Right on the water. Able to go kayaking, sailing, browse the shops, have a nice meal right from hotel. Room was great. Balcony with seating to relax and look out on the harbor. Yummy breakfast delivered to room. Jacuzzi tub and many spouted shower. We traveled up and down the coast and decided this would be our home base on any future travel in Maine coastal area.”

– Jennifer ⭐️ Grand Harbor Inn review

A few things to know:

• Dedicated hotel parking is limited, but they can help you find parking if needed
• Special touches like cookies and drinks in the lobby, robes set neatly on the bed, chocolates and a card to advise the next day’s weather for planning your day
• Pet friendly options for a nightly fee. Pampered pet options
• May is the start of busy season, so book well in advance

9. The Edgewater – Old School Ocean Motel / Resort Vibes

• 📍 Location: Old Orchard, ME
• 🏆 Known for: Budget friendly, beachfront access, outdoor pool,
• 🏩 Book The Edgewater

Edgewater has been a family institution in Old Orchard Beach for the last 60 years. Think old school ocean motel / resort vibes, but nicely updated. Feels like home but also a vacation spot you’ll  want to return to, year after year.

Sitting in the middle of the 7 mile stretch of sandy beach, Edgewater is close to all the attractions, like the Old Orchard Pier, fishing, and golfing. 

Some things to note:

• Choose a room away from the stairs if sensitive to noise
• Provide housekeeping service after every third night of a stay, but can ask for supplies any time
• No pets allowed

10. Village by the Sea – All Suite Maine Resort

• 📍 Location: Wells, ME
• 🏆 Known for: All suite resort, kitchen & laundry amenities, pool, close to Wells Beach
• 🏩 Book Village by the Sea

Village by the Sea in Wells, ME is an all suite resort hotel, on 11 acres bordering the Rachel Carson Wildlife Preserve and a tidal salt marsh near Wells Beach. 

Visitors enjoy the ocean views and atmosphere in these 1 & 2 bedroom spacious suites.  Units are individually owned, and are tiered based on updates (Comfort, Deluxe and Premium).

Enjoy spectacular sunsets from your balcony, a workout in their fitness centre or a dip in their indoor or outdoor seasonal pool and hot tub.  Kids love the pool and game room onsite.

Located between the popular tourist towns of Ogunquit and Kennebunkport you’ll be close to restaurants, shopping, and plenty of beaches to explore. 

A few things to know:

• Not pet friendly
• Book rooms on upper floors if light sleeper, or are bothered by people walking overhead.
• The Premium Tier is the best. You know what they say, you do get what you pay for.
• Wells Beach is about 1 mile and Crescent Beach 1.1miles away from the resort.

12. Moody’s Motel and Cottages – Lovely Family-Run & Affordable Seaside Retreat

• 📍 Location: Wells, ME
• 🏆 Known for: Beachfront access, family run
• 🏩 Book Moody’s Motel and Cottages

Only a few steps off Crescent Beach and a 13-minute walk to Wells Beach, Moody’s Motel and Cottages is a sweet, unassuming place, nestled in garden spaces. A really lovely family-run Motel, right at one of Maine’s top beaches.

Grounds are quiet and safe for children, with lounge chairs and picnic tables placed all around their grassy lawns. 

Take a walk across the road to experience the sunrise. 

Listen to the waves crash on the beach at night and feel the cool breeze blowing in through open windows at night.

A few things to know:

• Budget friendly rooms with basic amenities. A bit dated, but peaceful & comfortable.
• Knowledgeable friendly owners who are happy to provide local recommendations
• Rent bikes and easily ride to Ogunquit beach and Wells Beach
• Rooms sleep 2 or 3 people. Cottages & suites sleep up to 4 or 5 people

13. Bar Harbor Inn – Best Waterfront Location Bar Harbor

• 📍 Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
• 🏆 Known for: Iconic hotel, Location, Brunch, Spa & Pools
• 🏩 Book Bar Harbor Inn

Bar Harbor Inn is a top pick for waterfront resorts and inns near Acadia National Park. Plus one of the best places to stay in Bar Harbor. This iconic inn is located on Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the middle coast of Maine.  Overlooking Frenchman Bay & Porcupine Islands.

This sprawling 8 acre oceanside property offers beautiful views, two hot tubs, a spa, and an infinity edge pool. Three unique guest room buildings you can stay in, include: the Main Inn, the Oceanfront Lodge, and the Newport Building.

Sitting harborside in downtown Bar Harbor you’ll also be close to everything; the pier for boat rides, the meandering Shore Path, and within walking distance of Main Street & Cottage Streets for yummy restaurants, souvenirs, shopping and more.

A perfect setting for vacations of all sorts; friends, family, or couples. 

Things to know:

• Location can’t be beat! Convenient access to Main Street in 5 minutes, and a 10 minute drive to the Acadia National Park
• Generous continental breakfast included
• Kid friendly & some of their suites sleep up to 5 people
• Pets not allowed
• Way more pricey in peak season & Popular so book well in advance.

14. Harborage Inn on the Oceanfront – Superb Historic Small Inn

• 📍 Location: Boothbay Harbor, ME
• 🏆 Known for: Harbor views, full gourmet breakfast, easy walk to downtown
• 🏩 Book Harborage Inn on the Waterfront

Harborage Inn on the Oceanfront is a superb small three story inn in Boothbay Harbor. Operating for over 90 years, this Inn combines the best parts of a boutique hotel, with all the modern amenities, updates and comforts you might want.

Traveling with kids? The 2 bed luxury suite sleeps up to 4. Or try the Captain’s and Skipper’s adjoining suites, perfect for families needing a bit more space, or a girls weekend away.

For a couples getaway, you can’t go wrong with the romantic waterfront deluxe king. 

This beautiful spot is within easy walking distance of town, but not right in the middle of the heavy tourist area. 

The homey rooms with tasteful coastal decor are a good size, with very comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep.

Things to know:

• Luxury Suite (2bdr) sleeps up to 4 people, other rooms sleep 2 people
• Veranda on all floors with a lovely seating area & ocean views
• Full gourmet breakfast cooked to order and delivered to your room. You choose the time and can choose from 3 unique dishes.
• There is no elevator, and the upper floors are accessed by stairs
• No pets allowed

15. Waterview Maine Dream Cottage  – Cozy, Quiet Cottage

• 📍 Location: Granite Point, Biddeford Maine
• 🏆 Known for: Waterfront access, private & quiet location,
• 🏩 Book Waterview Maine Dream Cottage

Waterview Maine Dream Cottage is an extremely well maintained & beautifully renovated family cottage on Granite Point in Biddeford, Maine. This incredible location has an unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean, and quick access to multiple beaches. 

The charming quiet neighborhood allows you to stroll or bike down the cottage road to multiple beaches, or take advantage of the large lawns, and landscaping onsite.

Restaurants, shopping, and other kid & adult friendly activities  are a short bike or car ride away in either Biddeford Pool or Kennebunkport. Day trips to the Fun Town Amusement Park (15min), and shopping outlets in Kittery and Freeport (1 hour) are also possible.

The central location of the Waterview Dream Cottage makes it a great place to explore southern coastal Maine. Add this to your list of fun ocean cottages, Maine to visit.

Things to know:

• Private and quiet location, yet close to many scenic drives, as well as restaurants, shopping, and even an amusement park
• Walking distance to a nature refuge
• The yard is a treat, being divided into two areas for use. (Think outdoor games and fire pit with Adirondack chairs for nightly fires & s’mores)
• 3 Bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Sleeps up to  6
• No pets allowed

16. Oceanfront Cottage – Seaside Long Weekend Getaway near Acadia

• 📍 Location: Belfast, Penobscot Bay Maine
• 🏆 Known for: Waterfront access, private & quiet location
• 🏩 Book Oceanfront Cottage

Ocean Front Cottage in Belfast is a wonderful gem of a cottage, located away from the crowds, and the hustle & bustle of Acadia. It sits 100 feet from the high tide mark. So you can relax to the sound of the surf, loons and harbor bells, while watching lobster boats pass by.

There’s plenty to do at the cottage for kids and adults. Spend the day on the rocky beach, run around the grassy field with your kids, or sit in a comfy chair reading your favorite book.

Young’s Lobster Pound  is only 3 minutes away. When in Maine…..lobsters are a must.

There are also many options around Belfast for hiking, and restaurants, as well as  two farmers markets, a nice harbor walk and a footbridge.

Things to know:

• No pets allowed
• 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps up to 4
• Indoor fireplace to take the chill off on those cool foggy Maine days
• Centrally located for taking day trips to Acadia (75 min), Camden (25 min), Rockland (40min) or 5 min to Belfast centre.
• Fully stocked kitchen with everything you may need