Growing up, I spent a few weeks every year staying right on the beach in Wells, Maine. For my family it was the perfect destination, just over an hour from Boston, filled with a beautiful beach, marshes, a little arcade and plenty of stuff for a kid to spend hours running around outside.

Even though those days are long gone, I still try to make it up to the Wells area every summer, even if it is only for a day trip to have a nice steamed lobster right by the ocean. If you live in the greater New England area, Wells is the perfect road trip destination this summer.

Located right on the Atlantic Ocean, Wells is located smack in the middle of Ogunquit to the south and Kennebunkport to the north, only about twenty miles from the New Hampshire border. Wells has that traditional northern New England feel with a rocky shoreline, weathered beach homes and plenty of lobster boats dotting the inlets and harbors along the coast.

What is also great about Wells is the location. If you want a break away from a beach day, there are plenty of things to do in only a short ride away. Head south to Ogunquit and wander along the famous Marginal Way, a walking trail that hugs the coast and runs just over a mile. Once in Ogunquit, take the trolley around town to visit some of the various sites and restaurants.

If you are looking to spend your time in Maine getting a little shopping done by local artisans, consider heading to Kennebunkport. Here you will find plenty of little boutiques in and around the Dock Square area. And, you might even run into former President George H.W. Bush and family, since they have a summer home in Kennebunkport as well!

You will never run out of things to do on the Maine coastline, between the beautiful beaches, fresh seafood and wonderful boutique shops, there truly is something for everyone to be able to enjoy.

Have you been to this area of Maine? Let us know what some of your favorite hotspots in the region are!