Named after the famous environmentalist, this reserve consists of more than 14,000 acres of protected coastal areas and four trails scattered along 50 miles of shoreline. The 1-mile Carson Trail, found here at the refuge's Wells headquarters and meandering along tidal creeks and salt marshes, is by far the most popular.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Reserve
Southern Maine Coast
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
21.5 MILES
Spread across a 10-acre site, the Strawbery Banke Museum is an eclectic blend of period homes that date back to the 1690s. Costumed guides recount tales…
25.38 MILES
Four miles southeast of Portland on Cape Elizabeth, 90-acre Fort Williams Park is worth visiting simply for the panoramas and picnic possibilities. Stroll…
25.39 MILES
Fort Williams Park, on Cape Elizabeth, has rolling lawns dotted with bunkers and gun emplacements. Within the park stands the beloved, and much…
25.54 MILES
Founded in 1882, this well-respected museum houses an outstanding collection of American artists. Maine artists, including Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper,…
21.46 MILES
This 1760 structure is one of the finest Georgian houses in the US. Elizabeth and Mark Hunking Wentworth were among Portsmouth's wealthiest and most…
7.12 MILES
A sublime stretch of family-friendly coastline, Ogunquit Beach is only a five-minute walk along Beach St, east of US 1. Walking to the beach is a good…
8.03 MILES
This picturesque inlet is dotted with sailboats and fishing boats; a narrow pedestrian bridge spans the harbor. The cove is home to a handful of…
21.39 MILES
Originally built by an influential ship captain for his son, the Georgian Moffatt-Ladd House was later the home of General William Whipple, a signer of…
Nearby Southern Maine Coast attractions
1. Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
0.57 MILES
Wildlife lovers adore wandering these 2250 acres of protected coastal ecosystems, with 7 miles of hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails past…
1.53 MILES
This 24-acre nature preserve protects a gorgeous sweep of local salt marsh ecosystem, cut through with flat forest trails that are perfect for a leisurely…
2.29 MILES
Beach Ave and Sea Rd (west of Kennebunk River and then south of the Lower Village) lead to three good public beaches: Middle Beach, Mother's Beach and our…
2.79 MILES
In the heart of the Kennebunk Historic District, this museum is a campus of buildings dating from 1810 to 1860. Themed exhibitions explore local history…
3.33 MILES
Besides boasting an excellent name, Gooch Beach tends to have relatively lighter crowds in summer (relatively) and boasts wide, sandy areas that are…
3.53 MILES
This complex of galleries and studios, noticeable thanks to its outside rotating wind sculptures, attracts crowds of art lovers and those who just want a…
3.69 MILES
Kennebunkport proper has only one stretch of sand, the small Colony Beach on Ocean Ave, which is dominated by the Colony Hotel.
8. First Families Kennebunkport Museum
3.77 MILES
This place goes by various names (including 'White Columns,' the name of the stately 1850s home at this address), but most people know it as the 'Bush…