Kittery Point, ME

Tucked along the water where the Piscataqua River meets the Atlantic, Kittery Point offers some of the prettiest coastal scenery in southern Maine. Settled in the early 1600s, the village has a rich maritime past that shows in its quiet harbors and centuries-old colonial homes. Life here is closely tied to the coast, whether you are picking up fresh seafood down by Pepperrell Cove or heading over to Fort Foster on Gerrish Island for an afternoon on the trails, beaches, and scenic picnic grounds.

ATTRInAweofGod'sCreation / CC BY 2.0

Further up the shoreline, Seapoint Beach and the tidal marshes of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge offer peaceful spots for walking, kayaking, and birdwatching. Between living-history events at Fort McClary, active boat launches, and quiet neighborhood roads, the area has the feel of a classic New England village while remaining only a short drive from the shops and restaurants in downtown Portsmouth.