Wells Beach is the centerpiece of the "Maine Beach" experience — a 3-mile stretch of sand on the southern Maine coast, backed by a classic New England summer town with weathered shingle-style houses, lobster shacks, and the unhurried atmosphere of a coastal community that has been welcoming beach visitors since the early 19th century. The Atlantic here is cold, powerful, and dramatic — the perfect backdrop for the iconic American beach vacation.
Capture the magic of Wells Beach, Maine with these insider tips from our photography team.
The optimal time to visit Wells Beach, Maine is during Jun–Sep. This is when you'll find the best combination of weather, water conditions, and crowd levels.
Located in Maine, United States, this Atlantic Ocean destination offers a unique beach experience that earned its #52 ranking on our list of the world's most Instagrammable beaches.
Coordinates: 43.32° N, 70.56° W
Wells Beach is the centerpiece of the "Maine Beach" experience — a 3-mile stretch of sand on the southern Maine coast, backed by a classic New England summer town with weathered shingle-style houses, lobster shacks, and the unhurried atmosphere of a coastal community that has been welcoming beach visitors since the early 19th century. The Atlantic here is cold, powerful, and dramatic — the perfect backdrop for the iconic American beach vacation.
This stunning Atlantic Ocean destination has earned its place as one of the world's most Instagrammable beaches. With 12–19°C water temperatures and medium crowd levels during peak season, it's a photographer's paradise. The golden hour here (5:00 AM – 5:45 AM · 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM (EDT)) offers magical lighting that transforms every shot into a masterpiece.
Whether you're capturing the wide-angle shoreline or intimate details of the sand and surf, Wells Beach, Maine delivers. The unique geography and natural beauty make it a must-visit for beach lovers and content creators alike.
Wells Beach, Maine is located in Maine, United States. Coordinates: 43.32° N, 70.56° W. The best approach depends on your starting location—most visitors fly into the nearest major airport and arrange ground transportation or a local boat transfer to reach the beach.
Jun–Sep — Golden hour: 5:00 AM – 5:45 AM · 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM (EDT). Visit during these months for optimal weather conditions and the best photography opportunities.
Drone regulations vary by location. Always check local laws before flying, especially in protected areas, national parks, or near wildlife. Some beaches may require permits for commercial drone use.
