Discover Biddeford, Maine: Top Beaches, Delicious Food, and a Stylish New Hotel

1. Introduction

When planning a trip to Maine, we all know the likely contenders: Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, and
Acadia. However, just 90 minutes north of Boston lies a lesser-known destination worth adding to your list: Biddeford.

Located roughly 20 minutes south of Portland, Biddeford was once a bustling mill town with a robust textile manufacturing industry. The brick structures of these factory buildings line the historic downtown area and are now home to breweries, bakeries, restaurants, and other food venues. Moreover, recently featured in the Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil and lauded as an up-and-coming culinary destination, the youngest city in Maine is drawing praise from local and national headlines. Therefore, here’s how to plan the perfect escape to Biddeford, Maine.

2. Best Things to Do in Biddeford, Maine

Just a 10-minute drive from the downtown area lies two miles of sandy beach, offering three public beaches along the ocean at Fortune’s Rocks Beach, Middle Beach, and the Biddeford Pool. Parking permits are required and can be purchased at kiosks in each of the beach parking lots for one, three, or seven days.

Don’t expect your standard busy beach town here, thanks to the zoning restrictions of the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center. Founded as the Ocean View Hotel in the late 1800s, the property now operates as a seaside convent offering private retreats. Consequently, beachgoers should be prepared with their own packed provisions or can stop by nearby Goldthwaite’s Pool Lobster for sandwiches and snacks. One unique advantage of the beaches in Biddeford is the ability to have a campfire along the water—with a valid fire permit, of course.

At the other end of the two-mile stretch of coastline is Timber Point Trail, part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. This 1.4-mile loop takes visitors through salt marshes, forest areas, and sandy shores. Be sure to visit at low tide for access to Timber Island.

The Wood Island Lighthouse is the fifth-oldest lighthouse in the state. Visitors can join guided tours to see the lighthouse via ferry, offered by Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse. During this seasonal tour, guests can explore the grounds and keeper’s house, as well as climb the 60 stairs to the top of the lighthouse tower.

In downtown Biddeford, don’t miss a trip to Rabelais, located in the Pepperell Mill. Currently only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and by appointment, the shop is home to one of the largest selections of rare cookbooks in the nation. Nearby, Elements is a bookstore and café serving beer, wine, and its own roasted coffee. It also hosts occasional events like trivia, game nights, and live music. Pop into the Biddeford Vintage Market for a chance to score some classic L.L.Bean threads, perfect for chillier nights on the ocean.

3. Best Places to Stay in Biddeford, Maine

Located in one of the former mill buildings, the newly opened Lincoln Hotel is a 33-room boutique property. The lobby is dramatic and features bold colors, elegant furniture, and local art. Guest rooms boast exposed brick, tall ceilings, gas fireplaces, and peekaboo showers. The property also features amenities such as a rooftop pool and bar, an on-site gym, and dining options like Spinning Jenny’s Coffee Bar, showcasing local favorites like Rover Bagel and Time & Tide Coffee.

For those looking to spend more time in town or who are traveling in a larger group and want more space, consider renting a house through Maine Seaside Rentals. The company offers properties directly alongside the beach in various sizes and price points. Therefore, try to book as early as possible, as these properties tend to fill up quickly during peak times.

4. Best Places to Eat and Drink in Biddeford, Maine

Over the last several years, the city has experienced significant growth in its dining and drinking scene. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy destinations is Palace Diner, a dining car outfitted with just 15 counter stools serving delicious buttermilk flapjacks. This establishment is often credited with putting Biddeford on the map as a dining destination, and just like the city, its popularity continues to grow each year. Late risers should take note; these perfect pancakes are typically available before noon, but rarely after as they sell out quickly. The tuna salad with iceberg lettuce piled high, the fried chicken sandwich with tangy cabbage slaw, and the Palais Royale (a double cheeseburger) are also excellent options. Wait times tend to get long as the morning stretches; hence, keep in mind that takeout is always an option.

Magnus on Water is an intimate neighborhood bar and restaurant featuring a stunning seasonal patio. The menu focuses on small plates made with local ingredients, including fried fingerling potatoes with mackerel mayo, although numerous entrée options are available as well. Magnus is also home to a stellar bar program, which includes cocktails crafted with sea salt extracted from the water at nearby beaches and other foraged ingredients.

Visitors wanting to experience fine dining while in town should plan ahead and secure a table at Elda. The tasting menu features locally sourced and foraged ingredients. A meal here typically costs between $160 to $175, in addition to a mandatory 22 percent service charge. Notably, due to the size and scope of the restaurant, they are unable to offer vegan, vegetarian, or dairy-free menus.

Fish & Whistle serves crispy yeast-battered fish, squid sandwiches, and a rotating soft-serve menu. Don’t expect to find haddock or cod here; the restaurant sources lesser loved fish from the Gulf of Maine for their sandwiches, supporting the local fishing industry.

Located on the first floor of a residential building outside the downtown area, Coletti’s Pizza Factory is an unassuming spot that serves contemporary Neapolitan-style pizza. With simple ingredients, thin crusts, and fresh toppings, the pizza here is exceptional. While there are a couple of tables for dining in, takeout is the more popular choice. Ensure to call your order in early as they close by 7 or 8 p.m., depending on the day.

Pair a pie with a bottle of wine from Lorne, which offers craft beer, natural wine, and cider. With stellar options from near and far, this neighborhood bottle shop and bar focuses on sustainable and minimal intervention wines. The shop also regularly hosts classes with area experts and pop-ups from local restaurants, so be sure to check their Instagram page before your visit. Don’t miss out on Sunday nights when they pour whatever is open for $5 a glass.

Biddeford boasts a handful of breweries and distilleries. Sacred Profane, the first tankpub in the country, brews Czech-style lagers in two styles: light and dark. In addition to the signature drafts, they have a food menu featuring classics like schnitzel, poutine, and beef tartare. Just down the road in the Pepperell Mill, you’ll find Banded Brewing and Lucky Pigeon, Maine’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery. Round Turn Distilling is a small-batch distillery and cocktail bar serving drinks made with their award-winning gin, Bimini, utilizing a still powered by steam.

Additional options include Part & Parcel, a neighborhood grocery where you can stock up on locally made drinks and snacks, and a café serving breakfast and lunch sandwiches and salads.

Time & Tide Coffee, both a roastery and a café, offers pastries, toasts, and signature espresso drinks like the pistachio cream latte. Their coffee is available at various locations around town, including The Hamburger Stand and Suger Bōle.

Finally, note that many of Biddeford’s restaurants and bars operate on a somewhat limited schedule, with some locations closed Sunday to Wednesday.

5. How to Get to Biddeford, Maine

Biddeford is conveniently located less than two hours north of Boston and about 20 minutes south of Portland. Moreover, an Amtrak station in neighboring Saco is just minutes away from downtown Biddeford, making travel easier for visitors.

6. Best Time to Visit Biddeford, Maine

The best time to visit Biddeford is when you can enjoy the outdoors and explore the local coastline. If swimming is on your agenda, June to early September is ideal for tolerable ocean temperatures. However, if cool weather isn’t a deal breaker, the foliage in fall presents a stunning backdrop for a weekend trip.