Here’s why Biddeford, Maine, will be your new favorite summer vacation destination.

Whenplanning a trip to Maine, we all know the likely contenders: Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, andAcadia.

But just 90 minutes north of Boston lies a lesser-known destination worth adding to your list: Biddeford.

Aerial view of a woman biking across a bridge over a river by the historic textile mill in Biddeford Maine

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Here’s how to plan the perfect escape to Biddeford, Maine.

Dont expect your standard busy beach town here, thanks to the zoning restrictions of theMarie Joseph Spiritual Center.

Be sure to visit at low tide for access to Timber Island.

Bridge over marsh, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

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The Wood Island Lighthouse is the fifth-oldest lighthouse in the state.

Visitors canbook approximately two-hour guided toursto see the lighthouse via ferry, offered by Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse.

In downtown Biddeford, dont miss a trip toRabelais, located in the Pepperell Mill.

Lushly decorated lobby of the Lincoln Hotel

Lincoln Hotel.

NearbyElementsis a bookstore and cafe serving beer, wine, and its own roasted coffee.

It also hosts occasional events like trivia, game nights, and live music.

The lobby is dramatic and features bold colors, elegant furniture, and local art.

A dessert and drinks from Batson River Right: Drinks from Banded Brewing

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Guest rooms feature exposed brick, tall ceilings, gas fireplaces, and peekaboo showers.

Try and book as early as possible, as these properties do fill up quickly during peak times.

Magnus on Wateris an intimate neighborhood bar and restaurant featuring a stunning seasonal patio.

A group of friends gathered on a back patio at a bar/restaurant

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Visitors wanting to experience fine dining while in town can plan ahead and book a table atElda.

The tasting menu features locally sourced and foraged ingredients.

Fish & Whistle, meanwhile, serves crispy yeast-battered fish, squid sandwiches, and a rotating soft-serve menu.

With simple ingredients, thin crusts, and fresh ingredients, the pizza here is perfect.

While there are a couple of tables to dine in, takeout is the more popular choice.

In a nod to the roots of its mill building, the distillery utilizes a still powered by steam.

And at the heart of the soon-to-be developedRiverWalkproject isBlaze Brewing.

The store also has a cafe serving breakfast and lunch sandwiches and salads.

There is an Amtrak station in neighboring Saco, just minutes away from downtown Biddeford.

If you like to swim, June to early September is best for tolerable ocean temperatures.