Exit 7 is the gateway to the picture-postcard towns of southern Maine along the region’s scenic coast. Some of the state’s best beaches in York and in Ogunquit can be accessed from this exit. Travel south along Route 1 to York and Kittery, or head north on Route 1 to reach Ogunquit, the name given by native American tribes, which means, “Beautiful place by the sea.” Great dining, shopping and sightseeing abound throughout the area. Eat lobster in the rough, or dine at some of the country’s finest gourmet restaurants. And shop til you drop in a variety of specialty shops and art and craft galleries.

Top 10 things to do off Exit 7

1. Fisherman’s Walk and Wiggly Bridge – York Harbor and York Village are connected by the Fisherman’s Walk, also known as the Shore Path, a half-mile trail which follows the edge of the York River. Get on the pathway for the Fisherman’s Walk below Edward’s Harborside Inn, near the Stage Neck Inn, and follow the path past lobster shacks, piers, fishing boats, and stately homes with colorful gardens. To continue to the Wiggly Bridge, a 75-foot-long pedestrian bridge in an estuary of the York River leading to to the Stedman Woods Preserve, cross Route 103 (Lilac Lane) and head into the woods until you see a narrow dirt road. Follow until you emerge at Lindsay Road near Hancock Wharf. The one-mile loop trail meanders through woodlands and along the water. You can also reach the Wiggly Bridge by taking York Road from York Center and turning right on Old Mill Road.

2. Bunny Clark Deep Sea Fishing – Located in Perkins Cove in Ogunquit. Full day, half day and marathon fishing trips leave from the dock daily, specializing in bottom fishing. All equipment is provided. The Bunny Clark runs from April through early November; reservations are required. Call 207-646-2214 for more information.

3. John Lane’s Ogunquit Playhouse – 10 Main St., Ogunquit, 646-5511. John Lane’s Ogunquit Playhouse is a true cultural landmark in southern Maine. Playing July 17-Aug. 4 is “La Cage aux Folles,” one of the Playhouses’ most requested shows.

Playing Aug. 7-25 is “The King and I” starring Lorenzo Lamas. Show Times are Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday matinees at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3:30 p.m.

4. Kittery Outlet Shopping – Featuring one mile of more than 120 famous name outlet stores filled with great savings every time you shop. Just off route I-95, exit 3. For more information, call 1-888-Kittery.

5. Beaches – Short Sands Beach on Ocean Avenue next to the downtown area of York, lots of parking and close to many interesting shops and restaurants; Long Sands Beach is nearly two miles of white sandy beach along Route 1A in York, surfing allowed in designated areas; Harbor Beach, a small, horseshoe shaped sand beach with gentle surf bordered by York Harbor and the famed Cliff Walk; Cape Nedddic Beach – aka Passaconaway Beach is very small, and has no facilities. At low tide you can see a sandbar and explore the tidal pools.

6. Cape Neddick Light – The Nubble, built in 1879. The Sohier Park, which is located on the mainland, has ample parking for visitors as well as benches and rest room facilities. A small gift shop full of lighthouse memorabilia is manned by volunteers from May through October. Proceeds from the sale of goods go toward the maintenance of the park and lighthouse. Southern most of Maine’s many lighthouses.

7. Mount Agamenticus – located off US route 1 in York, turn left onto Mountain Road and go 1.5 miles to the stop sign and turn right. Go 2.7 miles to Summit Road on your right which will bring you to the top. Enjoy panoramic views, great hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

8. The Museums of Old York – Visit the Museums of Old York and explore eight historic museum buildings including a colonial tavern, an old jail complete with dungeons and cells, a riverside estate filled with antiques, and a warehouse once belonging to patriot John Hancock. Also on site are a nature preserve, museum shop, contemporary art gallery, and restored gardens. The Visitor Center is located in Jefferds’ Tavern, Route 1A and Lindsay Road in York Village.

9. 34th Annual Sidewalk Art Show and Sale – Located on Shore Road and Main Street in Ogunquit Aug 23 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Rain date: August 24. Sponsored by the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce. Call 207-646-2939 for more information.

10. Bob’s Clam Hut – 315 U.S. Route 1, Kittery, 439-4233. Heading north Bob’s Clam Hut is only a half mile on the left just past the Kittery Trading Post. Bob’s Clam Hut has been around since 1956 and has become legendary for serving the best fried clams. Enjoy lunch or dinner year round, takeout or dine-in or picnic in their newly landscaped backyard. Also serving homemade ice-cream.

Exit 7 is the gateway to the picture-postcard towns of southern Maine along the region’s scenic coast. Some of the state’s best beaches in York and in Ogunquit can be accessed from this exit. Travel south along Route 1 to York and Kittery, or head north on Route 1 to reach Ogunquit, the name given by native American tribes, which means, “Beautiful place by the sea.” Great dining, shopping and sightseeing abound throughout the area. Eat lobster in the rough, or dine at some of the country’s finest gourmet restaurants. And shop til you drop in a variety of specialty shops and art and craft galleries.

Top 10 things to do off Exit 7

1. Fisherman’s Walk and Wiggly Bridge – York Harbor and York Village are connected by the Fisherman’s Walk, also known as the Shore Path, a half-mile trail which follows the edge of the York River. Get on the pathway for the Fisherman’s Walk below Edward’s Harborside Inn, near the Stage Neck Inn, and follow the path past lobster shacks, piers, fishing boats, and stately homes with colorful gardens. To continue to the Wiggly Bridge, a 75-foot-long pedestrian bridge in an estuary of the York River leading to to the Stedman Woods Preserve, cross Route 103 (Lilac Lane) and head into the woods until you see a narrow dirt road. Follow until you emerge at Lindsay Road near Hancock Wharf. The one-mile loop trail meanders through woodlands and along the water. You can also reach the Wiggly Bridge by taking York Road from York Center and turning right on Old Mill Road.

2. Bunny Clark Deep Sea Fishing – Located in Perkins Cove in Ogunquit. Full day, half day and marathon fishing trips leave from the dock daily, specializing in bottom fishing. All equipment is provided. The Bunny Clark runs from April through early November; reservations are required. Call 207-646-2214 for more information.

3. John Lane’s Ogunquit Playhouse – 10 Main St., Ogunquit, 646-5511. John Lane’s Ogunquit Playhouse is a true cultural landmark in southern Maine. Playing July 17-Aug. 4 is “La Cage aux Folles,” one of the Playhouses’ most requested shows.

Playing Aug. 7-25 is “The King and I” starring Lorenzo Lamas. Show Times are Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday matinees at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3:30 p.m.

4. Kittery Outlet Shopping – Featuring one mile of more than 120 famous name outlet stores filled with great savings every time you shop. Just off route I-95, exit 3. For more information, call 1-888-Kittery.

5. Beaches – Short Sands Beach on Ocean Avenue next to the downtown area of York, lots of parking and close to many interesting shops and restaurants; Long Sands Beach is nearly two miles of white sandy beach along Route 1A in York, surfing allowed in designated areas; Harbor Beach, a small, horseshoe shaped sand beach with gentle surf bordered by York Harbor and the famed Cliff Walk; Cape Nedddic Beach – aka Passaconaway Beach is very small, and has no facilities. At low tide you can see a sandbar and explore the tidal pools.

6. Cape Neddick Light – The Nubble, built in 1879. The Sohier Park, which is located on the mainland, has ample parking for visitors as well as benches and rest room facilities. A small gift shop full of lighthouse memorabilia is manned by volunteers from May through October. Proceeds from the sale of goods go toward the maintenance of the park and lighthouse. Southern most of Maine’s many lighthouses.

7. Mount Agamenticus – located off US route 1 in York, turn left onto Mountain Road and go 1.5 miles to the stop sign and turn right. Go 2.7 miles to Summit Road on your right which will bring you to the top. Enjoy panoramic views, great hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

8. The Museums of Old York – Visit the Museums of Old York and explore eight historic museum buildings including a colonial tavern, an old jail complete with dungeons and cells, a riverside estate filled with antiques, and a warehouse once belonging to patriot John Hancock. Also on site are a nature preserve, museum shop, contemporary art gallery, and restored gardens. The Visitor Center is located in Jefferds’ Tavern, Route 1A and Lindsay Road in York Village.

9. 34th Annual Sidewalk Art Show and Sale – Located on Shore Road and Main Street in Ogunquit Aug 23 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Rain date: August 24. Sponsored by the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce. Call 207-646-2939 for more information.

10. Bob’s Clam Hut – 315 U.S. Route 1, Kittery, 439-4233. Heading north Bob’s Clam Hut is only a half mile on the left just past the Kittery Trading Post. Bob’s Clam Hut has been around since 1956 and has become legendary for serving the best fried clams. Enjoy lunch or dinner year round, takeout or dine-in or picnic in their newly landscaped backyard. Also serving homemade ice-cream.