Maine's South Coast is known as the "Gateway to Maine" and is best known for its beaches, outlet shopping, for the quiet elegance of Kennebunk and Ogunquit, for Portland's Old Port district and "The Children's Miracle Mile" in Saco.

Maine's South Coast offers miles of sandy beaches, including York, Ogunquit, Wells and Old Orchard Beach. Lately, those beaches have gotten their fair share of attention. Recently, Family Fun Magazine rated the South Coast as having the best family beach in the northeast, and Money Magazine followed with an equally complimentary article.

Beaches are just one of the attractions of Maine's South Coast, however. The boardwalk of Old Orchard Beach has attracted families for as far back as anyone can remember, as has the quiet and historic Old Port Shopping District in Portland with its numerous boutiques and unusual shops. Outlet shopping is also alive as well at Kittery's milelong outlet center and in Freeport at the famous L.L. Bean store.

Lighthouses also play a large part in the history of Maine's South Coast, from the Cape Neddick Light in York to the Portland Headlight and Museum in Cape Elizabeth. Portland Headlight, Maine's oldest lighthouse, was commissioned in 1791 by George Washington himself.

Art galleries, antique shops, museums and Ogunquit's famous summer theater co-exist with Funtown/Splashtown U.S.A. and Aquaboggan Water Park in Saco. Ogunquit's sophisticated and quiet Perkins Cove attracts shoppers and diners from around the world, as does Portland with its exciting glimpse of history, art galleries, museums, shopping opportunities, fine restaurants and fun-filled nightlife.

Of course, many people who visit Maine's South Coast take a trip to Kennebunk and Kennebunkport - famous as the summer home of former President George Bush. (Yes, his famous son, President George W., also visits on a regular basis.)

There is so much to see and do in and around Portland that it is impossible to list all activities. Almost anything you can think of is available including a professional baseball team, harness racing, lobster cruises and even Henry Wardsworth Longfellow's home.

The western portion of the South Coast Region is made up of many small communities that feature historic sites, lakes and rivers, including the Saco River renowned for canoeing, and numerous other opportunities for outdoor activities. One particularly interesting destination in this area is Willowbrook at Newfield, featuring an 1890's community setting complete with a restored 1894 carousel featuring 24 horses and chariots and original music.

There are several golf courses throughout the South Coast Region, and plenty of water activities, from deep sea fishing to pleasure boat excursions, from canoeing to kayaking.

The South Coast really is an area that offers something for everyone.  

Other activities and points of interest in the South Coast Region include:  

• The John Paul Jones Memorial in Kittery commemorates the site where in 1777 the U.S.S. Ranger was built and launched.  
• The Old York Historical Society includes seven historic buildings dating back to the 18th century, including the Old Gaol, one of the oldest public buildings in the U.S. (1719).  
• York's Wild Kingdom Zoo & Amusement Park contains all the regular animals you might consider, plus Maine's only white tiger. There are elephant shows, animal shows and a wildlife theater.  
• The Wells Auto Museum features more than 75 cars from 1900 to 1963, including gas, steam and electric powered vehicles.  
• The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk offers an architectural walking tour along Main Street and "Sea Captain's Row." Visitors will view a variety of 19th century architectural styles, both commercial and domestic.  
• The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport features the largest collection of trolley cars in the United States.  
• The Portland Museum of Art is Maine's largest art museum and features, among other exhibits, the Joan Whitney Payson Collection. Maine works are by Homer, Wyeth and Hartley.  
• The Children's Museum of Maine in Portland is a stateof- the-art, hands-on educational facility.  
• The Southworth Planetarium in Portland offers astronomy and laser light shows for all ages. The night sky of Maine is projected on a 30-foot domed ceiling.  
• The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum contains nearly all the existing original narrow gauge railroad equipment available. It also includes a collection that had been at Edaville Railroad in Mass.  
• The Victoria Mansion in Portland is a magnificent 1858- 60 Victorian home with original furniture, carpets, chandeliers, paintings and wall decorations.  
• The Wadsworth-Longfellow House in Portland was the childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  
• The Maine Mall in South Portland features more than 135 stores, and is the hub of many nearby stores, restaurants and theaters.  
• Boating Excursions on Casco Bay Bay View Cruises offer a variety of trips. Casco Bay Lines offer mail boat and sunset cruises and Eagle Tours also offers cruises. The Olde Port Mariner Fleet offers deep-sea fishing, whale watching, scenic and dinner cruises.  
• The Desert of Maine in Freeport is one of the state's most unusual natural wonders and features 40-acres of giant sand dunes, nature trails, a gem stone hut for youngsters and a 1783 barn museum.  

Old Port Festival in Portland - sidewalk sales, entertainment, and more - first weekend in June.  

Annual La Kermesse Festival in Biddeford - huge block party featuring traditional foods - late June.  

Summer Soltice Crafts Show in Wells - attracts artisans and shoppers from near and far - mid-July.  

Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival - family activities - mid-July.  

Portland's Summer Performance Series in Portland's Downtown Parks - 50 free noontime performances - July and August.  

York Days - parades, dances, fireworks and more - end of July.  

Local Holiday and Special Events Live Theater and Art Performances