Dive in and enjoy the views from Maine’s best outdoor pools at these oceanfront inns, hotels, and resorts. I’ll update this list as I discover other outdoor pools with a views. Accommodations are presented from south to north along the coast.
Updated Sept. 18, 2021
Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort
Guests have been returning to the Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort for more than 100 years. It’s such a tradition that the hotel displays a “Happily Filled” sign through most of the season and maintains a seven-night minimum during July and August. That said, those who want to join the ranks can often get a few nights in between week-long stays. It’s worth it. The Marginal Way starts/ends here and the 6-acre property includes gardens and a tennis court.
Colony Hotel, Kennebunkport
The family-owned, cupola-topped Colony Hotel is a survivor, one of the last grand seaside hotels still standing in Maine. It retains a gentle, easy-going style yet was green long before it was a household world. It’s also pet friendly. In addition to the heated, saltwater swimming pool, also on the 11-acre grounds an 18-hole putting green and manicured lawns and lovely gardens.
Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth
The Inn by the Sea , a luxury boutique property, is another especially green property. Guests stay in in rooms, suites, and one- or-two-bedroom cottages, all of which open onto the back lawn with the pool. A path and boardwalk connect the inn to Crescent Beach State Park. This is also an especially dog-friendly inn and if you don’t arrive with one, you might depart with a new friend from the inn’s adoption program through the Animal Rescue League of Portland. And here’s a treat for the dogs: On the day of the pool season, dogs can dive in for a swim (and of course, you can order your pampered pooch a special treat from the doggy room-service menu).
Sebasco Harbor Resort, Phippsburg
Sebasco Harbor Resort has been welcoming guests since 1930. While it retains some of that period’s rustic charm — I love the games hall with bowling — it’s been updated for the 21st century. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations peppering the resort’s 550 waterfront acres. Also here are a nine-hole championship golf course and a three-hole regulation course for beginners and families, full-service spa, two tennis courts, and a slew of resort based activities. Note: This pool was replaced for summer 2022, so it will look different when you arrive, but the views remain the same.
Spruce Point Inn, Boothbay Harbor
Sneak over to the east side of the harbor to find the Spruce Point Inn and Spa, a 57-acre oceanfront treasure with easy-on-the-eyes views over the harbor and islands. It offers both freshwater and saltwater pools, as well as tennis courts, a games room, and use of bicycles and boats. Shuttles eliminate the need to hunt for a parking space in town. Some pet-friendly rooms are available.
Linekin Bay Resort, Boothbay Harbor
What’s not to love about Linekin Bay Resort‘s oceanfront heated pool? This resort, on the east side of Boothbay Harbor, edges its namesake, Linekin Bay. Guests here have access to all sorts of water-based fun, and the resort’s restaurant, The Deck Bar & Grill, overlooks the pool and bay. Even better: The restaurant is open to the public and has dog-friendly outdoor tables.
Smugglers Cove Inn, East Boothbay
A lot of Boothbay Harbor visitors never loop around Linekin Bay to East Boothbay, so close and yet a world away. New owner this season renovated and updated Smugglers Cove Oceanfront Inn, which delivers on its name. Guests not only have access to this heated outdoor pool, with views of the sailboats cruising Linekin Bay’s waters, but also to canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards that can be launched from the inn’s sandy beach or dock. Other perks include continental breakfast and 727 Ocean Pier Sunset Bar which serves drinks, bites, and dinner specials. I took this pic from the restaurant’s deck.
Samoset Resort, Rockport
When it comes to Maine’s best swimming pools with a view, the Samoset Resort‘s outdoor zero-entry one ranks high. How can it not, with this view over the golf course and out the breakwater to Rockland Breakwater Light. No windjammers when I snapped this pic, but seeing one or more cruise by under full sail just ratchets up the overall pool experience. Facilities on the 221-acre ocean-hugging property include a fitness center with indoor heated pool, an 18-hole golf course, lighted tennis courts, and a full-service spa. But really, why would you leave this spot.
Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Lincolnville
It’s easy to feel as if you could just slide over the edge and into Penobscot Bay, when immersed in the heated, disappearing edge pool at the Inn at Ocean’s Edge. The park-like grounds, with shade trees and gardens, make it feel as if you’re staying at a private estate. And yes, there’s a hot tub as well, also with an ocean view.
Claremont Hotel, Southwest Harbor
Ahhhhhh! Talk about sigh-worthy views, check out those over glacier-sculpted Somes Sound from the heated pool at the Claremont Hotel. In season, views will frame sailboats and excursion boats skimming across the fjard. The pool, part of a multi-million dollar 2021 update of this 1884 property by a new owner, replaced one of the croquet courts. The renovations also included an onsite spa and updating the restaurants (that’s Batson Fish Camp in the background) and adding a bakery. Guestrooms are located in the main inn as well as in cottages and houses on the property.
Asticou Inn, Northeast Harbor
In peak season, you can watch the yachts to and fro from the Asticou Inn‘s outdoor pool, sited at the head of Northeast Harbor. Management here changed again for the 2020 season, so I can’t tell you what to expect, but in general, this fading grand old dame delivers old fashioned grace and comforts, without a lot of updates. The inn also has a clay tennis court, and it’s sited across the street from the Asticou Azalea Garden and a short walk from Thuya Garden.
Harborside Hotel, Bar Harbor
At high tide, Frenchman Bay’s waters fill the gap between the hotel and Bar Island, home to a section of Acadia National Park. At low tide, a sandbar connects Bar Harbor to the island. This heated pool is one two outdoor pools at the Harborside Hotel. The other offers glimpses of the harbor action. The resort fee also allows access to the Bar Harbor Club, with fitness center and full-service spa, as well as tennis courts
West Street Hotel, Bar Harbor
It seems as the waters in The West Street Hotel‘s rooftop pool merge into Frenchman Bay. Unless you stay here, you wouldn’t even know the pool exists. It’s a wonderful, downtown secret. This pool is restricted to guests age 18 and older. This hotel is a sister property to the Harborside Hotel across the street, another top choice for Maine’s best outdoor swimming pools with views.
Bar Harbor Inn, Bar Harbor
It’s easy to miss the heated pool at the Bar Harbor Inn, but it would be a mistake to do so. It offers lovely views over the harbor and Porcupine Islands. The inn occupies a primo piece of oceanfront property downtown and the Shore Path wraps around it. Near the pool is the inn’s spa.