Lounging on the sand for three months straight isn't a bad way to spend the summer. But if you're looking for something a bit more memorable, check out our list of 10 things to do this summer for warm-weather options beyond the beach:

Surfing lesson at Aquaholics

No beginner surfer wants to look foolish. The fear of failure (and the impending surf-community mockery) is usually enough to kill anyone's wave-riding potential. But a surf lesson, in the company of other novices, could be your ticket to surfing mastery. Register early for Moms Morning lessons - or sign up for another group or individual lesson.
Moms mornings: Tuesday mornings | Aquaholics Surf Shop, Kennebunk | Moms mornings are free | www.aquaholicsurf.com

Kayaking the Songo River

Not everyone has the storage or the spending cash to own a kayak of their own. Enter: the rental shop. Rentals make it simple for novice or occasional paddlers to test the waters. Literally. RAD Jet Ski Rentals on the Causeway in Naples sits comfortably between the shores of Long Lake and the patio of Rick's Cafe.
Daily rentals | RAD Jet Ski Rentals, Naples | Single rentals $48 for the day | 207-693-8200

Portland Schooner Co. Sunset Sails

Portland Schooner Company's two gorgeous boats are a classy way to traverse Casco Bay. Sailing nightly, the tours offer a fine view of Portland and the setting sun. It's romantic and stuff. Guests can BYOB - wine, beer, chocolate, a sandwich. Whatever you're into. Call to reserve a spot.
6 pm nightly | Portland Schooner Company | $39 per person | Reserve at 207-766-2500 | www.portlandschooner.com

Mountain biking with Back Country Excursions

It's a mountain biker's delight out at Back Country Excursions in Parsonsfield - trails 'til the thrill seeker's heart is content. Mark your calendars for the Mountain Biking Microbrew Festival from Aug 10-12
Open daily | Back Country Excursions, Parsonsfield | Whole day with lunch: $60 per rider; equipment rentals also available | www.bikebackcountry.com

Sporting clays at LL Bean

If you've always wanted to try your trigger finger at target shooting (that's non-living target shooting), LL Bean offers just such an opportunity - to the chagrin of clay pigeons across Southern Maine. LL Bean's Walk-On Adventures are an ideal way to test your skills at an array of outdoorsy activities. $20 includes all equipment, instruction and an hour or two doing your thing.
Weekends through June, daily all summer | LL Bean, Freeport | $20 | www.llbean.com

Movie watching at the Saco Drive-In

Drive-ins are summer classics, what with the movies on the big screen, the popcorn and hot dogs from the concession stand and the mosquitos that jsut won't quit. But it's fine, the bugs are just part of the experience. And kudos to you who can stay awake through the second movie.
Weekend screenings until school's out, then it's every night, yo. | Saco Drive-In | $15 per carload. | on Facebook

Paddleboard with SoPoSUP

You've probably seen paddleboarders in the water - looking like they're walking on water from your vantage point on land. And they kind of are. If you've been itching to try it out, give SoPoSUP a call for a lesson. Or rent a paddleboard for the day and take it wherever you'd like. (Don't forget to wave to the people on the beach who are looking your way, confused, wondering if you're walking on water.)
Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday | SoPoSUP, South Portland | $50 private lesson or $50 for one-day rental/Free demo Fridays | www.soposup.com

Blueberry & Raspberry pickin' at Libby & Son U-Picks

Blueberry empowerment. It's giving the power of choice back to the people. The choice to say, "No, I don't want my blueberries decided for me. I want to hand-select each individual specimen, pushing aside the too plump or the imperfect just like I do my friends!" Come July, the berries will be ready. And Libby & Son is a purty place to gather (and binge on fresh blueberry donuts...so, so, so good).
Open daily during season | Libby & Son U-Picks, Limerick | 207-793-4749 or on Facebook

Scooter touring in Kennebunkport

Harbor Village rents scooters out of a storefront in Kennebunk. The rates run by the hour and include a brief scooter training. The "how to" rundown includes tips on speed and turning as well as pointers like, "here are the brakes" and "here's a handy storage space under the seat." Then off you go to cruise Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise with the wind in your face.
Renting daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; reservations encouraged | Harbor Village Scooters, Kennebunk | $24/hr with a two-hour minimum; $300 deposit | 207-590-5151 or mainescooter.com

Hit the Portland Trails

For nearly two decades, Portland Trails has been acquiring land and carving trails amidst Greater Portland's continuous development. Join one of their Discovery Treks Series to scout out the lesser-known trails in town - including some island excursions.
See website for upcoming trail events | Portland Trails | $5 suggested donation | www.trails.org

About the Author

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Shannon Bryan, content producer for MaineToday Media, likes exploring Maine - from mattress races to cardboard boats, she's into the weird stuff.

Karen Beaudoin, online editor for MaineToday Media, likes knowing the important things - like who's just opened their deck for a sunny afternoon beer and what Portland's eclectic set of street performers are up to.

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