Having grown up in Kennebunk, I know how special reading at the beach is. For some of us, it’s a ritual: pick up a book, grab a coffee and head to your favorite spot at your favorite beach. 

For me, it’s a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat thriller, an iced coffee with a shot of espresso and a splash of cream, and the best rock at Kennebunk’s Middle Beach (I will never disclose which rock — that is my best-kept secret). 

But you don’t have to be in Kennebunk to find a jaw-dropping book and oceanfront combo. In fact, you can probably find it almost anywhere along Maine’s iconic coastline. 

Lucky for you, you don’t have to look too far. I’ve rounded up four of the best locally owned bookstores in Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach — so pick out a fantastic read and head down to your nearest beach. Maybe grab an iced coffee on the way (I would) and find your own perfect seaside reading spot. 

Elements: Books, Coffee, Beer

265 Main St., Biddeford 

Is there any better duo than delicious coffee and a great book? Elements doesn’t think so. Pair that with a welcoming atmosphere, and you’ve got yourself an instant downtown Biddeford hit. 

Don’t take my word for it — step into the coffee shop/bookstore and you’ll understand the vision. 

The industrial-like space is lined with books for sale. The bar counter is covered with lacquered newspaper prints. Lana Del Rey plays on the speaker. 

Elements is vibey, it’s cool, and to kind-of paraphrase Chappell Roan (whom I think would really enjoy Elements), it’s your favorite bookstore’s favorite bookstore. 

Biddeford Book Co.

380 Elm St., Suite 2 , Biddeford

Something about Biddeford Book Co. is instantly nostalgic. It could be the checker-print carpet, or the white-painted bookshelves lining the walls. 

Or, it could be the friendly faces greeting readers as they walk through the door. 

No matter what it is, Biddeford Book Co. evokes a feeling of childhood, of browsing the local library for a summer read, of wandering the aisles of the Scholastic Book Fair at school. 

This time, though, you can pick up any book — and every book — you want. 

Sherman’s

4 Scamman St., Suite 18, Saco 

Chances are, if you’re a reader and a Mainer, you’ve probably been to Sherman’s. 

The oldest bookstore company in Maine, Sherman’s was founded in Bar Harbor and slowly trickled down into many locations across the state, including Portland and Saco. 

While they stock all different genres, one of the best parts of Sherman’s is its well-curated, extensive collection of Maine-specific books. Everything from Maine mysteries and heartwarming fiction set in the state to books on the Maine wilderness is all at your fingertips. 

Wholesale Books

15 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach 

Just steps away from the sand and the iconic Palace Playland is a haven of inexpensive, used books.

The building is classic Old Orchard Beach — it fits right in to the nostalgic ocean town vibe, with blue-gray painted floors and rows of preloved books being searched through by tourists and locals alike. 

Replace the bookshelves with Skee-Ball machines, and it could easily be the town’s arcade. 

Across the street is Lisa’s Pizza, so grab a book and a slice and head back to the beach.