What makes the Cliff House in Maine special for families?

The Cliff House offers dramatic oceanfront views from every room, access to authentic local activities like lobster boat tours and kayaking, and a location on the Maine coast with nearby towns and natural attractions. While it lacks a large kids' club, the surrounding area provides abundant hands-on experiences.

Can young children enjoy the Cliff House?

Yes, the property welcomes families with young children and offers an indoor Olympic-size pool for year-round use by children under 13. Breakfast options include kid-friendly choices like pancakes, waffles, and eggs.

Is the Cliff House layout easy to navigate?

The property has grown organically along the cliffs and can be confusing at first. Studying the map in advance and asking the concierge or bellman for directions helps guests find their rooms more easily.

What activities are available near the Cliff House?

The Maine coast offers sailboat sailing, river kayaking, fishing, hiking, whale watching, and biking. Nearby small towns like Algonquin provide local dining and cultural experiences.

What is the lobster boat experience like?

Guests board a working lobster boat with a captain, help pull traps, learn which lobsters are keeper-size, and can arrange to have their catch prepared for dinner at the hotel. It's an authentic, hands-on introduction to Maine's fishing tradition.

What should families know about dining at the Cliff House?

Breakfast offers reliable kid-friendly options, but families should review dinner menus in advance and ask specific questions about children's meals. The hotel's lobster rolls are highly recommended.

Lindsey Harrell's Maine Coast Family Escape at the Cliff House

When school ended in May, I knew exactly what my almost six-year-old twin daughters and I needed: a week together before the chaos of summer camps began. I wanted somewhere that would feel like an adventure for them and restorative for me, a place where we could connect as a family while exploring something new. The Cliff House in Maine had been on my radar, and I needed to experience it firsthand to truly understand what it could offer my clients.

The moment we walked through the entrance, I understood why this property carries such a dramatic name. The reception area was to our right, but straight ahead, the Atlantic Ocean stretched before us, framed by massive cliffs that dropped away into the sea. I could see whales from where I stood. It was stunning, powerful, and immediately set the tone for our entire stay. We were booked in the Ledges, a two-bedroom oceanfront suite, and I can confirm that every room I saw shared that same incredible view, each with a balcony overlooking the cliffs and ocean.

Discovering What Matters

United States — Lindsey Ellis's travel story

I'll admit, I arrived expecting a structured children's program. When I discovered there wasn't one in the traditional sense (just a theater for children and some games), I worried. But here's what surprised me: we didn't miss it for one minute. The resort offered so many activities that engaging the girls was never a challenge. Sailboat sailing off the Maine coast, river kayaking, fishing, hiking, and more. The children's programming became icing on the cake rather than the main course.

One experience we simply had to try was the lobstering adventure. We drove to a nearby harbor, boarded a lobster boat, and headed out to sea. The captain taught my daughters why some lobsters had to go back into the water and which ones we could keep. They helped pull up the traps themselves, their faces lit with genuine wonder. We gathered about six lobsters, still alive and packed on ice in a container. Back at the hotel, we delivered them to the concierge, and that evening we feasted. Lobster rolls, lobster everything. It was fabulous, and a memory my girls still talk about.

The indoor Olympic-size swimming pool became our home base on quieter days. My Florida girls had no interest in swimming in cold Maine summer temperatures, so the heated indoor pool was perfect. The resort keeps the outdoor adult pool for guests thirteen and above, but families have full access to the indoor facilities year round. We also ventured out to Ogunquit and other small Maine towns nearby, exploring local life and savoring local food.

The Insider Knowledge

Here's something I wish I had known: this is not a boutique hotel. It has grown along the cliff over time, which means finding your room can be genuinely confusing. I kept getting lost (though naturally, the six-year-olds figured out the route after one try). My advice? Study the map, talk to the concierge and bellman more than you normally would. Ask specifics: What if it's raining, how do I get there? Where is the snack bar for a casual lobster roll? The reward for navigating this sprawling property is immense: every room has a balcony with those magnificent cliff and ocean views.

I had a wonderful conversation with a couple from New York City who travel to the Cliff House every two months just to rest, enjoy the outdoors, and breathe fresh air. That solidified my understanding: this isn't just a family destination. It works beautifully for couples seeking an immersive coastal retreat, for adult groups, and for anyone craving dramatic natural beauty paired with curated activities.

Who This Is For

Families with young children will love the Cliff House. The breakfast options are wonderful, with pancakes, waffles, and eggs that any child would enjoy. For other meals, reviewing menus in advance helps ensure everyone's happy. Couples looking for fresh air and outdoor adventures will thrive here too. There is something for everyone.

What I now bring to my clients is firsthand knowledge of the layout, the activities, and the genuine feel of this place. I've done most of the experiences on their recommended list, from whale watching to kayaking to lobstering. I can walk my clients through the details that matter, especially for families traveling with children, because I understand the minute details: where to find laundry, simple meals, and how to navigate a resort that feels boutique once you know its secrets.