Drake's Island Resort & Cottages

On Route 1 in Wells - that slightly worn stretch where Maine coast tourism shows its true face - sits a place that has somehow built a fierce, devoted following without pretense. Drake's Island Resort isn't trying to be a luxury getaway. It's trying to be reliable, clean, welcoming enough that your dog feels at home and your kids actually want to stay put instead of demand you move to somewhere fancier. The fact that it succeeds with both tells you something about what matters to travelers once the marketing falls away.

The resort sits 1.4 miles from Drakes Island Beach and close enough to Ogunquit's restaurants and galleries that couples rate it 9.5/10 for two-person trips. Families with children and dogs come back year after year. The cottages have full kitchens. The rooms are small but honest. The staff, by every account that mentions names, actually knows your dog's name by day two. That's not a selling point you can manufacture.

The 98 reviews average 9.1/10 - a rare consistency for a property this casual. What emerges is a portrait of a place that understands its audience: people who'd rather have a working refrigerator and a fenced dog area than Egyptian cotton linens.

This is Maine's most dog-friendly resort on Route 1. The property has a fenced dog area, outdoor pet wash station, and dog bowls waiting in cottages. Staff actively note your dog's name in the system. Multiple reviews mention other guests' dogs becoming fast friends - a sign the culture of the place genuinely welcomes animals. If your dog is family, Drake's Island treats it that way.

Cottages come with full kitchens and room to spread out. They're furnished simply - worn chairs, older beds in some cases - but clean and equipped with refrigerators, cooking basics, and porch space where a dog can lounge behind a sliding gate. Families consistently report that having a kitchen saved money and sanity on longer trips, especially with children or pets who need routine.

The location converts skeptics into repeat visitors. One mile to the beach, two miles to Mount Agamenticus for hiking, five minutes to downtown Wells for dinner. Ogunquit Museum of American Art is 8 miles south. Funtown Splashtown is 19 miles away for rainy days with kids. Guests note repeatedly that they're close enough to attractions but far enough from downtown chaos to actually relax.

Staff genuinely remembers you. Multiple reviews name Sarah at check-in, mention "lovely folks running the property," and praise the owner for personal touches. One couple noted fragrance-free soap was stocked because they had allergies - a detail that suggests someone reads guest feedback and acts on it. This consistency across dozens of reviews is unusual.

The saltwater pool and game room give families a reason to stay put. The pool is fenced and seasonal (summer months). The game room has board games and puzzles. The property is quiet enough that solo travelers and couples seeking rest report sleeping well, while families with kids never complain about boredom between beach days.

The building is a mix of motel-style rooms and separate cottages arranged around a central pool area. Rooms are small by modern standards - several reviews mention "tiny" but "cute," with low ceilings and vintage fixtures. Cottages are larger and include kitchenettes or full kitchens, making them the preference for multi-night stays with families or dogs. Bathrooms across the property are dated and show their age, with small showers and occasional maintenance needs, though cleanliness is near-universal in reviews.

• Cottage (One- or Two-Bedroom) - Full kitchen, porch with sliding gate for dogs, typically the most requested room type. Best for families and groups.
• Deluxe Double Room - Larger than standard rooms, private bathroom, some pet-friendly options available. Sweet spot for couples.
• Queen Room - Compact but functional, some pet-friendly, some not. Good for solo travelers or short stays.
• King Room - Slightly larger layout, typically non-pet-friendly option. Limited availability.
• Bungalow - One-bedroom option listed once in reviews; appears to be a limited category.

One honest note: bathrooms are small and aging. Showers have low pressure in several reviews; some stalls feel cramped. This isn't a flaw per se - just the trade-off of staying at an owner-run, casual resort rather than a chain. Rooms are consistently reported clean, but furnishings (mattresses, chairs, towels) vary in condition. If comfort is absolute priority, book a cottage rather than a room.

Pools & Grounds - Saltwater swimming pool (seasonal) · Fenced dog area with wash station · Outdoor fireplace and fire pits · Picnic and grilling areas · Lush gardens and manicured grounds

For Families - Game room with board games and puzzles · Outdoor play equipment for kids · Canoeing and fishing available · Laundry facilities on-site

Practical - 24-hour front desk · Free WiFi (though some reviews note spotty signal in certain areas) · Free parking · Convenience store on property · On-site bakery/coffee shop at entrance · Pet-friendly accommodations with pet bowls provided

Rooms & Living - Private bathrooms · Air conditioning · Refrigerators in all rooms · Flat-screen TVs · Work desks · Full kitchens in cottages

Dining & Services - On-site restaurant (noted as good but pricey in one review) · Ground-floor accessibility for some units

The saltwater pool is the social hub in summer. It's fenced, kept clean, and lined with comfortable lounging space. Reviews consistently praise its tidiness and the calm vibe - not a party pool, but a place where families actually relax. The pool runs seasonally (roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day, though check current dates).

Outdoor amenities anchor the experience. Fire pits with seating, picnic areas with grills, and a dedicated fenced dog area with wash station. The grounds themselves are described as immaculate and well-maintained - several reviews specifically note that mowing and upkeep happen regularly. There's also a games room with board games and puzzles for rainy stretches, and recent reviews mention a new bakery on-site.

Summer (June–August) - Peak season. Pool is open and heated. Beaches are warm and crowded. Restaurants operating at full capacity. Every room fills quickly; book ahead. Days are long and ideal for hiking Mount Agamenticus or exploring Ogunquit's galleries. Dog-friendly events increase.

Early Fall (September–October) - The sweet spot for many visitors. Pool still open early September, water is still swimmable. Crowds thin dramatically. Foliage begins in late September and peaks in October. Restaurants remain open; prices drop. Couples in particular favor this season. Weather is cool but sunny most days.

Late Fall & Winter (November–March) - Pool closes. Fewer restaurants operate year-round; call ahead. Beaches are windier and colder but less crowded. Holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, Christmas) draw visitors. Winter is quiet, with occasional snow. Best for those seeking solitude or who live nearby for weekend escapes.

Spring (April–May) - Shoulder season. Pool typically opens by Memorial Day. Weather is unpredictable but warming. Fewer crowds than summer; lower rates. Easter and early May are busy. Good for couples and solo travelers who dislike crowds.

Clean, prime location and dog friendly. Staff was fabulous.

• Monique, United States · Couple · 10/10

Great location, cozy cottage, simple but very reasonable and all one needs. Lovely folks running the property. Super dog friendly, lots of great restaurants, shops, cute towns nearby.

• Nancy, United States · Family · 10/10

Very clean, nicely appointed, grounds are immaculate. Loved the cottage with full kitchen amenities.

• Randolph, United States · Couple · 10/10

From start to finish, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Our cottage was clean, cozy and inviting. An exceptional value for the price.

• Suzanne, United States · Couple · 10/10

Adorable, very pet friendly, well equipped cottage, in a great location.

• Nanci, United States · Couple · 10/10

The property was very clean wherever we went. All the people we talked to were friendly and helpful. Our room was large and comfortable.

• Gail, United States · Group · 8/10

The resort does have some consistent minor notes. Bathrooms are small and aging, with low shower pressure in a handful of reviews. A few guests flagged thin walls between attached units and mentioned that mattresses vary - some very comfortable, others firm to the point of discomfort. One reviewer noted the on-site restaurant is good but pricey for casual meals. WiFi can be spotty depending on where you're staying. None of these are deal-breakers; they're just the reality of a casual, owner-run property that prioritizes cleanliness and staff warmth over high-end finishes. First-time visitors who understand what they're booking - a reliable, unpretentious coastal resort - come away delighted.

• Drakes Island Beach - 1.4 miles · A working Maine beach with quiet character, good for families and dogs in off-season.
• Downtown Wells - 2 miles · Shops, antique stores, galleries, and restaurants within walking distance; the resort is close enough to walk to dinner, far enough to avoid crowds.
• Mount Agamenticus - 6.8 miles · Hiking trails with Old Orchard Beach views, the largest peak in southern Maine, open year-round.
• Ogunquit and Marginal Way - 8 miles · Artist colony with galleries, museum, seafood restaurants, and the famous three-mile shoreline walking path.
• Ogunquit Museum of American Art - 8.1 miles · Perched on a cliff, rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical work with ocean views.
• York Beach and Short Sands - 9 miles · More dramatic coastline, ice cream shops, and boardwalk atmosphere.
• Funtown Splashtown USA - 19 miles · Water park and amusement park in Saco; popular rainy-day backup for families with kids.
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire - 26 miles · Historic downtown with restaurants, shops, and waterfront walks; easy day trip.

Is Drake's Island pet-friendly? Yes, absolutely. The property has a fenced dog area, outdoor pet wash station, and dog bowls in cottages. Staff notes your dog's name upon arrival. Both pet-friendly and non-pet-friendly room options exist, so choose carefully when booking if you're traveling with animals.

Does Drake's Island include breakfast? No breakfast is included with standard rooms or cottages. An on-site bakery and coffee shop operate at the entrance for morning pastries and drinks. Some reviews mention a new bakery as a must-visit.

Is the pool available year-round? No, the saltwater pool is seasonal, typically open from Memorial Day through early September. Water is heated. Check current dates with the property directly for exact opening and closing.

Are cottages equipped with kitchens? Yes. All cottages include full kitchens or kitchenettes with refrigerators, cooking basics, and dishware. Rooms have refrigerators but no cooking facilities. This is one reason families prefer cottages for multi-night stays.

What's the walk distance to restaurants and shops? About two miles to downtown Wells restaurants, galleries, and shops. Many guests report this is walkable, especially for dinner. The location is quiet but not isolated.

Are there activities at the resort itself? Yes. The saltwater pool (seasonal), game room with board games, outdoor play equipment, canoeing, fishing, and a fenced dog area are all on-site. The property is close to beaches and trails, so most visitors explore off-site during the day.

What's the check-in process like? Check-in is at a small cabin staffed 24 hours. Reviews consistently praise the friendliness and efficiency. If you're arriving with a dog, staff will note its name and preferences. Parking is free and ample.