A Relaxing Maine Getaway to Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth

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If you’re looking for one of the most relaxing getaways in Maine, you have to visit Inn by the Sea. We came for an overnight stay, walked the beach, dined at Sea Glass, and had the best time. Here’s a look at my stay.

Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth

Inn by the Sea is a boutique oceanfront inn in Cape Elizabeth, just outside of Portland, designed for a slower, more relaxing stay by the coast.

It feels very different from a large hotel, with a quieter atmosphere that immediately makes you feel like you can unwind.

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth Maine exterior and oceanfront property
Arriving at Inn by the Sea for a relaxing coastal stay in Maine

The property has just over 60 rooms and suites, which keeps it feeling more personal and less crowded.

It’s set up more like a true inn, with a focus on comfort, space, and a peaceful setting rather than a busy resort feel.

hotel lobby entrance with ocean view in Cape Elizabeth Maine
Walking into the property with ocean views straight ahead!

Everything here is built around relaxing, from the landscaped grounds to the ocean views and easy access to the beach.

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth Maine landscaped grounds and property
Walking through the beautiful grounds at Inn by the Sea

They also have a pool, fire pits where you can make s’mores, and the property is just a short walk to Crescent Beach State Park, which makes it easy to spend time right on the water.

Everything I Did During My Stay at Inn by the Sea

Here’s a look at everything we did during our stay.

Checking Into Our Ocean View Room

When we arrived, we made our way up to our room, and it was beautiful.

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth Maine hotel room bed
The bed at Inn by the Sea was incredibly comfortable

The sleeping area was huge, the bathroom had a huge shower, and the bed was extremely comfortable.

hotel room with ocean view in Cape Elizabeth Maine
Our room with a beautiful view of the ocean

My favorite part was the view overlooking the ocean.

We had a door we could open to let in the ocean breeze, which made the whole space feel even more relaxing.

hotel room seating area with chair in Cape Elizabeth Maine
A cozy seating area inside the room

After a long day of exploring, we showered and relaxed in robes while listening to birds chirping and the waves crashing in the distance.

Walking the Private Boardwalk to the Beach

After relaxing, we decided to walk down to the beach for sunset.

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth Maine path to Crescent Beach
Following the path from Inn by the Sea down to Crescent Beach

Inn by the Sea has a private boardwalk that takes you through the trees and leads right to Crescent Beach State Park.

wooden boardwalk trail through trees to Crescent Beach Maine
The peaceful boardwalk trail leading down to the beach

It only takes about 10 minutes and brings you right to the dunes, where you can lay out a blanket and enjoy the surroundings.

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth Maine Crescent Beach sunset view
Sunset views at Crescent Beach during our stay at Inn by the Sea

It was cold when we visited, so we didn’t stay long, but in the summer, this would easily be the best part of staying here.

Crescent Beach ocean view in Cape Elizabeth Maine
Crescent Beach with wide open views of the ocean

You can swim in the ocean or enjoy the pool back at the property.

Ending the Day by the Fire Pits

After the beach, we walked back up to catch the last bit of sunset by the fire pits.

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth Maine outdoor fire pit seating
Relaxing by the fire pits at Inn by the Sea with ocean views

You can ask for a s’mores kit and make your own by the fire, but we chose to just relax and take in the views of the property.

Dinner and Drinks at Sea Glass

Once the sun set, it was time for dinner and drinks at Sea Glass.

There’s a main dining room if you want a more intimate setting, but we chose to sit by the fireplace in the bar area, which has the same menu.

We started with drinks, and I ordered the signature Negroni made with local gin. It was one of the best Negronis I’ve ever had.

cocktails at Sea Glass restaurant in Cape Elizabeth Maine
Starting the night with drinks at Sea Glass at Inn by the Sea

Since it was the start of spring, I tried the Spring Pea salad with frisée, feta, arugula, cara cara orange, cucumber, and a coconut mint vinaigrette.

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth Maine Sea Glass spring pea salad
The spring pea salad at Sea Glass was fresh and bright

It was fresh and bright.

I also ordered the brown bread Parker House roll with blueberry butter, and the butter was honestly out of this world.

brown bread with blueberry butter at Sea Glass restaurant Maine
The brown bread with blueberry butter was out of this world.

We also had to try the Sea Glass burger with bacon jam, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato aioli, and crispy fries.

My boyfriend said it was the best burger he’s ever had, and after trying it, I agree.

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth Maine Sea Glass burger and fries
The Sea Glass burger at Inn by the Sea might be one of the best in Maine

We ended up spending a few hours here enjoying the food, drinks, and the fireplace in the background.

Slowing Down Back in the Room

After dinner, we went back to the room and relaxed for the rest of the night. We read, listened to the wind and waves, and just slowed down.

The next morning, I had a cup of Nespresso in bed while watching the rain outside. It was the perfect quiet start to the day.

Ending the Stay with Easter Brunch

Since dinner was so good the night before, we decided to come back for Easter brunch before leaving.

Easter brunch ham and vegetables at Sea Glass restaurant Maine
Easter brunch at Sea Glass was the perfect way to end our stay

Everything was delicious, from the slow-roasted ham to the halibut and the carrot cake. It was the perfect way to end our stay.

Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth Maine Sea Glass carrot cake dessert
Ending Easter brunch with carrot cake and dessert at Sea Glass

Even if you’re not visiting on a holiday, they offer brunch regularly, and it’s definitely worth trying.

Booking Your Stay at Inn by the Sea

If you’re looking for a relaxing coastal getaway in Maine, Inn by the Sea is absolutely worth booking.

Between the beach access, the peaceful setting, and dining at Sea Glass, it’s the kind of place where everything feels easy from the moment you arrive.

Whether you’re planning a quick overnight stay or a longer weekend, there’s plenty to enjoy right on the property without needing to go far.

I would highly recommend booking in the warmer months if you want to take full advantage of the beach and pool, but even in the off-season, it still makes for a quiet and relaxing escape.

Book your reservation here.

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