Dayton is a quiet, family-friendly town in York County, Maine, nestled along the Saco River just north of Saco and east of Biddeford. With its rural charm and scenic countryside, Dayton offers a peaceful escape close to Maine’s southern coast. This guide covers Dayton’s history, key facts, attractions, lodging and dining options, and common visitor questions to help you plan a memorable visit.
History of Dayton, Maine
The Dayton area was originally home to the Sokokis (Saco) Abenaki people, who hunted and fished along the Saco River. European settlers arrived in the 1700s and cleared the forests for lumber and farms. In 1798 the area was incorporated as Phillipsburg (in honor of an early landowner) and later became part of the town of Hollis. In 1854, the southern portion of Hollis petitioned to form a new town. The state legislature approved the petition, and the new community was named Dayton, after Thomas Day, the local resident who led the effort. (Prior to that, locals often called it “Little Falls.”) Over the years Dayton grew as a farming and mill town along the river, and today it remains a mostly residential town with a rich sense of local history.
Dayton at a Glance
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Population (2020 Census): 2,129 residents (about 2,300 by recent estimates)
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Median Household Income: Approximately $115,000 per year (one of the highest in Maine)
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Median Home Value: Around $375,000 (reflecting strong demand in York County)
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Housing Units: ~858 total housing units (mostly owner-occupied homes)
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ZIP Code: 04005 (Dayton’s own postal code)
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County: York County, part of the Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area
Things to Do in Dayton and Nearby
Dayton itself is small but surrounded by popular attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts and families will find plenty to explore within a short drive:
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Harris Farm (Dayton): A multi-generational family farm offering cross-country skiing in winter and maple sugaring tours in spring. In warmer months, shop the farm stand for local produce, cheeses and homemade baked goods.
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Pumpkin Valley Farm (Dayton): A classic fall farm festival open September–October. Enjoy corn mazes, tractor rides, duck races, bounce houses, a petting zoo and seasonal treats – all for a single admission fee.
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Solar Rock Winery (Dayton): A small vineyard and tasting room specializing in fruit wines. Solar Rock practices sustainable winemaking (often using solar power) and offers tastings of unique wines made from grapes and local fruits.
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Raptor Falls Mini Golf & Ice Cream (Arundel): A short drive west on Route 111, this dinosaur-themed miniature golf course delights families. The 18-hole course features life-like animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, plus an old-fashioned ice cream stand for post-game treats.
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Maine Classic Car Museum (Arundel): Home to a collection of rare and vintage automobiles, the museum (open spring through fall) is great for car buffs and history fans. Exhibits include restored classic cars, antique vehicles like the original “Tucker,” and even pop-culture cars like the DeLorean from Back to the Future.
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Funtown Splashtown USA (Saco): Maine’s largest amusement and water park, just south of Dayton. Enjoy roller coasters (including the famed Excalibur wooden coaster), thrill rides like Dragon’s Descent, and the adjacent Aquaboggan water park with slides and wave pools. It’s fun for all ages during the summer months.
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Aquaboggan Water Park (Saco): Part of the Splashtown complex, Aquaboggan offers water slides and pools for families. Young kids can splash in shallow pools, while adventurous riders can race down multi-story slides. Both parks run from late spring through early fall.
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Saco Heath Preserve (Saco): A unique raised bog and nature preserve with a handicap-accessible boardwalk trail. Walk among carpets of carnivorous plants (pitcher plants and sundews) and rare cedars, with interpretive signs explaining the ecosystem. It’s one of the few preserves of its kind in the region.
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Ferry Beach State Park (Saco): A peaceful coastal state park featuring a sandy beach on Saco Bay, salt marsh trails, and a stand of unusual tupelo trees. A short trail leads to sweeping ocean views, while the beach and picnic areas are perfect for a seaside afternoon. (Pets are not allowed on the main beach, making it a quiet spot for families.)
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Biddeford Mills Museum (Biddeford): Housed in one of the old textile mills, this museum preserves the region’s industrial heritage. Exhibits include historic mill equipment and stories of the mill workers. The site often hosts walking tours of Biddeford’s renovated mill complexes, now home to shops and apartments, blending history with modern renewal.
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Wood Island Lighthouse (Biddeford / Saco Bay): Visible from the mouth of the Saco River, this historic lighthouse (built 1808) stands on Wood Island just offshore. In the summer, boat tours run from Portsmouth (NH) or Kittery (ME) that let you climb the tower and tour the keeper’s house, offering panoramic ocean and coastline views.
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Sacred Profane Brewing (Biddeford): A popular brewpub in downtown Biddeford known for crisp German-style lagers. The spacious taproom serves pizzas, burgers and snacks alongside house-brewed beers. It’s a great spot to relax after exploring nearby Biddeford’s arts district and waterfront.
Lodging near Dayton, Maine
Dayton itself has no hotels, but several comfortable accommodations are a short drive away:
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Lincoln Hotel (Biddeford): A chic boutique hotel in downtown Biddeford, set in a renovated mill building. It features modern rooms, a fitness center and an on-site restaurant.
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Holiday Inn Express (Biddeford): Conveniently located off Route 111 near the highway interchange. This family-friendly chain hotel offers free breakfast and easy access to Saco/Biddeford area attractions.
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Wyndham Garden (Saco/Old Orchard Beach): Overlooking the Saco River just before Old Orchard Beach, this full-service hotel offers bright rooms, a pool and river views. It’s minutes from Daytona’s doorstep and the beach community of Old Orchard.
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Americas Best Value Inn (Saco): A budget-friendly motel-style option near exit 32 of I-95. Ideal for travelers looking for straightforward lodging close to Dayton without extra frills.
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Ferry Beach Campground (Saco): A rustic campground (tent and RV sites) adjacent to Ferry Beach State Park. Set among pines near the ocean, it’s a laid-back way to experience Maine’s coast (with the beach and salt marsh trails right out the back door).
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Campgrounds & Rentals: Dayton’s rural setting means camping is popular; besides Ferry Beach, look for RV parks along the Saco River (e.g. Riverbend Campground). For a more upscale stay, Kennebunkport (10–15 miles south) offers charming inns and historic B&Bs like the 1802 House or the Colony Hotel.
Dining near Dayton, Maine
Dayton’s dining scene is limited to a few local spots, but the nearby towns offer a wide variety of restaurants and cafes:
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Gonneville Farm Ice Cream and Homestyle (Dayton): A beloved country diner located right in Dayton. They serve hearty home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and dinners (think fried clams, burgers and steaks), plus Maine-made ice cream and maple creemees. It’s a true local gathering place.
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Sacred Profane Brew Pub (Biddeford): In downtown Biddeford, this brewery/pub pairs house-brewed lagers with a menu of wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and snacks. The trendy industrial space has a fun atmosphere for families and beer enthusiasts alike.
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Fish & Whistle (Saco): A waterfront eatery overlooking the Saco River near the railroad tracks. Known for lobster rolls, fried clams and a full bar, Fish & Whistle offers casual New England fare in a boat-themed setting. It’s a great spot for seafood with river views (seasonal).
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Additional Nearby Choices: In Saco and Biddeford you’ll also find a range of choices: plenty of pizza and burger joints, cafes (the local favorite Scratch Baking Co. for pastries), and upscale restaurants (for example, Sea Grass is a fine-dining seafood spot on Main Street in Saco). Kennebunkport’s acclaimed Colony Hotel (a short drive away) and nearby Kennebunk have award-winning restaurants if you venture a bit further south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dayton, Maine located?
Dayton is in southern Maine’s York County, about 5 miles north of Saco and 7 miles east of Biddeford. It sits on the northeastern bank of the Saco River and is part of the Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area. (Dayton is roughly 80 miles north of Boston.)
What is the population of Dayton, Maine?
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Dayton had about 2,129 residents. With recent growth it’s now around 2,200–2,300 people. The town is mostly residential, with an average of 2–3 people per household.
What is the ZIP code of Dayton, Maine?
The ZIP code for Dayton is 04005. All addresses in town use this code, which it shares with parts of nearby towns.
How did Dayton, Maine get its name?
Dayton was named in 1854 when it separated from the town of Hollis. The new town took the name “Dayton” in honor of Thomas Day, a resident who petitioned the legislature to form the town. (Before that, the area had been called Little Falls or Phillipsburg when it was part of Hollis.)
What is the median household income in Dayton, Maine?
Dayton’s households earn relatively high incomes compared to the state average. Recent estimates put the median household income around $115,000 per year. This is partly due to Dayton’s location near Portland’s job market and the town’s high rate of home ownership.
What schools do children in Dayton, Maine attend?
Dayton has its own public elementary school, Dayton Consolidated School, serving kindergarten through 5th grade. Students in grades 6–8 typically attend Thornton Academy Middle School in Saco. High school students choose between Thornton Academy (Saco) and Biddeford High School. (Dayton’s school district partners with Biddeford’s district for administration.)
What lodging options are available in or near Dayton, Maine?
There are no hotels in Dayton itself, but nearby Saco and Biddeford have many choices. Within a 10-minute drive you’ll find the Lincoln Hotel and Holiday Inn Express in Biddeford, as well as riverfront inns like the Wyndham Garden in Saco. These hotels offer comfortable rooms and amenities like free breakfast. Budget motels (e.g. Americas Best Value Inn, formerly Ramada Saco) line I-95 in Saco. For a more rustic stay, consider the Ferry Beach Campground (tent/RV sites) on Saco Bay. Kennebunkport and Kennebunk, a bit farther south, offer inns and B&Bs if you want a village setting (the historic Colony Hotel is a favorite).
What dining options are available in or near Dayton, Maine?
Dayton’s dining is limited to a few diners and farm stands. The standout is Gonneville Farm Ice Cream and Homestyle Cookin (a classic diner), open daily for breakfast and lunch. For more variety, drive into Saco or Biddeford: Sacred Profane Brew Pub (Biddeford) serves wood-fired pizzas and craft beer; Fish & Whistle (Saco) offers lobster rolls and clams by the river; and Scratch Baking Co. (Saco) has coffee and pastries. There are also family restaurants, seafood shacks, pizzerias, and fine-dining spots in the surrounding towns to suit all tastes.
What are the top attractions or things to do in Dayton, Maine?
Dayton’s own attractions center on nature and farms (see the list above). Families love the seasonal activities at Harris Farm and Pumpkin Valley Farm right in town. Outdoor lovers enjoy hiking and skiing on local trails. The nearby towns add more options: adventure parks like Funtown Splashtown USA, beaches (Old Orchard Beach is 15 minutes south), and museums such as the Biddeford Mills Museum. See the “Things to Do” list above for a full rundown of local sights and day trips.
What is the climate like in Dayton, Maine?
Dayton experiences a typical New England climate. Winters are cold and snowy (average highs in the 20s–30s °F) – great for sledding and skiing on days like those at Harris Farm. Summers are mild to warm, with average highs in the 70s–80s °F, perfect for hiking, beach visits, and outdoor dining. Spring and fall are pleasant and see colorful foliage in fall. Expect four distinct seasons: you’ll need winter jackets in December and swimsuits by July!
Explore Dayton, Maine
Dayton, Maine is a great spot for anyone looking to experience small-town charm near Maine’s coast. Its quiet roads and river views feel worlds away from the city, yet all the shops and beaches of Saco and Biddeford are just minutes away. Whether you’re touring family farms, hitting the slopes on cross-country skis, or sampling local wine and brews, Dayton offers a friendly and authentic Maine experience.
Plan a visit and you’ll discover the town’s warm community spirit. Locals often swap stories of the “good old days” while sipping maple coffee or gathering at church suppers. New visitors are quickly won over by the rolling hills, the Saco River scenery, and the delightful local treats (don’t miss the ice cream at Gonneville Farm!). From fall foliage tours to summer beach days, Dayton invites you to make it part of your Maine adventures. Come explore Dayton, soak in the peaceful atmosphere, and enjoy everything this charming town and its neighbors have to offer!