best places to visit in midcoast maine

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Maine's MidCoast & Islands

There are few places on the East Coast where you can hike a mountain and, with a turn of your head, shift your eyes from terra firma to a sparkling sea and enchanted islands below. Welcome, friends, to MidCoast and Islands , Maine. If you fall in love at first sight with this coastal Maine region, you’ll be in some famous company. Including the greatest painters in the history of American art.

Tucked within the Maine coastline are picturesque villages that bloom to vibrant waterfronts where Maine’s foodie scene continues to flourish. Belfast , Camden , Rockland , Wiscasset , Brunswick , Bath , Damariscotta . Whichever Maine coastal village you’re visiting, the choices of cuisine are as endless as the coastal views. There’s the farm-to-table elegance of Primo . The affordably famous Wasses hot dogs. Red’s Eats , the iconic lobster shack, one of many lobster hot spots on the coast. And The Lost Kitchen  which takes classic comfort food to new and beautiful places. You can try your luck each year to get a highly-sought after reservation through their postcard system.

Of course, where mainland and ocean meet, there have to be some phenomenal Maine beaches. And there are. Reid State Park and Popham Beach are two of the natural hidden gems of MidCoast and Islands. And we haven’t even gotten to the islands yet. Monhegan , Bailey, Orrs , Matinicus , North Haven , Vinalhaven – each island has its unique charms. Rent a bike or kayak to explore Vinalhaven, one of Maine’s largest islands, or visit the lighthouse and grab a bite to eat in the village on Monhegan. Stay at a bed & breakfast, haunt the local shops, wheel into one of the local pottery studios. Or, just pull up a rock and experience the same natural beauty that inspired the art colonies all those years ago.

Speaking of history, it’s everywhere here. From the Farnsworth Art Museum to the Maine Maritime Museum and Penobscot Maritime museums and the Sail Power & Steam Museum , a step back in time is as easy as a step through the front door, any time of year. The same is true at the region’s historic theaters – Colonial , Strand , Lincoln , Camden Opera House and Maine State Music Theatre . And since there’s no time like the present, especially in the world of art, make sure to visit the Center for Maine Contemporary Art .

Venture inland for the Union Fair where the spirit of Maine farmers and craftspeople truly shines. Craft breweries and local vineyards abound and offer special tours and tastings. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay offers Gardens Aglow each winter, with a spectacular display of holiday lights that would make Clark Griswold envious. On a warmer note, don’t miss the Belfast Summer Nights outdoor music series, the music and happenings on Brunswick Green, or the Rockland Blues Festival .

Speaking of festivals, catch Weinerfest (that’s all things Dachshund) in Belfast , the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, and Damariscotta’s Pumpkinfest . And let the good times and big cheese roll at the Highland Games & Scottish Festival in Topsham. But above all, get down to the water. Kayak, sailboat, charter boat, ferry. There’s only one Atlantic Ocean. And only one MidCoast and Islands, Maine.

Planning a MidCoast getaway? Check out the MidCoast Arts & Culture digital guide filled with tips and inspiration for your next visit.

Instagram photographer Ben Schuyler's spectacular images of the MidCoast & Islands.

Downtown rockland, featured maine's midcoast & islands towns.

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Mid-Coast Maine: A 5 Day Itinerary (Plus Everything to See and Do)

If you love lobster and lighthouses, then this post about mid-coast maine is for you.

One of my favorite places to visit in the summertime is Maine. In particular, I love Mid-Coast Maine, because there are so many charming harbor towns, spectacular beaches, scenic hiking trails, historic lighthouses, and lobster pounds serving up fresh lobster and seafood.

In this post, I’m sharing my favorite Maine itinerary with you – a 5-day itinerary for the Mid-Coast harbor towns. It’s a trip I recently took myself, and it was a great way to explore coastal Maine.

So if you’re planning a trip to Maine, definitely bookmark this post for all of my tips and recommendations. Keep reading for everything you need to know for planning a trip to Mid-Coast Maine!

Where is Mid-Coast Maine?

Midcoast Maine starts 35 miles north of Portland, with the city of Bath. It extends all the way up to Bucksport or Ellsworth, depending on who you ask. The region includes many coastal towns. The great thing about midcoast Maine is that there are all of these ‘fingers of land that extend down into the sea, and you can have so much fun exploring and discovering rocky beaches, lighthouses, lobster pounds, and more.

A building in Boothbay Harbor

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Mid-Coast Maine?

Let’s face it, Maine gets cold in the wintertime! While there are things to love about visiting Maine during different seasons of the year, I think the best time to visit is during the summer. It gets warm enough during the day to take a dip in the sea, but cool enough at night to wear a sweater. To me, that’s the perfect summer weather.

The Pemaquid lighthouse

5 Day Mid-Coast Maine Itinerary:

This 5-day Mid-Coast Maine itinerary is loosely based on the trip I took with a friend. The 5 days do not include our drive up or back, but you can easily adjust this itinerary to fit your schedule. And depending on where you are driving from, you can fit in a couple of these things on your travel days.

We drove from NYC. It took about 6 hours to get to Edgecomb, Maine where our Airbnb was, from Manhattan. We arrived in time to check out Wiscasset in the evening and eat lobster rolls at the famous Reds Eats. (More on this below). On our way back, we left early in the morning so we could spend a few hours checking out Portland, Maine before the long drive back to NY.

Of course, feel free to pick and choose from this 5-day itinerary of Mid-Coast Maine. Not everyone likes to explore and fit in as much in one day as my friend and I do, (we can literally go, go, go all day like Energizer bunnies!) but this itinerary will give you a comprehensive list of things to choose from when you design your own mid-coast Maine itinerary.

The Pemaquid Lighthouse

Day 1 – Pemaquid

The Pemaquid peninsula is one of 7 ‘fingers’ in Midcoast Maine that extend out into the sea. This small village is located within the town of Bristol and is known as a fishing and resort area. One of the main attractions is the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and this should not be missed! The rocky landscape surrounding this lighthouse is spectacular. Here’s a snapshot of the day we spent in Pemaquid and the surrounding area.

Things to do in Pemqauid:

• Hike the La Verna Preserve which has 2.5 miles of trails and 3,600 feet of stunning rocky ocean shoreline.
• Go for a Kayak Tour – We did a 2-hour kayak tour with Maine Kayak and it was one of the highlights of our trip.
• Get the blueberry ice cream at Harbor Ice Cream . (Now also called Café on the Hill.)
• Head to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse for spectacular scenery.
• Eat dinner at Muscongus Bay Lobster , a family-run lobster pound a short drive from Pemaquid and worth the trip!
• Travel Tip: Most lobster pounds are BYOB so bring a bottle or a 6-pack to go with your lobster dinner.

Fun Fact: There are 35 lighthouses in Mid-Coast Maine and 65 lighthouses throughout the entire state of Maine.

Looking back at Popham Beach from Fox Island, during low tide

Day 2 – Popham Beach & Bath

Popham Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mid-Coast Maine and for good reason. The long stretch of white sand along the Atlantic coast is tranquil and inviting. There’s also a small island offshore that becomes accessible at low tide when a sand bar forms. Alternatively, another beach you can include on your Mid-Coast Maine itinerary is Reid State Park.

For a bit of history, head to Bath. a harbor town that has long been a haven of shipbuilders and shipping. Many of the town’s beautiful buildings and mansions are from the wealth brought to the town from these industries.

Things to do in Popham & Bath:

• Popham Beach State Park – Plan on spending most of the day here so you can visit Fox Island when it’s low tide.
• Visit the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, which features a life-size representation of the largest wooden sailing ship ever built.
• Also in Bath, visit the Light Station at Seguin Island . It is Maine’s tallest and second oldest lighthouse.
• Travel Tip: The parking lot at Popham Beach fills up very early and then they don’t allow additional visitors so plan accordingly. We signed up for the Popham Beach email alerts on the website because they let you know when the parking lot is full.

Day 3 – Wiscasset, Edgecomb, and Damariscotta

Wiscasset, Edgecomb, and Damariscotta are all small towns in Mid-Coast Maine that are within a 15 minute drive of each other. You can easily explore all three of these towns in one day, or plan a visit to one of them after doing other things in the surrounding area.

Wiscasset is a small Mid-Coast Maine town that is big on charm. It’s where you will Reds Eats, the lobster shack that is home to Maine’s #1 lobster roll. Nestled between Wiscasset and Damariscotta, Edgecomb is a small town full of history. A visit to Fort Edgecomb is a must if you are passing through. And Damariscotta is full of 19 th century storefronts that are worth checking out. The town is also famous for its locally farmed oysters which you can enjoy at one of their many restaurants on the water.

Things to do in Wiscasset, Edgecomb, and Damariscotta:

• Stroll through Wiscasset to check out the art galleries, home good stores and more.
• Get the famous lobster roll at Reds Eats . They did not disappoint!
• Visit the Fort Edgecomb Historic Site for a dose of history. You can also picnic on the grounds.
• Check out Glidden Point Oyster Farms for some of the best oysters in the region.
• Stroll through Damariscotta’s charming Main Street Historic District to take in the many shops and restaurants.

Days 4 & 5 – Boothbay Harbor

Only an hour drive from Portland, Boothbay is a quintessential Mid-Coast Maine harbor town. It’s a place rich in maritime history and tradition that continues to this day. There is so much to see and do here you can easily spend two days enjoying everything that Boothbay Harbor has to offer. Below is a snap shot of everything we did while visiting Boothbay.

Things to do in Boothbay:

• Take an early morning fishing expedition.
• Head out to Ocean Point and hike the rocky outcrop along the coast for spectacular scenery. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy the view!
• Visit Booth Bay’s stunning Botanical Gardens.
• Head out of harbor for an afternoon sail with Balmy Days Cruises .
• Walk around Boothbay Harbor and do a bit of shopping.
• Check out the local Downeast Ice Cream Factory for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
• Fill up on more lobster at the Boothbay Lobster Wharf .

Are You Ready to Visit Mid-Coast Maine?

So are you ready to pack your bags and visit Mid-Coast Maine? If so, I hope you’ll find this 5 day itinerary helpful. I know this guide just scratches the surface of all there is to do in Mid-Coast Maine, but at least you have a jumping off point to plan your trip.

If you are curious to learn more about Maine, check out my post about 10 coastal towns in Maine worth visiting .

And you might be interested in my ultimate travel guide for outer Cape Cod , plus New England road trips: 9 amazing destinations .

As always, hit me up with any questions you have in the comments below and happy travels!

About Meredith

Merry Lerner is an Emmy Award Winning TV Showrunner and Executive Producer with a passion for sharing travel, wellness, and lifestyle tips. She is a certified yoga teacher and graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition health coaching program.

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The 11 Best Things To Do in Beautiful Mid-Coast Maine USA

I’m going to write about something just a wee bit different this week and that is the best things to do in Mid-Coast Maine, USA.

I’m a Europe Specialist .

But sometimes I need to explore a bit closer to home.

And just a couple of weeks ago I spent a week in the area — and just fell in love with it.

I’d been to Maine once before spending most of the time in Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.

That was 16 years ago.

I really loved Maine then and always wanted to return.

But you know…

I ended up falling in love with so many places in Europe and then started this Europe travel planning business.

So Maine sort of fell off the radar.

However since I am unable to venture too far from home right now due to my dad’s failing health, I decided that this was the year to re-visit Maine.

And Mid-Coast Maine (which I’ll define below) was the particular spot that called to me.

Let’s dive into this amazing destination in the USA.

Where exactly is ‘Mid-Coast’ Maine?

Mid-Coast Maine is the area from Brunswick to Searsport and is mainly — as the name suggests — the area along the coast.

The bay here is called Penobscot Bay.

And it’s simply breathtaking.

However, this region does stretch inland so don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just coastline and coastal towns. 

There is a stunning interior to this piece of Maine for sure.

So where should you go and what should you do?

I’ve got a few ideas for you.

Walk around Camden

Camden is one of the popular towns in Mid-Coast Maine. 

It’s charming and adorable. 

But also quite touristy and pretty darn busy.

Even in early October I was surprised at the number of people walking along the streets.

However, it’s definitely a cute town to walk around

And it has a wonderful harbor area to check out.

One of my recommendations is to wander down some of the streets where the people live.

You know, get away from the main street with all its shops, restaurants and cafes — and tourists.

The old homes are so amazing!

Some of them date back to the early 1800’s.

There are larger, stately homes as well as more modest houses.

Some need some love.

But most of them are in good condition.

In the heart of town you’ll find some good restaurants, cafes and shops.

And you’ll find a few spots down by the water to eat and shop too.

Camden is a charmer for sure.

Go out for a cruise on Penobscot Bay and learn about lobster fishing

One of the experiences I didn’t have (but I wish I had) in Mid-Coast Maine is to take a cruise out on Penobscot Bay.

Camden harbor certainly has some tours and I know some of the other towns along the coast do too. 

Rockland will be one to check out as it’s a good sized town in the Mid-Coast Maine area.

I met a couple who had taken a cruise that focused on lobster fishing.

So they learned all about what this profession entails.

They were quite impressed and said they learned a lot.

I think this would be the cruise I would take. 

But you can also take a simple cruise around the bay and get those views back to the landscape.

A tour on a boat is a must for time in Mid-Coast Maine.

Follow My Adventures

Join me on facebook, explore camden hills state park and mount battie.

Another of my next time experiences is to get into Camden Hills State Park and hike or drive up Mount Battie.

Believe it or not, this was one of the top things I planned to do in Mid-Coast Maine.

But then I ended up doing some other things first. 

I was going to go on my final day before I made the drive down the coast to Boston where I flew into.

However, Mother Nature decided to give me a misty day on that day.

I knew I wouldn’t get the fabulous views from Mount Battie that I really wanted.

So I just didn’t do it. 

Folks rave about the views and say it is so worth it.

So I know I have to go back to Mid-Coast Maine so I can experience the views from Mount Battie.

And get out on some of the trails in Camden Hills State Park.

Discover Belfast

One of the places that was not on my list but was added quickly for my trip to Mid-Coast Maine is the town of Belfast.

Located just a wee bit north of Camden and Lincolnville Beach, Belfast is another of those charming harbor towns with exquisite old homes.

Belfast actually has a Celtic heritage to it as it was settled by Scottish-Irish families.

So there are some events that occur throughout the year that honor that Celtic heritage.

What I loved about this town is that it was definitely less touristy and busy than Camden.

Belfast is smaller, but still has some nice shops, restaurants and cafes.

It has a harbor area as well with a nice park next to it.

I found myself wandering down the residential lanes, taking in the old homes and all the trees.

This is a good spot if you want to visit a town that is a bit less touristy than Camden but still is charming as hell.

Stroll around Rockport

The town of Rockport is just south of Camden.

And while I didn’t actually visit the town, I did meander about the harbor area.

My B&B hostess does recommend a visit to the town as she says there are a few excellent spots to eat as well as some lovely shops.

I enjoyed simply walking about the harbor area. 

It’s quite picturesque.

Visit Owls Head and Owls Head Lighthouse

Just a wee bit south of Rockland, you’ll see signs for Owls Head and its lighthouse.

I highly recommend making the drive here and visiting this natural area with its lighthouse.

First of all, the drive is splendid as you wend your way along small roads with trees, boggy areas and old homes.

As you take the small road to the lighthouse, you do enter a state park area.

The walk to the lighthouse is not very long, but it is a walk.

Then there are quite a few steps up to the actual lighthouse. 

The views from here are marvelous!

Owls Head Lighthouse itself is not very big or tall.

But it is a fantastic spot.

As you leave the lighthouse parking lot and drive back the way you came, you’ll pass a place called Richard Carver Harbor Park. 

Stop here and take a walk out to the harbor area.

It’s a wonderful spot to get some pics of the boats and some stunning homes that are nearby.

Get your Forrest Gump on at Marshall Point Lighthouse

Along with Owls Head you can visit Marshall Point Lighthouse.

I did just this on one of my days which ended up being one of my favorites on my visit to Mid-Coast Maine.

This area — where you find Owls Head and Marshall Point — is known as St George Peninsula.

And to be honest, I wish I had spend even more time here as there are some beaches, small parks and lovely scenery — both along the coastline and inland.

Marshall Point Lighthouse is also a small lighthouse.

But it has a bit of story to it.

Remember the movie Forrest Gump?

Remember when he ran from one side of the USA to the other?

Well, when he runs out to a lighthouse, it’s actually Marshall Point Lighthouse.

What I like about this lighthouse is that it has a nice grassy area with picnic tables and fabulous views.

Also, at low tide, you can walk around the lighthouse on the rocks and explore the sea life

And you’ll get some different angles of the lighthouse and its lovely house/museum.

I was fortunate to have a gorgeous day so I explored the shoreline then sat at a picnic table and talked to some other travelers.

A definite must for your time in Mid-Coast Maine.

Spend some time at Megunticook Lake and Fernald’s Neck Preserve

A destination in Mid-Coast Maine that may not be as well known to tourists is Megunticook Lake and Fernald’s Neck Preserve.

Megunticook Lake sits just a bit inland from Camden to the northwest.

The lake is a beauty surrounded by trees, hills and even some cliffs.

Barrett’s Cove is a beach area on the south end of the beach.

I suggest stopping here especially if you have good weather. 

You can swim there in summer. 

It is a busy spot in summer.

But I stopped there on a misty day, so had the place almost to myself.

Fernald’s Neck Preserve is this good-sized piece of land that almost bisects the lake.

It’s run by Maine’s Coastal Mountain Land Trust and it’s a spectacular spot.

First of all, I’d say it’s frequented more by locals.

Secondly, even though you spend a lot of time in the trees, it’s still beautiful and so very peaceful.

You get spots where you are along the lake so you will get some lake views and views of the soft mountains of the area. 

I just fell in love with it.

I found a few spots to just sit by the lake and take in the stunning views and enjoy the serenity.

Of course, you can get out onto Lake Megunticook as well.

I think taking a canoe or kayak would be a brilliant way to spend some time in Mid-Coast Maine.

Tour, taste and drink in the views at Cellardoor Winery

One of my absolute favorite days and experiences in Mid-Coast Maine was touring and tasting at Cellardoor Winery.

You know me, I love wine.

But I tend to love European wines.

And I tend to be pretty skeptical of wines from places that aren’t California, Oregon or Washington — because these states probably do make the best wines in the US

But I was surprised at how good the wines are at Cellardoor .

Now, they do source some of their grapes from Washington so that speaks to some of the good red wine they have.

However, they do have about 6 acres where they grow their own unique grapes that can handle the colder Maine climate.

Bettina Doulton is the owner and has a fascinating story that I encourage you to read at the website.

I took a complimentary tour which they run for free on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:15am. 

I then had a couple of hours to explore the estate, camera in hand.

There are chairs out in the vines so I walked out, taking many photos of the trees, vines and surrounding landscape, then sat down in a chair and soaked up the sun. 

The estate is gorgeous.

From the stunning old barn turned tasting room/gift shop to the beautiful long bar and dining room that can be rented out for special occasions (not weddings) to the outdoor decks all around that allow you to drink delicious wine and take in the stunning views…

It is an amazing place for sure.

After my photo wandering, I then experienced a hosted tasting with about 10 other folks as we sat around the U shaped bar in the old barn.

And we were treated to Bettina being our hostess.

What a fabulous tasting experience!

She walked us through the wines she selected and even brought out a few bonus ones for us to try. 

There is some food in the shop that you can buy to accompany this tasting.

And the food they supply is local.

I won’t go into all the wines I tried, but I did find a few that I definitely liked including Perfect Stranger — a white wine made of Cayuga grapes of the Finger Lakes area, Monti al Mare — a red blend sort of like a Super Tuscan, the Blanc de Blancs sparkling — made of 100% L’Acadie Blanc grown at the estate, and the Late Harvest dessert wine — made from 50% Frontenac blanc, 50% Frontenac gris also grown at the estate.

The tour was informational and entertaining.

The tasting was fun as we all chatted about where we were from and discussed the wines, travel and life.

Bettina is an amazing person and very passionate about what she does.

I found it really interesting that so many of the folks who were at my tasting were regulars — they visited Cellardoor at least once per year if not more often.

So many of them were from the Maine/Boston area.

I can see why they make regular visits.

If I lived nearby I would too!

A couple of spots further afield

Play in Acadia National Park

On my first trip to Maine I visited and stayed in Bar Harbor and explored a bit of Acadia National Park

I decided on this trip to Mid-Coast Maine to at least make the 2 hour drive from Camden up to Acadia and explore a bit more.

It is doable, but I do recommend leaving very early as this is a busy national park.

I got a late start and found the park to be packed since it was a Friday and going into a holiday weekend.

However, I managed to find a spot to park and took a walk around Eagle Lake on the carriage roads.

Acadia National Park is gorgeous with its mix of seaside, lakes, trees, mountains, bogs and hills. 

But since it is on the busy East Coast, it does see A LOT of visitors.

My recommendation is to spend a couple of nights in the area so you can truly experience the park as a day trip just isn’t enough.

A day trip is doable, but I think it’s not nearly enough time.

Peruse Portland

The largest city in Maine, and possibly where you might fly into, is Portland.

I’ve only spent a few hours here many years ago, but it is a lovely city by the water.

I heard that it’s become quite the foodie destination with some really good restaurants.

Portland is still small for being the ‘largest’ city with a population of 68,000 or so.

The greater Portland metro area, however, has about half a million people.

But it’s small size makes it very easy to navigate and see on a day trip from Mid-Coast Maine or as an add on for a couple of nights — especially if you are flying into the airport here.

Tips on visiting Mid-Coast Maine

I have to admit that I really fell in love with this area of Maine.

I think it was the combination of the coastline, rolling hills and all the damn trees.

And to be there as those trees were turning into bright reds, golds and oranges was the best!

The charming towns.

The historic homes.

Rural roads with hardly any other cars.

It’s beautiful, peaceful and relaxing.

Mid-Coast Maine is not for everyone.

If you want a bigger city with lots to do, this is not the destination for you.

But if you want a slower pace with a rural landscape and some lovely villages and towns along the water, you’ll love it.

Here are a few recommendations:

Fly into Portland Maine so you have a relatively short drive from there to Camden.

It’s about 90 miles and will take 1½ to 2 hours.

You can fly into Boston like I did, but you’ll have 190 miles and a good 4 hour drive.

Do stay in a locally run guesthouse or B&B.

Camden will make a good base but don’t discount the Rockport area or Lincolnville.

I stayed at Victorian by the Sea which was about 4 miles north of Camden.

Yes, I had to drive to out to dinner but there are a few taxi services should you need one.

If you stay directly in Camden or Rockport it will be easier to walk to dinner.

Your choice.

Victorian by the Sea was more secluded and quiet.

So, for me, this was what I wanted and needed for this trip.

And it was a fabulous B&B to stay with an awesome owner in Caroline, delicious breakfast and a fantastic view.

Plus the old house is delightful!

Do be sure to give yourself time to drive from point A to point B.

Roads are more rural here so it will take a bit of time since speed limits are a bit slower.

Mid-Coast Maine is a splendid area to simply explore.

Stop by any little village or wee park or lake or overlook.

The best time to go is mid-May to the end of October.

Summer will be very busy with families on holiday as will leaf peeping season (early to mid-October).

But leaf peeping season is amazing!!

Above all, enjoy yourself.

Slow down and really relish in the stunning landscape and the warm and friendly locals.

Please note that Wander Your Way is only recommending international travel to those who are vaccinated and feel comfortable doing so. While travel to Europe is getting easier, we are still not out of the woods with COVID.

If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as  Wander Your Way .  Please stay up to date using official sources like the  WHO  and  CDC .

And if you are ready to go soon, please contact Lynne for any assistance you may need.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase  anything  from these trusted companies. It helps Wander Your Way, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!

Are you ready to explore Mid-Coast Maine?

Well I’m ready to lend a hand. Who am I? I’m Lynne Nieman and I’m a personal travel planner helping people like you create your perfect European — or American — adventure. Whether you need help planning part or all of your trip, I’m ready to assist you in making your travel dreams come true!

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I so wish I would have known you were traveling here! I would have bought you a cup of coffee at one of my favorite places in between Belfast and Camden. 🙂

I was born and raised in the South, but one trip up to Maine when I was in college had me moving here as soon as I graduated. I’ve now lived here for going on 28 years, and it’s SUCH a gorgeous place to be. So glad you loved it as well!

Oh, I wish we could have met up Allyson. It would have been nice for sure. I can see why you fell in love with Maine. I love it … so much. I really think it has become my favorite state!! And the people? So very nice!!

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Bar Harbor Acadia

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Great things to do in maine - mid coast region.

Maine Windjammer Association

Sailing from Ports in Rockland and Camden, ME, 04843 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-807-9463

Sail into your next great adventure aboard one of nine romantic windjammers

Pick Your Own Apples at Hope Orchards

Bath Is More Than Just a Piquant Name

Create a Personalized Tour of Maine Breweries

Old Mill Revives With Antiques, Dining, Art, Yoga

Elmer’s Barn Is a Place of Antique Surprises

Gem from Old Seafaring Times

Bath Is Home to Graceful, Historic Neighborhoods

Best Shopping Anywhere: Reny's!

Art of the Human Hand Also on Display in Midcoast

Discover the Trails of This Midcoast Audubon Sanctuary

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Mid Coast Maine

Things to do in mid coast maine, explore popular experiences, popular cities in mid coast maine.

Ways to tour Mid Coast Maine

Sunset Sailing Cruise includes snacks & drinks

Central Coastal Maine Private Day Tour

Windjammer Classic Sunset Sail from Camden, Maine

Acadia National Park and More Private Day Trip from Portland

Portland, Maine Madness Scavenger Hunt

Oyster Farm & Complimentary Tasting Sea Kayak Tour in Casco Bay

Schooner Eastwind 2 Hour Day Sail in Boothbay Harbor

Downtown Bath, Maine and The City of Ships Walking Tour

Stand Up Paddleboard Tour with Complimentary Oyster Tasting

Windjammer Classic Day Sail from Camden, Maine

Top attractions in mid coast maine.

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Water Tours

What travellers are saying.

• Schooner Surprise
• Camden Harbor Cruises
• River Run Tours
• Sloop Anjacaa
• A Morning In Maine
• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
• Cabbage Island
• Mount Battie
• Popham Beach State Park
• Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre

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Vacation planner, midcoast & islands.

• Marshall Point Lighthouse

MidCoast & Islands

Things to do, food & beverage, recreation & attractions.

From Brunswick, you can take a ride along the many peninsulas and islands of the region. Explore the many “fingers” that comprise the southern part of Maine’s Mid-Coast. Get off the beaten path and discover a roadside art gallery selling local handcrafted goods or find Land’s End. Grab a fresh lobster roll and see out what the Mid-Coast is all about. Harpswell, Orrs Island and Bailey Island are just a few of the fun Mid-Coast treasures that await your visit.

Just east on the Kennebec River is the celebrated boat building City of Bath, where maritime history comes to life.  The historic shipyard at the  Maine Maritime Museum  features a full-size representation of the largest wooden sailing vessel ever built, the  Wyoming . Visit the  lighthouse at Seguin Island , commissioned by George Washington in 1795 and Maine's tallest and second oldest light station. Book a stay at a historic inn, frequented by friendly spirits (and not of the sherry kind), or one of the many hotels in the area.

If you’re in the mood for a little outdoor fun, spend a day at  Reid State Park in Georgetown , which features a mile and a half of sand beaches, dunes, marshes, ledges, and ocean, plus a warm saltwater pond for swimming. Or head down Route 1 to  Boothbay Harbor , a top destination for visitors and a great place for kayaking, whale watching, sport fishing, or puffin tours. Not far from the center of Boothbay Harbor, you’ll also find 248 acres of picture-perfect landscape at the  Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens .

Up the road is Rockland, a coastal city known for its lively arts and culture scene. Take a day to explore the expansive collections at the  Farnsworth Art Museum and the Wyeth Center  and Winding Way Art Gallery (which doubles as a beautiful bed and breakfast). If you happen to be visiting in August, don’t miss the  Maine Lobster Festival , featuring the one and only lobster crate race!

Next is the classic harbor town of Camden, which should be on every visitor’s itinerary.  Sail on a windjammer or take a ferry to a private island. Sights include Curtis Island with its historic lighthouse at the head of the harbor and Mt. Battie where you can hike or drive for a perfect view of the town down below. In the winter enjoy the only skiing and tubing with ocean views!

Finish off a trip with stops in Belfast and Searsport. Belfast is another coastal arts community. In nearby Searsport, visit the  Penobscot Marine Museum .

Maine’s Mid-Coast is home to many events, fairs, and festivals including the  Union Fair & Maine Wild Blueberry Festival . For a full listing of all area fairs, festivals, and events, visit the  official Events page .

Caressed by the great Atlantic Ocean, the Mid-Coast is a seaside paradise and a visitor’s dream.

My favorite spot in Maine's Midcoast Region is Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol. It is the most awesome spot on the planet in my opinion. The lighthouse is hauntingly beautiful and the jagged rocks protruding from the shore make for fantastic photo opportunities and hours of interesting views. It's so hard to choose just one place in Maine but that's the one for me! –Ruth Ann H., Olive Branch, MS

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20 Trips to Mid-Coast Maine Later, I’ve Perfected the Long Weekend

Lobster rolls, vintage home goods, and beach naps..

Everyone knows that person who spends weeks sniffing around travel blogs, going deep into Tripadvisor rabbit holes, collecting Google docs from friends of friends, and creating  A Beautiful Mind– style spreadsheets to come up with the best  vacations /itineraries possible. In this recurring series, we find those people who’ve done all the work for you and have them walk us through a particularly wonderful, especially well-thought-out vacation they took that you can actually steal.

Visual director Samantha Adler has been coming to the mid-coast of Maine since elementary school, when she attended summer camp on Megunticook Lake. She fell in love with it in high school , while attending the Maine Media Workshop, including a class taught by Rockport luminary Cig Harvey. Aside from the area’s famed beauty, it’s the community she glimpsed then that has lured her back more than 20 times. “There are so many artists and creatives,” says Adler, who also cites the Camden Film Festival as a creative magnet. Here, she shares the best post– road trip morning routine, her favorite vintage home-goods store, and the drive-in hacks for an unforgettable long weekend.

8 a.m: Grab bagels for the drive

Maine is good year-round, but my favorite time is the summer. Early August is sleepy. It’s not too crowded. The lakes are warm and everything’s green. I rent a car from Hertz in the West Village, so I’m able to just go straight up the West Side Highway. The drive usually takes eight to nine hours with stops, so I recommend driving with another person because that’s a brutal drive to do by myself. It’s not worth it to fly. It ends up being the same amount of time and you definitely need a car there. If I can, I leave at 8 a.m. Then I can be in Maine by 3 or 4 p.m. and nap before dinner. That’s the dream. You don’t want to leave too late, because then you get there in the middle of the night. I bring bagels from Bagels on the Square ( 7 Carmine St. ) and try to drive as far as I can without stopping.

12 p.m.: Stop for a great sandwich

Domenic’s ( 987 Main St. ) in Waltham, Massachusetts, is sort of exactly halfway. It’s a bomb sandwich place that you’d never go to if you didn’t go to school in Boston. And it happens to be right off the I-95 highway. They make insane panini and they also have great salads. I get the eggplant parmesan panini ($12). It’s not the most beautiful drive; it’s basically an endless stretch of highway. So the way to motivate yourself is with a lot of junk food and carbs.

1 p.m. Pick up discounted Chianti

I always stop at the NH Liquor & Wine Outlet ( 605 US-1 BYP South ) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which is literally on the highway. It’s a tax-free liquor haven with great prices. They don’t have natural wine, but you can find some Chianti, which is a joke I have with my friend. We get whatever else we’re feeling on the day, and bring a mix of things because I want to be a good guest.

4 p.m. Check into your hotel sauna

I love the Lincolnville Motel ( 4 Sea View Dr.; from $150 ). I would try to book before mid-June for a room in early August. This is owned by Alice [Amory], and she is the also my friend’s daughter’s godmother — that’s how I found out about it. It is so cute. The motel has one strip that’s a classic motel where you can walk right into your room, but they also have cabins you can rent with a small group (up to four people for $185/night). It has a really beautiful common area where, when I’m doing an extended visit to Maine, I love to sit and work in. And it also has the cutest swimming pool.

There’s a beautiful stand-alone glass-and-wood sauna. I like to book the sauna immediately upon arrival and fix my back after the crazy drive. I sauna for an hour in a bathing suit. If I’ve done everything right, I’m out of the sauna by 5 p.m., then I can shower and nap until 6.

6:30 p.m.: Grab cheese, condiments, and natural wine

I would take a drive over to Bleecker & Greer Main Street Meats ( 310 Commercial St. ) in Rockport (12-minute drive). The last thing you’d ever want to do when you’re done driving is drive some more, but these two places are really worth it. They have the best cheeses, salads, breads, natural wines, and dried goods. I don’t eat meat, but they have insane charcuterie boards, honeys, mustards, butters, olives. It’s the best version of that type of store. They make a lot of the baked goods on the premises. I pick up that and then go to the Stop N Go gas station ( 60 Elm St. ) in Camden. It’s called Village Variety, but the sign says Stop N Go. They have the sickest selection of craft beer and wine. So you can pick up all of those things and eat them back at the hotel. By then, it’s Maine midnight, so that’s it for the night. I read and pass out at 10 p.m.

8 a.m.: Make an early run for coffee

I’m a freak in Maine and wake up with the sun. After sitting in the car for a million hours the day before, I like to start my morning with something active. At 8 a.m., I will run to Green Tree Coffee & Tea ( 2456 Atlantic Hwy. / Route 1 ). It’s a 15-minute run or two-minute drive from the Lincolnville Motel. They have amazing coffees and teas. They are fanatical about what and how they brew. I get a cold brew or a double espresso depending on the temperature that morning. I always stock up on loose-leaf tea while I’m there too. Right now I have some chamomile ($12 for four ounces) and Maine blueberry –flavored black tea ($12 for four ounces) from there.

8:30 a.m.: Get in an illicit swim

I drive ten minutes over to Megunticook Lake for a swim to shock my system. The ethos of Maine is to always have a bathing suit in the car because Maine has so many beautiful lakes and hikes and waterfalls. I bring a towel in the car too. The Lincolnville Motel is on Route 1. Head south on Route 1 and make a right on Route 52. That road goes along Megunticook Lake. Pull over anywhere on the side of the road, park illegally, step over the highway partition (I’m not even five-foot-three and I can easily hop it), and jump into the lake. The water is not cold, but it’s not warm. You should only swim for a few minutes because you’re parked illegally on the side of the highway.

9 a.m.: Pick up breakfast sandwiches and local secrets

I’m not a big breakfast person, but there’s a place with great breakfast sandwiches (starting at $6.50) called Dot’s Market ( 2457 Atlantic Hwy. ) across from Green Tree. Get those after the swim so they’re fresh. They do a new selection of things every day, so I’ll text my friends the options and see what they want. And then eat the sandwiches at the hotel or at Dot’s at the tables near the parking lot. The vibe is super-chill, friendly neighborhood community.

While at Dot’s, ask about where to swim. There’s a new water hole or swimming spot every summer. Just ask any of the local spots like Dot’s or Green Tree. People will gladly give a tip because people in Maine are friendly. Or, if you can, find a friend with a house on the beach of Megunticook Lake. There are public-access beaches in Maine, but the best waterfront is really privately owned. I love Megunticook Lake, because it’s the one I’ve been going to since I was a kid. It’s beautiful: very green and mountainous. The water is fresh, and it feels very secluded. But there are no bad trails and or swimming holes in Maine. Buy a snack at Dot’s for the afternoon. My favorite Maine snack is Little Lad’s Popcorn original Herbal Corn ($1.99). It’s nutritional yeast, dill, and all the best things.

10 a.m.: Stock up on bug spray and Carhartt

Stop by any Renys on your way to swim. Renys is a Maine department store that also has really good workwear and outdoor gear, like good versions of Carhartt and Champion. The mosquitoes, ticks, and the brown-tail moths are really bad in Maine in the summer. I buy a combo of straight-up industrial-strength DEET and bug oil from Renys. I also load up on Comfort Colors T-shirts (three for $10), which are native to Maine. Their slogan is “your new old favorite tee,” and that’s exactly right. They’re on Amazon but they’re a third of the price at Renys. I finally acquired a Renys sweatshirt last summer, and I get stopped by someone every time I wear it out.

Then, at your swimming location of choice, alternate between napping, reading, and swimming. I just do those three things and chill.

3 p.m.: Order lobster rolls

When we get hungry in the afternoon, we drive over to Graffam Brothers Seafood Market ( 211 Union St. ) in Rockport. The seafood market is open year-round, but the shack across the street is only open in the summer, and the lobster is so fresh. They have my favorite lobster rolls ever. They’re perfectly seasoned and on a good bun. I definitely get a salt-and-vinegar kettle chip.

4 p.m.: Get supplies for the drive-in 

We’d go a few minutes away to Rayr Wine Shop ( 67 Pascal Ave. ). I’d pick up a bottle of wine for the drive-in that night. At this point, we go back to the hotel to shower and get changed and prep the car for the drive-in.

7:30 p.m: See a documentary at the drive-in

The Shotwell Drive-In ( 40 West St. ) is part of the Camden International Film Festival, which my friend Ben Fowley started and runs. They started the drive-in during COVID, and it’s become the best part of the summer in Maine. They play a full mix of films. They played The Truffle Hunters last year for my 30th birthday. They do kids’ nights; they play a lot of documentaries. I have planned weekends around what’s showing at the drive-in. They usually put out programming for the summer in June. If you ever get a chance to visit Maine in September, I recommend going to the film festival. I saw five of the seven Oscar-nominated documentaries at the film festival last year.

First, get the car ready. My friends have a pickup truck, which is the best way to go. But with any car, get a lot of pillows and blankets and put them in the trunk. We’ve gone all out and put a mattress in the back of the car before. In terms of what you’re wearing, you need to fully cover your body. You’ll want long sleeves, pants, and socks so your skin isn’t exposed to bugs. It’s pretty cool at night there, so you will be fine. Once at the drive-in, you can order a pizza to have with your wine and watch the movie.

9:30 a.m.: Hot yoga for people who don’t like yoga

I like to start my day with a hot yoga or Pilates class at Earth Flow + Fire ( 385 Main St.; $15 a class ). It’s about 25 minutes from the hotel. It’s a beautiful studio with a marble floor. I don’t even like yoga, but I really look forward to coming here, especially their Yin classes. All of the instructors are amazing. You can rent mats and towels there ($2 each) and get a green juice on your way out if that’s your persuasion.

11 a.m.: Shop for ’90s Armani and linen bedsheets

Down the street is Daughters ( 442 Main St. ), which is the highlight of any trip to Maine for me. It is owned by my friend Ariel Birke. She has an amazing eye for curation. Daughters stocks a mix of home goods, fragrances, beauty products, and some vintage. All of my most favorite pieces in my wardrobe are from Ariel, from a ’90s Armani evening gown to black vintage Levi’s 505s and 550s, and sweaters of varying weights, including a cardigan that’s perfect post-swim and for the drive-in. She has the best stuff. Going is like Cheers ; I always run into someone I know. She has also curated a real community around her store. And she keeps special pieces aside for regulars she knows will appreciate them. I have my eye on a new Stan Ray jacket from her. Maybe this summer I will finally buy it …

12:30 p.m.: Get a chopped salad on Main Street

My friends and I usually shop until we literally drop, so next we go across the street to Main Street Markets ( not to be confused with Main Street Meets!). It’s an elevated market and prepared-food takeout spot. I like getting an immunity salad ($13), or if we want something heartier, we’ll go to Rockland Café ( 441 Main St. ). It’s an old-school seaside-diner vibe. I like to get scrambled eggs ($4) and sit at the tables outside and people-watch. I was there last November when it was announced that Biden won the election. The mood was electric.

2 p.m. Take a foggy road to vintage home-goods heaven

During lunch, I usually start my campaign to get everyone to make the 35-minute drive west to Elmer’s Barn ( 107 Rockland Rd. ) in Cooper Mills. You drive east on Route 17 to get there, which is my favorite road in the world. It’s foggy and green and peaceful and nostalgic. I’ve been going to Elmer’s since I was 15. So much of my life has come from there — my dining-room table, a vintage camera, vintage glassware — more than I’m comfortable admitting on the internet. It’s a three-floor maze of treasures. I’d set aside an hour or two to explore. I always need to be literally dragged out of there.

4:30 p.m.: Get takeout barbecue and homemade pickles

I like taking the long way back and stopping at Beth’s Farm Market ( 1986 Western Rd. ) in Warren. They do a barbecue takeout window (opens end of June) on Sundays and they have the best pickles in the world. They’re sweet bread-and-butter pickles and usually sliced. I take back as many jars as I can. We usually stop for an early dinner. I don’t eat BBQ (half a chicken, beans and rice, fried cornbread, and water for $14.69), but I get the sides.

6 p.m.: Sneak in one last swim

On the way back, we stop for a swim at Hosmer Pond in Camden. There’s an easy parking lot. The vibe is very local, and as a warning, the bottom of the lake is definitely squishy. I’ve been swimming there since I was a kid, so it’s very nostalgic. The water is pretty cold, even in August, but I think it is refreshing.

8 a.m: Grab blueberries for back home

Stop at Fresh Off the Farm ( 495 Commercial St. ), which is a little market in Rockport, to pick up strawberries, blueberries, Rainier cherries, a case of Maine Root root beer ($37.95 for a 12-pack), and four giant bags of Little Lad’s popcorn to take on the road. I also buy Rock City Coffee’s Blueberry Coffee by the pound ($17.20/lb). You can grind it fresh there. We usually need to gun it back to the city to get to Hertz before it closes at 3 p.m.

Samantha’s Maine packing list

This is my first and most effective line of defense against Maine mosquito and brown-tail moth bites.

It’s the cutest, most comfortable swimsuit, and it is either on my body or in my car.

I bought a pair of these during the pandemic because I saw a photo of Mary-Kate Olsen wearing them. My friends all bought them too (team-uniform style). This will be my third summer with them and they’re still in perfect condition. They’re waterproof and comfortable enough to hike in, and they’re great in the city too.

I have a pair of men’s Champion track pants that I got at Renys three or four summers ago that I am slowly wearing to death. They’re blank nylon and unlined (unlike these), which makes them ideal to put on after a lake swim. They have an elastic bottom that zips open, which is ideal for mosquito protection. This is my desert-island pant and the only thing I really need with me in Maine. It’s a very low-maintenance clothing situation up there!!

I love reading books about Maine while I’m in Maine (lol). This summer I want to read Players , by Don Delillo.

More Maine things Samantha loves …

• Suzuki Sushi in Rockland ( 419 Main St. ) • Camden Cone Ice Cream in Camden ( 31 Bay View St. ) • Antiques at 10 Mechanic in Camden ( 10 Mechanic St. ) • Long Grain Thai in Camden ( 20 Washington St. ) • Lincolnville General Store in Lincolnville ( 269 Main St. )

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25 Wicked Awesome Things To Do in Mid-Coast Maine

25 Fun Things To Do in Rockland and Camden Eat Lobster, Drink Wine, Sail Penobscot Bay, Visit Lighthouses and Be Merry!

As summer comes to Maine, so do carloads of travelers who are visiting for the first time, or old salts who return again and again for the many charms and fun activities that await on the coast of Maine.  This territory once belonged to sailors, shipbuilders, lobstermen and craftsmen who embraced a working life by the sea.  Come enjoy the eternal beauty of towns nestled along the coves and harbors of Penobscot Bay.  You’ll find plenty of things to do in Midcoast Maine to entertain you whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks.

Play in The Sunshine

Walk on water to the rockland breakwater light.

There are few Maine sites more photographed than the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and the granite jetty that leads out to the lighthouse.  Plan your visit according to the tides and you should have several hours for the 7/8th mile walk along the granite jetty to the lighthouse.  Flat heeled shoes (like sneakers) are essential and mind the winds if it’s a blustery day! Don’t forget to tell your friends to watch the webcam at the end of the breakwater so you can give them a wave.

Climb Mount Battie For Panoramic Views of Camden

Wikimedia Commons by IdaWriter

A short 1/2 mile paved hike just off the town square in Camden will lead you to the summit of Mount Battie with spectacular aerial views of the entire town and Penobscot Bay beyond – well worth the climb! (Or you can drive up through the park road if you like – fee applies.)  If you still have energy to spare, Camden Hills State Park, where Mt. Battie is located, has over 30 miles of hiking trails to choose from.

Hit The Beach

Most of the coastline in midcoast Maine is made up of jagged granite outcroppings and rock strewn beaches.  While these are great for playing in tide pools, skipping rocks and climbing on boulders, they do not offer the soft sand of southern Maine beaches.  One lovely white sand beach stands out however.  Birth Point Beach State Park is located in the town of Owls Head and offers a scenic view over distant islands from the crescent shaped beach.  Be aware though….. the ocean temperatures in Maine even in August are downright cold.  You may spend more time walking through the waves lapping the shore than diving in!

Climb to the Top of a Lighthouse

The Owls Head Lighthouse is one of the most scenic and easily accessible lighthouses in Maine.  Enter through the Owls Head Light State Park, park nearby and take a short hike to the lighthouse.  Volunteer staff is on hand during summer months to relate the history of the lighthouse and answer questions.  Need I say that the views are exhilarating.

Play a Round of Golf

One of  New England’s premier golf courses is located at the Samoset Resort in Rockland.  The scenic course has holes right on the ocean for maximum views.  This upscale resort is known for it’s family friendly atmosphere and top notch amenities.  In addition, you’ll find the Goose River Golf Course located strategically between Camden and Rockland.

Visit Aldermere Farm and Meet Some Very Adorable Cows

Trish Steel – CC BY-SA 2.0

Located between Rockland and Camden you will find Aldermere Farm , where a unique breed of cattle graze in 136 acres of scenic fields.  Galloway Belted Cows,  sometimes called Belties, or “Oreo cows” by kids, were originally brought to America from southern Scotland.  Know for the ability to thrive in cold and blustery weather conditions in winter, they adapted well to life in coastal Maine.  Today, this is the the oldest continually-operated herd of Belted Galloway cattle in the United States.  The visitor center is open from July 1 – September 29 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm Monday through Friday.  Saturday hours are 1:00-4:00 pm.  Don’t miss the Free Friday Farm Tours!

Stroll and Shop

Maine small towns are a treasure trove of small boutique shops selling local crafts and Maine themed wares.  Camden is the picture perfect coastal town with bright flowers in window boxes and nautical shops galore.  Rockland is a touch more authentic ‘old Maine’ with many shops owned by locals.

The Island Institute, Archipelago Store and Gallery is a must visit shop in Rockland.  The Island Institute is an advocacy organization that promotes and supports communities on Maine offshore islands.  In their eclectic shop you’ll find artwork by local artists, potters and jewelers, original paintings, and a wide range of unique collectables.

For a totally unique shopping experience, stop by the Maine State Prison Store on Route 1 in Thomaston (just before Rockland).  This store features wooden crafts that are handcrafted by inmates in the Maine prison system.  They learn woodworking, marketable job skills, work ethics and responsibility in the process .  From cutting boards, to lamps, to wooden ships, you’ll find an eclectic array of merchandise.

Sail The Bay – You really haven’t seen Maine until you’ve been out on the water.

Maine windjammer fleet.

For centuries, wooden ship builders have worked the docks of Rockland, Rockport and Camden, producing magnificent trade schooners to deliver Maine lumber, granite and trade goods across the globe.  Today this area is home to the Maine Windjammer Association and more historic wooden tall ships than anywhere else in America.  The site of these magnificent vessels under sail is awe-inspiring.  Even better, plan a 3, 4 or 5 day sail through the calm waters of Penobscot Bay onboard one of these magnificent ships.  The views are mesmerizing, camaraderie exceptional, food down-home delicious, and it is arguable the best ‘unplugged’ all-inclusive vacation in America!

Schooner Olad

Not everyone can sail away on a multi-day Windjammer adventure, so for those with time constraints, The Schooner Olad is the perfect solution.  Visit their storefront on Main Street in Camden to book a morning, afternoon or sunset sail (or book online).  Climb aboard this traditional two-masted wooden schooner and enjoy gliding past lighthouses, pine studded coves and bobbing lobster buoys, while Captain Lincoln tells you about seafaring on the Maine coast.  Ask about their special Lobster Bake cruises!

Port Clyde Outfitters Kayak and Paddle Board Excursions

Located at the very tip of the St. George Peninsula is an exceptional boating outfitter, Port Clyde Kayaks , who offers kayak and paddle board rentals, all equipment, lessons, and wonderful guided tours or independent paddles.  This is the perfect spot to launch off to explore the waters surrounding Marshall Point.  When we visited last June, we were the only kayaks in the bay.  We spent a delightful 2 hours with our guide (owner) Brian,  learning all about the area, seeing an abundance of sea life, secluded homes and beautiful scenery.  Ask about their popular Bioluminescent Starlight Tours!

Visit Famed Monhegan Island

Flickr: by Navin75

Artists have proclaimed the light that shines on Monhegan Island to be like no other, which explains why it draws painters of all ability to its shores.  Monhegan island is a small rocky island located about 10 miles from the nearest shore and is reachable only by boat.  It takes a certain grit to live on a small island, and you’ll surely enjoy meeting the local characters that call Monhegan Island home.  There is a charming village, miles of hiking trails, art and history museum, lighthouse and several inns including the historic Monhegan Inn.  Don’t miss one of the recent additions, the Monhegan Brewing Company!  To reach the island you will need to take the Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde, or the Hardy Boat Ferry from New Harbor.

Indoor Delights

Rockland is home to a truly amazing number of world-class museums, making Rockland a great place to head on a rainy day or when the fog rolls in.  But whether visiting in rain or shine, you be fascinated by these great museums.

The Farnsworth Art Museum

The Farnsworth , located on Main Street in Rockland, has a wonderful collection of America’s greatest artists including Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe and many, many more.  The museum has a relaxed atmosphere with muted interior colors and is a wonderful place to relax and appreciate outstanding works of art, master crafts and sculpture.

Just around the corner from (and associated with) the Farnsworth, is the relatively new Wyeth Center that celebrates the life and works of famed artistic family, N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth.  Many of their works portray scenes from the surrounding area and capture the essence of simple life in New England.

General Henry Knox Homestead Museum

Henry Knox Museum, Montpelier by KnoxMuseum.org

Who knows their early American history?  You may well know the names John Adams, Paul Revere and John Hancock, but your eduction is incomplete unless you also know the pivotal roles that General Henry Knox played American Revolution.  He served beside George Washington as first as Chief Artillery Officer; later a General in the United States Army; and ultimately, the first Secretary of War in President Washington’s cabinet.  He was a brilliant and loyal officer who served from the very first day of the revolution to the last.   After leaving Washington DC, he built a magnificent mansion, Montpelier, perched high on a hill in Thomaston.  Today the Knox Museum is housed in the re-creation building is of 1929, a replica of the original Montpelier, built in 1794, and well worth seeing.

Owls Head Transportation Museum

You could easily spend the whole day in the expansive Owls Head Transportation Museum that celebrates all manor of transport made prior to 1940.  What is so remarkable, is that the collection of vehicles, airplanes, bicycles, and exhibits are accessible, just an arms-length away from visitors.  In fact, on a sunny day you may just see one of their vintage cars gliding down Route 1 or a biplane doing loops overhead, as many of their collection are kept in tip top operating condition.  This museum “blew our minds” with the scope and completeness of it’s collection – simply amazing. It has every mode of transportation you’ve thought of and many you never knew existed.  Anyone who is fascinated by vintage race cars, early airplanes and the development of wheeled transportation, should not miss this very entertaining museum.  Their summer calendar is full of fascinating events, so check their website.

Maine Lighthouse Museum

In a prominent location beside the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in downtown Rockland, the Maine Lighthouse Museum celebrates the many iconic lighthouses that dot the rugged coast of Maine, as well as life saving and Coast Guard services.  With 65 lighthouses still standing in Maine, there are lots of interest artifacts to view and stories to learn about the lights, the lighthouse keepers and their families, and the bravery of those in maritime lifesaving services.  This museum has jaw-dropping number of beautiful and intricate lighthouse lenses, considered to be the jewels of the coast.

Sip and Savor Craft Beverages

Midcoast Maine is home to some outstanding vineyards.  Here are four top wine producers to seek out during your vacation.

Breakwater Vineyards in Thomaston Perched on a knoll with sweeping views down to Rockland Harbor, this is elegant vineyard is a wonderful spot for sampling very fine wines and cider produced by Breakwater Vineyards.  From a lively unoaked Chardonnay, to their popular Black Cap Cider that is slightly effervescent and dry, to smooth full-bodied and satisfying reds, Breakwater produces a wide array of outstanding wines. Blueberries also make an appearance with Breakwater Blues, a wine made exclusively from berries and no grapes. After sipping their wines and cider take a stroll out to the comfortable patio and perhaps meet the goats!

Cellardoor Vineyards Just north of Camden, in Lincolnville you will find Cellardoor Vineyards overlooking rolling vistas of green.  Here is a vineyard, event center, and state-of-the-art winery.  They produce a variety of wines from cold-hardy hybrid grapes grown on their property, as well as many varieties crafted from grapes imported from the finest vineyards in America.

Savage Oaks Vineyard and Winery   A 20 minute ride inland along Route 17 from Rockland will bring you to this traditional farm and vineyard.  Buddy and Holly have a diverse operation, from picturesque belted Galway cows, to vineyards and wild blueberry fields. They produce over 17 varieties of wines ranging from dry whites and blushes, to full bodied reds and smooth dessert wines, including a gold medal winning oak-aged port. You can also purchase farm raised beef and pork.   And be sure to check their website for very popular music in the fields concert series.

Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery   Owners Keith and Constance Bodine, have been producing craft spirits here since 2005. With degrees in engineering and after Keith earned his Masters in wine making from UC Davis, this energetic couple returned to Maine to open Maine’s first winery/distillery. Their production includes a wide variety of wines from dry to sweet, spirits from brandy to “smashes”, Three Crow Rum and Back River Gin. Their hard cider is dry and delicious, reminiscent of a slightly fruity, effervescent Pinot Grigio. With acres of apple orchards, they also produce a wonderful Apple Brandy and their signature Maple Smash for fall.

Best Dining Experiences

There are just so many wonderful restaurants to choose from, you really can’t go wrong.  But, here’s a small sampling of some unique experiences.

McLoon’s Lobster Shack on Spruce Head Island

McLoon’s Lobstah Shack has arguably the most beautiful setting of all the seafood shacks in Maine.  This cheerful spot came about as a result of the family’s wholesale lobster business; sending fresh Maine lobsters to restaurants along America’s Atlantic coast.  McLoon’s is truly a trap-to-table operation, as it’s common to see local lobstermen pulling up to the dock and unloading their morning’s catch.  Come for the lobster, come for the view, you’ll hate to leave.  Be sure to download the directions off their website as the journey to McLoon’s is a long, winding and scenic road!

Marriner’s Restaurant Camden Marriner’s Seafood Restaurant on Main Street in downtown Camden is a perfectly nice casual restaurant for breakfast or lunch with ample portions of delicious down-home cuisine.  BUT, what sets them apart is the chance to eat on the upstairs outside deck overlooking the Camden harbor.  This is the only place I know of where you can sit right on top of an active waterfall!  Marriner’s deck is built over Megunticook Falls that flows from upper Main Street to the harbor waters below.  The force of the water (and sound of rushing water will vary depending on recent snow melt and summer rain.

The Brass Compass in Rockland Located on Main Street in Rockland, this is THE place to head for breakfast or lunch.  If you have a hankering for seafood for breakfast, no problem, you’ll find lots of delicious options here and the portions are huge!  And yes, the rumor is true, Lynn did slap down Bobbie Flay in a Lobster Club Sandwich challenge.  Trust me, it’s totally delicious and big enough to share.

Primo Restaurant For fine dining make your reservation well in advance at Primo in Rockland.  This restaurant has reached cult-like status in Maine.  When Martha stops by on her drive north, you know the food is fresh, imaginative and delicious.  Chef Kelly was a pioneer in farm-to-table settings long before it became a fad.  Arrive early and tour the farm – it’s amazing (as is the food here).  If you don’t have luck making a reservation, try the casual upstairs Counter Room and Bar for a light dinner.

A Detour Well Worth Taking! – Thomaston, Owls Head, St. Georges & Port Clyde

It is simply astounding how many wonderful things there are to do on this small peninsula stretching off Route 1 at Thomaston.  Turn off Rt 1 at Buttermilk Lane and follow to Rt 73.  Spend the day visiting the Knox Museum, Owls Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head Lighthouse, Breakwater Winery, McLoon’s Lobster Shack and Port Clyde Outfitters. Wow!

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Midcoast Maine Visitors Guide

Last Updated on March 23, 2023

Maine is part of the distinct domain of New England – proud and independent, rich in history, and bold in spirit. Known for its lighthouses , lobster , and blueberries, Maine offers rugged coastlines, crisp breezes, craft brews, and creamy chowders made with shellfish fresh from the sea.

The scenery of Midcoast Maine from Brunswick to just north of Searsport offers its own drama. Complete with postcard-perfect villages, modest farmhouses, and rocky landscaped harbors.

Along Highway One, picturesque, quintessential Midcoast Maine is on display in all her finery. Craggy bluffs, spans of sandy beach, and lush farmland offer a backdrop to a genuine and original American experience.

Midcoast Maine includes the coastal counties of Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Sagadahoc, and the northern coastal portion of Cumberland County.

There are more than 3000 islands off the coast of Maine, and over 2000 of them exist off the Midcoast region. A ferry service travels to some of the islands like Vinalhaven, Isle au Haut, and Islesboro. Others, like Deer Island and Georgetown Island, are reachable by bridge. Still, others are only reachable by kayak or boat.

In addition, classic wooden schooners and private yachts sail throughout the island waters. And with so many islands to explore, many never chart the same course twice.

Linking the seaside communities through Midcoast Maine, Route One offers a road tripper’s paradise. The highway takes visitors past lakes, ponds, rivers, and along the magnificent Atlantic coastline. And it leads to breathtakingly beautiful state parks. Rich in maritime history, nature and wildlife, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table culinary choices, the Midcoast region is the heart and soul of Maine.

Visit a State Park

Midcoast Maine is home to Reid State Park and Popham Beach State Park , where two of Maine’s most scenic beaches are located. Reid State Park has the distinct honor of being Maine’s first state-owned saltwater beach. It is also one of Maine’s most popular parks, especially if you want to explore endless beach sand and rugged coastline.

Located on Georgetown Island, this Midcoast park boasts sand dunes, rare in Maine, plus rocky tide pools, salt marshes, and a tidal lagoon. Bathrooms and a picnic area are near the parking lot.

Popham Beach State Park, in Phippsburg, is less than an hour away from Reid State Park. It has a long stretch of sandy beach. Grab your beach chair, a good book, and a snack for a blissful afternoon of seaside relaxation.

Damariscotta Lake in Jefferson is a freshwater lake. The State Park provides plenty of picnic tables and grills to enjoy a full day in the sand and sun.

Take a Windjammer Cruise

Operating out of Camden and Rockland Harbors, a fleet of majestic wooden schooners sail to the islands in the bay waters off the Midcoast of Maine. These windjammers ferry passengers for the sheer enjoyment of participating in sailing as in an age gone by.

The windjammer’s journey around the islands off the coast of Maine is like sailing past the historic playgrounds of both pirates and patriots. Lighthouse-illuminated capes hug rocky shorelines, and beachside vistas embrace emerald pastures on this postcard-worthy voyage. Naturalists enhance the sailing experience with onboard presentations.

The Maine Windjammer Association (MWA) represents nine of these classic boats, from the renovated 150-year-old Lewis R. French to the Angelique , a boat built in 1980 that was modeled after a vessel of yesteryear. The Angelique’s distinct crimson sails provide a majestic scene that harkens back to a golden age of sailing.

Cruising on one of the MWA’s schooners along Midcoast Maine and through its islands is an adventure. The exhilaration you’ll feel when the wind fills the sails and sends the boat racing through pristine waters is a feeling that cannot be described. It must be experienced.

Cruises begin in late May and sail through mid-October. Guests can choose a cruise that sails anywhere from 3 to 6 days. There are even themed cruises that feature lighthouses, yoga and wellness, the Perseids Meteor Shower, and fall foliage. The excursions are all-inclusive, featuring fresh seafood and gourmet dishes, visits to small villages and state parks, and the opportunity to see some stunning scenery.

Each vessel is independently owned and crewed by well-trained personnel eager to share their joy of sailing with you. Guests are invited to participate in all shipboard activities by helping to raise or lower the sails, learning how to tie nautical knots, taking a turn at the wheel, and reviewing navigation with the captain.

Visit Maine Maritime Museum

Located on the grounds of the former Percy and Small Shipyards, where the largest schooner in the world was launched in 1909, the Maine Maritime Museum’s 20-acre campus offers indoor and outdoor exhibits, lectures, films, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages. This is the best place to discover Maine’s authentic maritime history, legacies, and lore in Bath, the “City of Ships.”

Also based out of the Maine Maritime Museum is a lighthouse and nature cruise that provides one of the best ways to see Midcoast Maine’s beautiful scenery. You can purchase tickets from the museum and take one of the daily cruises aboard the comfortable “Merrymeeting.”

This fully narrated 3-hour cruise offers you an opportunity to enjoy the Kennebec River’s abundant wildlife, see lobstermen at work hauling traps, get an up-close look at 10 of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses, and sail past the famous Bath Iron Works, all in one excursion.

Explore Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Flowers in Midcoast Maine thrive naturally thanks to its coastal influence. And nowhere do its flowers shine more than in the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens .

The Gardens began in 1991 when a small group of Midcoast residents envisioned a world-class public garden built on 148 acres of rocky coastal forest in Boothbay. Officially opened in 2007, the Gardens now ranks as one of Midcoast Maine’s most popular tourist attractions. Today the Gardens comprise more than 300 acres. In addition, 17 of the gardens feature plants native to Maine.

Hidden throughout the gardens are giant-sized trolls representing a part of a tree. Known as the “Guardians of the Seeds,” every troll tells a story about why trees are so important to the planet. Other fascinating features include the Native Butterfly and Moth House, The Children’s Garden, the Learning Apiary and Native Bee Exhibit, the Fairy House Village, and the Rhododendron and Perennial Garden.

There’s so much to see and do here; it’s easy to spend a day exploring it all. Thankfully, an onsite café provides guests with a place to fill up and restore. Advanced reservations are required, and tickets can be purchased online.

Eat a Lobster Roll or 2 or 3

Maine prides itself as the “Lobster State,” and the lobster roll is the ubiquitous food option on many restaurant menus. But the best place to eat a lobster roll is at one of Midcoast Maine’s iconic lobster shacks found along the coast throughout the region.

A lobster roll consists of lobster meat served on a grilled hot dog-style bun. Common ingredients mixed with the lobster meat include mayonnaise, butter, celery, onions, and the occasional tartar sauce. Eaten like a hot dog, lobster rolls can be messy.

• Five Islands Lobster Company serves its popular rolls out of a small building on a working fishing wharf on Sheepscot Bay. Expect a line out the door on any day during the busy summer.
• Red’s Eats at the water’s edge in Wiscasset bills itself as the “most famous restaurant on Route 1.” Judging by the long line of people waiting to sink their teeth into Red’s lobster roll, we would agree! Voted Maine’s #1 Lobster Roll 2020 in Down East Magazine’s Reader’s Choice also helps stake their claim to fame.
• Musongus Bay Lobster in Round Pond overlooks the scenic Round Pond Harbor. This favorite local spot opens from late May to early October, so catch them during the summer season. They serve their heaping lobster roll on a bakery fresh grilled, butter split top.

Taste Local Wine

While Midcoast Maine may not seem like wine country, wine lovers can easily make a day of wine tasting in this gorgeous slice of the state.

• Sweetgrass Farm and Distillery produces wines made from Maine’s abundant fruit. Offerings like Wild Mane Blueberry Sangria, Cranberry Smash, and Maine Cranberry Apple Hard Cider are just a few of the choices on the tasting menu. They even make a Back River Gin, made in the London tradition with a Maine twist – blackberries. Visit their tasting room at the winery in Union, Maine, just 30-minutes from Camden or Rockland.
• Cellardoor Winery , located in picturesque Lincolnville, is less than ten miles from Camden. The winery produces wines from estate-grown hybrid grapes that tolerate the cold climate. They also produce a variety of wines with grapes sourced from Washington, New York, and California. The stunning tasting room provides comfortable seating and views of the vineyard. But the outdoor balcony seating provides the best views of Cellardoor’s gorgeous landscape.

Explore Midcoast Maine Small Towns

Midcoast Maine offers some of the prettiest, most iconic small towns on the Eastern coast of the United States. Part of your visit to this region should include plenty of time to stop along the way, get out of your car, and take in the small-town feel of life here.

• Bath , known as the City of Ships, features a historic, walkable downtown overlooking the Kennebec River. Home to the Bath Iron Works, where hundreds of vessels have been built since it first opened in 1884, Bath’s maritime history is rich. Self-guided walking tour maps are available online. The guided walking tour by Embark , led by an educator, not only takes visitors through the historic downtown but it also shares numerous stories about the sea captains and shipbuilders who lived here over the centuries. Bath is also home to the Maine Maritime Museum.
• You can’t help driving through Wiscasset as you travel north to Camden or Bar Harbor. Well-known as the prettiest village in Maine, Wiscasset overlooks the Sheepscot River. Well-maintained homes designed in classic New England architecture line the main highway leading to Wiscasset’s historic downtown. Red’s Eats, one of Midcoast Maine’s most popular lobster roll shacks, is here.
• Camden , the self-dubbed “Jewel of the Coast,” sits in the natural shelter of Camden Harbor on West Penobscot Bay. Several of the Maine Windjammer Association schooners sail out of Camden. Therefore, it’s not unusual to see some of these gorgeous wooden sailing ships in the harbor before a sail. The 18th-century Historic District is filled with dozens of boutique shops, restaurants, breweries, and shaded parks overlooking the harbor.
• Stonington on Deer Isle is one of Maine’s highest-producing lobster harbors. Despite the busy fishing wharf, Stonington retains a small hometown feel. 19th-century buildings line the narrow, winding streets of downtown. Immaculate, brightly painted houses built up the hill from the main street overlooking the harbor.

Dine Out in Midcoast Maine

Maine has more than green forests and rocky coastlines. Its food alone is worth a road trip. Here are four favorites from Bath to Camden.

• Bath, a small Midcoast Maine town, has a big American past. Known as the City of Ships, it boasts historic homes of sea captains and shipbuilders. But its charming, vibrant downtown Main Street has one of the best places to eat. Bruno’s Wood-fired Pizzeria is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. The staff is wickedly fast and attentive for in-restaurant dining or takeout. A lengthy, well-stocked bar indoors is complemented by an open fireplace. Live music plays on the backyard patio, where al fresco dining is available. Try their Greek salad, and BBQ chicken pizza, and one of their classic, well-made Manhattans.
• If you want to experience Midcoast Maine’s amazing culinary scene, then you will appreciate eating locally, and Ada’s Kitchen in Rockland is one place not to be missed. This Italian restaurant and lounge on Main Street in downtown Rockland serve handmade pasta, meatballs, pizza, and craft cocktails. Named for the chef’s grandmother, Ada’s has indoor and outdoor dining. Live music near the back parking lot attracts locals who come to tailgate and order take-out food and drinks from Ada’s back patio window. Cats and kids are welcome.
• For over forty years, the Waterfront has delighted locals and visitors to Midcoast Maine. The restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients and locally sourced meat, seafood, and produce. They bake all their own bread and desserts daily. The outdoor wooden patio pier provides guests with the best view in Camden as ancient, maritime schooners glide by while you dine.

Sample Midcoast Maine Wild Blueberries

If you’ve ticked the lighthouse tour off your list and eaten your share of lobster rolls, you’ll want to try some of this delicious fruit to hit the Maine trifecta.

The wild blueberry, native to Maine, is sometimes called the low-bush blueberry. Juicier and more flavorful than its high-bush cousin, the wild Maine blueberry is harvested by rake. The season generally runs from late July into early September.

And there are lots of ways to enjoy the sun-ripened, freshly harvested berries. Farm stands selling baskets piled high with blueberries dot the sides of the main highway up and down Midcoast Maine during the season.

But don’t worry if you can’t visit during peak blueberry season. You’ll find plenty of blueberry pies, muffins, and jams on the menu throughout the year.

Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum

Fans of maritime lighthouse memorabilia will want to pay a visit to the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland. Proud home of the largest collection of Fresnel lighthouse lenses, the museum is also the most important landmark collection of lighthouse artifacts and Coast Guard memorabilia in the United States.

Located in Rockland, Maine, an official Coast Guard city, the Museum’s collection is so large you’ll need to allow plenty of time to see it all. Fortunately, the Museum recently added a restaurant, the Park Street Grille, for the benefit of its hungry customers.

You will enjoy the priceless collection of mementos that pay tribute to America’s lighthouse heritage and the men and women who dedicated their lives to sending out light to keep others safe at sea.

Local Pottery Studios

Maine’s craftsmen/women take their work seriously. And pottery is one of the most popular items that these artisans produce. As you drive up Highway One, you’ll come across several small roadside studios featuring colorful, handmade works. From decorative pieces to functional plates and serving dishes, visitors will find something to take home.

One of the most popular potteries in this stretch of Maine is Georgetown Pottery . The original location, where all the pottery is made, is on Highway 127 on Georgetown Island. Here you’ll find dishes decorated with blueberries, lighthouses, sailboats, ocean scenes, and birch trees.

Customers easily spend an hour or two or three wandering through the showroom admiring the many beautiful works of art.

Portland City & Lighthouse Tour

Although technically not in the Midcoast region, many visitors start or end their journey to the Midcoast with a stopover in Portland . If you do stop here, get to know delightful Greater Portland and Casco Bay with the Portland City and Lighthouse Tour . Hop on board the open-air “Discovery” trolley and enjoy a humorous, fully narrated, 105-minute tour of this darling city, the former capital of the “Pine Tree State.”

You’ll be driven through Portland’s city streets past the childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, architecturally classic mansions once occupied by ship captains, and the bustling Old Port.

The tour continues around Casco Peninsula to the rocky coast for a 30-minute stop at Portland Headlight. Here you’ll find a lighthouse project commissioned in 1790 by George Washington to illuminate Cape Elizabeth as a beacon to ocean travelers.

The closest major airports are in Portland, Maine, Bangor, Maine, and Boston, Massachusetts. To properly explore Midcoast Maine, you’ll need a car.

If your start your tour of Midcoast Maine in Portland, your best bet for accommodations is a stay in the Portland Harbor Hotel . Conveniently located in the Old Port District, the Portland Harbor Hotel is just a block from the waterfront. Housed in a historic brick building, the hotel is newly renovated with sleek wood floors and cozy coastal themes. While the hotel feels quaint and cozy, the rooms provide luxury accommodations.

The Hampton Inn in Bath provides an ideal location for visiting Bath’s historic downtown and the Maine Maritime Museum. Best of all, the hotel overlooks the scenic Kennebec River. A four-story building, the hotel’s brick exterior resembles classic New England architecture. The hotel features 94 modern, spacious rooms. Free parking, free breakfast, and an indoor pool are just a few of the amenities available.

With so much to see and do in Midcoast Maine, it’s easy to spend a week or two or all summer long in this stretch of the Pine Tree State. Midcoast Maine and its Islands are lovely any time of year, but summer remains the most popular season. Hotels book up early, and visitors are advised to plan ahead.

Windjammer cruises continue to draw visitors to Midcoast Maine. But with nine Maine Windjammer Association schooners to choose from and plenty of sailings from May through October, visitors will find abundant cruises to choose from.

For more information on planning your trip, the Visit Maine website provides a comprehensive guide for would-be visitors. Here you’ll find abundant information on outdoor activities, popular attractions, state and national parks, food, and drink, where to stay, and trip ideas to help plan your itinerary. The website even provides specific guides to finding the best lobster, Maine wildlife, and its iconic lighthouses. The Midcoast Maine and Islands website also provides readers with excellent resources.

So, whether you’re a maritime history buff, lighthouse fanatic, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or a sailor at heart, Midcoast Maine and its Islands are waiting for you.

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Sunset Sailing Cruise includes snacks & drinks

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Portland, Maine Madness Scavenger Hunt

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10 best places to visit in Maine

Apr 27, 2023 • 6 min read

Maine's slogan is “the way life should be,” and these are the best places in the state to visit to experience just that © Thomas H. Mitchell / Getty Images

Come for the lobster and lighthouses, stay for the granite peaks and tranquil woodlands. With the slogan, “the way life should be,” Maine is a place that will capture your heart. 

From its northern waterways and mountain peaks to its southern sandy beaches and lobster rolls, Maine should be on everyone’s travel list. Here’s our guide to the 10 best places to visit in the Pine Tree State.

1. Baxter State Park

Best place for mountain hiking.

A highlight of Maine’s central highlands, Baxter State Park comprises 210,000 acres of wilderness. Most people visit the park to hike Mt Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

A strenuous and day-long hike up the 5267ft granite peak yields incredible views of Maine’s vast wilderness and bragging rights. Baxter State Park is also home to miles of easier hiking trails, ponds perfect for canoeing and moose spotting, and several campgrounds with cabins, lean-tos and tent spots.

2. Acadia National Park

Best place for wild swimming.

The first national park east of the Mississippi River, Acadia National Park is one of the most popular national parks in New England thanks to its soaring granite peaks, dramatic rocky coastline and inner woodlands. Located on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s rocky coastline, Acadia National Park features 26 mountain peaks, including Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the North Atlantic seaboard. Drive or hike Cadillac Mountain to watch the epic sunrise as it wakes the country up. 

Visit Sand Beach or Echo Lake for swimming and choose from an abundance of hiking trails of various difficulties. Zip along the historic carriage trails by foot, bicycle or horseback. 

Planning tip: Once you’re done working up a sweat, enjoy delicious world-famous popovers at the Jordan Pond House . Of course, you’ll find lobster on every menu through the charming town of Bar Harbor and across the island.

3. Portland

Best place for city lovers.

Portland , Maine’s largest city, is home to award-winning restaurants and breweries and is known for its lobster and seafood. For a unique twist on lobster, stop by Highroller Lobster Co. and try their Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco or Lobby Pop. 

Start your morning with a coffee and donuts from Hifi Donuts before walking and shopping your way through the historic cobblestone streets of the Old Port. Get active by hopping on one of Summer Feet Cycling’s bike tours out to the scenic Portland Head Light. Portland has more breweries per capita than any other city in the US. Enjoy a pint with the locals at Bissell Brothers , Allagash Brewing Company  and  Rising Tide Brewing Company . 

4. Camden and Rockland

Best for quintessential seaside towns.

The small coastal towns of Camden and Rockland in midcoast Maine are quintessential seaside towns where the lobster is freshly caught that day, the old homes once belonged to old sea captains and everyone knows everyone’s name. 

For the picture-perfect view of Camden Harbor, hike to the top of 780ft Mt Battie in Camden Hills State Park .

In Rockland, visit the Farnsworth Art Museum to discover the beautiful paintings of the American painter Andrew Wyeth. Grab your morning coffee and enjoy the ocean air while you walk the nearly 1-mile stone breakwater to the historic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse that welcomes ships into Rockland Harbor.

5. Carrabassett Valley

Best for outdoor sports.

Maine’s northwestern mountains are a ski bum’s paradise. Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the largest ski areas east of the Rocky Mountains, offering 2820 ft of vertical drop and more than 1240 skiable acres. It's the East Coast winter playground of champions, including Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Seth Wescott. During the warmer months, you’ll see tons of mountain bikes zipping around the miles of downhill and cross-country trails throughout the region.

Planning tip: If you prefer a slightly slower pace, the 80-mile network of trails with Maine Huts and Trails is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Maine’s woodlands with some of the comforts of home.

6. Kennebunkport

Best place for beaches.

The picturesque town of Kennebunkport, in southern Maine, is nestled along the banks of the Kennebunk River and the rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a plethora of water-based activities, from whale-watching to kayaking to lobster tours.

To catch a glimpse of yesteryear, visit the family-friendly Seashore Trolley Museum . Nearby Kennebunk and Ogunquit (named by the Abenaki and meaning “the beautiful place by the sea”) are home to miles of sandy beaches perfect for a hot summer day.

7. Freeport

Best place for shopping.

No visit to Maine is complete without a selfie with the famous LL Bean Boot in Freeport. A 20-minute drive north of Portland, Freeport is home to some of Maine’s best outlet shopping and is the headquarters of LL Bean . 

Once you’ve purchased your duck boots and flannel, it’s time to visit Freeport’s surrounding state parks. Spot nesting ospreys, smell the salty marsh and walk through the woodlands in the many different ecosystems in Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park . 

Planning tip: Freeport is also home to one of Maine’s most surprising attractions,  the Desert of Maine . Because of poor agricultural practices, a hidden glacial desert was exposed in the 1800s.

8. Quoddy Head State Park

Best place for whale watching .

The United States’s easternmost lighthouse is one of Maine’s most iconic. Built in 1808, the red-and-white, candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse overlooks the rocky coastline in Lubec.  Quoddy Head State Park encompasses 532 acres on the easternmost point of land in the US and is popular with Mainers for its incredible oceanside hiking and whale watching. 

Planning tip: Bring your passport and hop over to Campobello Island, a short drive over the border in Canada, to learn more about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and their historic summer home.

9. Moosehead Lake

Best place for rustic relaxation.

While Maine’s coastline might be its main attraction, its highlands and wilderness really steal the show. Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, and it offers activities as well as rustic relaxation. Rent a cabin or pitch a tent and enjoy a quiet time by the water exploring the miles of hiking trails, streams for fly fishing and lots of watersports. 

Planning tip: Stop in Greenville to pick up ingredients for s'mores because you’ll want to build a campfire and stargaze in the dark sky. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the Milky Way. 

10. Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Best place to escape on an epic canoeing trip.

For a true off-the-grid wilderness experience, set off in a canoe on the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine. In the heart of Aroostook County, or as native Mainers call it, “The County,” the Allagash Wilderness Waterway starts in Telos and ends in the tiny town of Allagash. Unplug from your phone and society and take in the incredible beauty of northern Maine while you’re on one of the country’s premier canoe trips.

Planning tip: The canoe trip takes a week to 10 days (depending on the season) and is best for experienced paddlers. 

This article was first published August 2021 and updated April 2023

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16 most romantic getaways in maine.

Coastal towns and charming inns provide the perfect setting for a romantic getaway in Maine.

Most Romantic Getaways in Maine

Courtesy of Cliff House Maine

The Cliff House Maine in Cape Neddick exudes romance.

Maine is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, offering breathtaking views, lovely beaches , cozy resorts, charming bed-and-breakfasts , historic villages and inspiring landscapes for scenic hikes. Grab your sweetheart and experience the romantic opportunities Maine has to offer at these idyllic towns, hotels and restaurants.

Romantic Getaways in Maine

• Cliff House Maine
• Berry Manor Inn
• Glenmoor by the Sea

Kennebunkport

• Harraseeket Inn

Moosehead Lake

• Sebasco Harbor Resort

Old Port, Portland

• Dockside Guest Quarters
• Samoset Resort
• The Craignair Inn by the Sea

Boothbay Harbor

• Bear Mountain Inn + Barn

Cliff House Maine: Cape Neddick

When it comes to romantic getaways in Maine, the Cliff House is unmatched. The expansive 70-acre resort is perched atop Bald Head Cliff with sprawling ocean views, 226 rooms and suites, a luxury spa, a wellness center, and an oceanfront restaurant. If you love to unwind by the pool with your special someone, you're in luck. The Cliff House features two seasonal outdoor pools and two hot tubs, in addition to a year-round indoor swimming pool and hot tub. Guests can choose from rooms with private balconies, spacious suites or the Weare Cottage for larger groups (complete with a full kitchen and dining room). Be sure to take home a souvenir from the Spoondrift gift shop to remember your romantic escape.

Off-property activities include golfing, biking, hiking, river kayaking, fishing, lobstering trips, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more.

Address: 591 Shore Road, Cape Neddick, ME 03902

Berry Manor Inn: Rockland

Courtesy of Jumping Rocks, Berry Manor Inn

When it comes to romantic getaways, the Berry Manor Inn is hard to beat. The lavishly decorated rooms at this Victorian bed-and-breakfast feature four-poster beds draped with satin, fringed window sconces, lace curtains, handcarved wooden headboards and floral wallpaper. While in your room, cozy up with your main squeeze by the in-room fireplace, relax with your favorite book in the comfortable reading chair or lounge around in the lush robe. Room rates include a full breakfast, evening sweets, access to a guest pantry (stocked with tea, coffee, pie and ice cream), turndown service, concierge service and parking. Recent visitors rave about the fresh-baked pie and ice cream.

Turn up the heat with the "Special Occasion" package that includes a romantic guest room, breakfast, a dozen long-stemmed roses, chocolates, sparkling cider and rose petals. The inn is situated in the historic district of Rockland, and travelers can check out the area's art galleries, diverse restaurants, seasonal festivals and iconic lighthouses while visiting.

Address: 81 Talbot Ave., Rockland, ME 04841

Glenmoor by the Sea: Lincolnville

This waterfront inn on Maine's midcoast is the picture-perfect setting for an enchanting vacation with the one you love. The unique selection of lodging options includes rooms at the motel, suites at the inn and cottages. Amenities at Glenmoor by the Sea include continental breakfast (delivered to your room – a favorite feature of recent guests), free Wi-Fi, parking, laundry, a fitness facility, access to the private rocky beach, tennis courts and a pool. Some of the adorable white cottages provide unobstructed views of Penobscot Bay and in-room fireplaces.

Couples can explore the surrounding areas and enjoy hiking at Camden Hills State Park, sit down for an authentic Maine lobster and seafood experience at McLaughlin's Lobster Shack (open from April to October), go shopping for snacks at Lincolnville General Store, buy locally made lavender products at Glendarragh Farm, cruise the water on a sailboat or schooner, or visit a local museum.

Address: 2143 Atlantic Highway, Lincolnville, ME 04849

Read: The Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

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The charming town of Camden is an idyllic destination for a romantic escape with its location on the beautiful Maine coastline. It's full of rich history with a historic district, a renovated opera house, an 1830s lighthouse and 19th-century architecture. The area also features several hiking trails with views of the harbor and the bay. During the winter, Camden is home to the only ski area on the East Coast with a view of the Atlantic Ocean – the Camden Snow Bowl. Take your loved one by the hand and stroll through downtown Camden, stopping in the various shops, restaurants and cafes. Couples can dine on fresh lobster during the warmer months at Peter Ott's on the Water, take a scenic cruise around the harbor aboard the Lively Lady or visit picturesque Curtis Island.

Where to stay: The luxurious Camden Harbour Inn offers deluxe suites, stunning views, upscale amenities and fine dining that will make this vacation one to remember.

Another boutique hotel, just steps from the water, is the Lord Camden Inn. Located downtown, this elegant inn offers suites with fireplaces and complimentary breakfast – plus it puts visitors within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the waterfront. According to recent visitors, the staff is very friendly and helpful, offering excellent recommendations of the area.

Kennebunkport is a coastal town in southern Maine with gorgeous beaches, a rustic stone church dating back to 1892, a quintessential Maine lighthouse and a lobster fishing village. You will feel the romance in the air as you explore local attractions including the alluring Lower Village, Dock Square, Ocean Avenue and Cape Porpoise. Couples can go whale watching, witness the blowing cave and spouting rock, visit the summer home of former President George H. W. Bush, or browse the unique shops.

Where to stay: Kennebunkport accommodations include the quaint and historic 1802 House Bed & Breakfast Inn. This Colonial inn offers a quiet retreat for twosomes to spend quality time together. With landscaped gardens, comfortable rooms with fireplaces and jetted tubs, and a three-course breakfast, this is the place to relax and unwind. Recent lodgers praised the welcoming staff and loved that the inn is a close walk to town.

Harraseeket Inn: Freeport

Sweethearts will love the 94-room, family-owned Harraseeket Inn located in the heart of Freeport Village. With an outdoor heated pool, in-room fireplaces, fitness center and two restaurants, the inn has all the amenities needed for a memorable weekend respite. You can even bring your fur baby with you and stay in one of the pet-friendly rooms with dog-friendly amenities. Both a daily breakfast buffet and traditional afternoon tea (many say this was a trip highlight) are included. Extras such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, Champagne or roses are available for an added fee. Couples can book standard rooms, deluxe rooms or townhouses.

Address: 162 Main St., Freeport, ME 04032

If you're looking for a place to rekindle the romance, Bar Harbor has just what you need. Located on Mount Desert Island, the town of Bar Harbor offers hiking trails with sweeping views of the town, the bay and nearby Cranberry Islands, as well as scenic beaches, a town pier and plenty of outdoor recreation activities. With its proximity to 47,000-acre Acadia National Park , sweethearts can enjoy each other's company while exploring the woodlands, rocky beaches and granite peaks. Sightings of moose, bears and whales are not uncommon. Start or end your day in Bar Harbor on a romantic note by taking in the sunrise or sunset from Cadillac Mountain.

Where to stay: Overnight accommodations range from hotels , motels and bed-and-breakfasts to glamping, campgrounds, cottages and vacation rentals. The adorable Emery's Cottages on the Shores offers oceanfront views with private beach access. What's more, previous visitors say the sunsets are amazing.

For an upscale, secluded retreat, book a stay at the Balance Rock Inn on the ocean. The beautifully restored inn is reminiscent of the Gilded Age, with luxury accommodations that include antique furnishings and brick fireplaces, opulent decor like stained-glass windows and coffered ceilings, and carefully crafted meals with indoor and outdoor dining options available, not to mention top-notch service.

Moosehead Lake is a perfect place for a romantic weekend with water views, dark skies and plenty of nature to explore. It is situated in northwestern Maine and is the second largest lake in New England. Whether you and your better half want to relax by the lake, work up a sweat on the hiking trails, take an exhilarating whitewater rafting rapids ride, get a bird's-eye view from a seaplane, or just slow down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural environment, Moosehead Lake has it all. Book a casual dinner for two with a view at the Stress Free Moose Pub, Leisure Life Resort & Trailside Restaurant or The Lakeshore House.

Where to stay: If you're looking to stay overnight, duos can sleep in a cabin, bed-and-breakfast, lodge, inn, cottage or RV resort. The lakefront cottages and vacation rentals at Wilsons on Moosehead Lake not only provide full bathrooms and an on-site hot tub, but they also offer guided tours, such as fishing, hunting and sunset cruise excursions. Fishing was a highlight for recent travelers who stayed there.

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Sebasco Harbor Resort: Phippsburg

Courtesy of Sebasco Harbor Resort

Escape and admire the natural beauty of Maine at the Sebasco Harbor Resort. For romantic endeavors, twosomes can go on a sunset cruise, try candlepin bowling, indulge in a lobster bake or sleep in a lighthouse with stunning views. Aside from the lighthouse, guests can opt to stay in the hotel-style Main Lodge, a luxury Harbor Village suite with ocean views or a rustic standalone cottage. Dining includes fresh seafood, casual pub fare and microbrews with a sea breeze at Ledges Pub & Patio (open seasonally).

Address: 29 Kenyon Road, Phippsburg, ME 04562

Although the Old Port district in Portland is a quaint historic neighborhood, it has a lot to offer couples wanting variety while on vacation. Walk hand in hand down cobblestone streets as you admire the historic brick buildings, pop into a gourmet food store for a seafood snack, shop for nautical-themed souvenirs, enjoy the lively nightlife or have a romantic dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Don't miss the brown-butter lobster rolls, fresh oysters or clam bake at Eventide Oyster Co. or the handmade Maine potato doughnuts in enticing flavors at The Holy Donut.

Where to stay: Check in to the award-winning historic boutique hotel The Press Hotel , which flawlessly blends the old with the new. What was once the home of the Portland Press Herald has been converted into modern accommodations with nods to the past (think: typewriters, newspaper print accents and more). Settle in with your sweetheart for a game of Scrabble, admire the art gallery that features local artists' work or stay in bed for snuggles with the cozy Cuddledown comforters. Recent guests appreciate the location, fun decor and friendly staff members, but they warn not to get a room on the same side as the fire station since the sirens can keep you up.

Dockside Guest Quarters: York

Couples who sneak away for a romantic escape at the Dockside Guest Quarters are in for a treat. The waterfront bed-and-breakfast has beautiful views of the York Harbor, a restaurant serving traditional Maine fare, friendly service and unpretentious amenities. The property has five buildings that offer a variety of accommodations, with amenities like private decks, cozy fireplaces, kitchenettes, living rooms, private entrances, water views, dining areas, and washers and dryers. Recent travelers loved this property, praising the porches and views.

Enhance your stay with add-ons such as artisanal chocolates, a dozen roses or bath products to take home. For some on-site fun, duos can take advantage of an array of lawn games, a marina with tours just for inn guests, bikes to borrow or boats to rent. Other activities in the area include historical sites, beautiful beaches and interesting museums.

Address: 22 Harris Island Road, York, ME 03909

Samoset Resort: Rockport

Courtesy of Samoset Resort

Lovebirds visiting the Samoset Resort will be treated to thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites with private balconies and terraces that offer stunning views of Penobscot Bay. At the resort, guests say visitors can expect warm, intuitive service and elegant accommodations. Couples in particular can enjoy oceanfront dining, book a pampering treatment in the spa, play a round of golf together on the 18-hole championship golf course and relax in the zero-entry pool.

When it comes to accommodations, book a nautically inspired oceanfront guest room with a king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds, or a more spacious one-bedroom suite that comes with a private balcony with a hot tub (a favorite feature of recent lodgers), ocean views and spacious sitting area. For a longer stay with even more amenities, one- or two-bedroom condos are available with kitchens, dining areas, private balconies and jetted tubs.

Share laughs and friendly competition with your special someone over a game of disc golf, tennis, shuffleboard, pickleball, badminton, croquet or horseshoes. Or, celebrate a special occasion over an award-winning meal made with seasonal ingredients while taking in the beautiful surroundings. During the winter months, couples should have a cocktail at the Instagram-worthy outdoor Glacier Ice Bar where everything is made of ice – including the bar, barstools, chairs and drink glasses.

Address: 220 Warrenton St., Rockport, ME 04856

For a dreamy coastal Maine getaway, Ogunquit offers world-class dining and resort experiences with sandy beaches, dramatic rocky cliffs and a charming harborside town. Ogunquit means "beautiful place by the sea" in the Indigenous Abenaki language, and its name holds true to its translation. Smell the fresh, salty air as you put your arm around your partner during a coastal cliff walk or wander around the quaint shops, restaurants and galleries of the maritime town. You can also enjoy a romantic dinner at M.C. Perkins Cove in a dimly lit dining room with seaside views.

Explore the town by diving into the history of the area at the Ogunquit Heritage Museum, seeing a live performance at the S. Judson Dunaway Center or taking home a one-of-a-kind piece of art from the Abacus Gallery. Extend your stay with a night at The Beachmere Inn or the Meadowmere Resort, both of which offer the opportunity to cozy up, relax and enjoy some much-needed time alone with the one you love.

Read: The Top Things to Do in Maine

The Craignair Inn by the Sea: Spruce Head

Courtesy of The Craignair Inn by the Sea

The Craignair Inn by the Sea is surrounded by landscape that is stunning during all four seasons. To escape your hectic day-to-day obligations, plan a trip to this quiet escape and take advantage of the hospitality, cozy accommodations, authentic midcoast Maine cuisine and romantic setting at this historic bed-and-breakfast. Visitors highly recommend the food and loved the water views.

Stays include a gourmet breakfast and free Wi-Fi, plus access to a boutique art gallery and a fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Couples can enjoy spending some downtime reading a book from the library, playing the piano or guitar, sipping cocktails by the fire, trying their skill at a puzzle, or gazing out at the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can feel good about their stay since the innkeepers prioritize sustainable travel through electric vehicle charging stations, 100% organic linens, refillable soap and shampoo containers, and solar panels.

Address: 5 Third St., Spruce Head, ME 04859

As with many coastal Maine regions, Boothbay Harbor is a prime location for kayaking, sailing and yachting; it's also home to quaint shops, seafood eateries and historical museums. Rekindle the flame at one of the many inns, hotels, vacation rentals or even campgrounds. Available as a weekly rental in the summer or for shorter time periods other parts of the year, Seanook Cottage features a private dock and four decks in East Boothbay.

Dining in the area ranges from convenience stores and ice cream shops to fine dining and lobster bakes. The Tinnery restaurant, which sits on the site of Boothbay Harbor's old canning district, elevates casual "tinned" food (like sardines) using fresh local ingredients. You'll also find cheese and chocolate fondues on the menu. For romantic escapades in the area, there's no shortage of things to do on the land or water.

Explore the area by bike or boat, walk along the Boothbay Harbor Sculpture Trail, take a ferry to see puffins and seals, follow the historic walking tour throughout Boothbay Harbor, or ride an authentic steam locomotive. If you're visiting during the winter, grab a ticket to see the beautiful Christmas lights display at the nearby Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Bear Mountain Inn + Barn: Waterford

Molly Breton | Courtesy of Bear Mountain Inn + Barn

The Bear Mountain Inn + Barn is set in a stunning wooded landscape at the base of Maine's White Mountains with easy access to a nearby lake. The 25-acre property dates back to 1850 and provides a modern farmhouse retreat that is perfect for a romantic interlude. A variety of rooms are available at the inn; amenities include water views, oversized fireplaces and jetted tubs. For a more private getaway, the Sugar Maple Cottage is a freestanding building with lake views, a clawfoot tub, a kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace, a private patio, a fire pit and a porch.

A signature three-course breakfast is included with the room rates, and the property offers a host of activity options and amenities, such as a beach with a floating dock, hammocks and rocking chairs, daily snacks, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and even a private massage cottage. Recent visitors gushed about this property, with some describing it as an experience straight out of a fairytale.

Address: 364 Waterford Road, Waterford, ME 04088

You might also be interested in:

• The Most Romantic Getaways in Vermont
• The Most Romantic Getaways in New Hampshire
• The Best Weekend Getaways in New England

22 Romantic Hotels Worth a Stay

Tags: Travel , New England Vacations , Couples Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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17 BEST Coastal Towns in Maine to Visit

Looking for the best coastal towns in Maine ? Choose one of these for your next getaway!

Maine has over 3,500 miles of coastline stretching from the Canadian border in the north down to New Hampshire in the south. Along this coast are numerous quaint, charming villages and towns to explore.

Each coastal community has its own charm, attractions, and unique features. Whether you’re planning a road trip along the Maine coast or you’re looking for a place to vacation on the oceanfront, check out this list of the best coastal towns in Maine — listed from north to south.

If you’re up north — way north — you have to check out Lubec. It is the easternmost town in the United States, so close to Canada that you can see it in the distance from the shore.

Lubec Maine is the perfect town to visit if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a gorgeous coastline, natural beauty, and a peaceful rural landscape, it is a wonderful town to explore and unplug from technology.

Cutler is a sleepy coastal town with amazing ocean views and a tranquil setting. With nearly 5 miles of cliffs along the shoreline, the town offers impressive landscapes.

The cliffs and shoreline aren’t the only natural attractions in Cutler. There are blueberry barrens, forests to hike in, and wildlife to spot in numerous meadows. Bring a pair of binoculars and hiking gear to explore this lovely town.

Machiasport

Another small town along the Downeast coast, Machiasport prides itself on its fishing industry history. You’ll see fishing boats docked in the water because the industry is still alive and well.

Machiasport is a great stop for history lovers, featuring Fort O’Brien Historical Park , the Machiasport Historical Society , and Liberty Hall . Plus, stop by Jasper Beach , a stone and gravel beach that is a wonderful place to scour for unique rocks and listen to the pebbles tumble around in the gentle surf.

Jonesport Maine has been a thriving fishing and lobstering community since the early 19th century. This coastal town offers stunning water views, friendly locally-owned shops, delectable restaurants, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The town is a wonderful stop to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of a true fishing village.

Winter Harbor

Don’t let the winter part of this town’s name scare you off. Winter Harbor has a plethora of outdoor activities for visitors.

From lobster festivals to music and arts festivals, there’s always something fun happening in this quaint town. Activities like kayaking, bicycling, and hiking are all favorites for locals and tourists alike.

Sorrento is a town of fewer than 300 residents, but there’s no shortage of fun activities in this coastal gem.

There’s a nine-hole golf course that’s been active for over 100 years and plenty of water activities, like kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and swimming. On land, you can enjoy hiking trails, bird-watching, and shoreline walks.

Bar Harbor is one of Maine’s most well-known coastal towns because it has lots of activities and is home to colleges and the famous Acadia National Park . Bar Harbor has numerous restaurants with something for every palate — from delightful breakfast diners to seafood to Italian.

The picturesque Bar Harbor downtown has family-run shops and ice cream stands. And, the town has long been a favorite of tourists because it’s the closest lodging option to Acadia National Park, featuring some enchanting bed and breakfasts and inns .

This coastal town is a bit more active and bustling than some of the other coastal towns, but it has the same quintessential Maine atmosphere.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter than Bar Harbor to set up your base camp for a visit to Acadia National Park, check out Tremont Maine.

Another active fishing and lobstering community, the town has a variety of activities — including hiking, kayaking, exploring nearby Mount Desert Island , and checking out small art galleries.

Trenton Maine is another great location for access to Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. This coastal town has a few well-maintained campgrounds to set up camp, including Wild Acadia Camping Resort , Narrows Too Campground , and Timberland Acres RV Park .

With stunning ocean and island views and a peaceful community feel, Trenton makes for the perfect getaway to explore Maine’s natural beauty.

Filled with historical buildings, sites, and monuments, history lovers will enjoy visiting Castine Maine . It’s said to be one of the oldest towns in the New England region, so there’s plenty of historical charm all around town.

Castine has incredible bay and ocean views with ships and boats swaying peacefully offshore. Seafood shanties, a lighthouse, charming shops, and markets give visitors the quintessential Downeast experience.

A visit to the coastal community of Belfast in Mid Coast Maine will take you back in time as you envision the vibrant old-time fishing community while you walk and take in the gorgeous brownstones by the harbor.

While it’s a small fishing village, Belfast has preserved its historical charm. There’s a vintage theater, quaint inns , antique shops, farmer’s markets, and diners and restaurants to check out. Belfast City Park is a nice spot to stop and relax while enjoying the small beach.

For those looking to enjoy coastal views but also do some shopping, Freeport Maine is the perfect destination for you. It is home to the L.L. Bean flagship store , and visitors come from far and wide to take pictures of the giant, iconic L.L. Bean boot.

Freeport also has shopping outlets and trendy cafes to indulge in. When you’re ready to take in some amazing views, swing by Winslow Memorial Park or Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park .

Old Orchard Beach

Looking for the ultimate family destination on the Maine coast? Old Orchard Beach is the place to be! It has a wonderful boardwalk bustling with activity from late April through early October. There’s even an arcade and rides for children at Palace Playland .

Stroll around town to discover cute souvenir shops, toy shops, and ice cream stands. Delicious beachside restaurants and takeout are perfect for families on the go. Finally, of course, you have to enjoy the miles of clean, soft sandy beach.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is one of the best coastal towns in Maine. Perfect for all ages, there’s something for everyone in your group to enjoy.

For children, check out the Seaside Trolley Museum or spend the day at one of the beautiful beaches. Adults will love visiting the local breweries and delicious diners and restaurants for lobster, chowder, or a slice of Maine blueberry pie.

Kennebunkport is so popular that it often hosts celebrities — it was a vacation destination for President George H.W. Bush’s family.

The town of Wells has dubbed itself The Friendliest Town in Maine, so it’s no wonder that tourists flock to this seaside destination. With numerous antique shops, mini-golf, a movie theater, and many top-notch dining options , there’s so much to do.

The beaches don’t disappoint — there are four to choose from, the largest being Wells Beach. Aside from sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water views, you can check out the Wells Reserve at Laudholm for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Ogunquit Maine is home to Ogunquit Beach, which Tripadvisor rated as one of the top 25 beaches in the United States. If you’re not looking to sunbathe or swim, Ogunquit Beach can be viewed from Marginal Way — a scenic waterfront walking trail.

Also, you may love meandering around Perkins Cove and seeing the Maine lobster and fishing boats come and go throughout the day.

On top of all of the oceanfront activity, Ogunquit has theaters, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art , the Ogunquit Heritage Museum , and many shops to explore.

Likely one of the most photographed coastal towns in Maine, York is home to Nubble Light (also known as Cape Neddick Light). This picturesque lighthouse has been attracting tourists looking to capture the perfect photograph on the cliffs for years.

Explore the seaside town with its shops, candy stores, arcade, bowling, and even a small zoo at York’s Wild Kingdom .

Both Long Sands and Short Sands Beaches are popular in the summertime for exploring tidal pools, swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Long Sands Beach offers stronger surf and larger waves, while Short Sands Beach has calmer waters.

Explore More Coastal Towns in Maine This Year

It’s hard to choose just one coastal town to explore because each one has its own uniqueness. Some feature fabulous beaches, while others have rocky cliff walks with little beachfront.

Yet, some towns have wonderful shops and restaurants to try, while others focus on the natural beauty of the shoreline and nature trails.

Whether you’re looking for thrills, relaxation, or nature, there are coastal towns in Maine that will suit your road trip and vacation preferences. And, our list is only the tip of the iceberg. You can discover even more fantastic towns on a tour of the Maine Coast !

The VisitMaine.Net team is the small team of authors and editors that research and write our in-depth guides throughout the site and update past articles to make sure they're still super valuable to you. We have one goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine!

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The BEST Portland Maine Restaurants for Every Taste

Portland Maine has become famous as a foodie paradise, attracting top chefs to put their best plates forward. And we’re not just talking about…

Belfast is justly known for many things. Brownstones is NOT one of those.

In what town is Colby college and what are some nearby sites.

Trenton? Seriously? I agree with the others, but there is not decent public ocean access in Trenton. The businesses are lackluster at best.

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Beautiful Lighthouses in Maine to Visit, from Portland to the Canadian Border

L ighthouses are a quintessential symbol of Maine’s maritime history, and visitors have the unique opportunity to explore these fascinating icons year-round. Here is a list of the easiest  lighthouses  you can visit in Maine, organized by geographic location. I say the “easiest” because there are lots of lighthouses far out in the water.

As you’re planning your trip to Maine, keep in mind that there are very few lighthouses you can actually go into, but these ones you can visit and explore the grounds and such. Also,  visiting Maine in winter  means far fewer people than in peak summer, so keep that in mind too as you plan.

Easiest Southern Maine Lighthouses to Visit

So you’ve arrived in Maine, maybe you flew into Portland International Jetport (PWM) or maybe you drove in from Massachusetts’s or New Hampshire, and you’re ready to visit some of Maine’s best lighthouses… Let’s start in the Portland area, as there are some beautiful, easy to visit lighthouses here.

Portland Head Light

The  Portland Head Light  is a historic lighthouse located in the coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, near Portland, Maine. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country and has been guiding ships into Portland Harbor since 1791. The lighthouse tower is a classic New England style, with a white clapboard exterior and a bright red roof. During the summer the landscaping around the Portland Head Lighthouse is full of flowers, and walking paths make it a fun place to visit with kids.

Visitors can tour the lighthouse and climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of Casco Bay  ONLY ONE DAY EACH YEAR , Lighthouse Day in September. The Portland Head Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Its enduring legacy and stunning beauty make it a must-visit for anyone exploring coastal Maine.

Cape Elizabeth Light at Two Lights State Park

The Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, also known as  Two Lights , is located in the coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, near Portland, Maine. This historic lighthouse is actually two lighthouses, standing side by side, and has been guiding ships into Portland Harbor since 1828. The lighthouses are set on a beautiful rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, providing breathtaking views of the coast and the surrounding islands.

Visitors cannot tour the lighthouse, but can enjoy the tidepools and take in the gorgeous views from the point. The surrounding grounds are a perfect spot for picnicking or taking a stroll, and there’s even a restaurant near the parking area. The Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is a must-visit for anyone exploring Maine’s rugged coastline, and is a part of the state’s maritime history.

Spring Point Ledge Light

The  Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse  is located in the area of South Portland, Maine, basically Portland. It sits on a rocky ledge just offshore and is easily accessible via a walkway from the mainland. The lighthouse tower is a classic New England style, with a bright red roof and white clapboard siding. Visitors can walk about to and around the lighthouse, and there are exhibit plaques at the nearby fort to learn about its history. The Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is really unique in both its location and the view from it: you can see three other lighthouses from its point!

Midcoast Maine Lighthouses Not to Miss

As you head north from Portland, you get into the Midcoast Maine area. Nobody calls it the central coast (that’s in California); this is MIDCOAST. Here you’ll find a number of both river lights and epically built light stations. We’ve picked the easiest lighthouses to visit in Midcoast Maine, and they’re easy to add to a road trip through the area.

Owls Head Light

The Owls Head Lighthouse is located in the coastal town of Owls Head, Maine. It sits on a rocky promontory overlooking Penobscot Bay and has been guiding ships into Rockland Harbor since 1825. Visitors can tour the lighthouse grounds and museum, and climb to the top of the point to circle the tower for stunning views of the coast and surrounding islands.

Also, be sure to visit the nearby  Owl’s Head Transportation Museum  for even more history and fascinating Maine memorabilia.

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

The  Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse  is located in the coastal city of Rockland, Maine. It sits at the end of a 1,200-foot breakwater, which serves as a protective barrier for the harbor. The lighthouse tower is a distinctive octagonal shape, and its beacon has been guiding ships into Rockland Harbor for over a century. I enjoyed watching sunset on the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse from the roof of the  250 Main Hotel  in Rockland. Amazing view of it!

Visitors can walk out to the lighthouse on the breakwater and take in the surround Penobscot Bay. The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The Rockland Breakwater lighthouse is also special because it’s one of the few lighthouses in Maine that you can actually go into. It’s only open for visitors a few days a year and is fully dependent on volunteers, so check with the lighthouse website before you plan your visit.

Pemaquid Point Light

Pemaquid Point Light  is a historic lighthouse located in Bristol, Maine, United States. It was first built in 1827 and replaced by the current tower in 1835. The lighthouse is located on a rocky point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the more popular lighthouses to visit in Maine.

One of the unique features of Pemaquid Point Light is its distinctive white conical tower, which stands 38 feet tall and is made of rubblestone. The tower is attached to a one-and-a-half-story keeper’s house, which has a distinctive red roof. Before COVID visitors could go up in the lighthouse tower, and hopefully it’ll reopen in 2023.

The Pemaquid Point Light is also notable for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the rocky coastline, the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and the picturesque fishing village of New Harbor, which is located nearby. The lighthouse has been featured in many works of art and literature, including the Maine state quarter, and it is a popular spot for photographers, artists, and tourists to visit. It is also a functioning aid to navigation and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Fort Point Light

The  Fort Point Lighthouse  is located in the coastal town of Stockton Springs, Maine, near Searsport. It sits on a historic fortification that dates back to the War of 1812, offering a unique blend of maritime and military history. The lighthouse tower is a square style, with a bright red roof and white clapboard siding.

Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history, as well as enjoy the panoramic views of Penobscot Bay. The surrounding fortifications and grounds provide a unique backdrop for the lighthouse, and the area is a popular spot for picnicking and exploring via trails. The Fort Point Lighthouse is one of the more unique lighthouses to visit in Maine.

Marshall Point Light

The Marshall Point Lighthouse is located in the small coastal town of Port Clyde, Maine, near the picturesque island of Monhegan. This iconic lighthouse has been guiding ships into the harbor for over 150 years and is famous for its appearance in the film “Forrest Gump”. Visitors can walk the boardwalk out to the lighthouse and enjoy awesome bird watching all around the point. The town of Port Clyde is a charming fishing village with a great general store, and is surrounded by beautiful rocky beaches and dense forests. Also, this is where you can  catch the puffin cruise!

Monhegan Island, just a short ferry ride away, is a peaceful escape from the mainland, and is home to stunning cliffs, serene hiking trails, and an artist community. Both Port Clyde and Monhegan offer a unique blend of natural beauty and coastal charm, making them a must-visit for anyone exploring Midcoast Maine.

Northern Maine Lighthouses

Heading from the Midcoast Maine region up towards Canada there are even more lighthouses to visit. After you’ve toured Down East Maine and up to the border, catch the hydrofoil to Yarmouth,  Nova Scotia and keep on visiting more lighthouses . I’m in love with them all, so maybe don’t listen to me, because you’ll be touring the Maritimes and looping back down the Maine coast for the rest of your summer.

West Quoddy Head Light

The  West Quoddy Head Light  is a historic lighthouse located on the easternmost point of the contiguous United States, in Lubec, Maine. It was first built in 1808 and replaced by the current tower in 1858. One of the unique features of West Quoddy Head Light is its distinctive red and white striped tower, which stands 49 feet tall and is made of brick. The tower is attached to a one-and-a-half-story keeper’s house, which is also painted in red and white stripes.

The West Quoddy Head Light is also notable for its scenic location on the rocky coast of Maine, overlooking the  Bay of Fundy  and the Atlantic Ocean (you MUST visit the Bay of Fundy!!!). It is surrounded by a state park and hiking trails that offer visitors views of the coastline and to Canada.

Another unique feature of the West Quoddy Head Light is its fourth-order Fresnel lens, which is still in use today and can be seen from up to 18 nautical miles away. The lighthouse is also equipped with a foghorn and a radio beacon to aid in navigation, just like the Passamaquoddy Lighthouse from  Pete’s Dragon .

Bass Harbor Head Light

This lighthouse is located in Bass Harbor, near Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island. It actually lies within one of the parts of  Acadia National Park . Visiting the Bass Harbor Head Light is easy, but getting down to the spot that all of the epic photos you may recognize of the lighthouse, that’s a different story.

Parking is limited at the Bass Harbor Light, so be patient, and then once there, be efficient so others can see the lighthouse and the grounds as well.

To get to the really beautiful view of the Bass Harbor Light, you do have to take the trail into the woods, and then scale the wooden staircases down to the rocks. Where the stairs end, you then have to traverse the rocks and tide pools until you get the view you want. The best time to visit is in the morning so the morning sun hits the Bass Harbor Lighthouse just right.

“Where is the Lighthouse from Pete’s Dragon?”

So, that’s a complex question. You CANNOT visit the lighthouse from  Pete’s Dragon  because it was actually a movie set built in Morro Bay, California, not in Maine. Yes, the original “Pete’s Dragon” movie was partially filmed in Maine and, specifically, the film crew shot some scenes in the town of Rockport and at the nearby Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde, but a lot of it was filmed in California.

As for which lighthouse is most like the Passamaquoddy light from the movie, it’s difficult to say for certain since the Passamaquoddy light in the movie is a fictional creation. However, the lighthouse used in the film’s exterior shots is actually fashioned after the lighthouse at Quoddy Head State Park as well as other hexagonal lighthouses on the west coast. The West Quoddy Light is known for its distinctive red and white stripes versus the solid white like in the movie.

FAQ about Lighthouses in Maine

How many lighthouses are in Maine?

There are 65 lighthouses in Maine. Not all are operational, in good shape or can be visited easily, but there are indeed 65 still standing in full form.

What is the oldest lighthouse in Maine?

The Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. They started building it in 1787.

Are Maine’s lighthouses still in use?

Yes! 57 Maine lighthouses are still operational. Some are fully managed by the US Coast Guard and some privately or through local societies.

Can you visit Maine’s lighthouses?

You can visit MANY of Maine’s lighthouses, but there are a lot that are off limits for safety or because they are so remote. When you visit the Portland Head Light you can actually see two lighthouses in the far distance out in the water that you cannot visit and that are not operational. Most lighthouses can be visited with access to the grounds or breakwater, but usually not the lighthouse tower.

What are the most popular lighthouses to visit in Maine?

The most popular lighthouses in Maine are the Portland Head, Nubble Light (to the south), Rockland Breakwater and Bass Harbor Lighthouses.

What is the history behind Maine’s lighthouses?

Maine’s lighthouses started getting built in the late 1700s as navigational beacons for the many sailing ships coming from Europe and Canada.

How are Maine’s lighthouses maintained and preserved?

The lighthouses in Maine are preserved through a variety of channels, including private societies, city municipalities, the US Coast Guard and Maine State Parks.

Are Maine’s lighthouses haunted?

Some people believe a lot of lighthouses to be haunted, but concrete evidence of any specific haunting does not exist.

What is the function of a lighthouse?

Lighthouses, to this day, serve the purpose of providing a navigational beacon to ships at sea, whether in the dark or cloudy days. Lighthouses each have a different flash and look which helps sailors identify where they are based on the light flash and color/shape of the lighthouse.

What is the most remote lighthouse in Maine?

Mount Desert Rock Lighthouse is 25 miles off the coast of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island in the Down East area of Maine.

Whether you’re in southern, central, or northern Maine, there’s a lighthouse waiting to be explored. These are some of the easiest lighthouses to visit, and really, did you even go to Maine if you didn’t see at least one lighthouse?

If you have any questions or want to leave some comments about YOUR favorite lighthouses in Maine, leave a note or  send us a message . We’re always happy to share!

• 7 Most Affordable Towns to Retire in Maine

Maine has long been a popular destination on the East Coast. With its picturesque, rugged coastline, delicious seafood cuisine, and bustling cultural scene, the Pine Tree State is an excellent retirement destination with plenty of outdoor opportunities. For pensioners seeking to stretch their savings, the small rural towns have everything they need to enjoy their sunset years.

Besides low-cost living, these little locations offer a peaceful environment with residents who value a strong sense of community. They also ensure seniors have access to diverse recreational activities and vital social and health amenities. Whether relocating from out of state or big cities like Portland , here are the most pocket-friendly places to retire in Maine.

This quintessential New England community in Oxford County is a four-season destination that guarantees retirees something to keep them busy around the year. It boasts beautiful outdoor spaces where seniors can find solace while communing with Mother Nature, including the gorgeous Rumford Falls. A short pathway looping around the cascade allows you to stretch your legs while taking in the magical scene. Come the snow season, all the attention shifts to the famous Black Mountain of Maine, a world-class ski resort with a reputation for hosting national and international events for family-friendly adventures on the snow.

For senior citizens who value meaningful social interactions, the 49 Franklin Reception Hall and Mystic Theater is an excellent town venue where the community converges in a lively atmosphere and enjoys fun theater productions. Rumford is also conveniently affordable, with a median home price of around $165,000. Compared to the state average of $390,000, retirees can comfortably buy their dream home in town.

The self-proclaimed "Broiler Capital of the World" has a history of attracting culinary enthusiasts who want to sample its delicious barbecued chicken. It hosts a quaint community of about 7,000 that take pride in friendly interactions, as best exemplified during the weekly United Farmers Market of Maine. This is a prime opportunity for fresh residents to get acquainted with local culture and make lifelong friends. Belfast's location on Belfast Bay results in lovely outdoor scenery, beckoning retirees to enjoy scenic walks along the Belfast Harbor Walk and go for easygoing picnics at Belfast City Park.

Meanwhile, history lovers can find something interesting to learn about the city's past at the Belfast Historical Society and Museum. It exhibits a vast collection of artifacts inside a 200-year-old building that intrigues visitors. Belfast has affordable homes that will not cost aspiring homeowners a fortune, considering that the median house value is $360,000, $30,000 less than the state average. In terms of healthcare, the Waldo County General Hospital offers state-of-the-art service and care.

Winslow offers a charming mix of rich historical heritage and cozy rural surroundings. The town also boasts a colorful past, starting as a Native American settlement called Taconock. Its prime location on the banks of the Kennebec River presents a laid-back atmosphere with exciting recreational opportunities. The Messalonskee Stream Trail allows retirees to maintain an active lifestyle, providing a scenic route perfect for a stress-free walk.

The 1903 Two Cent Bridge is another interesting spot spanning the Kennebec River. Pensioners do not have to dig too deep into their retirement savings to own a home in Winslow, considering that the median housing value is an affordable $267,400. Facilities are also abundant, with the larger town of Waterville on the river's other side.

Farmington's median home listing price of $260,000 makes it one of the cheapest places to retire in Maine. The town is home to the University of Maine, which allows seniors thinking of going back to school to find essential learning opportunities. Come rain or shine, residents have access to exciting outdoor opportunities, from hiking and picnicking in the serene atmosphere of Abbott Park in the summer to skiing and snowboarding down the powdery slopes of Titcomb Mountain in the winter.

The Nordica Homestead Museum is a must-visit for history lovers. The historic building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to the mid-19th century and offers a vivid perspective of life in Victorian-era Farmington. Elsewhere, movie fans in the town converge at Narrow Gauge Cinemas to catch some of the latest Hollywood productions in a family-friendly environment. All these activities are more fun for seniors as more than 28% of locals are above the age of 65.

A mix of old-world architecture and classic New England culture complements the relaxed personality of this quaint community in Kennebec County. A popular tourist stop, it boasts a bubbly social atmosphere with exciting art centers like the Alan Claude Gallery and the historic Johnson Hall Opera House. Retirees can choose from different recreations to spend quality time outdoors, including playing a low-key game of golf at CR Farm Disc Golf or enjoying a laidback boating excursion on the gentle waters of Kennebec River at Gardiner Landing.

Elsewhere, walking through downtown Gardiner reveals a vibrant corridor with a rich mix of locally-owned businesses, including restaurants, shopping outlets, and pubs. These are excellent for seniors craving friendly social encounters, with popular spots like Bateau Brewing presenting a great way to catch up with peers over a refreshing glass of craft beer. There is also no shortage of peers, as nearly 23% of locals are old enough to be called senior citizens. Moreover, owning a home does not cost much in Gardiner, and the $280,000 median home value will be a relief for many retirees.

Caribou is an agricultural town in Aroostook County where sprawling farmlands and lush nature spaces contribute to a relaxed atmosphere suited for retirement living. This also means a wealth of outdoor opportunities to keep senior citizens on their feet. The nearby Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is a regional recreational hub straddling over 4,500 acres with opportunities for anglers, hikers, and campers. Elsewhere, a game of golf at Caribou Country Club makes for the perfect alternative. Indoors, residents enjoy fun stage performances at Caribou Theater, a vital social center for the local community.

Meanwhile, history lovers will fancy browsing dozens of interesting natural history exhibits at Nylander Museum, featuring minerals, fossils, and other artifacts. Furthermore, those curious about local and regional history can stop by the Caribou Historical Society for an exciting journey back in time. Finally, buying a house in Caribou costs around $150,000, a steal compared to Maine’s average of $390,000.

Presque Isle

This four-season destination promises retirees something to look forward to, come rain or shine. Presque Isle is a small Aroostook County community that offers low-cost living and plenty of recreational opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts can find exciting adventures within the almost 900-acre Aroostook State Park, from hiking and snowmobiling to camping and picnicking. When the snow season comes around, Quoggy Jo Ski Center guarantees continuous activity for seniors with its family-friendly skiing and snowboarding slopes. Retirees will also enjoy spending quality time with loved ones inside the Northern Maine Museum of Science, which features educational exhibits on natural history sure to excite all ages.

The presence of Northern Light AR Gould Hospital in Presque Isle assures senior citizens of quick medical attention whenever they need it. If they can no longer live independently, Presque Isle Rehab & Nursing and other facilities provide crucial assisted living services. Finally, homes are quite pocket-friendly in Presque Isle, with an average value of $166,000.

Final Thought

Retiring is an exciting time that allows you to do what you have always wanted but needed more time to do. However, with rising costs, it helps to find an affordable place to settle and accomplish your lifelong dreams. The above charming communities provide leeway to low-cost living for those planning to retire in Maine, with the promise of friendly neighborhoods, diverse outdoor opportunities, and rich cultural atmospheres to guarantee a high quality of life in retirement in Maine.

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Bangor Daily News

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A martial arts spoof filmed in midcoast Maine makes big screen debut

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For those in midcoast Maine who have ever wanted to see an action-comedy film shot in their backyard and produced in the style of a 1970s martial arts picture, times are good.

Matt Enos, the Searsmont-based creator of the surreal comedy web series “ The Slim Duffy Show ,” has now produced a feature film that’s making its big screen debut at the Colonial Theatre in Belfast Tuesday evening. 

Called “Battle Legends: The Legend of the Battle Master,” it follows the character of Jim Duffy after he loses the title of best fighter in the town of Duffyville to local scoundrel J.T. Smash, forcing Duffy to try to regain it. 

The film features the characters from “The Slim Duffy Show”: Slim Duffy, his brother Jim, and J.T. Smash, among others. In an interview, Enos said that it’s shot and produced in the comically action-packed style that he imagines the characters would have chosen.

“Get, you know, a couple bucks and like an old, VHS camcorder or whatever, and make this really cheesy action movie, of course,” he said, reciting what their thought process would have been. “Because in their minds, they would be action heroes, right?” 

This isn’t Enos’ first film in the Slim Duffy universe, nor his first feature-length film, he said. This one came after he made a trilogy of short films based on the web series a few years ago and decided to expand one of them into “Battle Legends.” 

Enos filmed “Battle Legends” in 2022, using locations throughout Waldo County, where he grew up with his creative partners and high school friends, Mike Urchin and Cade Nickels. They star alongside him in the production. 

Though Enos’ love for film began with horror movies he watched in childhood, his tastes have led him to additional genres, including comedy. While he spends his days working at Liberty Graphics, the printed T-shirt company , he said film is his passion. 

“I started making movies because I was just a huge fan of George Romero, John Carpenter. It was mostly horror films that got me into filmmaking initially when I was a kid,” Enos said. “The first few years I was making movies, and all my movies were just rip-offs of their movies. And then I eventually got into some other stuff.”

In a callback to his love for older movies, Enos spent a year editing “Battle Legends” to make it seem like it was shot on actual film, rather than on the digital cameras they actually used. To further the effect, the team dubbed over the dialogue — deliberately doing a bad job of it.

Enos said when they started filming, he didn’t even have a complete script, and the group took its time to create a story that featured the characters they’ve developed in the five years of making “The Slim Duffy Show.”

Since the group already had film and editing equipment, their budget was only about $2,000, Enos said. But mostly, he’s just excited to see his work on the big screen.

“We knew that if we did do a movie, then what better place to show it than our hometown theater where we’ve grown up going?” Enos said.

For those who can’t get enough of the Duffy brothers and J.T. Smash, Enos expects to produce another movie in their universe, with filming set to start this summer. This time, it’ll be a horror exploitation film, he said. 

While he doesn’t want to spoil anything about the next movie, he said he’s not quite sure a sequel to “Battle Masters” would work. He hasn’t ruled it out, though.

There will be a single showing of “Battle Legends: The Legend of the Battle Master” at the Colonial Theatre on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The filmmakers will do a roundtable after the show to discuss their approach and production style. The film is also out on Blu-Ray .

More articles from the BDN

Jules walkup.

Jules Walkup reports on the midcoast and is a Report for America corps member. They graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism and moved to Maine from Tampa, Florida in July 2023. More by Jules Walkup

Things to Do in Mid Coast Maine, ME - Mid Coast Maine Attractions

Things to do in mid coast maine.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

31. High Street Historic District

32. Bailey Island Bridge (Cribstone Bridge)

33. La Verna Preserve

34. Ed Brown's Wharfside Gallery

35. Giant's Stairs Trail

36. Moose Point State Park

37. Seguin Island and Lighthouse

38. Opera House at Boothbay Harbor

39. Camden Public Library

40. Monkey C Monkey Do

41. Curtis Island Light

42. Maine State Aquarium

43. Georgetown Pottery

44. Maine State Music Theatre

45. Jess's Market

46. Fawcett's Antique Toy and Art Museum

47. Penobscot Marine Museum

48. Andre the Seal Statue

49. Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site

50. Androscoggin Swinging Bridge

51. Beech Hill Reserve

52. Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum

53. Fort Knox Historic Site

54. Fort Popham State Historic Site

55. Maine Street

56. General Henry Knox Museum / Montpelier

57. Castle Tucker

58. Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area

59. Maine State Ferry Service

60. Belfast City Park

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• Food & Dining

Former ‘Racist Sandwich’ co-host talks podcasting, teaching at Bowdoin and eating in Maine

Zahir Janmohamed, a visiting Bowdoin professor and co-founder of the acclaimed 'Racist Sandwich' podcast, asks difficult questions about race, gender and class – and how food relates to them all.

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Zahir Janmohamed, visiting professor at Bowdoin and founder of “Racist Sandwich” podcast on food, race, gender, and class, shown at Smalls in Portland. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

There are a number of ways you may have already heard of Zahir Janmohamed.

A visiting assistant professor of English at Bowdoin College since 2021, Janmohamed is a journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle, Newsweek, The Guardian, McSweeney’s, The Economic Times and many other publications. He’s made media appearances on NPR, CNN, BBC, CBC, Al Jazeera and “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher.”

But he’s still fondly remembered by many as co-host of “Racist Sandwich,” a podcast that he founded in 2016 with co-host Soleil Ho while they both lived in Portland, Oregon.

“Racist Sandwich” explored the intersection of food, race, gender and class and racked up wide acclaim over its nearly four-year run. It was named among the best food podcasts of its time by Forbes, Saveur and the International Association of Culinary Professionals, while an episode from the 2018 season, “Erasing Black Barbecue,” was nominated for a James Beard Foundation media award.

Janmohamed earned an MFA in fiction from the University of Michigan. Before his writing career, he spent about a decade working in politics, including serving as advocacy director for Amnesty International from 2006-2009, where he managed the organization’s lobbying, public outreach, and media work on the Middle East and North Africa.

Janmohamed teaches fiction and nonfiction at Bowdoin, including an introductory food writing class, “Writing the History, Culture and Politics of Food.” This fall, he’ll also lead the writing track for The Salt Institute for Documentary Studies at Maine College of Art & Design. Advertisement

We sat down recently with the 47-year-old educator and journalist to talk about his time with “Racist Sandwich,” how it shaped his later work, the problem with “authenticity” in food, what excites today’s food writing students, and his favorite places to eat in Maine.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What’s the story behind the name “Racist Sandwich”?

After I moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2015, I heard about a school principal there who was making an analogy at a school board meeting about how if a school is predominately Latinx, then maybe you don’t serve a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich, you serve a torta. She wasn’t really talking about food, but more making the analogy that a school should change its curriculum based on the demographics of the students. And all these conservative commentators said, “She’s calling the peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich racist,” which she wasn’t.

So I found that was sort of an apt metaphor for the way in which we often get awkward and sometimes comical when we try to talk about race. At the time, I was a really big fan of a podcast called “Denzel Washington is the Greatest Actor of All Time Period,” which is basically two Black comedians using Denzel Washington as a vehicle for talking about being Black in Hollywood. Both of the comedians were not well known at the time, and one of them said in an interview, “If you’re not well known, you have to have a really catchy podcast name.”

“Racist Sandwich” is a name like people are like, “Wait, what? I don’t get it.” We kind of wanted something that was a little bit out there. Advertisement

I think it captured the whole ethos of our approach: We were trying to ask questions that no one else was asking. Like, why are we willing to pay a certain amount for Italian food but less money for, let’s say, Mexican food? Those are basic questions, and now they’re being asked, but back then, I didn’t feel like they were being asked that much.

Were there certain food-world events and circumstances that helped define your show’s mission from the outset?

There was a Somali pop-up at the time in Portland, Oregon, and I think it sold out in minutes. And yet there was also an article around then about how Somali immigrants were having a hard time finding housing in the same city, which I found fascinating – Somali food is really popular in the city, but no one wants to give them housing.

At the time, there was also a lot of conversation about (white chefs and cultural appropriation), like should Andy Ricker (chef-owner of the former Thai-influenced Pok Pok restaurants, based in Portland, Oregon) cook Thai food. I was actually a big fan of his restaurants. Soleil (former “Racist Sandwich” co-host Soleil Ho) and I were not really interested in having that conversation. If you’re white and you want to cook Indian food, as long as you do it with respect, I don’t really care.

It was more a question of how we could highlight stories of people who historically have been on the margins in the food world – people of color, queer people, differently abled people, people who are fat. I didn’t want to do a whole podcast about telling white people what they can and can’t do. That was not interesting to me.

We went into the studio, and I didn’t know anything about podcasting. At the time, podcasting was very different. Today, it’s more corporate, and there’s much more finesse. We had really poor sound quality, didn’t know how to use a microphone. But back then, there was much more of a do-it-yourself ethos to it. And we just started with this long conversation, saying, “Yes, there’s so much talk about how food brings us together, but food can also tear us apart and lead to shame.” I was teased as a kid for bringing Indian food to school for lunch, and that’s also a conversation we need to have. Advertisement

I think the success of the podcast was because we had an insider-outsider take to this, Soleil being a longtime chef, myself as someone outside the food world but who had done a lot of journalism. I got up to speed really by showing not just curiosity but also sensitivity. I wanted people to have a conversation that they didn’t feel they had the space for in other parts of their lives.

“We can appreciate the food world, and at the same time hold complex feelings about it,” said Janmohamed. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

What were some of the episodes and interviews with the most impact?

We interviewed some very high-profile people, like Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen and Hari Kondabolu, the famous comedian. But I feel I’d gotten the most emails about Episode 8 (“Writing About Race, Family & Food”), and it was me, Soleil and a writer named Amy Lam. And we’re all Asian American, wrestling with what it means to have success in these fields that our parents don’t really understand. When we got the James Beard Award nomination (for the 2018 episode, “Erasing Black Barbecue” ), the first thing my mom says is, “Oh, great! If you win, how much money do you get?” And I was like, “Uh, we get a medal, and I’d have to fly out to pick it up.” She didn’t understand how it was an honor if you didn’t get any money. That episode was such an inside baseball conversation, and it spoke to a lot of people.

We also did an episode about fatness in the food world. That had a big impact on me. I never thought the same way about chairs. When I walk into a restaurant, I don’t think, “Is this chair going to accommodate my body?” We had someone talk about how when she walks into a restaurant with a fat body, she’s always thinking about whether that place is accessible to her. So that really shifted how I think.

You turn on Netflix these days, open up the New York Times, Eater, Bon Appetit, they’re filled with stories about food and race and queer people, and that’s wonderful and beautiful. Hopefully, we’re all getting more sensitive and attuned to these issues. Whereas when we started (the podcast), I can’t underscore enough how much resistance there was. We definitely got feedback early on from people who were like, “Why are you ruining things by talking about this?” So things are changing.

In your farewell episode in 2019, you said one highlight of your time with the podcast was being able to go into professional kitchens. Could you tell us more about that?  Advertisement

Being invited into kitchens and food trucks gave me a degree of sensitivity, and an appreciation for the struggles of the food world – the razor-thin margins, the fact that your shift can dramatically change if one person doesn’t show up. I never knew how hard it is to be in a food truck. Being in one on a hot summer day and trying to chop onions is really challenging.

I had been guilty of romanticizing the food world. I still think there’s something romantic about going out to eat or discovering an outstanding morning bun at a bakery. There’s still a magic there, but now I know about some of the struggles behind it.

That’s what I tell my students, and hopefully that’s what the podcast reinforced: that we can appreciate the food world and at the same time hold complex feelings about it. It’s not about being a killjoy but recognizing the labor and struggles behind some of this food.

Tell us about your experience living in Maine, one of the whitest states in the country.

When I moved to Maine in March 2020, it was a little bit of a shock in terms of the lack of diversity here. But I’ve grown to appreciate and really like it here. Several things have shifted my opinion of Maine. Certainly the protests around the murder of George Floyd in 2020, and these recent protests around Gaza.

We’re at a coffee shop right now, Smalls, that has raised a lot of money for the (Palestinian) cause. I could have picked two or three other coffee shops to meet you at today that have done the same. That’s made me feel incredibly inspired and welcome here in this city. It’s one thing for a business to have a sign that says “Black Lives Matter,” but it’s another thing for them to fundraise for a cause that is very divisive and take a strong position. Advertisement

What are the topics that most interest your food writing students?

Definitely climate change, without a doubt. We’re in Maine, so we know about the coast and the threat to lobster fishermen . There’s a growing body of literature about queerness in food, what it means for a restaurant to have a queer aesthetic.

Teaching this class at a time when there is famine in Gaza, that has come up – how we can use food stories to uplift stories of Palestinians. And at Bowdoin, a question is what is the school’s relationship to Brunswick, how can it be improved and how can students give back to the community?

And every time students go to the Midcoast Hunger Prevention program (a regular field trip for his students), it’s really eye-opening. It’s just a two-minute walk from Bowdoin, and the students are just like, “Wow, I didn’t know it was there, or there were these long lines for free food.” That’s always one of the most moving days.

My food writing class is always the most emotional class to teach, because it’s an inherently emotional subject – not just sad, but also incredibly joyous. I encourage them to recognize the emotion around food. What makes a meal special isn’t just about what’s on the plate, it’s the whole experience around it.

You’ve said people sometimes reacted negatively to your cultural cuisine when you were growing up. What was the issue? And how did your mother’s blend of Indian and East African cooking affect how you approach food? Advertisement

If my mom packed Indian food for me at school, it was often coded as “smelly.” Or people would come to the house and they would complain about the food smell. So I would insist that she not pack Indian food, to pack peanut butter sandwiches or whatever. The food was often a sign of shame, something you had to compartmentalize.

Things are different now. I have a son who’s 3, and he’s growing up in a different world. He has a kid book about Indian food, and we love reading it together, and that was not something I had as a kid. It’s really beautiful to see these changes.

My mom has this spinach dish that I love to make. It’s a traditional basic Indian spinach curry, but she adds the East African touch of coconut milk. I’ve given it my own touch as well, which is almost like a salsa mix I add to it.

The one word I try to ban in the classroom is “authentic.” When you think about “authentic” Indian spinach curry, is my mom’s not authentic because she grew up in Tanzania? It’s a different version. My version is even more different. Every food changes and adapts, and that’s a beautiful thing.

One of my favorite restaurants in Portland is Regards. How do you classify it? You can start with a tamale, get a Japanese steak, maybe have flan for dessert. There are no borders to that food, and I like that. A word like “authentic” implies that people don’t move and doesn’t allow the possibility for people to change. I love Michigan Arab food because it’s like Middle Eastern food, but just greasier and cheesier. No one puts cheese in a shawarma in the Middle East, to my knowledge. But I think that’s exciting.

One of my favorite dishes going to the mosque here for today’s Eid ( Eid al-Fitr on April 10, the culmination of the monthlong Muslim Ramadan) is the spaghetti that Somalis make, which shows the Italian colonial influence on Somalia, but it’s this spicier version that’s fabulous. So you have these items that don’t really have any business being together, and it works. Advertisement

Food should be capacious. My mom is a mischievous cook in that she likes to blend things. She likes to make pizza, but she’ll make it Indian-ish by doctoring up the red sauce with garam masala, paprika, turmeric, a few cardamom pods.

Of course we can’t let you go without asking for your favorite Maine restaurants.

In Brunswick, Zao Ze Cafe is amazing, Maiz is really good, so is Tao Yuan.

In Portland, The Honey Paw is fabulous, Crispy Gai, Regards for a splurge, Rose Bagels, Smalls and Speckled Ax. Moonday on Washington Avenue has the best cappuccino in town. I love Nura for falafel, and pizza at Monte’s is amazing.

We’re so lucky in Portland. It’s such a small city, and it’s phenomenal how much good food there is . It punches way, way, way above its weight.

The place I go to the most is Boda for Thai. I have the Kra-Prao Chicken.

And I never thought I would like lobster rolls until I moved here. I love Highroller best. I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise.

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