Maine. It’s synonymous with blueberry pie, lobster, and moose but it also has some of the most beautiful coastal towns in the US and more than 3,000 miles of coastline. It’s a place where great seafood is a given, lighthouses are plenty and sunsets on a rocky coastline never get old. If you have never been to Maine, the most Northeastern state in America, then this guide will help you plan a visit to some of the best spots on the Maine seacoast.
Getting There:
The easiest way to get into Maine and explore is by private vehicle. For those outside the New England area, you can fly into Boston Logan International Airport or directly into Portland Maine. Flying into Portland usually will cost a little more and require an extra connection at the airport. Boston Logan airport is about 90 minutes from York, Maine, and about two hours from Portland depending on traffic. Once on the ground you can pick up a rental car and begin your scenic road trip up the Maine Seacoast.
See the Below Map to plan your trip through the seacoast.
Entering the Seacoast in York
Depending on your port of embarkation your first stop should be the beachside town of York, Maine. Before you reach this stretch of white sandy beach you will want to wet your whistle and get a taste of Maine seafood at Bob’s Clam Hut. This is an order at the counter seafood restaurant, that is a long-running pit stop for fried clams. New Englanders will tell you the best part is the belly and if you’ve never had a basket full of clam bellies, you might leave here with a new fried seafood favorite. You also can’t go wrong with the crab cakes, the lobster roll or any of the other fried specialties.
After lunch, you will be minutes away from York, which is the first seacoast you will reach when entering Maine. It’s famous for York Beach, a long white sand beach that also serves as the main mecca of shops and restaurants too. Come early or stay nearby to spend a day boogie boarding in the Atlantic and laying in the sand. The waters in Maine are cold but you get used to it as your legs go numb (speaking from my childhood experiences). Another great place to stop in York is York’s Wild Kingdom; a small family fun animal and amusement park, with a ferris wheel, bumper cars, butterfly garden and goat petting.
Before departing York you will want to stop for a photo at Nubble Point where you can see Nubble Lighthouse, one of 60 lighthouses along the Maine Seacoast.
Where to Stay in the York area
Cliff House Maine – Historic cliffside retreat with 4 pools and adults-only Spa
ViewPoint Hotel in York – Located near the lighthouse this all-suite hotel has great views, a heated pool and a playground.
Stones Throw Hotel and Restaurant – Located opposite the beach this seasonal inn has great views, nice rooms and a restaurant bar with a terrace.
For more lodging options you can check out Airbnb or Booking.com – Summer in York sells out quickly so it’s always best to book ahead.
Hip & Funky in Portland
Portland is the largest city in Maine and has become extremely hip over the last decade, with many new shops and restaurants to entertain people of all ages. Situated on the coast of Casco Bay it is the center of economy, tourism and growth in the state of Maine.
Old Port’s salty air and cobblestone streets are some of the things visitors think of when heading to Portland and you won’t want to miss this part of town. Lined with galleries, local shops and eateries that are mostly all sitting inside old brick buildings, it’s a neighborhood that is both quaint and funky. Beer lovers will also rejoice as Portland is home to 17 microbreweries. Craft brewing has certainly taken off in Maine and one of the most well-known locals is Allagash Brewing which is famous for its Allagash White.
Portland is also a great place to hop on an old schooner and sail around the Portland coast. The Portland Schooner Co takes people out on day trips to discover Casco Bay on one of their three schooners, all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. For those looking for a really fun experience, you can also board one of the Maine Windjammers, a collection of historic sailboats that take guests on multi-day sailing trips.
Lighthouse lovers will want to stop at the Portland Head Lighthouse which is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. Built in 1791, it is also the oldest lighthouse in Maine.
Visitors wanting to see the quirky side of Maine can try out Portland’s Cryptozoology Museum with stuffed jackalopes, yeti footprints and a full-size model of sasquatch.
Where to Stay in the Portland area
The best areas to stay in are Old Port, East End or West End Portland which are the three sections of downtown Portland closest to the museums and super walkable.
Budget-friendly: Black Elephant Hostel: Average rate $100 per night This funky hostel has sleek private rooms, shared dorms and a shared kitchen and lounge. Located in the heart of downtown Portland.
Eco Friendly: Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Portland- Waterfront: Average rate: $300 This updated 3 star Hilton has an indoor pool, parking, free wifi and has been certified for its environmental stewardship.
Luxury: The Press Hotel Autograph Collection: Average Rate $550 This 4-star hotel is located downtown in a posh building with an art gallery and chic dining. It features large suites, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a rooftop lounge.
Boating & Sunsets in Boothbay
Boothbay is one of my favorite towns on the Maine Seacoast. The downtown area is right on the water with lots of restaurants, galleries, mercantile shops and coffee and ice cream options. It’s a small town but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty and activities. While you’re in Boothbay you will want to explore the shops, have a waffle and ice cream at Wannawaf, take a cruise to see whales and puffins, rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the harbor, and walk across the Boothbay Harbor Foot Bridge while you watch the sunset over the ocean.
Boothbay is also home to the Maine Botanical Gardens which is home to some giant garden trolls. If you’re looking for some more fried seafood you will want to stop at Bet’s Fish Fry and oyster lovers will want to make a pit stop at the Glidden Point Oyster Farm on your way out of town. Fresh harvested oysters can be paired with wine, beer and crackers at this no frills outdoor oyster farm shop.
Where to Stay in the BoothBay Area
The best areas to stay in are Old Port, East End or West End Portland which are the three sections of downtown Portland closest to the museums and super walkable.
Budget friendly: Fisherman’s Wharf Inn & Restaurant– Average Rate $150 – Location! This motel is right in town next to all the restaurants, ice cream shops and harbour where many of the day cruises depart. Standard rooms have balconies and great views.
Novelty: Tugboat Inn– Average Price $180 per night This themed hotel is shaped like a tugboat and located right at the end of the harbour. Ample free parking is available, as well as hot tub, wifi and breakfast.
Luxury: Spruce Point Inn – Average Rate $275 This 3 star hotel sits at the end of the peninsula north of downtown Boothbay and features a spa, fitness center and swimming pool overlooking the ocean. Rooms are well appointed and spacious with soaking tubs and great views.
Hike, Bike and Explore at Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor is another must-visit destination on a Maine seacoast road trip. Home to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is located on Mt Desert Island which is almost entirely made up of Acadia and protects hundreds of acres of seacoast and mountains. Acadia is the only National Park in New England and one of the crown jewels of Maine. It combines rocky coastline with granite-strewn mountains, forests full of pine trees and birches, and island lakes perfect for post-hike swimming. Visitors to Acadia National Park can take a scenic drive through the park, dine on seafood in Bar Harbour, wade into tide pools, hike ladder-lined trails, and even try their hand at lobster fishing. For an immersive video on exploring Acadia, you can check out this Acadia National Park Guide.
When visiting Bar Harbour I prefer staying as close to downtown as possible. There are many hotel options, but know that lodgings book up far in advance. The main visitors’ center to Acadia is located steps from the ocean in downtown. If you are heading into the park, grab some sandwiches at one of the town delis and enjoy a 27-mile scenic drive through the park with a morning stop at Cadillac Mountain. Bar Harbor has a ton to do for all ages, but you won’t want to leave without jumping on a lobster boat, taking the ferry to another island and eating some lobster.
Where to Stay in the Bar Harbor Area
The best areas to stay in are Old Port, East End or West End Portland which are the three sections of downtown Portland closest to the museums and super walkable.
Budget friendly: Acadia Pines Motel; Average Rate $160 No frills motel with swimming pool located 5 minutes from town with a free shuttle.
Novelty: Under Canvas Acadia– Average Night $450 This glamping resort will let you experience the wonderful beauty and nature of the area that you would get camping but with the luxury of a nice hotel. A night here is spent on plush beds inside glamping tents. Star Gazers will love it.
Luxury: BayView Hotel Average rate $650 Set in Bar Harbor, within 1.1 mi of Town Beach, Bayview Hotel offers luxury rooms on the water with free parking, wifi and an onsite bar.
Wherever you decide to explore a Maine Seacoast road trip will not be soon forgotten. Rocky coastlines, tide pools, dense forests full of life, blueberry pie, farm stands, fresh seafood and lots of happy locals will all fill your heart and your belly on your trip to Maine.
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This is a neat post — inspirational and very practical as well, with lots of info. I did the fly-into-Boston option when I saw Maine, but missed a few places you’re detailing above. And yes, the water was cold. Can’t avoid that.
I agree with you about eating the clam bellies, but I must say I wish I had found other non-fried options for seafood in the area. It seems that so much seafood there is fried? I would often eat what they call “steamers” which is served with a cup of clam juice, dipping the clams in the juice before eating. Delish.
Glad you tried the seafood. Next time avoid the drive in type places if you want non fried options. Lots of more sit down oriented seafood restaurants with excellent healthier options all along the coast. I try to avoid fried food too, but have to get at least one when on the seacoast.
Thanks for a great guide to Maine, I have not visited that part of the world before. It sounds like there’s lots to explore in the way of rocky shorelines, seafood and trendy lanes. I had to read the bit about ‘hoping on a schooner’ twice, as a schooner is also a big glass of beer here in Australia haha. I’m not going to lie, that Cryptozoology Museum sounds pretty fascinating!
I had no idea a schooner was a big beer in Australia, now that is interesting. I’m sure I have a lot to learn about your country too.
3000 miles coastline? And I was under impression that Maine is one of the smallest of the US states. Also, I thought Portland was in Oregon! Your post changed my perceptions. Also, the mention of blueberries got me interested. Enjoyed reading this post.
I never knew it was synonymous with pie and moose! I can see the lobster. I visited Maine decades ago and would love to return. I love the laid back vibe there along the coast.
I went to Maine for the first time last year over Thanksgiving! I went to Acadia and Portland, but I definitely want to go back and see more! It’s so beautiful
3 of us are traveling to the Maine coast soon. Any into sent to me will be helpful. Patty pekins
2201-9 coach house blvd. Orlando Fl 32812 thank you
Hi Patty What kind of information are you looking for?