Day Trips to Discover the Best of Maine

Maine is one of the crown jewels of the East Coast, a stunning New England destination known for its picturesque coastline, charming architecture, gorgeous scenery, and iconic lighthouses. With some of the best seafood cuisine in the country and an amazing culture of outdoor adventure, Maine is a great way to explore the best that New England has to offer.

As a small state, Maine is one of the easiest places to explore in the northeast. It is only 320 miles long by 210 miles wide, which means that with a few day trips it is perfectly possible to see all the very best attractions in the state. 

So if you are thinking about a cruise over the weekend to Portland, Rockland, or Bar Harbor, here are some of the most interesting day trips you can take to discover the best of Maine.

Freeport

Just a few miles north of Portland, Freeport is a charming, old-fashioned seaside town full of picturesque cobbled streets, quaint shops, excellent restaurants, and fantastic craft breweries, as well as countless outlets of the iconic Maine clothing store, L.L. Bean. Freeport is a lovely spot to just wander around and is also a great place for foodies, as one of the best places in the state to sample seafood.

Acadia National Park 

Down on the southeastern coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is one of Maine’s most dramatic landscapes. A stunning outdoor paradise offering breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views, lush forests, and dramatic mountain scenery, as well as a vast array of adventurous outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping. Acadia is also one of the best places to discover the most iconic and beautiful of Maine’s classic lighthouses, making it a great place to explore for a day. 

Kennebunkport

If you have arrived in Maine seeking lobster then Kennebunkport is the place to go. On the southern coast of the state, this charming village is full of traditional Maine architecture, lovely sandy beaches, and the best lobster shacks in the northeast. 

Camden

Camden is a stunning seaside town, and its harbor is one of the most popular spots in the state for sailing enthusiasts. If you want to get out on the water in a small boat then Camden is the place to go, with sailing trips offering breathtaking views of the islands of Penobscot Bay. The town also boasts plenty of great cafes, restaurants, and pubs, meaning you can happily spend the entire day here.

Baxter State Park 

Another of Maine’s wonderful outdoor expanses, Baxter State Park offers some of the most remarkable vistas on the east coast. With glittering lakes backed by rugged mountains, and deep, dark forests, this state park is the perfect place for backcountry enthusiasts and a great Maine day trip.

No matter where you choose to visit, Maine offers a unique landscape that visitors can take in and explore. With some great day trips, you can enjoy all the best that the state has to offer.