Summer Weekend Getaways: The Best Places to Visit in Maine
One of the best parts of living in Maine, or visiting, is how easy it is to plan a quick weekend trip without needing to travel far. Within just a few hours, you can be standing on top of a mountain, sitting on a dock by the lake, or wandering a coastal town with a lobster roll in hand. Summer here isn’t about complicated itineraries. It is about taking advantage of everything the season and state have to offer. Here are a few of my go-to spots if you’re looking for a weekend away.
Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park
If you're looking for that authentic “Maine summer” experience, it’s hard to beat Acadia. Start your weekend with camping at Blackwoods Campground, where the salty air and tall pines create a perfect escape. For a quieter morning, head over to the quiet side of Mount Desert Island and visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed spots in the area, and much less crowded than the main park loop.
One of the most memorable ways to start the day is catching the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain. As one of the first places in the country to see the sunrise, it’s worth the early wake-up. For a different perspective, book a sea kayak tour and explore Bar Harbor from the water. My personal favorite? No trip is complete without stopping by Jordan Pond Ice Cream in downtown Bar Harbor.
Southern Maine Beaches: Kennebunkport, Ogunquit & York
I’ll be the first to admit, it’s hard to compete with the Maine lakes and mountains, but these towns are a popular summer destination for a reason. Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, and York are known for their long stretches of sandy beaches and slightly warmer ocean temperatures than you’ll find farther up the coast. Between lobster shacks, ice cream stands, and small local shops, there’s plenty to enjoy along the shoreline.
Portland
If you want to stay closer to the city, Portland is always a great option. Spend the morning exploring the Old Port and sampling some of the best food the state has to offer. You can check out my recent guide to Maine’s Best Gluten-Free & Vegan Restaurants & Breweries for some of my favorite spots.
Later, hop on a ferry with Casco Bay Lines and explore one of the nearby islands. Peaks Island is always a favorite, and renting a bike or golf cart makes it easy to take in the entire island at your own pace. In the evening, summer concerts at Thompson’s Point or the Historic State Theatre offer plenty of live music options, many of which feature both local and national artists. As a music junkie myself, I will be the first to say that Portland gets some great artists that tour here, especially during the summer!
Maine Lakes: Sebago, Rangeley & Moosehead
Maine isn’t just about the ocean; the lakes here offer a quieter kind of summer getaway. With hundreds of lakes across the state, Sebago Lake, Rangeley Lake, and Moosehead Lake are some of the largest and most well-known. Boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and even the occasional seaplane flight are all part of the experience.
These areas also have excellent hiking and mountain biking trails nearby, especially in Rangeley and Moosehead. Whether you're spending the day on the water or relaxing with coffee on the dock, the lakes offer a slower, more peaceful pace during the summer months.
The Midcoast: Camden, Boothbay Harbor & Damariscotta
The Midcoast is perfect for a day trip or a long weekend, especially if you're based in Portland. Camden’s harbor views and the hiking trails at Mount Battie provide some of the best scenery in the region, while Boothbay Harbor is known for its classic schooner sails. If you go, be sure to visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which are especially beautiful during the summer.
Damariscotta is an excellent stop for seafood, especially for oysters, which the area is known for. Its small downtown area has a great mix of boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants, all easily accessible on foot.
Summer in Maine offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking an active outdoor adventure or a relaxing weekend getaway. And if you’re considering making Maine home, or just want more local recommendations, I’m always happy to help.
