best summer hot spots in maine

the best summer hot spots in maine

The Pine Tree state is more than just lobster rolls and lighthouses—though we’ll tell you where to find the best of those too.

text by: Laura Serino

Entertain

Where
acadia national park
There’s over 120 miles of scenic trails and you can’t leave without climbing the pink granite summit of Cadillac Mountain. Bring your camera because this park showcases Maine’s rugged, rocky coast at its best.

maine
coastal islands
Maine has over 3,000 registered islands in the state, many of which you can ferry out to visit. From Portland you can take a ferry of Casco Bay. Make a pit stop at Peaks Island and rent a bike to get around. If you’re on the midcoast, the scenic one-hour ferry trip to North Haven or Vinalhaven islands are certainly worth a day (or more) of your time. Monhegan Island is a favorite and is visited by photographers and artists every year who try and capture its charm and beauty.

camden
Camden is the quaint New England town most people dream about when they think of Maine. Filled with Mom and Pop shops and stunning views of Camden Harbor, there’s also tons of great B&B’s so you can relax and stay awhile. Don’t miss Joellen Designs for beautiful gifts and if you’re lobster rolled out, have lunch at Long Grain.

Jo Ellen Designs
21 Main St,
Camden, ME 04843

Long Grain
31 Elm St
Camden, ME 04843

katahdin
Hiking enthusiasts flee to Baxter State Park where Katahdin Mountain lies, the highest mountain in the state. Plan for an all day hike and if you’re really looking for a challenge, ask about Knife’s Edge.

l.l. bean
A hipster hangout serving Moroccan-French fare. The Jane Hotel location has a colorful, Wes Anderson-esque vibe. The Mott St. location has sidewalk tables for watching passersby.

L.L. Bean
95 Main St
Freeport, ME

montsweag flea market/ portland flea-for-all
If you’re a vintage geek or lover of tchotchkes, don’t miss the midcoast’s best outdoor flea market. Tables line the open field right off U.S. Route 1 and you’ll find everything from Shaker chairs to VHS tapes. For a more curated selection of midcentury finds and gorgeous vintage clothes, Portland’s three-story indoor flea market is a must-visit year-round.

Montsweag Flea Market
6 Hunnewell Lane,
Woolwich, ME 04579

Portland Flea-for-All
125 Kennebec Street,
Portland, ME 04101

portland head light
We understand that you need to take a #lighthouseselfie in Maine, so make a pit stop in Cape Elizabeth to check out Portland Head Light. Walk the park and savor the salty sea air and then chow down on one of the best lobster rolls in the state from the Bite Into Maine food truck.

Bite into Maine
Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Rd Cape
Elizabeth, ME 04107
207.420.0294

scarborough beaches
Though many of Maine’s beaches are covered in smooth pebbles, you’ll find a bevy of great sandy beaches in the southern Maine town of Scarborough. Check out Ferry Beach if you want less crowds, Pine Point if you want facilities or Higgins Beach to check out the quaint 1800’s beach houses surrounding it. Plus there’s Scarborough Beach State Park, which is a long, sandy stretch that’s a great option if you’re traveling with a crowd.

eventide oyster co.
If there’s one thing Maine does really, really well, it’s fried seafood. Eventide Restaurant in Portland serves traditional seafood with a twist. This sandwich is a local favorite, served on mini Thai sticky buns.

Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle Street,
Portland, ME