Our Perfect Itinerary for exploring the Midcoast Magic of Maine...
When it comes to unforgettable summer adventures, there’s nothing quite like a classic New England escape from the heat in the south. From picturesque lighthouses to small-town shops and the freshest lobster rolls around, Maine’s midcoast offers everything we love about New England summers.
Today, we’re sharing our favorite itinerary for exploring this stunning stretch of coast—from Portland to Boothbay Harbor—with plenty of stops (and snacks) along the way.
Start Your Day in Portland, Maine
Begin your morning at the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse—one of the most photographed spots in the state. From there, head downtown to explore the boutiques and galleries. We always make time for a stop at Standard Baking Co.—if available, their sourdough bread and lemon bars are a must. Of course, no Portland stop is complete without lunch at Eventide Oyster Co., where the brown butter lobster roll is legendary. If you have an extra day in Portland, we recommend taking the ferry (only 17 minutes) over to Peaks Island for the day.
Next Stop: Freeport & Bath
Heading north, make a quick shopping stop in Freeport, where you’ll find L.L.Bean’s flagship store, a Patagonia outlet, and more. Refuel at Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company—a casual dockside spot where the lobster rolls are fresh and the views can’t be beat (just remember: it’s cash only!).
Once in Bath, start your morning with a pastry and cappuccino at Solo Pane. Trust us, grab an extra loaf of bread for making sandwiches or serving with chowder! Spend the day strolling Front Street—popping into favorites like The Corner Bookshop, Maine Street Design Co., and J’adore Consignment. Reny’s is always worth a browse, too. If you have time, we also recommend the Maine Maritime Museum before heading to Popham Beach for a relaxing sunset stroll.
Boothbay Harbor & Beyond
On your way into Boothbay Harbor, stop in the quaint town of Wiscasset at Treats, a specialty market, or, if the line is short, grab a lobster roll at the wildly popular Red’s Eats.
In Boothbay, spend a day exploring the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, hunting for trolls created by artist Thomas Dambo. It’s a magical experience for visitors of all ages. If you have the ability to host your own lobster dinner, whether in Maine or back at home, we have everything you will need to make it spectacular Lobsterfest.
Downtown Boothbay Harbor offers plenty of ways to spend a few days. Get out on the water. There are lighthouse cruises, whale watching, river cruises, fishing charters and sunset sails that allow you to see the Maine coastline from the water. Take in the town and browse through the many shops, including Shermans, AE Home, Sweet Bay, Mainely Nautical, and Tide Pools. For a casual dinner, nothing beats dockside dining and live music at the Lobster Co-Op. Save room for Downeast Ice Cream Factory—their homemade blueberry ice cream with chocolate sprinkles is unforgettable.
If you’re craving more coastal charm, make a side trip to Damariscotta, home to charming galleries, shops and riverside dining at Schooner Landing or Shuck Station Raw Bar. Pack a picnic or pick up sandwiches at Fernald’s Country Store and head to Pemaquid Lighthouse for picture-perfect views.
From lighthouse strolls to trolls and lobster rolls, exploring the midcoast magic of Maine is a classic New England adventure that never gets old.
