Summer in Maine
Dreaming of a summer escape where the air is fresh, the scenery is breathtaking, and every meal features fresh seafood? Look no further than Maine! This isn't just a destination; it's an experience, a symphony of rugged coastline, charming towns, and culinary delights that will capture your heart. Forget the crowded beaches and predictable getaways – we're talking about a quintessential New England adventure, packed with everything that makes Maine so special.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Acadia National Park, where granite peaks meet the crashing Atlantic. Imagine salty breezes as you embark on an unforgettable boat tour, spotting seals and puffins! Your taste buds are in for a treat with an endless supply of succulent lobster, from classic rolls to creative pastas, all capped off with the sweet perfection of a blueberry pie. But it's not all about the wilderness; we'll also guide you through the serene elegance of beautiful gardens and the storied halls of historic homes, each whispering tales of Maine's rich past. So, pack your bags, loosen your belt, and prepare for a summer itinerary that promises memories as vibrant as a Maine sunset. Let's dive in!
Where to stay:
Courtyard Portland Airport
Kimball Terrace Inn
Top Attractions
Acadia National Park
Acadia Boat Cruise
Portland Head Light
Maine Botanical Gardens
See details below on our highest rated attractions in Portland and Bar Harbor Maine. For a planned day-by-day attraction itinerary, recommendations on restaurants, hotels, and more see our PDF download guide
Top Attractions:
Acadia National Park is a stunning place with a mix of ocean shoreline, granite domed mountains, woodlands, and lakes. The park covers ~70 miles and the majority of the park is located on Mount Dessert Island. While the park isn’t massive, many of the attractions are spread out and the scenic drive is one-way so you will want to plan your stops accordingly to avoid a long loop back. Here were some of our favorites:
Jordan Pond
Lookout Trails between Sand Beach and Ottter Point
Sand Beach
Cadillac Mountain
Thunder Hole
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Acadian Boat Tours: Take a boat tour of the harbor, lighthouses and wildlife. The journey begins leaving the harbor into Frenchman Bay and the Gulf of Maine. Make sure to pack binoculars so you can see the puffins, bald eagles, and seals up close!
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Portland Head Lighthouse: Stroll the walking path alongside the seashore and walk around the outside of the lighthouse.
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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: This over 300 acre public garden is known for its diverse collections of gardens, exhibits, and natural landscapes. With over 17 themed gardens there is something for everyone here including giant troll statues, fairy garden, a butterfly house and more.
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LL Bean Flagship Store: Enjoy the ‘campus’ including the giant shoe statue, shoe car, and multiple stores of L.L. Bean merch. From the home goods store, to outdoors, to clothing there is so much to explore here!
Top Restaurants:
Mike’s Clam Shack: While this is not technically in Portland or Bar Harbor, we thought this was one of the best spots for value seafood without the crowds. The clam chowder, lobster bisque, lobster rolls, and lobster pasta are all to die for!
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The Nor’Eastern Pound Market: The lobster pappardelle alfredo was phemomenal and make sure to save some room for the whoopee pie sundae!
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Colonel’s Restaurant and Bakery: From blueberry donuts in the morning to lobster pizza for dinner this spot has a little bit of everything.
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Bealls Lobster Pier: End your day with a delicious seafood dinner on the water. Our favorites were the blueberry soda, lobster roll, scallops and fried shrimp.
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Miss Portland Diner: This old train car reformed into a diner is eclectic and retro. We recommend pairing the pancakes with some sausage, eggs scrambled with pepper jack cheese, and home fries.
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Lighthouse Inn Restaurant: Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at this local inn. We recommend the seafood omelette filled with fresh scallops, lobster, and shrimp.
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Jordan Pond Restaurant: Lobster Mac and Cheese is one of the best we’ve had!
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