Things To Do in Maine: The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

Maine, known as the “Pine Tree State,” isn’t just another east coast destination, it’s a sensory awakening. It’s where rugged coastlines meet secluded mountain lakes, and charming towns with the scent of buttery lobster shacks draw you in. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a laid back sun-seeker, there is an endless amount of things to do in Maine.

Having visited the state twice, I can only guess that it is beautiful year round, but I can say with absolute certainty, that there’s no place quite like Maine during the summertime. If you enjoy lighthouse sunsets, decadent seafood platters, coastal villages, and iconic breweries, then Maine will have something for you.

In this blog post I will outline the perfect summer bucket list with all of the best things to do in Maine. This list will take you through outstanding places to eat, specific cities/ towns to visit, and activities you will not want to miss out on. It’s never too early to start planning your summer vacation and this is the summer to check Maine off of your list!

Table of Contents

The Best Things To Do in Maine

Let’s get into it, shall we. . .

1.Go to Portland Head Lighthouse

Not only is Portland Head the most well-known lighthouse in Maine, but it is one of the most iconic in the entire country. Built in 1791, it’s the oldest lighthouse in the state and holds fascinating history and beauty. It has been featured in countless films and televisions shows, and it is an extremely popular spot for photographers. Visitors can climb the 103 steps to the top of the tower, or enjoy the breathtaking views from the walking trail below. There’s also a little museum inside. If you’re a lighthouse enthusiast, you can even purchase a lighthouse passport and get it stamped there! Getting to experience this incredible historic landmark is without a doubt, one of the most iconic things to do in Maine. For visitor information, click here.

Portland Head Lighthouse from a distance

Again, if you’re a lighthouse enthusiast and plan to see as many as you can while in Maine, here are some others worth visiting:

Cape Neddick Light
Seguin Island Light Station
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
Owls Head Light
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

2.Eat a Lobster Roll

Eating lobster in Maine is like breathing air. It’s a necessity. It’s a way of life. Now, eating lobster there is one thing, but the lobster roll is a next level experience. For those of you who may not be familiar with it, a lobster roll is a symphony of sweet, succulent lobster meat nestled in a toasted buttery New England-style hot dog bun, drizzled with just the right amount of melted butter or mayo. Personally, I’m not a fan of mayo and I go with the butter option every time- but to each his own! Either way, every bite tastes like heaven and it’s truly a quintessential Maine foodie experience. For some of the best lobster rolls in Maine, give one or two or ALL of these places a try:

Lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Co. — Eventide Oyster Co.

Lobster roll at Cousins Maine Lobster — Eventide Oyster Co.

3.Hike Acadia National Park

There are four national parks in the state of Maine. But without a doubt, the most adored is Acadia, the coastal jewel that sees four million visitors each year. Covering 47,000-acre’s Acadia is known for its granite cliffs jutting dramatically skyward, and its vibrant tapestry of forest draped across the rugged coastline. It’s a place where the mountains embrace the vast ocean and its beauty is truly unparalleled. There’s roughly 120 miles of hiking trails throughout Acadia. If you’re looking for an epic hike that isn’t too strenuous but still offers fantastic views, I’d suggest the Ocean Path. It’s four miles out and back and takes roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Here’s some other suggestions as well:

Cadillac Summit Loop- 0.3 miles- easy- 30 minutes
Beehive Trail- 1.4 miles- strenuous- 1 to 2 hours
Precipice Trail- 2.5 miles- strenuous- 1.5 to 3 hours
Jordan Pond Path- 3.3 miles- easy- 1.5 to 2 house

For information on planning your visit to Acadia, click here.

4.Have a Beer at Allagash Brewing Co.

Maine is home to over 100 craft breweries. It actually has the highest number of breweries per capita in the entire country. So, to say you have options is an understatement. Allagash Brewing Co. in particular is a must-visit. It’s located just about 20 minutes outside of the city of Portland. They’ve won numerous awards over the years for their beers and have plenty of variety. From Belgian-inspired, to light and refreshing wheat beers, as well as IPA’s, stouts, and sours, there’s something for everyone! A big bonus: There’s a lobster roll food truck called “Bite into Maine” right at the brewery. Which means you can enjoy an incredible lobster roll along with your refreshing beer. Want some other brewery options? You can check these out as well:

Beer and lobster roll at Allagash Brewing Co.

5.Go Blueberry Picking

Next to lobster, if there’s one thing Maine is known for, it’s blueberries! One of the most fun things to do in Maine, in my opinion, is go blueberry picking. It’s such a lovely, relaxing way to spend an afternoon and you have a tasty treat to bring home with you at the end of the day. We chose to go to Treworgy Family Orchards and had a wonderful experience. There’s adorable farm animals, an award winning corn maze, delicious ice cream, and of course fresh fruits to harvest. The orchard provides you with a small basket and you can go to town picking as many blueberries as your heart desires. What you owe at the end is based on weight.

Blueberry picking at Treworgy Family Orchards

6.Walk and Shop around Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a quintessential Maine destination. Inhaling the crisp ocean air, cobblestone streets under your feet, and vibrant storefronts bursting with Maine-made treasures. This is the essence of what exploring this charming seaside town is like. Start by wandering down Main Street, where you’ll find a variety of colorful cafes, eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and plenty of fantastic ice cream shops. However, don’t miss the hidden gems tucked away on the side streets. Get lost in vintage bookstores, family- owned bakeries, and unique souvenir shops. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all of the options here, I’ll leave some suggestions of shops worth popping into:

Little Village Gifts
Sherman’s Books & Stationery
Cool As A Moose
Debbahs
A LITTLE MAD

7.Visit the LL Bean Flagship Store

Stepping into the LL Bean Flagship store is like stepping into an outdoor enthusiast’s wonderland. Even if you’re not necessarily an outdoor enthusiast, this store is iconic! Located in Freeport, Maine, you’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the giant “Bean Boot”. Inside, you’ll be welcomed into aisles of jackets,tents, camping equipment, boots, and beautiful apparel. There’s also plenty of wonderful staff to help you navigate through. Visiting the LL Bean Flagship is more than just a going to a store, it’s an experience. And it is definitely one of those truly iconic things to do in Maine.

8.Go Whale Watching

Of all of the things to do in Maine, going whale watching is definitely the most thrilling and unique. However, this experience is far from perfect. For one, the tour operators do not guarantee that you will see whales. With that being said, they are extremely good at what they do and in knowing where to go. We were so lucky and saw several whales, including a few groups and a calf. Keep in mind that as you’re out on the ocean, the water gets rocky and the wind blows tremendously. Expect to get wet and bring extra layers. Also, if you tend to get sea sick, take Dramamine at least a half hour before. We chose to do our tour with Bar Harbor Whale Watching Company and I couldn’t recommend them enough. They’re reasonably priced, conveniently located, and gave us an experience we will never forget.

See You in Maine

If Maine has been heavy on your mind, my only wish for you is that this is the year you get to check it off! Maine is a truly magical place filled with natural beauty and authentic experiences. There’s so many things to do in Maine that it will leave you wanting to revisit again and again, which, in my opinion, is a trip absolutely worth taking every time. I hope this list has given you some inspiration for your future travels! Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below. I’d’ love to hear from this list, which one you will be checking off first!