Why I Love These 10 Coastal Towns in Maine

Why did I wait so long to discover the charming, coastal towns of Maine?

I’m so used to jet-setting to far-flung locales that I’ve basically ignored my own backyard – New  England. Aside from an annual road trip up to Cape Cod every summer, and the occasional weekend in the Catskills, in upstate NY, I’ve opted for plane trips over road trips.

Well, that has certainly changed this year. And I’m not mad about it!

I guess I can consider this the silver lining of COVID-19.

Now that flying isn’t really a safe option, I’m all about taking road trips. And recently, I took a road trip that I can’t stop thinking about, and already want to do again: exploring the charming coastal towns of Mid-Coast Maine.

(If you want to know more about the safety precautions being enforced in Maine due to the pandemic, check out Maine’s official government website.)

Related: After you read this post, check out my Mid-Coast Maine: 5 Day Itinerary to help you plan your trip to Maine. 

What part of Maine comprises the Mid-Coast, you might ask?

Good question!

Essentially, Mid-Coast Maine comprises about 80 miles of rocky coastline and islands extending northeast from Brunswick (25 miles north of Portland), to Searsport on Penobscot Bay. If you keep driving northeast after that, you eventually get to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

There are so many charming coastal towns worth visiting in Mid-Coast Maine, each with their own personality and character. Add to that the bountiful landscape, rocky coastline, and water views almost every which way you look, and you have a picture-perfect vacation.

Keep reading if you’re ready to learn more about the charming coastal towns of Mid-coast Maine.

Related: Make sure you check out my post about traveling to Maine during COVID-19 before you plan your trip!

Coastal Towns in Maine Worth Visiting

Boothbay Harbor

One quintessential coastal town in Maine that should 100% be on your list is Boothbay. From the charming cottages and brightly painted boathouses to the sparkling water and bobbing sailboats in the harbor, (it’s the largest boating harbor north of Boston,) it’s a feast for the eyes. The town’s maritime heritage can still be felt today, with many of Maine’s boat builders based in the area.

Boothbay is the perfect launching point for a sailing or fishing trips to some of Maine’s most popular Mid-coast islands, including Squirrel and Southport Islands. It’s also a great town to do some shopping and eating.

Must-Dos: Visit the Botanical Gardens, get crazy cheap lobsters to go from Atlantic Edge, and scramble the seaside boulders at Ocean Point. You’ll also get some of the most incredible views from here!

Damariscotta & New Castle

If you love oysters and shellfish, then you want to add Damariscotta to your Maine itinerary. The Damariscotta River and nearby waters are known for their abundant shellfish.

Historically, the town had a booming shipbuilding business, which is evident in the many large mansions that can still be found in the area.

Damariscotta and its twin village of New Castle, are separated by the Damariscotta River. The historic towns are full of local shops and restaurants worth checking out.

Must-Dos: Try the oysters, Stop by the Lincoln Theater which was built in 1875, and take a Damariscotta River Cruise.

Wiscasset

Another charming coastal town in Mid-Coast Maine is Wiscasset. I think I’m partial to this town because we stayed just across the river in Edgecomb, so it was our ‘home base’ for the week.

Wiscasset is smaller compared to some of the other towns in the region but delivers big on the charm with its 19^th-century Federal-style mansions, chic boutiques, and art galleries. The town is also home to Red’s Eats, one of the most famous lobster shacks in all of Maine.

Must-Dos: At $25 it’s not cheap, but the lobster roll at Red’s Eats is a must. (We also heard from our local, Kayak guide that their fried haddock sandwich is outstanding, and it costs a lot less than the lobster roll!)

Bath

You know you’re approaching Bath before you even get there because of the towering cranes in Bath’s shipyard, known as the Bath Iron Works. Bath has long been a haven of shipbuilders and shipping, and many of the town’s beautiful buildings and mansions are from the wealth brought to the town from these industries. Of architectural note is the town’s courthouse, built in the Italianate style in 1869.

Must-Dos: A walk through the historic district and a visit to the Maine Maritime Museum.

Pemaquid & Bristol

Bristol, originally known as Pemaquid from 1632 – 1765, is now made up of a few modern villages, including Pemaquid and New Harbor. The resort and fishing area is a popular summer destination.

While there isn’t really a ‘town’ to speak of when it comes to Bristol and Pemaquid, these coastal towns of Maine should definitely be on your list. Why? Well, I might be biased but I think one of the best lighthouses we saw in Maine was the Pemaquid Lighthouse. The scenery there was so stark and spectacular. It’s a must-see!

I also recommend Pemaquid because of Maine Kayak. They are one of the best outfits in the region for renting kayaks, paddleboards, and taking tours on the water. We went on a 2-hour sea tour with them out of New Harbor and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Our guide was incredibly well-informed about the local wildlife, terrain, and history of Maine.

Another reason we loved Pemaquid? Harbor Ice Cream, which is basically a brightly painted shack at the fork of two roads. While it might look humble, it boasts 20+ flavors of ice cream, including Maine favorites Moose Tracks and Blueberry.

Must-Dos: A kayak tour with Maine Kayak, Pemaquid Lighthouse (go towards sunset for that golden hour light), ice cream at Harbor Ice Cream, and dinner at nearby Muscongus Bay Lobster Pound.

Looking for an itinerary to help you plan your trip? Check out this post: Mid-Coast Maine, a 5 Day Itinerary.

5 More Coastal Towns in Maine I Didn’t Get To But Should Be On Your List:

• Harpswell -The Giant’s Stairs Trail is a must if you make it here! And grab some fresh seafood from Harpswell’s Lobster Pounds.
• Camden – Hike or drive to the summit of Mount Battie for unparalleled views of Camden Harbor and stay in one of the charming B&Bs overlooking Penobscot Bay.
• Rockland – This charming Maine coastal town started out as a fishing and shipbuilding village. Today, you can visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum or take a ride on a windjammer, the cargo ships used by merchants in the late 19^th century.
• Brunswick – Bowdoin College, founded in 1794 sits in the heart of this town. The region, including Topsham, has a storied history, including an underground tunnel that helped slaves reach freedom plus the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, who lived and worked here.
• Searsport – Enjoy the rugged coastline that hugs Penobscot Bay. Check out Moose Point State Park or take a hike on Sears Island (connected to the mainland via a causeway), and finish with a visit to the Penobscot Marine Museum.

Are You Ready to Visit the Coastal Towns of Maine?

I hope you found this guide about some of Maine’s most charming coastal towns helpful.

Are you ready to plan a trip now? Check out my Mid-Coast Maine: 5 Day Itinerary blog post to help you plan your trip. And remember, if you’re worried about COVID-19, I have a full travel guide for visiting Maine during the pandemic.

Whether it’s this summer or in the future, I hope you get to spend a few days in Maine. Aside from the charming coastal towns, there is so much natural beauty that is a must-see for anyone who loves to travel.

Got any questions? Or do you think I left a mid-coast Maine town off the list? Then please leave a comment below!

And here are some more ideas for road trips on the East Coast!

Visit the Catskills

Head to Provincetown, in Outer Cape Cod

Do some wine tasting on the North Fork of Long Island

Hike and taste the beer in Asheville, North Carolina

Head out for a sail Saint Michael’s, Maryland

Plus, 5 easy summer road trips from the New York area