First we should probably start with the question “Where is Midcoast Maine”? Because that’s something I hear a lot (and also something I had to google to find towns that make up our Midcoast. Midcoast Maine is made up of all the coastal towns from Brunswick up to Belfast and all the islands as well. It’s a big area but also one of the most beautiful in the state so if you’re headed into this region, you’re in for a treat!
As I’ve mentioned before with these lists, we only recommend places we’ve been so we are constantly adding to this list. Check back often. We’ve sectioned everything out by town to hopefully help!
The Best Things To Do In Midcoast Maine
Boothbay & Boothbay Harbor
The Maine State Aquarium
This is a small aquarium with a big view! Located on McKown Point Rd in West Boothbay Harbor, this small aquarium specializes in showcasing native Maine species with a shark tank in the middle and a long touch tank where kids (of all ages) can learn and touch scallops, sea cucumbers, lobsters, etc.
Boothbay Region Art Foundation
A gallery located in downtown Boothbay Harbor features local and national artists. Dean’s work has been on display here occasionally! It’s a great place to check out local artists and maybe grab a print to bring home with you to remember your vacation.
Downeast Ice Cream Factory
This is the best ice cream there is. If you’re a coconut fan you MUST try their coconut chocolate chip. As a coconut junkie myself, I gravitate towards this flavor and this is by far the best place I’ve had anything coconut flavored. They have a lot of unique flavors and combinations. After you order you can head out onto the wharf and enjoy the summer sun on one of the many picnic tables.
Dunton’s Dog House
If you’re in the mood for something light for lunch I suggest taking a stroll, or drive, around Commercial St. On the corner of Sea and Commercial you’ll see a little hot dog shack. It’s the best for a quick lunch bite while you’re enjoying the scenery!
Boothbay Region Land Trust
Thinking about getting out and enjoying nature, click into the AllTrails app and look up the Boothbay Region Land Trust. With over 35 miles of trails, you’ll find something good for every activity level and get out and enjoy the fresh salty air!
Lobster Boat Tour w/ Captain Clive Farrin
Speaking of enjoying the fresh salty air, it doesn’t get any more salty than a trip aboard a local lobster boat. And a great way to learn where your lunch came from!
Schooner Eastwind
If you want to get out on the ocean but lobstering doesn’t sound like your thing, we highly recommend taking a sail aboard the 65 foot Schooner Eastwind!
Boathouse Bistro
This is our favorite spot for a late lunch in town. It isn’t summer until we’ve dined at a restaurant with rooftop seating and this is one of our go-tos! The food is always amazing.
Camden
Mount Battie & Camden Hills State Park
This is the best way to see the entire town. From above! You can either drive or hike up Mount Battie for panoramic views of Camden and beyond. Complete with a stone tower you can climb at the summit, it will have you feeling a bit like Rapunzel.
Camden Harbor Park & Amphitheatre
If you’re up for a relaxing day in the park, this is the place! Located right next to the Library downtown the amphitheatre is a great shady spot with stone benches where you can sit and relax. Or across the street in Camden Harbor Park you can grab a picnic table up top, a bench along the walkways, or throw a blanket down on the grass and enjoy the view over Camden Harbor.
Norumbega Inn
Looking for a unique place to stay? How about a castle! The Norumbega Inn is just north of the town and it’s a show-stopper! We’ve photographed several smaller weddings here, and when it went up for sale a few years ago we tried our hardest to find out how we could purchase it! Alas, it wasn’t in the cards for us but hopefully it’ll be on your list of “must stays” in the area.
SeaDog Brewing
It may be a Maine chain but we love it so much! I’ve never had a bad meal at SeaDog and it’s our go-to stop when we are in town with the kids. Lots of options from seafood to chicken tenders for the littles. And the beer is pretty amazing as well.
Rockland
Rockland Breakwater
Put on your walking shoes and be ready for the 1/2 mile trek out to the lighthouse. Of course you’ll get great views from anywhere along the breakwater so don’t feel you need to go all the way out.
Samoset Resort
We photograph a lot of weddings here and it’s our favorite resort in the area. With a full golf course, restaurants and pools on property there’s really no reason to leave! Of course there’s a ton of great shopping downtown so I do recommend sneaking out for at least a day to see the area.
Maine Lighthouse Museum
Back in my product photography days I worked for the gift shop that was inside the museum. While that company is no longer around, the museum is still here and has all the info you could ever want on our area lighthouses. It’s great for the kiddos and adults alike who are in love with our ocean sentinels.
Archer’s on the Pier
Another one of our staple summer restaurants. With a wrap around deck and tons of outdoor seating it’s perfect on a sunny day. Ample inside seating makes it good for a rainy day to grab some chowder too.
South End Beach
A small semi-sandy beach just on the outskirts of downtown. It has great views and it’s always fun looking for sea glass along this beach or watching the kayakers go by.
Berry Manor Inn
We stayed here for a wedding in town once and it was the best experience we’ve ever had with a small B&B. They knew our names, had lots of recommendations for what to do in the area, and the kicker: PIE available at all hours of the day and night in the kitchen. It was a perfect late night snack after we returned back after work.
