13 Out Of This World Day Trips To Take In Maine
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Michelle
Author
Skiing and snowshoeing are a good time, but when Maine really shines when there’s no snow on the ground! When the ground is bare, there are plenty of ways to have fun in this great state! From beaches to trails to small-town explorations, you’ve got no excuse to ever leave the state. Take this list of the best day trips in Maine and start planning your weekends. And, if we’ve left anything off, let us know! We’re always looking for new day trips to add to our roster.
Kittery, ME, USA
Kittery was settled in 1623 by the British and in 1647 was finally incorporated.
While some will argue that other towns are older, Kittery is the oldest incorporated town in Maine. The quaint town is known as the "Gateway to Maine," as it sits directly across the New Hampshire border. And, it's got plenty to keep you busy - from a cute downtown for shopping to nature.
If you’re in Southeastern Maine and looking for day trips near me, Kittery is the perfect place to spend a day exploring.
If you’re in Southeastern Maine and looking for day trips near me, Kittery is the perfect place to spend a day exploring.
Jesup Path, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
To enjoy this 1.5-mile trail, head towards Acadia National Park and enter through the Hulls Cove Entrance. Park and begin your walk on the trail which begins next to the Wild Gardens of Acadia. The forest nature here is lush and you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re so close to the rocky coast of Acadia National Park.
For a day trip in Acadia National Park, Jesup Path Trail makes a fun afternoon.
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Fairfield Antique Mall, 382 Skowhegan Rd, Fairfield, ME 04937, USA
Wayne and Brenda Gamage own this spot that's been around for over 18 years. They run it, along with a friendly staff made up of 3 generations! The building that houses the mall was once an old chicken house, but today it's so much more! And what exists inside is nothing short of a dream if you love all things, Maine.
If you’re looking for unique things to do around Fairfield, this antique mall is a great place to stop and check out.
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Glendarragh Farm Lavender (year-round store), 22 Main St, Camden, ME 04843, USA
At Glendarragh Farm, you'll find a 26-acre farm along the St. George River with more than a dozen varieties of lavender! The farm is part of a homestead that dates back to 1822 and it once included cattle, poultry, and other livestock that helped sustain the farmers that lived there. If a full-day trip to the farm isn't possible, you can visit the Glendarragh Farm Lavender shop in Camden throughout the year.
If you’re in Maine and looking for getaway spots near me, is there anything more romantic than this lavender farm?
Palace Playland, 1 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064, USA
Love it or hate it, you can't deny that Old Orchard Beach is an important part of growing up in Maine - no matter where in the state you're from. The park covers four acres right next to the beach. In fact, it's the only park in New England located right on the beach. Schedule your day trip for a Thursday and stay for the weekly fireworks show that begins at 9:45 pm.
A classic summer haunt, this unique thing to do in Old Orchard Beach is a must-see for some summer nostalgia.
Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment where they play mini golf in OOB and enjoy a sunset on the beach in the nearby town of Ocean Park (which shares the same beach with Old Orchard).
Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment where they play mini golf in OOB and enjoy a sunset on the beach in the nearby town of Ocean Park (which shares the same beach with Old Orchard).
Evans Notch, South Oxford, ME 04217, USA
This is one of our favorite day trips in Maine. A moderate hike will lead you to a hidden swimming hole with water so clear and blue you'll think you're in the Caribbean. We recommend hiking to the summit of Blueberry Hill first, then making your way down to cool off. And, depending on what time of the summer you make the trip, you might just leave with some freshly-picked Maine wild blueberries.
Could there be a better day trip in Maine than hiking, swimming in waterfalls, and snacking on blueberries?
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Cliff Island, Portland, ME 04019, USA
Cliff Island has about 60 year-round residents, making it one of the only 15 Casco Bay islands with any type of constant population. The island is as far from Portland as you can get and still be in Casco Bay, but it's worth the hour-long trip on the ferry to check out the 18 acres of natural habitat at The Bluffs.
Cliff Island is the perfect getaway spot in Maine and full of remote, enchanting charm.
Cliff Island is the perfect getaway spot in Maine and full of remote, enchanting charm.
Swan Island, 7 Swan Island Landing, Richmond, ME 04357, USA
Some say Swan Island, originally known as Perkins, was abandoned as a result of pollution in the river. The businesses located on the island were forced to shut, causing the families to move elsewhere. The more official story says that the state of Maine began acquiring bits of the land over time. The ghost island still has five standing homes - each dating back to the 1700s. It's completely explorable, though it can only be accessed by ferry, kayak, or canoe.
If you’re in the area and looking for day trips near me, this one hits everything on the checklist: water sports, outdoor adventure, and plenty of history!
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Take Flight Aerial Adventure Course, 506 Blue Star Memorial Highway, Kittery, ME 03904, USA
Spending the day here means 65 activities at Maine’s largest high ropes aerial adventure challenge course. The Aerial Adventure Challenge Course offers the chance to try multi-vines, catwalks, tube nets, swinging tires, swinging platforms, and their Super Swing! Exploration of their Challenge Course includes 2.5 hours of access, including a 30-minute on-the-ground class.
This unique thing to do in Kittery is a fun activity for everyone in the family!
Peaks Island, Portland, ME, USA
Battery Steele is a military fort located on the oceanside area of Peaks Island in Casco Bay. The Fort was built in 1942 as part of efforts to support World War II. The Army first used the site in the early 1900s. During World War I, the Army built a searchlight shelter, a generator building, and one bunker as part of the Portland Harbor Defenses. During the World War II era, the Army constructed Battery Craven, Battery Steele, a control bunker, and five observation towers at the site. Today, the area is an adventurous network of dark tunnels with graffiti and an annual performance art show.
A place of historical significance, this getaway spot near me is a blast to explore in the summer.
Gulf Hagas Brook, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04414, USA
The entire Gulf Hagas area encompasses three miles and has incredible vertical slate walls, which create the many waterfalls along this hike. The 8.6-mile Gulf Rim Trail is a beautiful, challenging hike that allows for views down into the gorge. A portion of the trail follows the area of the Appalachian Trail and is located within the 100-mile wilderness.
The full hike is an eight-hour endeavor, but there are many other (shorter!) options for exploring the area that won't take quite so much effort and are equally as stunning.
One of the best day trips in Maine, Gulf Hagas has plenty of areas to enjoy, including some seriously beautiful natural landscape.
Maine Wildlife Park Way, Maine Wildlife Pk Wy, Gray, ME 04039, USA
The Maine Wildlife Park in Gray is a wonderful place to spend a day learning about the state's animals. You'll find a variety of interesting animals here, and all are allowed to roam free. In addition to seeing these wonderful creatures, there are plenty of educational opportunities as well.
If you’re looking for a unique thing to do in Gray, the Maine Wildlife Park is a fun way to learn more about Maine.
Cellardoor Winery, 367 Youngtown Rd, Lincolnville, ME 04849, USA
Cellardoor is just one of a few different wineries, a visit to which will make a great day trip. In addition to the wines, we love the story behind this particular winery. A hobo came to the area in the early 20th century hoping to find work as well as a safe place to live. He carved the symbol that adorns their farmhouse door. The mark signaled to other travelers that the 200-year-old farm was a safe, welcoming place. Today, the winery still finds heart behind its meaning. Any place you see the "H" symbol, visitors will find friendship, acceptance, and true hospitality.
This unique day trip in Maine is a big crowd-pleaser, and hard not to love!
We think these are the best day trips in Maine. Did we put your favorite one on the list? Are there any others you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
One of the best things to do in Maine is explore our awesome waterfalls. To find out how you can make this waterfall road trip, and enjoy a bunch of them at once!
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More to Explore
Best Day Trips In Maine
What part of Maine has the best day trips?
During the best Maine day trips, you will explore coastal towns like:
Maine has a ton of great adventures but the state's coastline is well known for plenty of great short excursions. With the large, populated areas of Portland, York, Camden, and Bar Harbor, there are lovely areas to explore all along the ocean.
What city in Maine has the most things to do?
The largest city in Maine with the most things to do is Portland.
Portland is the largest and is filled with the most attractions. You’ll find small boutiques, tons of award-winning restaurants, and charming cobblestone streets down by the water. Catch a movie at the cinema, go shopping, and explore Maine’s largest city when you visit Portland.