Help with 3 nights in July/coastal Maine

Question

We will be driving from Cape Cod to Maine and have three nights July 5-8. Where should we go and stay given our limited time? We don’t mind driving to explore the Coast. We can’t do long hikes due to a sports injury. We’re looking for what everyone dreams about….ocean views, rocky shoreline, lobster, quaint villages at less than the $500 and UP prices I’ve found so far. Need accommodations for 3 (couple and teen daughter). Want to view lighthouses, shop, and chill. Are there any good links for bed and breakfast inns that aren’t on basic travel sites? We would prefer to drive and stay in one location and do day trips, but are open to staying one night further South on the coast and the last two further NE along the coast. Many thanks for your help!

Answer

Your Maine trip sounds wonderful! The coastline of Maine is stunning, with dramatic cliffs, charming seaside villages, and plenty of opportunities to relax and explore. Since you’re working with limited time and want a mix of ocean views, lighthouses, and local experiences, I’d suggest focusing on a couple of key areas that offer easy day trips without too much driving. Here’s a plan that should help you get the most out of your three days.

Base Location: Given your preferences, a great base for your stay would be Camden, located about halfway up the Maine coast. Camden offers that quintessential coastal Maine charm with its harbor, quaint shops, and beautiful ocean views, all within walking distance. The town is also close to several scenic spots and lighthouses, making it a perfect place for day trips.

Camden: Stay here for 2 nights to experience its beauty. Camden is known for its picturesque harbor, rocky shorelines, and nearby Camden Hills State Park, where you can drive to the top of Mount Battie for an incredible view of the coast (no hiking required!). There are plenty of quaint shops, cafes, and seafood restaurants to explore, and you’ll find great lobster rolls here.
Day trip from Camden: Consider a short drive to Rockport or Vinalhaven for more seaside beauty. Vinalhaven is an island accessible by ferry with beautiful, remote beaches and lots of lobster fishing boats. If you prefer staying on the mainland, Rockland is another charming town nearby, with art galleries, coastal views, and a lovely lighthouse (Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse) you can walk to without needing to hike.
Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor area): If you want to explore further north, you could head to the Bar Harbor area for your last night. This will be about a 2-hour drive from Camden, but the scenic beauty and lobster-shack dining are worth it. Bar Harbor has plenty of shops, restaurants, and coastal beauty, though it can be more crowded in July. You could also visit Cadillac Mountain, where you can drive to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.

Accommodation Suggestions: Since you’re looking for something more affordable than $500 a night, you might want to explore some bed and breakfasts or smaller inns in these towns. Many of these places provide a cozy, local experience without the premium prices of large hotels.

In Camden: The Camden Harbour Inn is a charming, upscale B&B with ocean views, though it can be on the pricier side. For something more budget-friendly, consider the Claddagh Motel & Suites, which offers affordable rooms with great views of Camden Harbor. Another option is the Camden Riverhouse Hotel, which is right in the town center and a short walk from shops and the harbor.
In Rockport: Look into The Country Inn for a more affordable option in a quiet setting with great views. It's a classic Maine-style inn, offering an easy drive to Camden, and is often less expensive than some of the more well-known spots in Camden.
In Bar Harbor: For a more budget-friendly option, check out The Inn on Mount Desert or Bar Harbor Inn for something within walking distance to the shops and the waterfront. Both offer a good balance of comfort and value, though you’ll want to book early as this is a popular area in summer.

Things to Do: Besides the scenic drives and coastal stops, Maine offers plenty of places to shop, relax, and enjoy local food:

Lobster Dinners: You can’t visit Maine without trying lobster! Some great spots for lobster are Water Street Lobster in Camden, or The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth (on the way north). The lobster roll and traditional lobster dinner are the things to try.
Lighthouses: Maine is famous for its lighthouses. In Camden, you can visit the Curtis Island Lighthouse by boat (or see it from the shore), and in Bar Harbor, you’ll find the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, which is definitely worth a visit.
Shopping and Relaxing: Camden has a variety of local shops, cafes, and bakeries to wander through. You can also visit the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland for a taste of Maine’s art scene, or take a relaxing stroll around Thomaston Village for more small-town charm.

Non-Hiking Activities: Since you can’t do long hikes, you can still enjoy the coastline by visiting some scenic viewpoints like Mount Battie in Camden, which you can drive to, or take a leisurely boat tour from Camden Harbor to view the coastline from the water. You might also enjoy the Maine State Aquarium in Boothbay Harbor, which is another great place to relax and enjoy the sea life.

With this plan, you’ll get a great taste of Maine's natural beauty and charm while staying within your time and budget. Camden will be a perfect base for two nights, with plenty of exploration opportunities, and then a night further north will let you experience the stunning beauty of Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park. Enjoy your Maine getaway!

Help with 3 nights in July/coastal Maine

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