2 weeks in Maine in July

Question

We are flying into Bangor, have a hotel booked for the first 5 nights in Bar Harbor - and are planning to go down the coast (and spend the next two weeks through New Hampshire and Massachusetts - but first, I want to figure out Maine) . So, after checking out Acadia NP and Bar Harbor - what next? I like hiking, lighthouses, cute towns, museums... I would like to not jump around TOO much. 2 or 3 nights each in maybe 3 or 4 places?

Answer

It sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned! After exploring Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, there are several amazing destinations to explore in Maine that will offer a mix of hiking, lighthouses, charming towns, and museums. Since you prefer to stay in each place for 2-3 nights and avoid too much jumping around, here’s a suggested itinerary for the rest of your two weeks in Maine.

1. Camden and the Mid-Coast (2-3 nights)

Camden is a quintessential Maine coastal town with stunning views, charming streets, and a lovely harbor. It’s perfect for hiking, lighthouse visits, and enjoying the coastal atmosphere.

Hiking: Hike to the top of Mount Battie for a panoramic view of Camden Harbor and the surrounding coastline. The Camden Hills State Park offers several other trails, with varying levels of difficulty.
Lighthouses: Visit the Curtis Island Lighthouse, which is visible from the town and can be accessed by boat. You can also take a drive to Rockland, which is nearby and home to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
Town Exploration: Wander the streets of Camden to enjoy its boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. Don't miss the Camden Harbor Park & Amphitheater for a peaceful afternoon by the water.
Museums: Check out the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland, which is only a short drive away.

2. Portland (2-3 nights)

Portland is Maine’s largest city and offers a vibrant arts scene, a great food scene (especially seafood), and plenty of history and culture.

Hiking: Take a walk along the Eastern Promenade, a scenic trail along the waterfront with beautiful views of Casco Bay. There are also many parks and natural reserves nearby.
Lighthouses: Portland Head Light, located in Cape Elizabeth, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in America. You can visit the Portland Head Light Museum and explore Fort Williams Park, where the lighthouse is situated.
Town Exploration: Explore the Old Port district with its cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy the city's vibrant waterfront and dining scene. Portland is known for its craft beer scene, so consider visiting a brewery or two.
Museums: The Portland Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the state and features works by local and international artists. Also, consider visiting the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, which is a bit further south.

3. Freeport and Phippsburg (2 nights)

After Portland, head down the coast to Freeport, a charming town known for shopping (it’s home to L.L. Bean’s flagship store) and nearby natural beauty. Freeport is a great base for exploring more of the Maine coastline.

Hiking: Take a scenic hike at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, which offers views of Casco Bay and the Harraseeket River. You can also explore the nearby Bradbury Mountain State Park for more trails and scenic views.
Lighthouses: Phippsburg is home to the picturesque Popham Beach and the nearby Popham Beach Lighthouse.
Town Exploration: Freeport is great for a relaxing day of shopping and dining. You’ll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, plus plenty of local Maine-made goods.

4. Boothbay Harbor (2-3 nights)

Boothbay Harbor is a lovely seaside village on the Mid-Coast, offering charming waterfront views, outdoor activities, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Hiking: Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for beautiful walking trails that wind through lush gardens and along the coastline.
Lighthouses: Boothbay Harbor is home to the Burnt Island Lighthouse, which you can visit by boat. It’s a scenic spot for lighthouse lovers.
Town Exploration: Explore the quaint streets of Boothbay Harbor, where you’ll find lovely shops, seafood restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to relax by the water.
Outdoor Activities: Boothbay is famous for its boat tours, so consider taking a harbor cruise to explore the area from the water. You can also try kayaking or visit nearby islands.

Logistics & Travel Time:

Since you have a couple of weeks and want to limit travel time, these locations offer a nice balance of coastal beauty, outdoor activities, and charming towns without requiring too much time on the road. Here’s an estimate of the travel times between each stop:

Bar Harbor to Camden: 2 hours
Camden to Portland: 1 hour
Portland to Freeport/Phippsburg: 30 minutes
Freeport to Boothbay Harbor: 1 hour

In general, Maine’s coast is beautiful and relatively easy to navigate. Even in July, traffic should be manageable, though you may encounter more congestion in Bar Harbor and Portland, so plan accordingly. Your trip sounds like it will be a great mix of outdoor activities, coastal beauty, and unique Maine charm!

2 weeks in Maine in July

More Maine (ME) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions