4 Days in Maine: An East Coast Summer

If you’re looking for a Maine experience that mixes laid-back charm with jaw-dropping coastline, four days is enough to get a taste of what makes this state special. Especially if you’re willing to drive a bit and follow the coast. Here’s how I spent four lovely days in the Pine Tree State with my mom.

Day 1: Portland to Orland with a Latte Break in Freeport

We started the trip by flying directly into Portland, Maine, from Atlanta and grabbing a rental car. Instead of staying in the city, we headed north up the coast toward Orland. It’s about a three-hour drive if you go straight, but of course, we didn’t. Maine was a bit moody with fog moving in and out and cool, 60-degree weather, but there were zero complaints from this South GA girl. We left 90+ degree heat, and it was a reprieve.

The first real stop was Freeport, home of the famous L.L.Bean flagship store, which has extended hours. It’s a shopper’s paradise if you like flannel and functional gear, but even if you don’t, downtown Freeport is worth a walk. We grabbed lunch at a pizza joint and then took our time with a hot latte and a fresh blueberry muffin from Met Coffee House & Fine Art Gallery.

That night, we checked into the Alamoosook Lakeside Inn in Orland. It’s quiet, peaceful, located down a gravel road, and sits right on the lake. Breakfast is included and well worth waking up for. But please be aware, Maine is apparently tick country. I had two on me I had to remove. I was a bit freaked out!

Day 2: Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor

We got up early and drove about an hour to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, which was lovely and totally reminded me of the Pacific Northwest. We had plans on visiting several places, but it was free entry day to the park (Juneteenth!), and it was completely bonkers in terms of crowds. We could not find a single parking space anywhere, so we could not really do anything we wanted to do. But if you plan better than we did, visit these places. The earlier you arrive, the better your parking odds.

• Jordan Stream Trail is wooded, peaceful, and a solid warm-up.
• The Park Loop Road is the best way to see the park by car. It’s 27 miles with stunning coastal views and plenty of places to pull off for a quick hike or photo.
• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, a classic New England lighthouse perched on the rocks
• Otter Cliff, which has some of the most dramatic views ever seen on the Atlantic coast.
• If you’re an early riser (or just committed), Cadillac Mountain is famous for sunrise views. You’ll need a reservation to visit, and in the summer, the park fills up fast.

Despite not getting to see much of the park, we jaunted over to spend the afternoon in Bar Harbor, a charming and walkable town where you can take the Shore Path, a 1.5-mile coastal trail that starts at the town pier. If the weather had been more cooperative (less fog), we would’ve booked a tour with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. They offer wildlife cruises that look incredible. But the flowers were popping, the sky was oddly blue and foggy at the same time, and it was perfection just walking around!

If you are on the hunt for some lobster, Maine is the place for it! I am admittedly not a seafood person, but I was determined to try a lobster roll anyway because my tastes have changed so much since getting COVID. We found this cutie pie lobster shack (honestly, any will do! There are tons and tons of them) and got a mini one to split. I will be honest, still not a fan of lobster. The texture was not for me. But I was proud to say I tried it!

Then it was back to the Alamoosook Inn for another peaceful, foggy night on the lake. We ended up partaking in the restaurant at the Inn for their Taqueria Thursday menu, and it was fantastic. Big Mexican food fans, here.

Day 3: Midcoast Charm in Belfast, Camden, Rockport, and Rockland

We left our Inn after a delicious breakfast and drove 30 minutes south to Belfast, which ended up being one of my favorite towns of the trip. Think boats, red brick buildings downtown, and indie stores. It was not on the agenda, but more of a spontaneous stop along the way. We even stumbled upon a farmer’s market too and had to stop! Worth it. I highly recommend Belfast for a quick visit!

In a weird electricity outage, the whole town and the surrounding area lost power from 12:30 pm until we know at least 7 pm. That being said, we had to find lunch somewhere else, so we hopped in the car and continued South and stumbled upon the cutest General Store – Owen’s – in Lincolnville, Maine. We seriously had the best pepperoni pizza and a lemon blueberry shortbread cookie for lunch. I wish I had 10 more of each right now.

We continued on to Camden. This was another highlight of the trip. We found parking, visited their delightful public library (because I am a big library fan over here), and meandered in the downtown! You will see there is a theme for the day.

After Camden, we made quick stops in Rockport (just 3 minutes away) and Rockland (another 15 minutes). In Rockland, we started walking the Rockland Breakwater, a massive 4,000-foot granite stretch that leads you to a lighthouse in the middle of the harbor. The wind was so incredibly strong, plus my anxiety from walking on the large slabs with the big cracks in the middle of them, we ended up turning around. I later heard someone local complaining about the insane wind, so it made me feel better about not going.

Owls Head Lighthouse is close by and offers another beautiful view. If you have more time, Damariscotta is a great last stop before heading back.

Day 4: Wandering Towns and Wrapping Up in Portland

This day was more relaxed. I considered visiting the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (about $25 if you book online), but we just ended up browsing some more small towns instead.

We started the morning off in Kennebunkport, Maine. Charm city over here.

After spending a few pleasurable hours in Kennebunkport, we headed south to Ogunquit, but not without stopping randomly for lunch at an adorable nursery farmer’s market. The folks who ran it were the nicest and gave us free praline peach pie samples with ice cream on top. No photos were taken because we ate it too quickly!

If you have the time, head to Fort Williams Park to see Portland Head Light. It’s probably the most photographed lighthouse in the state and for good reason.

Final Thoughts

Four days wasn’t nearly enough to see everything, but it gave me a good feel for Maine’s rhythm- quiet mornings by the water, friendly small towns with locally owned shops, and that steady backdrop of evergreen trees and rocky coastline. There’s something about driving those winding coastal roads, stopping in places you hadn’t planned to, and realizing that nearly every detour is worth it.

What stood out most wasn’t just the big-ticket stops but the in-between moments. Sipping a hot latte in a quiet coffee shop in Freeport. Standing on a granite breakwater in Rockland with nothing around but salt air and seagulls. Wandering through a junk store in Freeport. Maine has a way of making even the ordinary feel intentional.

If you’re planning a trip and want something that blends nature, nostalgia, and a bit of old New England charm, this route hits the mark. It’s not a trip about rushing- it’s about looking around. And honestly, I’m already thinking about going back. There’s a lot more coast to see.