When my friends come to visit, this is what I like to do with them! It’s also the base for my summer bucket list every year.
Get Out on the Water
A whale watch or puffin cruise: Coming to the Midcoast and not getting out on the water is like going to Disney and not seeing Mickey Mouse. You really get a different appreciation for life here—human and otherwise—when you’re on the ocean looking back at the land. I like this kind of cruise because it’s a great mix of nature and history! In all my time, I’ve never been on one where we haven’t seen some interesting wildlife: whales, seals, puffins, and more. Plus, the whale watches in particular stay relatively close to shore, which can be nice if you have new sailors in your group.
Beachcombing & Relaxation
I’m a big fan of beachcombing, so this is high on my list of fun things to do! Many of our local beaches have a mix of coarse sand and small pebbles, which is ideal for finding beautiful stones, shells, and maybe even some sea glass. A few of my favorite spots include Ocean Point, Hendrick’s Head Beach, and Reid State Park.
Breakfast in the Harbor
As a Boothbay native, I’m very biased about this, but I truly believe heading into the harbor for breakfast is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Maine’s easygoing summer mornings. If you want a tasty meal, a nice view, and great people-watching, this is the way to do it! Tip: bring cash! Some of the best spots in the harbor are cash-only (which helps them keep costs down).
Wander Around a Small Town
Take a slow morning or afternoon to explore one of the many charming towns in the Midcoast. Places like Boothbay Harbor, Wiscasset, and Damariscotta have plenty of small shops, galleries, and waterfront views to enjoy.
Take a Scenic Road Trip
If you have a free day, hop in the car and take a drive! Route 1 is the classic choice, but I also love exploring the back roads that wind through Edgecomb, Bristol, and around the Pemaquid Peninsula. No matter where you go, you’ll find scenic overlooks, local farm stands, and fun little places to stop.
Visit a Local Museum or Cultural Site
Whether it’s history, art, or maritime heritage, we’ve got something for everyone. The Maine Maritime Museum, Burnt Island Light, and the Farnsworth Art Museum are great choices.
Stop by a Farmer’s Market or Roadside Stand
One of my favorite parts of summer is the abundance of fresh, local food! Boothbay Farmer’s Market (Thursdays), Bath Farmer’s Market (Saturdays), and various roadside farm stands are perfect for picking up fresh produce, baked goods, and even handmade crafts.
Have a Picnic
Pack up some fresh goodies from the market or grab takeout and enjoy an outdoor meal. Ocean Point, Popham Beach, and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are all great picnic spots.
Eat a Really Good Dinner Out
I mean, really good. For me, that doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive spot, but one that has the ambiance I love and truly delicious food. Some of my go-to spots include Ports of Italy (Boothbay), The Carriage House (East Boothbay), and Primo (Rockland).
Enjoy Lobster
Because what’s a trip to Maine without lobster? Whether it’s a classic lobster roll from Trevett Country Store, a full lobster dinner at Five Islands Lobster Co., or a DIY lobster dinner with fresh lobsters from Atlantic Edge, you really can’t go wrong.