Looking for a fun day trip while staying in Midcoast Maine? Here are some of our favorite destinations, complete with recommendations on the best day of the week to visit! We wrote this list with Boothbay in mind, but you can visit all of these towns from all of our homes, from Georgetown to Damariscotta, and beyond!
Wiscasset (Best Day: Midweek to Avoid Traffic)
Stroll down Main Street for charming local shops.
Enjoy a meal at one of several great restaurants (some of the best are hidden gems – don’t let lines of people cause you to miss out!)
Tour two historic homes:
- Nichols-Sortwell House – A beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion.
- Castle Tucker – A unique glimpse into Maine’s history.
Bonus: Some evenings, there’s live music on the town lawn!
Camden & Rockland (Best Day: Any Day!)
Art lovers, this is for you! Visit the Farnsworth Museum, featuring works from the Wyeth family.
Tour the Wyeth family’s historic home for more artistic insight.
Grab takeout and enjoy a picnic at the Camden town park, overlooking the harbor.
Looking for stunning views? Head up Mt. Battie (small entrance fee applies). You can drive or hike to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view!
Don’t forget a stop at the ice cream stand at the base of the mountain—some of Maine’s finest!
Missed a boat tour in Boothbay? Camden offers several scenic boat ride options, too.
Thomaston (Best Day: Friday or Saturday for the Best Food & Shopping)
Breakfast at Moody’s Diner—a classic Maine roadside stop. Seriously, try the pie (even as a mid-afternoon snack!)
Lunch at The Slipway or McLoon’s, both waterfront seafood gems.
Tour the General Knox Museum for a history lesson with a twist—it’s tied to Fort Knox, one of the country’s most mysterious sites!
Shop for handcrafted furniture and artwork at the Maine State Prison Store—yes, it’s made by inmates, and yes, it’s really well-made!
Bath & Brunswick (Best Day: Wednesday or Thursday for Fewer Crowds)
Love the arts? Catch a show at Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) in Brunswick! They offer:
- 4 Main Stage productions per summer (each with a 3-week run).
- 4 Children’s Shows.
- Concerts & special performances throughout the season.
Visit local museums:
- Bowdoin College Art Museum – A must for art lovers.
- Bowdoin’s Natural History Museum – Great for families.
- Joshua Chamberlain House – Learn about Maine’s Civil War hero, former Bowdoin president, and governor!
Freeport (Best Day: Midweek to Avoid Weekend Shopping Crowds)
No trip to Maine is complete without a visit to the L.L. Bean Flagship Store! The campus-style shopping area offers free parking and plenty of space to explore. A classic photo op is right in front of the boot!
Love shopping? Freeport is an outlet shopping paradise featuring:
- Big-name brands like Coach and Ralph Lauren.
- Unique specialty shops, including Maine’s only British Goods store!
- And lots of local shops too, like Sherman’s Bookstore, and several consignment shops!
Hungry? There are plenty of great restaurants nearby.
Pro Tip: Stop by the hot dog stand at the Village Station for a refreshing lemonade—a local favorite!
General Travel Tip:
Avoid heading south on Fridays and Saturdays unless you’re heading home! Traffic is heavier on major roads, especially near Portland and Wiscasset, as visitors travel in and out of the state. On the weekends, head up the coast!