These 10 Charming Waterfront Towns In Maine Are Perfect For A Daytrip
The Pine Tree State has 3,478 miles of coastline and over 5,000 miles if you include the islands off the coast as well, which translates into an abundance of waterfront and lake towns in Maine. That’s even more than California, which has just a measly 3,427 miles. Add the rivers to that and you’ve got more places to enjoy the water than just about any other place in America. Today we’re rounding up some of our favorite waterfront towns in Vacationland, from coastal locales to lake towns, to give you some ideas for how to get more of those perfect Maine breezes.
In terms of best waterfront vacation towns in Maine, Damariscotta wins. There are the obvious things that make Damariscotta a joy. First, there's the fact that it sits along the tidal Damariscotta River providing beautiful views. Then there's the oysters! Not to mention the shopping, the food and the shipbuilding roots laid into its history. To enjoy the river (after eating its oysters) take a trip on the River Tripper through Damariscotta River Cruises.
Portland, Maine, is a great city to visit if you love food, bars and shopping. But what makes it truly stunning is the fact that it's nearly completely surrounded by water. The peninsula provides beautiful views across Casco Bay, which are only made better by the boat rides you can take to explore the islands. Bonus: it's also ranked as one of the safest cities in Maine, too!
Want a coastal town in Maine that's not overdone with a nautical motif? Come to Hallowell. It represents the best of riverfront town. Visit for access to the Kennebec River, along with a thriving main street full of shops, bars, restaurants and community events. This little beauty was incorporated in 1771 and gets its name from Boston merchant Benjamin Hallowell, one of the Kennebec Proprietors. Today, its charming downtown district remains true to the spirit of the past. Seriously: the downtown district of Hallowell, Maine, is about as charming as it gets!
We have long called Greenville one of the best small lake towns in the state. And, it is! Sitting along a different kid of coast, this small town is the perfect place to use for exploration of beautiful Moosehead Lake. Since the beginning, Hallowell has been a bustling little stop. Back in its early days there were more than 70 shops along Water Street, which is the main street through the center of town. And there were about 2,500 residents with involvement in industries like logging, trading, and shipbuilding.
Vinalhaven, Maine, the largest town on the Fox Islands, can be reached by taking the ferry from Rockland. The town has a handful of locally owned bars and restaurants, which are primarily open in the warmer summer months. There's lots to do if you love nature, as well. Take a walk in Lane's Island Preserve to see the rocky coast and lobster boats. This is one of those places that just exudes Old Maine charm.
This sailing town is great for more than just being on the water. Camden Hills State Park will help you work up a sweat while making your way to one of the best views in the area. Some people call this town the "Jewel of the Coast" which comes as no surprise after spending a weekend sailing, eating, and drinking your way to Monday.
Pro Tip: Make a day out of this state park. The many trails in Camden Hills State Park in Maine will take you to a point overlooking the harbor that’s unrivaled in all the hikes we’ve taken. Not looking to build up a sweat? No problem! Half of our group went straight to the top in a car, seeing the view AND finishing the snacks before we’d had a chance to join them. Most people talk about the Mt. Battie Trail to the top, but we recommend you skip it in favor of the Mt. Megunticook route, because the views? Wow.
When this is the view from the Cutler Town Hall, you know you've found a perfect waterfront town! In addition to being a quiet and beautiful place to be downtown, it's also home to the Cutler Bold Coast, one of the rockiest seashore areas in Maine. What could be better than that? The puffin community that hangs out here!
One of the best things about Blue Hill, Maine, is how quiet and local it all feels, despite being full of history and great views. It was founded in 1762 after the French and Indian Wars, making it one of the oldest places you can visit in the country. Look out over Blue Hill Bay towards the islands of Mount Desert Narrows for some peace and quiet. Or, simply stroll through town looking at the small boatyards and boathouses that remind us that Maine is still a working fishing state.
If you're looking for quintessential Maine views, this is the place to get them. Located just south of Deer Isle, the community looks out over Penobscot Bay, including Isle au Haut and the smaller islands. The town is also great for a dose of the arts. Check out the many art galleries, the Stonington Opera House, as well as the local Historical Society.
Surry might be a surprise to some, but it shouldn't be. It's beautiful and unexpected! Just a short way from Blue Hill it offers just a bit more peace and quiet with all the same water access. Not to mention, there's an epic glamping getaway here that's straight out of a dream!
What are your favorite lake towns in Maine? Your top beaches for a waterfront getaway in the Pine Tree State? Share them with us in the comments below! And if you’re looking to know more about Maine’s water? Check out this lake that’s got water as blue as the sky. Swoon!
Address: Portland, ME, USA
Address: Cutler, ME, USA
Address: Camden, ME, USA
Address: Blue Hill, ME, USA
Address: Stonington, ME 04681, USA
Address: Greenville, ME, USA
Address: Hallowell, ME, USA
Address: Surry, ME, USA
Address: Vinalhaven, ME, USA
Address: Damariscotta, ME, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lake towns in Maine
June 10, 2022
Sarah M.
What’s the most charming waterfront town in Maine?
Those familiar with the Pine Tree State know there’s no place quite like Blue Hill. Truly one of the most charming waterfront towns in Maine, you’ll find it nestled deep in Hancock County, about 14 miles southwest of Ellsworth and near Acadia National Park, and it’s tucked between its namesake outdoor attraction, Blue Hill Mountain and the Blue Hill Bay. So in short, scenic beauty literally surrounds Blue Hill, however, this town’s winsome charms earn it accolades all of its own. For nature lovers, there’s plenty to do, clearly, but those who appreciate a calm stroll through an old-fashioned Main Street will love Blue Hill. Blue Hill is not only located in a idyllic setting for nature lovers, but it’s also home to local shops and restaurants to keep the 2,500-ish year-round residents happy. Over the years, the town has become a haven for artists and writers, making it a wonderful place for gallery hopping, too!
Address: Portland, ME, USA
Address: Cutler, ME, USA
Address: Camden, ME, USA
Address: Blue Hill, ME, USA
Address: Stonington, ME 04681, USA
Address: Greenville, ME, USA
Address: Hallowell, ME, USA
Address: Surry, ME, USA
Address: Vinalhaven, ME, USA
Address: Damariscotta, ME, USA
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
