12 Unforgettable Maine Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
While some of us complain about the winter and cold, most of us have to admit that Vacationland is a wonderful place to explore all year long! From snow activities to those that get us outside into the fresh air surrounded by greenery, there’s no shortage of activities to keep us busy. In fact, you might be surprised at the sheer variety of things on offer here in Maine. To prove it, we’ve put together a list of 12 of the best day trips in Maine to try all year long. From winter to spring to summer to fall, these things should go on a list to pull from throughout the next 12 months!
1. January: Winter Sleigh Ride at Carousel Horse Farm, Casco
Carousel Horse Farm, 69 Leach Hill Rd, Casco, ME 04015, USA
The holidays might be over but there are still lots of ways to make things festive. Try this 30-minute sleigh ride to get yourself feeling extra cozy. Horses will pull your sleigh through the woods while you stay nice and warm under the provided blankets. Click the link to learn all about how to make this day trip happen.
This hidden gem is one of the most historically important landmarks in Portland. But, it's often forgotten on trips to the city. Make this the year you understand more about Maine's black history by visiting this meeting house that acted as a community center, place of worship, and Underground Railroad mobilization center. This important piece of Portland's history is one of the unique things to do around Maine.
3. March: Check out the toboggan chute at Camden Snow Bowl, Camden
The Camden Snow Bowl, 20 Barnestown Rd, Camden, ME 04843, USA
By March we can expect to have a solid base of snow on the ground throughout most of the state. It's an exhilarating sight, but not quite the same as the adrenaline rush you'll get by shooting over the snow and through the woods on the longest toboggan run in Maine! Put this day trip on your list of “Getaway Spots Near Me”!
4. April: Stay dry by going on the bargain hunters road trip.
We all know what happens in April. We all get excited for warmer weather, only to be shocked when it's still cold and often rainy. This year, be prepared by planning a road trip that will keep you dry and happy. Head to some of the best vintage, thrift and antique stores in the state all in one day. Check out the route for this awesome day trip!
Is there anything better than spending time with something that has fur? Nope! There sure isn't. So, as the weather starts to get nicer plan a visit to this lovely farm where you can spend the day learning about and interacting with alpacas. Taking an alpaca for a walk is one of the more unique things to do around Maine. Check out this article for more details on this fun day trip!
It's finally warm in Maine! But, of course, it might not be quite warm enough to swim in the ocean. But who wants to do that when you could take advantage of what makes Maine so great in the summer? Secret little swimming holes exist all over the state and offer tons of quintessentially Vacationland fun! Check out 10 of our favorite best swimming holes in Maine!
7. July: Celebrate the summer by checking out Old Orchard Beach!
Finally! Warm weather and beach days are here. With nearly 3,500 miles of coastline, going to the beach is one of the best day trips in Maine. There are plenty of spots to choose from, but we love this classic. Come for the day to enjoy the waves and stay through the evening to check out the Pier Fries, arcade games, and rides. Click here to get all the details you need for your trip!
8. August: Pick berries at Libby & Son U Picks, Limerick
Libby & Son U Picks, 86 Sawyer Mountain Rd, Limerick, ME 04048, USA
Once August rolls around we all know what's in store. Berries galore throughout the state! You can go on a number of hikes to find wild blueberries or you can go to one special farm to pick a variety of different types of berries. Check it out this family fun adventure!
9. September: Make fall fabulous by heading to an apple orchard.
Sweetser's Apple Barrel and Orchards, 19 Blanchard Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021, USA
And just like that, it's time for fall! Once you've had your fill of berries it's time to get out and pick some apples. Get yourself enough to bring home for the season, but be sure to pick up some apple cider and donuts, too. These are some of our favorite Maine orchards!
10. October: Immerse yourself in fall foliage at The Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, Wells
It's impossible not to be impressed by the show Maine puts on when the leaves begin to change. You'll see it anytime you take a drive or even just look outside. But October is also a great time to immerse yourself in it. The weather should still be nice enough to get outside and we recommend you check out this beautiful journey through the trees. Read this article to learn more about the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge.
11. November: Give some thanks for the beautiful covered bridges in Maine!
Hurricane Road, Hurricane Rd, Gorham, ME 04038, USA
There's a lot to be thankful for here in Maine, but one of the things we love best about the state's landscape is the many covered bridges that exist throughout it. Go in search of them while also experiencing the beauty of Maine's fall foliage. Check out a few of our favorite bridges!
12. December: Get ready for Christmas by soaking up the lights and merriment in Portland.
It might not be a cutesy rural town, but there also might not be a better place to take in the glittering lights of the holiday season than Portland. Come for the day to finish your shopping and then stay after dark for dinner and a stroll through the beautifully light-up trees throughout the town. Learn more about this fun family adventure in Maine.
Address: Carousel Horse Farm, 69 Leach Hill Rd, Casco, ME 04015, USA
Address: The Camden Snow Bowl, 20 Barnestown Rd, Camden, ME 04843, USA
Address: 75 Newbury St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Address: 16 Free St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Address: 141 Crosby Brook Rd, Unity, ME 04988, USA
Address: Kezar Falls Gorge, Lovell, ME 04051, USA
Address: Old Orchard Beach, ME, USA
Address: Libby & Son U Picks, 86 Sawyer Mountain Rd, Limerick, ME 04048, USA
Address: Sweetser's Apple Barrel and Orchards, 19 Blanchard Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021, USA
Address: 321 Port Rd, Wells, ME 04090, USA
Address: Hurricane Road, Hurricane Rd, Gorham, ME 04038, USA
Address: 456 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In Maine
March 18, 2022
Libby Monson
Which hidden gems in Maine should I visit?
It can be hard to grasp the enormity of our solar system, but you might have a better idea of its size after experiencing the Maine Solar System Model. Created by the University of Maine at Presque Isle, this 3-D model is the largest in our hemisphere and the second largest model in the world. Each mile you travel is equal to 93 million miles! Your adventure will begin at the sun found at UMPI and travel along U.S. Route 1 to Topsfield. At 100 miles long, this solar system exploration is one of the best day trips in Maine and truly a hidden gem!
What food trails can I take in Maine?
Maybe tacos aren’t the first food you think of when you think of Maine, but this taco food trail might change that. Starting at Loco Cocos Tacos in Kittery, then heading north along Interstate 295, you’ll make eight stops and end up at El El Frijole in Sargentville. Check out this article for more details on this delicious Maine food trail!
What unique tours in Maine can I take?
Climb aboard Cap’n Fish’s schooner and set sail on an Atlantic Puffin tour. These adorable birds can be seen from May to October, and the best way to sneak a peek is from the water. On your tour, you’ll see plenty of cute orange beaks, thanks to the conservation efforts of the National Audubon Society. Of course, you can’t see Atlantic Puffin in every state; that’s what makes this tour one of the unique things to do around Maine!
Address: Carousel Horse Farm, 69 Leach Hill Rd, Casco, ME 04015, USA
Address: The Camden Snow Bowl, 20 Barnestown Rd, Camden, ME 04843, USA
Address: 75 Newbury St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Address: 16 Free St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Address: 141 Crosby Brook Rd, Unity, ME 04988, USA
Address: Kezar Falls Gorge, Lovell, ME 04051, USA
Address: Old Orchard Beach, ME, USA
Address: Libby & Son U Picks, 86 Sawyer Mountain Rd, Limerick, ME 04048, USA
Address: Sweetser's Apple Barrel and Orchards, 19 Blanchard Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021, USA
Address: 321 Port Rd, Wells, ME 04090, USA
Address: Hurricane Road, Hurricane Rd, Gorham, ME 04038, USA
Address: 456 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, 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.
