13 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take In Maine

Kittery was settled in 1623 by the British and in 1647 was finally incorporated. While some will argue that other towns are older, Kittery is the oldest incorporated town in Maine. The quaint town is known as the "Gateway to Maine," as it sits directly across the New Hampshire border. And, it's got plenty to keep you busy - from a cute downtown for shopping to nature.

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To enjoy this 1.5-mile trail, head towards Acadia National Park and enter through the Hulls Cove Entrance. Park and begin your walk on the trail which begins next to the Wild Gardens of Acadia. The forest nature here are lush and you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re so close to the rocky coast of Acadia National Park.

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Wayne and Brenda Gamage own this spot that's been around for over 18 years. They run it, along with a friendly staff made up of 3 generations! The building that houses the mall was once an old chicken house, but today it's so much more! And what exists inside is nothing short of a dream if you love all things Maine.

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At Glendarragh Farm you'll find a 26-acre farm along the St. George River with more than a dozen varieties of lavender! The farm is part of a homestead that dates back to 1822 and it once included cattle, poultry and other livestock that helped sustain the farmers that lived there. If a full day trip to the farm isn't possible, you can visit the Glendarragh Farm Lavender shop in Camden throughout the year.

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Love it or hate it, you can't deny that OOB is an important part of growing up in Maine - no matter where in the state you're from. The park covers four acres right next to the beach. In fact, it's the only park in New England located right on the beach. Schedule your day trip for a Thursday and stay for the weekly fireworks show that begins at 9:45pm.

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This is one of our favorite day trips in Maine. A moderate hike will lead you to a hidden swimming hole with water so clear and blue you'll think you're in the Caribbean. We recommend hiking to the summit of Blueberry Hill first, then making your way down to cool off. And, depending on what time of the summer you make the trip, you might just leave with some fresh picked Maine wild blueberries.

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Cliff island has about 60 year-round residents, making it one of the only 15 Casco Bay islands with any type of constant population. The island is as far from Portland as you can get and still be in Casco Bay, but it's worth the hour-long trip on the ferry to check out the 18 acres of natural habitat at The Bluffs.

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Some say Swan Island, originally known at Perkins, was abandoned as a result of pollution in the river. The businesses located on the island were forced to shut, causing the families to move elsewhere. The more official story says that the state of Maine began acquiring bits of the land over time. The ghost island still has five standing homes - each dating back to the 1700s. It's completely explorable. though it can only be accessed by ferry, kayak or canoe.

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Spending the day here means 65 activities at Maine’s largest high ropes aerial adventure challenge course. The Aerial Adventure Challenge Course offers the chance to try multi-vines, catwalks, tube nets, swinging tires, swinging platforms and their Super Swing! Exploration of their Challenge Course includes 2.5 hours of access, including a 30 minute on-the-ground class.

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Battery Steele is a military fort located on the oceanside area of Peaks Island in Casco Bay. The Fort was built in 1942 as part of efforts to support World War II. The Army first used the site in the early 1900s. During World War I, the Army built a searchlight shelter, a generator building and one bunker as part of the Portland Harbor Defenses. During the World War II era, the Army constructed Battery Craven, Battery Steele, a control bunker, and five observation towers at the site. Today, the area is an adventurous network of dark tunnels with graffiti and an annual performance art show.

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The entire Gulf Hagas area encompasses three miles and has incredible vertical slate walls, which creates the many waterfalls along this hike. The 8.6-mile Gulf Rim Trail is a beautiful, challenging hike which allows for views down into the gorge. A portion of the trail follows the area of the Appalachian Trail is located within the 100-mile wilderness. The full hike is an eight hour endeavor, but there are many other (shorter!) options for exploring the area that won't take quite so much effort and are equally as stunning.

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The Maine Wildlife Park in Gray is a wonderful place to spend a day learning about the state's animals. You'll find a variety of interesting animals here, and all are allowed to roam free. In addition to seeing these wonderful creatures, there are plenty of educational opportunities as well.

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Cellardoor is just one of a few different wineries, a visit to which will make a great day trip. In addition to the wines, we love the story behind this particular winery. A hobo came to the area in the early 20th century hoping to find work as well as a safe place to live. He carved the symbol that adorns their farmhouse door. The mark signaled to other travelers that the 200-year old farm was a safe, welcoming place. Today, the winery still finds heart behind its meaning. Any place you see the "H" symbol, visitors will find friendship, acceptance, and true hospitality.

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