It's been too long. Maine is calling and ready to welcome you back. Start planning your next adventure with some of the best day trips in Maine, curated by Mainers.
Statewide
The Maine Oyster Trail
Whether you want to shuck, taste, learn from the experts or just grab and go, there’s no better way to appreciate the fresh reward of Maine oysters.
Maine's Land Trusts
With thousands of acres of wilderness preserved by land trusts, your next adventure in nature is waiting to be discovered.
Drive ME Historic Tours
Maine Preservation created historic mapped out tours to celebrate Maine’s bicentennial, featuring pre-statehood places and the people who forged early Maine.
Aroostook County
Maine's northernmost county is draped in sprawling forests and dotted with mountain peaks. Considering it's bigger than Rhode Island and Connecticut combined, you'll run out of energy before you run out of hiking, mountain biking, ATV and cross-country ski trails.
Aroostook State Park Hiking
In northern Maine's Aroostook State Park, a few hours of spirited hiking will reward you with some great views.
Acadian Village in Van Buren
The Acadian Village offers a glimpse into the lives of those Acadians who settled in the St. John Valley during the mid-1700s.
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
The area, once overflown by Air Force bombers, now offers a wild and quiet place for wildlife watchers and birders alike.
DownEast & Acadia
Downwind from shipping ports like New York and Boston. And to the east. That's how you get DownEast. Defined by booming ocean, craggy coastline, and inland beauty, the region's natural wonder continues far beyond Acadia National Park, so we'd recommend you do the same.
Revisit Quoddy Head
Explore the candy-striped light house emerging from sea fog, interconnected trails scraping cliffs and bluffs, and open ocean shores.
Visit Holbrook Island Sanctuary
Visitors can walk along old roads and trails to discover the unique and varied ecosystems protected here for a truly unspoiled piece of Maine.
Cobscook Shores
The unique topography will have you immersed in nature, featuring miles of undeveloped shorefront, bluffs, coves and islands discreetly located away from the bustling roads.
Greater Portland & Casco Bay
Art? Absolutely. Shows? Sure enough. Food? Really good food? Probably more than you can handle in one trip. So, plan two. Or three. Or however many it takes to get to know this culturally diverse corner of Maine.
Portland Freedom Trail
Learn about Maine's African American history by following their footsteps for about two miles through downtown Portland.
Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine
The entire family will enjoy the museum’s state-of-the-art theater, science center, arts workshop and numerous exhibits geared toward infants, toddlers and teens.
Kayaking Casco Bay
With its many islands, beaches, coves and inlets, Casco Bay is beautiful sea-kayaking territory.
The Kennebec Valley
The Kennebec Valley is a gift of the 170-mile Kennebec River that rolls, and sometimes rocks, from Moosehead Lake in the north to the Atlantic Ocean. Test your mettle on some rapids, cast a line, explore the Appalachian Trail, or just sit back and enjoy the waterfalls.
Apple Picking
It’s time to head out into the sun and bring home your favorite varieties of apples, from Maine’s tasty McIntosh and Northern Spies, to Red and Golden Delicious.
Colby Museum of Art
Considered one of the best academic museums in the country, with a focus on American and contemporary art, you can spend an entire day enjoying the museum’s many permanent collections.
Kennebec River Rail Trail
This 6.5-mile trail spanning Gardiner to Augusta offers all-season recreational opportunities along the scenic Kennebec River and access points to several fascinating towns.
Maine's Lakes & Mountains
Beginning just an hour from Portland and reaching to the Canadian border, Maine's Lakes & Mountains region is home to ten of the state's highest peaks, our largest ski resorts and plenty of opportunities to paddle, cast and cannonball.
Bridgton Day Trip
The town of Bridgton combines picturesque lakes and mountains with charming downtown culture and amenities making for an ideal all-season day trip.
Mountain Biking in Carrabassett Valley
For incredible mountain biking, whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert rider, the town of Carrabassett Valley is unparalleled.
Pineland Farms
Pineland Farms in New Gloucester is a working farm and business campus that offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities and educational family fun.
Maine's MidCoast & Islands
Scale a mountain, turn your head and see islands punctuating the sparkling sea. Maine's MidCoast & Islands region specializes in breathtaking vistas, which is probably why some of America's greatest painters called this place home.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
The largest botanical garden in New England is located on nearly 300 tidal acres and is ideal for a day's exploration with the whole family.
Maine's MidCoast Forts
The MidCoast & Islands region is home to historic forts that echo the days we read about in history books.
36 Hours in Brunswick
A designated Main Street Community and the epitome of a college town, with the Androscoggin River to the north, Casco Bay to the south, and the Brunswick Town Mall — a greenspace with a seasonal farmers market and live music.
The Maine Beaches
Maine might be known for its dramatic and rugged coastline, but just one hour north of Boston and a stone's throw from Portland you'll find wide sandy beaches. There's nothing like a sun-soaked beach day. And there's no place quite like a Maine beach.
Wells Reserve at Laudholm
There is much to do, see and learn during your visit to this national treasure, whether you are winding through a wooded trail, walking the open coastline or taking part in a guided kayak tour.
Rugosa Lobster Boat
Hop aboard a classic wooden lobster boat and sail through the scenic Kennebunk River waterfront and coastline.
Ogunquit Museum of American Art
Nestled on three acres of sculpture-dotted land overlooking Narrow Cove and the sea, OMAA is a serene respite for a beautifully reflective summer day trip.
The Maine Highlands
The highest peak. And the largest lake. Just two of the natural wonders you'll encounter in the Maine Highlands. And if you make your way to Baxter State Park, you'll probably be able to add a moose to that list.
Explore Gulf Hagas
Often described as ‘The Grand Canyon of Maine,’ Gulf Hagas is a striking slate gorge in Northern Maine.
Patten Lumbermen’s Museum
A unique Maine museum dedicated to sharing the history and stories of lumbermen
36 Hours in Greenville
Greenville is known for its proximity to Moosehead Lake, but there are plenty of additional natural wonders, activities, restaurants and lodging options, making it a great place for a getaway.