Skip directly to site content

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.

Read

Land Trusts

Land trusts work with landowners to open private lands to the public to conserve land, protect wildlife, provide outdoor recreation opportunities.

Read
gallery with art glass in Maine

Great Little Art Galleries

Find creative treasures while browsing the many art galleries around the state featuring works by skilled artists and crafters.

Read

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.

Read
bridge on the Aroostook Trail

Travel the Aroostook Valley Trail

Abundant outdoor activities beckon along this 28 mile railbed converted to a gravel byway.

Read

Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge

The area, once overflown by Air Force bombers, now offers a wild and quiet place for wildlife watchers and birders.

Read

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.

Winter Day Trip to Stonington

Winter in Stonington and nearby Deer Isle will satisfy outdoor lovers, theater enthusiasts and downtown explorers alike.

Read

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.

Read

Revisit Quoddy Head

A candy-striped light house, four interconnected hiking trails along cliffs and bluffs and open ocean shores are all offered at Quoddy Head State Park.

Read

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.

Explore Portland's West End

Located adjacent to the Western Promenade, this neighborhood has its own unique collection of attractions, restaurants and shops.

Read

Portland Museum of Art

In the heart of Portland’s downtown arts district, The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) is worthy of a visit and a great reason for a visit to Portland.

Read

36 Hours in Freeport

Known for being a favorite shopping destination in New England because of its brand-name outlets and local boutiques, Freeport is that and so much more.

Read

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.

Rafting the Kennebec River

This 6.5-mile trail offers the best of both worlds: all-season recreational opportunities along the scenic Kennebec River and access points to several fascinating towns

Read

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.

Read

Viles Arboretum

With 224 acres and six miles of trails, several botanical collections and local art, Viles Arboretum is a year-round destination for exploration, reflection, education and just plain fun.

Read

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.

full moon over moose pond bridgton maine

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.

Read

36 Hours in The Sebago Lakes Region

On the southern tip of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region near the bustling city of Portland, you’ll find picturesque Sebago Lake.

Read

Pineland Farms

Pineland Farms in New Gloucester is a working farm and business campus that offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities and educational family fun.

Read

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.

36 Hours in Bath

Historically one of Maine’s largest cities and a major supplier of America’s 19th-century sailing vessels, this charming town skirting the Kennebec River is known as the “City of Ships.”

Read

Owls Head Transportation Museum

Owls Head Transportation Museum houses more than 150 antique automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles, engines and more

Read

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.

Read

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.

36 Hours in Biddeford & Saco

The neighboring communities of Biddeford and Saco are divided by the Saco River but are perfect for a day of exploration.

Read

Fort McClary in Kittery Point

Fort McClary is perched high above the Piscataqua River, and visitors can explore the historic structures and multiple scenic vistas.

Read

36 Hours in Ogunquit

Ogunquit offers expansive sandy beaches, dramatic rocky cliffs and a charming harborside town — in addition to world-class dining and resort experiences.

Read

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.

Zillman Art Museum

Discover Zillman Art Museum, known for its modern and contemporary art, having just reopened its doors in downtown Bangor.

Read

36 Hours in Bangor

Home to many of Maine’s unique attractions, from spots that inspired author Stephen King’s books to a thriving arts, dining and shopping scene.

Read

36 Hours in Greenville

Greenville is known for its proximity to Moosehead Lake, with plenty of natural wonders and activities.

Read

Topics
Region
Close

Searching for ""Almost there...