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.
Land Trusts
Land trusts work with landowners to open private lands to the public to conserve land, protect wildlife, provide outdoor recreation opportunities.
Great Little Art Galleries
Find creative treasures while browsing the many art galleries around the state featuring works by skilled artists and crafters.
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.
Snowmobiling in Aroostook County
Hearty snowfall, paired with the vastness of the landscape, makes it an ideal place for dashing through the miles of white on a snowmobile.
Travel the Aroostook Valley Trail
Abundant outdoor activities beckon along this 28 mile railbed converted to a gravel byway.
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
The area, once overflown by Air Force bombers, now offers a wild and quiet place for wildlife watchers and birders.
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.
Bar Harbor in the Off-season and Winter
As the weather cools, the stream of visitors subsides and things quiet down, but therein lies the undiscovered side of Bar Harbor — the off-season!
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.
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.
Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine
Every exhibit is designed to be explored by kids through dramatic role play, hands-on experiences, navigating immersive environments and taking safe risks.
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.
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.
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.
Winter in the Kennebec Valley
Whether you crave the thrill of a snowmobile ride or the leisure of snowshoeing, The Kennebec Valley offers iconic Maine winter activities, with plenty of places to warm up.
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.
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.
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.
36 Hours in Rangeley
Among the picture-perfect western Maine mountains and pristine waterways is the Rangeley Lakes Region, aptly named for the many lakes sparkling among the natural terrain.
36 Hours in Lewiston/Auburn
Arts and culture are thriving in Lewiston and Auburn (L/A to locals), which are the heart of Maine’s rich Franco-American heritage.
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.
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.”
Owls Head Transportation Museum
Owls Head Transportation Museum houses more than 150 antique automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles, engines and more
Ice Climbing in Camden
Ice climbing has grown rapidly with the creation of new, high-tech equipment. Using those tools, experts ascend frighteningly steep frozen cascades and walls of stone frosted with ice.
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.
Winter Beach Walks
The beauty of the Maine coast is perennial, but winter is perfect for beach walks. It is not uncommon to find yourself practically alone on the long stretches of white sand.
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.
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.
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.
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
With over 2,400 acres of pristine natural wilderness, 7 miles of walking trails and educational activities for all ages, Hirundo Wildlife Refuge is Old Town’s best kept secret.