Weekend Getaways in Maine

Maine offers some of the best weekend getaways in New England, and it’s easily one of my favorite places to escape for coastal beauty and fresh mountain air.

From lighthouses to lobster shacks, Maine combines the best scenery with a unique sense of charm that makes every visit unforgettable, often with an underrated quietness that feels like a true retreat. I’ve been covering getaways in Maine for 30 years, which makes me a true local expert.

Whether you’re exploring the best harbors of Bar Harbor, hiking in the unique landscapes of Acadia National Park, or savoring the underrated charm of towns like Camden and Kennebunkport, Maine has a way of making every getaway feel special. That’s why it’s consistently one of the best spots for weekend trips, and why so many of these places have become my favorite New England escapes.

The best part is the variety: rugged coastlines, peaceful forests, and welcoming small towns. Think classic lobster rolls, the best ocean views, and unique trails that lead to hidden vistas. These details are what make Maine’s weekend getaways stand out as some of the best in the region.

Most destinations are just a few hours’ drive from Portland or Boston, making them the best kind of easy and rewarding weekend trip. Whether you’re into hiking, sailing, or simply relaxing by the shore, Maine delivers the best mix of fun, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Which Maine getaway will you choose? If you’re after the best mix of coastal scenery, small-town charm, and outdoor adventure, these weekend escapes deliver. They’re not just trips, they’re the best, sometimes underrated, always unique, and forever some of my favorite getaways in New England.

Best Weekend Getaways in Maine:

Breathing Deep at Cliff House

From Portland, we drove 40 miles south to Cape Neddick, a small coastal village in the town of York. Its most famous landmark is the Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse, built in 1879 and perched on a rocky islet just offshore. I toured York’s historic district, then stopped for ice cream at an old seaside stand.

Perched high above the crashing Atlantic, Cliff House in Cape Neddick was like staying at the world.

I felt completely swept away the moment I arrived at Cliff House Maine, perched dramatically on the rocky coastline with the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly before me—it was truly a magical first impression.

I loved how my room had floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the ocean perfectly, and my favorite part was falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves just outside.

I spent my mornings sipping coffee on the balcony, watching the sunrise over the water, and it was the coolest way to start the day.

I treated myself to the spa, where treatments were inspired by the sea and left me feeling refreshed, restored, and completely at peace.

I enjoyed dining at the resort’s oceanfront restaurants, where fresh Maine seafood and creative dishes paired beautifully with panoramic views, making each meal feel joyful and memorable.

I liked exploring the surrounding coastal trails and charming nearby towns, knowing I had such a spectacular retreat to return to at the end of the day.

I also appreciated the resort’s thoughtful touches—fire pits overlooking the ocean, cozy lounges, and warm, attentive service that made everything feel personal.

I found Cliff House to be equally perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxing family trip, with pools, activities, and serene spaces for everyone to enjoy.

I left knowing Cliff House Maine was a brilliant idea for anyone craving luxury, nature, and the unforgettable beauty of New England’s coastline in one spectacular stay.

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Unwinding at Sebasco Harbor Resort

From Brunswick, it was just 20 miles south into Sebasco’s peninsula setting. The resort sits amid pine forests and rocky shoreline, offering kayaking, sailing, and fishing right from its harbor. We hiked through Popham Beach State Park, a 600-acre stretch of sand and dunes where the tide reveals sandbars leading out to small islands.

I felt an immediate sense of peace when I arrived at Sebasco Harbor Resort, with its stunning harbor views and coastal charm that gave the whole place a magical atmosphere.

I loved how the resort offered such a variety of accommodations—from cozy cottages to elegant suites—and my favorite part was waking up in a waterfront room where the sunrise over Casco Bay felt unforgettable.

I spent my mornings strolling the docks, watching lobster boats head out, and it was the coolest way to start the day immersed in Maine’s maritime life.

I enjoyed afternoons by the saltwater pool, surrounded by rocky shores and ocean breezes, which made relaxation feel effortless and joyful.

I liked exploring the resort’s many activities, from kayaking and paddleboarding to golf and lawn games, all of which added an exciting energy to my stay.

I treated myself to fresh, local seafood at the on-site restaurants, where every meal came with sweeping water views that made dining feel extra special.

I appreciated the family-friendly touches—organized kids’ activities, open green spaces, and casual dining—that made it just as perfect for a romantic getaway as it was for a family escape.

I also loved sitting by the evening campfires, roasting marshmallows while the harbor lights twinkled in the distance, which became my favorite nightly ritual.

I left knowing Sebasco Harbor Resort was a brilliant idea for anyone looking for a gem of a Maine getaway that combines coastal beauty, outdoor adventure, and timeless New England hospitality.

Check prices at Sebasco Harbor Resort

Escaping to Grand Harbor Inn

From Bangor, it was a 60-mile drive south into Camden’s rugged backdrop.

Grand Harbor Inn in Camden gave me quiet luxury in one of the most charming towns on the Maine coast.

I felt an instant sense of warmth when I arrived at the Grand Harbor Inn in Camden, Maine, with its shingle-style charm and harborfront setting that created a magical first impression.

I loved how my suite felt both luxurious and cozy, with a fireplace, whirlpool tub, and private balcony, and my favorite part was watching the sailboats drift in and out of Camden Harbor right from my room.

I enjoyed the complimentary breakfast delivered each morning, complete with fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee—it was such a joyful way to start the day without ever leaving my suite.

I liked strolling along the harbor just outside the inn, where the cool coastal air and lively marina energy made the experience unforgettable.

I treated myself to dinner at nearby waterfront restaurants, but I also appreciated that the inn offered plenty of comfort for staying in and simply enjoying the view.

I discovered that the location was ideal, with shops, galleries, and hiking trails like Mount Battie just steps away, making it easy to balance relaxation with exciting adventure.

I appreciated the thoughtful touches—plush robes, fine linens, and attentive service—that made the entire stay feel personal and indulgent.

I also found it equally perfect for a romantic getaway or a quiet solo retreat, offering both intimacy and plenty of charm.

I left knowing the Grand Harbor Inn was a brilliant idea for anyone wanting a gem of a coastal escape where luxury meets the natural beauty of Maine’s harbor towns.

Check prices at Grand Harbor Inn

Slowing Time at Camden Harbour Inn

I felt a magical sense of elegance the moment I arrived at Camden Harbour Inn, perched on a hilltop overlooking Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay with views that immediately took my breath away.

I loved how my room was filled with chic, modern décor paired with thoughtful amenities, and my favorite feature was the plush bed framed by large windows that let in the cool Maine breeze each morning.

I enjoyed the complimentary champagne at check-in, which set a joyful and welcoming tone for the entire stay.

I treated myself to dinner at Natalie’s, the inn’s fine-dining restaurant, where every course felt like a work of art and the ocean views made it the coolest culinary experience in town.

I appreciated the small, boutique feel of the inn, where every detail—from fresh flowers to attentive staff—made the atmosphere both intimate and luxurious.

I liked exploring nearby Camden’s shops, harbor, and hiking trails by day, then returning to the inn to watch sunsets over the bay, which felt absolutely spectacular.

I also enjoyed relaxing on the terrace with a glass of wine, savoring the calm and beauty of the setting while reflecting on the day’s adventures.

I found Camden Harbour Inn equally perfect for a romantic getaway or a refined retreat, with every corner designed to impress and inspire.

I left knowing this inn was a brilliant idea for anyone seeking a gem of a Maine escape where world-class hospitality meets unforgettable coastal beauty.

Check prices at Camden Harbour Inn felt like stepping into a quieter, more elegant world.

Soaking It In at The Inn at Ocean's Edge - 3 hours 30 minute Getaway from Boston

I felt an immediate sense of calm the moment I arrived at The Inn at Ocean’s Edge in Lincolnville, Maine, with its hilltop setting overlooking Penobscot Bay creating a magical first impression.

I loved how my room had a fireplace, a spa-like bathroom, and a private balcony, and my favorite part was soaking in the view of the ocean stretching endlessly before me.

I enjoyed starting each morning with a gourmet breakfast in the dining room, where fresh, local flavors paired perfectly with those spectacular coastal views—it was such a joyful ritual.

I spent my afternoons by the infinity-edge pool that seemed to spill right into the bay, and it was the coolest way to relax under the Maine sun.

I liked wandering through the inn’s beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, which felt like hidden gems filled with quiet corners to read, reflect, or simply breathe in the salty air.

I treated myself to a massage at the on-site spa, where the peaceful setting and attentive care left me completely restored.

I appreciated the inn’s intimate, boutique atmosphere, with thoughtful touches like plush robes, evening turndown service, and staff who made me feel genuinely cared for.

I also loved exploring nearby Camden and Rockland, knowing I had such a serene retreat to return to each evening.

I left certain that The Inn at Ocean’s Edge was a brilliant idea for anyone wanting a gem of a Maine escape that combines romance, relaxation, and unforgettable ocean views.

Check prices at The Inn at Ocean’s Edge

Feeling Classic at The Colony Hotel - 1 hour 30 minutes from Boston

From Portsmouth, NH, it was a 30-mile drive north into Kennebunkport’s outdoors. I walked along Goose Rocks Beach, a 3-mile stretch of white sand perfect for swimming and tidepooling. Later, we drove out to Cape Porpoise, a working fishing village where lobster boats bob in the harbor beneath the Goat Island Lighthouse.

I felt a magical wave of nostalgia the moment I arrived at The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, with its grand oceanfront presence and classic New England style that immediately drew me in.

I loved how my room was decorated with bright, coastal charm, and my favorite part was opening the windows to the fresh Atlantic breeze and the sound of waves rolling in.

I enjoyed mornings walking along the private beach, where the quiet shoreline made for the coolest start to the day and gave me time to soak in the beauty of Maine’s coast.

I spent afternoons lounging by the saltwater pool that overlooked the ocean, which felt both refreshing and spectacular in such a picture-perfect setting.

I liked dining at the hotel’s restaurant, where local seafood and farm-fresh ingredients were served alongside sweeping ocean views that made every meal joyful and memorable.

I appreciated that the hotel had such a timeless, family-friendly feel, yet it was also perfect for a romantic getaway, offering both energy and relaxation in one place.

I discovered the nearby shops and galleries in Kennebunkport, but I always looked forward to returning to the hotel’s breezy porches and cozy common spaces to unwind.

I also loved the historic character of the property, which has been welcoming guests for generations, giving my stay a sense of connection to the past.

I left knowing The Colony Hotel was a brilliant idea for anyone seeking a gem of a Maine stay that blends coastal tradition, charm, and unforgettable ocean views.

Check prices at The Colony Hotel

Why These Places Made Me Stay a Little Longer:

Each of these retreats wrapped me in calm, from oceanfront views to firelit lounges and crisp morning walks through town. Maine doesn’t just give you scenery, it gives you space. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Hi, I'm Ema. Ready to plan your next weekend getaway? Let me help. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers and I've been featured as a travel expert on abc6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, USAToday, and many other media outlets, government and educational institutions. Click for more.

 

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