6 Best Things to Do in Lubec, Maine

By VacationIdea Staff on July 26, 2022 - Updated

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The town of Lubec is a charming town along the coast of Maine, well known for its iconic white and red striped lighthouse that sits on the easternmost point of land in the United States. Situated across the bay from neighboring Canada, Lubec is part of the Bold Coast of Maine, the region is home to many breathtaking vistas, nature to explore, iconic lighthouses, and more. The Quoddy Head State Park is the perfect place in town for any nature enthusiasts, however, there are other things to do in Lubec as well, such as museums and dining on local cuisine.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.West Quoddy Head Light

In 1808, the West Quoddy Head Light station became the country’s easternmost lighthouses and was rebuilt in 1831, as well as rebuilt again in 1858. The lighthouse features a distinctive and now iconic white and red horizontal stripe design. The candy-striped lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. While visitors aren’t able to climb to the top of the lighthouse, the grounds of the West Quoddy Head Light are open to the public and include the VIsitor Center Museum inside of the adjacent 1858 Light Keepers' house, which is typically open Memorial Day through the middle of October.

973 S Lubec Rd, Lubec, ME 04652

2.Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec, Maine

The Quoddy Head State Park lies on the easternmost peninsula of the United States and spans across more than five hundred acres, providing visitors with opportunities to experience views overlooking the Quoddy Channel all the way to Grand Manan Island’s red cliffs in Canada, hike miles of scenic trails, view a historic lighthouse, and more. The park can be a good place to spot a variety of wildlife as well, such as purple sandpipers, ruddy turnstones, gannets, and possibly even humpback whales off the shore. Quoddy Head State Park is also home to the iconic West Quoddy Head Light.

973 S Lubec Rd, Lubec, ME 04652, Phone: 207-733-0911

3.McCurdy Smokehouse Museum, Lubec, ME

Housed in what used to be an industrial fish processing facility, the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum is located along the waterfront in the coastal town of Lubec. The building is believed to be the state’s last intact herring processing facility from the early twentieth century. The complex was added in 1993 to the National Register of HIstoric Places. Inside the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum, visitors can learn about how herring was once smoked and processed from former McCurdy Smokehouse employees, who offer firsthand knowledge into the process and the industry. There is a small fee to visit the museum.

50 S Water St, Lubec, ME 04652, Phone: 207-733-2197

4.Lubec Historical Society & Museum, Lubec, Maine

The Lubec Historical Society and Museum showcases a wide array of records, photographs, artifacts, and exhibits inside of a former company store dating back more than one hundred years. Located in an early 1900s’ building once owned and operated by the Columbian Packing Company, the museum features an extensive collection of photography, including photographs of vintage ships, as well as fishing gear, log books of sailors, high school memorabilia dating back to the late 1800’s, a model school room, a 1940’s barber shop, vintage clothing, military service records of those who served from Lubec, and much more.

135 Main St, Lubec, ME 04652, Phone: 207-733-2994

5.Seaside Chocolate, Lubec, ME

Monica’s Chocolates, formerly known as Seaside Chocolate, offers a wide variety of chocolate treats made using only high quality ingredients and no preservatives or artificial flavorings. In order to ensure freshness, the chocolates are only made in small batches. The chocolate shop offers a full line of chocolates, as well as Peruvian items and chocolate gift baskets, and is open year-round. In addition to the shop in Lubec, Monica’s Chocolates also sells items on their website. The chocolate offerings include more traditional favorites like truffles and novelty-shaped chocolates, along with more unique chocolates like Pisco, which is made with Peruvian liqueur.

100 County Rd, Lubec, ME 04652, Phone: 207-733-4500

6.Water Street Tavern & Inn, Lubec, ME

The Water Street Tavern and Inn has the title of the nation’s easternmost tavern, situated inside of a restored historic waterfront building with beautiful views overlooking the working waterfront, as well as the bay islands, eagles, and seals. The menu here focuses on Downeast cuisine, but a little different flair to it, and changes daily. In addition to the Downeast fare, Water Street Tavern also serves a number of creative entrees. With a full-service bar, the tavern also carries a good selection of craft and microbrews available on tap. The restaurant offers a cozy setting for both visitors and locals alike.

12 N Water St, Lubec, ME 04652, Phone: 207-733-0122