Looking for lakeside relaxation, mountain air, and small-town charm? Head to Bridgton, Maine! Tucked into the Lakes Region of western Maine, Bridgton is a four-season retreat offering crystal-clear lakes, cozy inns, outdoor adventures, and a vibrant arts and dining scene. It's perfect for nature lovers and weekend wanderers alike.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bridgton is in the summer (June–August) for lake fun and hiking, or the fall (September–October) for crisp air and brilliant foliage. Winter attracts skiers and snowshoers, while spring offers quiet beauty and maple syrup season.
How to Get There
- By Car: Bridgton is about 1 hour from Portland via Route 302, and 2.5 hours from Boston. It's easily accessible from nearby towns like Fryeburg and Naples.
- By Plane: The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), with car rentals available for the scenic drive to Bridgton.
- By Bus: Limited regional bus service is available—driving is the most convenient option for reaching and exploring the area.
Where to Stay
- Noble House Inn – Cozy lakeside bed and breakfast with elegant rooms, mountain views, and gourmet breakfasts.
- Highland Lake Resort – Family-friendly lodging right on the lake with kayaks, paddleboards, and peaceful views.
- Pleasant Mountain Inn – Convenient and affordable option near Shawnee Peak and downtown Bridgton.
Top Attractions
- Shawnee Peak – Popular ski area offering winter fun and scenic lift rides or hiking trails in summer and fall.
- Highland Lake Beach – Sandy beach with swimming, picnic areas, and great views right in town.
- Rufus Porter Museum – Explore the legacy of this 19th-century inventor, muralist, and founder of Scientific American.
- Magic Lantern Theater – Historic movie house showing current films with a pub-style dining area and live event space.
Unique Attractions
⮕ Wander Forest Trails and Wildlife at Pondicherry Park
© bcgbear/stock.adobe.com
The Pondicherry Park in Bridgton, Maine encompases more than sixty acres of streams and woodlands and can be easily reached from Main Street. Within the boundaries of the park is a trail network consisting of around two to three miles of trails, as well as a loop trail designed with children in mind that travels around the Maine Lake Science Center, connected by a long boardwalk to the other paths. The center offers a variety of obstacle courses for kids throughout the woods. Pondicherry Park also features a spring once thought to contain medicinal powers and a gorgeous covered bridge.
Pondicherry Park, Depot Street, Bridgton, ME 04009
⮕ Support Local Artists with a Stop at Gallery 302
© Gallery 302
Gallery 302 is located along Main Street in the quaint town of Bridgton. Along with showcasing a unique mix of contemporary works of art, the art gallery also operated as a co-op for artists and provides an array of educational and instructional classes throughout the spring and the summer seasons.
Displayed within the gallery are a variety of one-of-a-kind items, including pottery, jewelry, and paintings. Travelers can find a unique souvenir from their trip to Maine. Gallery 302 is open Monday to Friday from 11:00am until 3:00pm and from 10:00am until 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Gallery 302, 112 Main St, Bridgton, ME 04009, Phone: 207-647-2787
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Step Into New England History at the Rufus Porter Museum
© Rufus Porter Museum
The Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity is a museum that celebrates the legacy, times, and life of Rufus Porter, an impressive New Englander of the nineteenth century, through the promotion and preservation of invention and creativity. >Established in 2005 and open on a seasonal basis, the unique museum shares the story of Rufus Porter, who was a well known figure of the area’s folk art community for miniature portraits and landscape murals. Not only was he a painter, Porter was also the founding editor and publisher of the Scientific American magazine, along with being a teacher, writer, and inventor.
Rufus Porter Museum, 121 Main St, Bridgton, ME 04009, Phone: 207-647-2828
⮕ Escape to Quiet Beauty at Holt Pond Preserve
© djoronimo/stock.adobe.com
Established in 1870, the Holt Pond Preserve started out as a thirty-acre preserve next to Holt Pond, featuring many streams and expansive woodlands in Bridgton, Maine. Over the many years, the beautifully scenic preserve has expanded through many people’s dedicated efforts to now span across more than four hundred acres. Starting at the Grist Mill Road parking area, visitors can travel along the path through the preserve’s mixed forest of pine, hemlock, beech, and birch, crossing into the red maple swamp. During the spring, the Holt Pond Preserve is a great place for bird watching. There’s also the Overlook Boardwalk.
Holt Pond Preserve, Grist Mill Road, Bridgton, ME 04009
Where to Eat
⮕ Grab a Fresh, Flavorful Bite at Beth’s Kitchen Cafe
© Beth's Kitchen Cafe
Beth's Kitchen Cafe is known for its all-day breakfast, as well as homemade soups, gourmet sandwiches, home-style entrees, desserts made from scratch, and hand-thrown pizzas. This locally owned and operated Bridgton restaurant, located on Main Street, is typically open seven days a week from seven in the morning to three in the afternoon. Beth’s Kitchen Cafe serves wood-fired, locally roasted organic coffee in a variety of beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and several specialty drinks, as well as smoothies, wine, beer, and mixed drinks. In addition to the regular year-round staples, the cafe also offers seasonal favorites.
Beth's Kitchen Cafe, 108 Main St, Bridgton, ME 04009, Phone: 207-647-5211
⮕ If You Love Classic Breakfast Comforts, Then Dine at Morning Glory Diner
© Morning Glory Diner
The Morning Glory Diner is a family-owned and operated local eatery in the town of Bridgton, Maine. Specializing in home-style meals, the restaurant features a family-friendly atmosphere. The Morning Glory Diner was originally opened to the local community in July of 1983 by Gloria and Emile Perreault. Daily specials are offered, in addition to the regular menu, such as red hot dogs and home-baked beans on Saturday or special Sunday dinners.
Morning Glory Diner, 78 Portland Rd, Bridgton, ME 04009, Phone: 207-647-9606
Local Events
- Bridgton Art Guild’s Art in the Park (July) – Fine arts and crafts fair held lakeside at Shorey Park with live music and food vendors.
- July 4th Parade & Fireworks – A festive town-wide celebration with classic small-town flair and a beautiful fireworks display.
- Maine Lakes Winter Carnival (February) – Snowy fun with sledding, bonfires, ice fishing, and family activities at Highland Lake.
More events and things to do
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Bridgton, Maine
- Naples (15–20 min) – Enjoy boating on Long Lake, stroll the Causeway, or relax at lakefront restaurants.
- Fryeburg (20–25 min) – Visit the Fryeburg Fairgrounds or explore hiking trails and antique shops in this scenic town.
- Harrison (15–20 min) – Charming lakeside village with swimming spots and seasonal farmers markets.
- Evans Notch (White Mountain National Forest) (25–30 min) – Hike stunning trails and enjoy mountain views just across the state line.
- Denmark (10–15 min) – Quiet countryside with biking routes, forests, and access to Moose Pond for paddling or fishing.
FAQ
-
Q: What is Bridgton, Maine known for?
-
A: The town of Bridgton in Maine is especially well known for its ski slopes.
-
Q: Does Bridgton offer activities beyond skiing?
-
A: Yes, there’s much more to this New England town than skiing, including outdoor activities and art exploration.
-
Q: What outdoor activities are available in Bridgton?
-
A: Situated among some of the most scenic lakes in Maine, visitors and locals can enjoy activities throughout the year, including exploring the Holt Pond Preserve and Pondicherry Park.
-
Q: Are there activities for art lovers in Bridgton?
-
A: Yes, Bridgton has a number of places to explore for anyone who loves art.
Map:
Plan Your Trip