When you need a break that feels like a breath of fresh air, Maine delivers. With rocky coastlines, historic inns, and that soft northern light, the state knows how to slow time down just enough for a proper weekend escape. Whether it’s sipping wine by the sea, soaking in a cliffside hot tub, or waking up to the sound of waves and gulls, these Maine getaways offer the kind of reset that lingers long after the drive home.
Best Weekend Getaways in Maine:
Breathing Deep at Cliff House
Perched high above the crashing Atlantic, Cliff House in Cape Neddick felt like the edge of the world—in the best way. The salty wind, the sweeping ocean views, the massive windows that brought the sea inside—it was all designed to make you exhale. From spa time to quiet walks along the rocky shore, everything about the weekend slowed me down. One misty morning, wrapped in a robe on the balcony, I remember thinking, “This is what it feels like to be completely unrushed.”
What I Loved Most: The oceanfront hot tub, where the sound of waves mixed with steam and seagulls in the distance. I could’ve stayed there for hours.
My highlights? Dinner at The Tiller, where I had local halibut with leek cream and roasted carrots. Every bite tasted like the ocean and comfort at the same time.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Portland: ~45 minutes south
- Vibe: Dramatic, romantic, elevated
- Highlights: Spa, cliffside views, fine dining
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for ocean air and sunsets
- Cost: Upscale resort pricing
- Hours: Spa open daily; dinner reservations recommended
- Address: 591 Shore Rd, Cape Neddick, ME 03902
Unwinding at Sebasco Harbor Resort
Sebasco Harbor Resort felt like summer camp—but grown up, refined, and dipped in salt air. Set on a quiet harbor with pine trees and sailboats, it was the kind of place where hammocks swayed in the breeze and days blurred in the best way. I kayaked at sunrise, sipped cocktails at sunset, and leaned fully into doing absolutely nothing. One afternoon, swinging gently on the porch, I thought, “Why don’t I make space for this kind of peace more often?”
What I Loved Most: Stargazing from the dock, wrapped in a blanket, feet dangling over the water—pure Maine magic.
My highlights? Dinner at The Pilot House, where I had buttery lobster mac and cheese paired with local hard cider. Cozy, flavorful, and satisfying after a day by the water.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Portland: ~1 hour north
- Vibe: Casual, nostalgic, harbor-side
- Highlights: Kayaking, hammocks, classic Maine charm
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for full access to amenities and activities
- Cost: Moderate resort pricing
- Hours: Seasonal hours; call ahead for dining availability
- Address: 29 Kenyon Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562
Escaping to Grand Harbor Inn
Grand Harbor Inn in Camden gave me quiet luxury in one of the most charming towns on the Maine coast. Our suite looked out over the harbor, where sailboats rocked gently in the water, and seagulls dipped low over the docks. The fireplace flickered softly at night, and the mornings were filled with fresh croissants delivered to our door. One morning, sipping coffee in a robe and watching the harbor wake up, I thought, “I could stay in this moment forever.”
What I Loved Most: The deep soaking tub with a harbor view—pure indulgence, especially after a breezy walk along the marina.
My highlights? Dinner at Fresh & Co., where I had seared scallops with lemon risotto and grilled asparagus. Light, coastal, and exactly what I wanted after a day exploring.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Portland: ~1 hour 45 minutes north
- Vibe: Intimate, polished, harborfront
- Highlights: In-room fireplaces, spa tubs, walkable downtown
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for harbor activity or fall for foliage
- Cost: Mid-to-luxury pricing
- Hours: 24-hour front desk; breakfast delivered each morning
- Address: 14 Bay View Landing, Camden, ME 04843
Slowing Time at Camden Harbour Inn
Camden Harbour Inn felt like stepping into a quieter, more elegant world. Perched above town with sweeping views, the inn brought together coastal charm and European-style service. Our room was filled with soft linens, sea breezes, and a sense of timelessness. One afternoon, watching schooners glide by from the veranda with a glass of rosé, I remember thinking, “This is what grace looks like in real life.”
What I Loved Most: The personalized touches—from welcome prosecco to handwritten notes—it felt like every detail was there just for us.
My highlights? Dinner at Natalie’s, the inn’s fine dining restaurant. I had the poached lobster with truffle emulsion and basil oil—it was luxurious, delicate, and unforgettable.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Portland: ~1 hour 45 minutes north
- Vibe: Elegant, refined, romantic
- Highlights: Gourmet dining, concierge service, harbor views
- Best Time to Visit: Summer or early fall for peak scenery
- Cost: Luxury inn pricing
- Hours: Check-in from 3pm; Natalie’s dinner reservations essential
- Address: 83 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843
Soaking It In at The Inn at Ocean's Edge - 3 hours 30 minute Getaway from Boston
The Inn at Ocean’s Edge lived up to its name in every way. With sweeping views of Penobscot Bay and an infinity pool that looked like it spilled right into the ocean, this spot brought instant calm. We watched the sunrise from our balcony, then drifted between the spa, the pool, and a nap in the shade. One evening, as fog rolled in over the water, I whispered, “This is the kind of quiet I didn’t know I was craving.”
What I Loved Most: The outdoor hot tub under the stars—completely silent except for the crackle of the fire nearby and the sound of waves in the distance.
My highlights? Breakfast on the deck: quiche with spinach and gruyère, local strawberries, and strong coffee with a sea breeze. Simple and perfect.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Portland: ~2 hours north
- Vibe: Coastal spa escape, serene, tucked away
- Highlights: Infinity pool, full-service spa, ocean views
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for pool days or fall for cozy spa time
- Cost: Moderate to upscale pricing
- Hours: Spa hours vary; check-in from 3pm
- Address: 24 Stonecoast Rd, Lincolnville, ME 04849
Feeling Classic at The Colony Hotel - 1 hour 30 minutes from Boston
Stepping into The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport felt like stepping into a timeless New England postcard. With its grand white facade, striped awnings, and lawn chairs overlooking the ocean, it brought that nostalgic summer magic you hope to find on the coast. We played lawn games, strolled the beach at sunset, and lingered over cocktails on the porch. One morning, as the fog lifted and boats headed out to sea, I thought, “Some places never go out of style.”
What I Loved Most: The classic saltwater pool with ocean views—sparkling, breezy, and surrounded by laughter and sunshine.
My highlights? Dinner on the terrace, where I had New England clam chowder and grilled swordfish with lemon-herb butter. The views, the food, the salt in the air—it all felt iconic.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Portland: ~45 minutes south
- Vibe: Historic, summery, timeless
- Highlights: Saltwater pool, oceanfront lawn, classic décor
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for full amenities and atmosphere
- Cost: Moderate with family-friendly pricing options
- Hours: Seasonal; call ahead for availability
- Address: 140 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
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.
Related ideas: