Imagine spending a day exploring some of the most beautiful small towns in the Northeast. Here, you can find everything from architectural treasures to beautiful tree-lined streets to a lifestyle that is totally unique to this area of the country. So many of the communities in Downeast Maine are known for their charm, character, and breathtaking beauty and when you explore towns like these in Downeast Maine, you’ll enjoy the very best that Maine has to offer.
Where Are Downeast Maine Towns?
If you check out a Downeast Maine map, you’ll find several small towns to explore and different activities and events to join in on. Downeast refers to a term used by mariners hundreds of years ago. When they were located in this area of Maine, they would state they were heading DownEast – traveling downwind and to the east to reach Boston or New York. Today, this term represents a large part of the northeastern coast of the state, including but not limited to the areas of Ellsworth and Bar Harbor.
It’s where the United States greets the sunrise every morning. It’s the area of the coastline with such a rich and vibrant maritime industry that it’s quite unlike any other area of the country. No matter when you visit, there are exceptional things to do in Downeast Maine, including exploring some of the area’s prettiest small towns. If you’re planning a trip to the area, these are the destinations we recommend exploring.
The Town of Ellsworth
Many pass through Ellsworth off Route 1 as they head to the Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. It’s a beautiful place worth spending a few days in, especially if you enjoy small-town charm, like family-owned diners and small-batch bakeries. These are some of the best things to check out in Ellsworth:
- Take a stroll down Main Street. A quintessential small-town business district. Walk hand-in-hand down the sidewalks, ducking into whichever shop sparks an interest.
- Visit Momo’s Cheesecakes. It is critical to sample some of the more than 60 flavors of cheesecake available each day.
- Take in the Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show. You’ll laugh, be in awe of the chopping talent, and find yourself engaging in log rolling.
- You have to stop in at 1A Relics, one of several antique shops in town. That’s especially true if you enjoy marine and historical relics of the past.
- Enjoy a meal at Fogtown Brewing Company. The craft beer on the water makes for the perfect sunset.
The Town of Camden
Camden is simply iconic. It offers perhaps the most picturesque sunset in the region. This small town is known for the High Street Historic District, which is filled with incredibly well-maintained 19th-century homes along with the public library. It doesn’t take much to fall in love with this community on the waterfront, especially if you want to explore the outdoors, check out the lighthouse from the 1830s, and spend some time eating terrific food. Some of the best things to do in Camden include:
- Check out what’s happening at the restored Camden Opera House Stages. There are often music events, theater performances, and dance opportunities.
- Hike the trails in Camden Hills State Park. It’s always a good time to go but fall and spring are some of the most beautiful times.
- Enjoy a classic sunset cruise on a windjammer. It’s hard to get any more authentic than getting out into the harbor on an older-style boat.
- Explore history with a trip to the Grindle Point Sailor’s Museum and Lighthouse.
- Have dinner on the dock at Waterfront, a fabulous restaurant for drinks, laughs, and excellent food.
Swan’s Island
It is hard to get any more “Maine” than Swan’s Island. To get there, you have to take a ferry to the island. Once there, you can easily find yourself dozing with a good book and feet buried in the sandy beach. You can swim at the beaches, too.
Some of the best things to do on Swan’s Island include:
- If you want to enjoy the outdoors in late spring or early fall, rent a cabin to nature watch. There is a mountain bike road, seven miles of hiking tracks, and active eagle nests to spot.
- Take a self-guided tour. Use this guide from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to learn about the island’s history.
- Explore the Swan’s Island Historical Society. Most people have no idea of the depth of Maine’s history.
- Check out the Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse and take in the expansive wooded area. This is where you’ll want to take some selfies.
- Enjoy a meal at Swan’s Island Fisherman’s Co-Op. The lobster is affordable and as fresh as it can be.
Damariscotta
The oyster capital of the world is also one of the most beautiful communities in Maine’s Downeast area. If you visit in the fall, you’ll enjoy the Pemaquid Oyster Festival, but there’s great seafood all year long and much more to do. When exploring Downeast Maine, check out these destinations in Damariscotta:
- Take a Midcoast Kayak They offer an ecological tour that’s fascinating and perfect for adventure lovers.
- You have to enjoy the oysters, and Damariscotta Grill is one of the best options. Just be sure to get there early.
- Bring your phone, some binoculars, and waders to explore the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust. Numerous trails dot the landscape, and some of the prettiest views of the forested areas occur. Try coming in early winter for a snow trek before the heavy snow arrives.
- Take a tour of the locally created art at Kefauver Studio & Gallery.
- Do some shopping at the boutiques and small shops along Main Street. A favorite is Gifts at 136.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor has to be one of the best small towns in the Downeast area. Located on Mount Desert Island at Frenchman Bay, this small town has some of the most stunning views of Acadia National Park. You’ll find that from the pier to the higher trails, this entire area is quite stunning in its natural beauty, and it’s hard to imagine that there’s so much modern living nearby. Some of the best things to do in the area include:
- Check out Thunder Hole, the perfect way to see the power of the ocean tides as they beat against the shore. The best time to visit is at low tide so you can see and climb down onto the ocean cliffs. With the bright green trees and stunning blue water, it’s quite an impressive view.
- Take a tour to catch a glimpse of the whales. Bar Harbor Whale Watching offers several different tour options, including opportunities to seek out the seals and even do some lobster fishing. And a sunset nature cruise may be one of the best experiences of the trip.
- Climb Cadillac Mountain. These are the views are simply impossible to beat. It’s a bit of a tough climb, but it’s worth it, especially right at sunrise or sunset.
- Walk the Shore Path. It doesn’t seem all that impressive, but this path runs along the town pier and is quite a mesmerizing experience. It gets you up close to the waterfront in all it’s beauty.
- Explore the history of the area at the Abbe Museum. The Abbe Museum provides an outstanding understanding of the Wabanaki Nations and their culture.
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor is another small town offering the authenticity of what life in Maine used to be like and what it still is for those who call it home. Boothbay is considered by many to be one of the prettiest places in the state, with plenty to offer visitors who want to explore the natural beauty of this area. Some of the most interesting activities in Downeast Maine can be found here and include:
- Visit the Carousel Music Theater to take in a live performance. Their seasons run throughout the year, and you never know what the next one will bring. You can expect great food during a three-course meal as you enjoy the interactive show.
- Visit Cabbage Island. You’ll sail to Cabbage Island and spend a few days soaking in the beauty of this area. The Cabbage Island Clambakes are legendary and truly an authentic experience.
- Take a tour on the Balmy Days Cruises. Educational but all about exploring the rugged beauty of the area, Balmy Days cruises are perfect for lobster fishing and whale watching.
- Enjoy some Spanish taps and New England seafood for dinner at Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant. Ask to sit outside with a view.
- Take in a lazy day of strolling the waterfront area. Watch the ships come in and sample some of the artisanal food and crafts available.
There are so many places to go in Maine, but if you’re looking for one of the most authentic and charming areas to experience what the state has to offer, start exploring Downeast Maine. Each town is often surrounded by smaller, picturesque villages, offering endless appeal, adventure, and delight to visitors. Ready to make your stay unforgettable? Find the perfect vacation rental in Downeast Maine at Maine Rentals & Real Estate.
