Craving a classic New England experience that’s on every person’s bucket list? Look no further than a trip to Maine this summer! Perfect for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts and lighthouse hunters alike, Maine truly checks every box when it comes to a summer trip. From hiking at Acadia National Park to cruising the gentle waters of the Casco Bay, there is something for every person in our stunning state. If you’re planning a summer trip to Maine, keep reading for some of the most important tips to keep in mind!
1. Know the Best Time to Visit
Maine is incomparably beautiful all year long, but there are certain times of year that are simply perfect – the most notable being summer! The best months to visit Maine are between June and September, when the lobster is plentiful and the weather is warm and balmy.
Honorable mention: September and October bring incredible fall foliage while still staying relatively warm, which also makes for an iconic Maine trip!
2. Pack for All Types of Weather
Maine weather can be tough to nail down, notorious for being finicky and changing at a moment’s notice. But don’t let that scare you from planning a summer trip to Maine – you just need to come prepared!
Summers in Maine are temperate, warm, and mostly sunny, but you should still plan to pack layers. Throw in a light jacket, sweater and pair of pants in addition to your shorts and tank tops, and you should be good to go! And of course, don’t forget your bathing suit to enjoy our lovely beaches!
3. Book Excursions (and Reservations) in Advance
Especially in Portland, you’ll want to try to plan your reservations in advance if you can before coming to Maine. Portland is packed with nationally-acclaimed restaurants, so things can book up quickly in the summertime!
This goes for any excursions you may be planning, as well. Portland is extremely popular in the summer, so if you have your heart set on a special trip – such as a chartered cruise to the iconic Crown Jewel on Great Diamond Island, just off Portland’s coast – you’ll want to book this in advance!
4. Try All the Local Delicacies
Maine has so much incredible food, you could spend weeks trying all of the mouthwatering dishes the state has to offer. But if you only have a weekend, start by taste-testing all of the local delicacies!
Lobster is a must – there is no fresher or sweeter lobster out there. Crack open a whole lobster at Eventide, dive into an overstuffed lobster roll at Bite Into Maine, or enjoy a funkier version (like a lobster tail pop!) at Highroller Lobster Co. You truly can’t go wrong with any lobster you get in Maine!
In addition to lobster, try all things blueberry, especially in the summer when it’s peak season. Whoopie pies are the official sweet treat of Maine, and for good reason – no one does them better! Finally, wash it all down with a cold can of Moxie, our state’s soft drink that has a sweet, licorice flavor.
5. Spend Some Time in Portland
Don’t miss Portland on your next summer trip north! Maine’s beautiful coastal city of Portland truly has it all – award-winning restaurants and breweries, an iconic waterfront, chic boutique shops, museums and historic buildings, and tons of culture. It really is the perfect place to enjoy a long weekend!
Experience Our Beautiful State with Sail Portland Maine
There is no better way to soak in Maine’s picturesque coastline than with a chartered cruise through Portland’s Casco Bay! At Sail Portland Maine, we offer public and private professionally-captained trips. Where other sail charters are often large and packed, we limit our boat trips to 6-8 guests for the most intimate and unique experience possible.
Reservations fill up quickly, so if you’re planning a trip to Maine this summer, book your chartered harbor cruise with Sail Portland Maine today!