HELPING YOU
Travel Maine With Confidence
Plan a Trip
If you’re anything like us, then you spent hours (and hours and hours) searching the internet for things like “How to travel Maine on a budget” or “Best places to visit in Maine” or “How to pack a carry-on.”
We totally get it! Been there, done that.
YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO STOP SEARCHING AND START DOING.
We empower travelers just like you to
travel Maine with confidence, maximize your time, and minimize your budget.
That looks like staying longer while spending less money, and capitalizing on off-the-beaten path adventures along the way, and maybe making friends with a few locals too.
If you love traveling Maine, then you’re in the right place!
Things To Do In Maine…
Discover a place where rugged coastlines kiss the Atlantic, pine forests stretch toward the sky, and every winding road leads to something unforgettable. In Maine, you’ll find more than just a destination—you’ll find a way of life.
Whether you’re savoring fresh lobster by a working harbor, hiking the granite peaks of Acadia, strolling through charming coastal towns, or exploring hidden lakeside cabins, there’s no shortage of ways to make your visit memorable. This is your guide to all the must-see sights, hidden gems, and local experiences that make Maine truly Vacationland. Let’s explore.
Experience Unique Maritime Heritage
Check out the lighthouses and beautiful rocky coastlines and take a ride on a coastal sailboat
Watch the Local Wildlife
From Moose to Black Bear to Groundhogs, you can gain first-hand access to our native wildlife
Hiking, Rafting, Flying, Sailing
If you enjoy the great outdoors, Maine has everything you need, from hiking to rafting, to floatplane and biplane rides
Indulge In Delicious Seafood and Quisine
Enjoy the many restaurants and venues Maine has to offer all over the state
Travel in Style
FAQ
Still have questions? We have answers!
I won’t be in Maine for 5 full days. Will this Guide still be helpful?
Absolutely! Most travelers are in this area for 2-4 days, so we’ve structured this Guide to help you choose and plan the best day trips based on your travel pace and preferences. So just follow the days that are the best fit for you!
I’m not planning to stay in Bangor. Will your Guide still work if I’m staying in another town?
Yes! In fact, we’ve stayed in lots of towns and locations throughout Central Maine! The 5 full-day itineraries start and end in Bangor, buy you can easily use the SBB Mobile App to navigate from your lodging to the first activity of each day. Plus, we provide tips on choosing another home base if you’d rather stay somewhere other than Bangor.
When is the best time of year to visit Maine?
This Day Trips Guide is best for trips early-June thru mid-October, although many of the destinations can also be enjoyed as early as mid-April or as late as mid-November.
How long does it take to get to each destination?
All of the day trips in this Guide are just 30-90 minutes from Bangor. Bonus: The Guide provides navigation instructions and the cost of tickets for each day.
Will this itinerary work for families with children?
Yes! The itineraries mention playgrounds, kids trails, adventure activities, and more. (Bonus: Kids under 6 are sometimes free in different places, and many of these destinations offer discounted rates for kids under the age of 16!)
Should I purchase this Maine Day Trips Guide and another one of your Maine Travel Guides?
Absolutely! Bangor and Central Maine pair well with so many nearby Maine destinations. In general, we recommend spending some time in Bangor and along the Maine Coast, as well as Portland and the Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park.
Exquisite Dining Awaits: Explore the Finest Restaurants in Maine
From acclaimed waterfront bistros to charming coastal inns, Maine’s culinary landscape offers a refined celebration of its most iconic delicacy: the lobster.
Savor the art of simplicity with a perfectly crafted lobster roll or indulge in elevated dishes where fresh-caught lobster is reimagined by award-winning chefs. With sweeping ocean views, exceptional service, and a deep respect for local ingredients, dining in Maine is a true feast for the senses.
Where Adventure Meets Wilderness: Experience Maine’s Most Thrilling Outdoor Pursuits
If you crave crisp mountain air, roaring rivers, and starlit skies, Maine is your playground. With over 17 million acres of forest, thousands of lakes and rivers, and miles of rugged coastline, the state is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true.
Lace up your boots for unforgettable hikes—from the towering peaks of Baxter State Park to the scenic trails of Acadia. Pitch a tent under a canopy of pines, or wake up lakeside with loons calling across the water. In winter, hit the slopes at Sugarloaf or Sunday River, where fresh powder and stunning views await skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Looking for high-adrenaline adventure? Whitewater rafting on the Kennebec or Penobscot Rivers will get your heart pumping. Or take to the skies with a floatplane tour for a bird’s-eye view of Maine’s vast wilderness. Prefer a slower pace? Step aboard a vintage train and let the scenery roll by—majestic mountains, peaceful valleys, and timeless small towns.
Whether you’re chasing thrills or seeking tranquility, Maine’s great outdoors has something for everyone—year-round, all-natural, and always unforgettable.
