Every year, I take a solo trip to remind me of my love of travel and to tell my anxiety to chill out. In 2023, I traveled to Maine to explore the quaint coastal towns, the beautiful nature, and the amazingly fresh seafood. Traveling to Maine was a trip where I challenged myself in surprising ways but learned so much about pushing my limits, trying new, out-of-the-box adventures, and discovering new areas of interest from my week in Maine.
See how much I loved the Pine Tree State in my Maine Travel Blog.
When is the best time to travel to Maine?
It depends on what you are looking for because Maine is one of the best places to see fall foliage. I visited Maine at the beginning of October, and it was unseasonably warm (70-82°F), and the leaves had not changed. Maine is one of the states most impacted by climate change and is experiencing the greatest ocean temperature increase in the lower 48.
However, it’s also a beautiful place to visit during mid-spring and Summer if you are looking for a family trip when the kids are out of school. So when is the best time to visit Maine? May through early October.
Where should you visit when you travel to Maine?
If you are looking for a city experience, try Portland, Maine. Try Kennebunkport if you are looking for a quaint, commonly visited village. If you want to embrace nature and still get the coastal experience, try Bar Harbor, Maine. I didn’t get to visit Camden, Maine—it’s supposed to be similar and less touristy than Bar Harbor but still quintessential Maine.
How should you travel through Maine?
The easiest way to travel is to fly into Portland International Airport and drive. However, there wasn’t a direct flight into Portland, so I flew into Boston’s Logan International and drove the 6 hours to Bar Harbor, Maine. Portland is the halfway point, but I wanted to visit on my way back.
A Solo Travel Guide to Bar Harbor, Maine
Where should you stay in Bar Harbor, Maine?
I stayed at the Harborside Hotel. It’s gorgeous, centrally located, and has a private beach and the best harbor view with its gorgeous sailboats.
What activities should you do in Bar Harbor?
I will always say, “If there’s whale watching available, you have to do it.” I regrettably visited Bar Harbor when the water was too choppy to go Whale watching, but the pictures people have posted are unbelievable. Next time, I’m booking it every day I’m there. The best time to see these sea giants is June to September.
I did get to go on a Lobster Tour – Lulu’s Lobster Tour, to be exact. It was so interesting to see how the maritime fishing industry works, how female lobsters are the most sought-after, and how regulated it is to keep the Maine lobster industry thriving. I also enjoyed going to sea and seeing the lighthouses, the beautiful rocky hills that border the harbor, and the unique wildlife in the area.
Next to the Harborside Hotel is a bay to walk across to Bar Island when the tide goes out. I found the most beautiful seashells when I walked across and had a great time sticking my feet in the cold sea.
How far is Acadia National Park from Bar Harbor?
At most, 10 minutes.
What family-friendly activities are available at Acadia National Park?
When I visited Acadia National Park, I drove the whole loop in 3 hours. I stopped at many of the park’s most famous locations and loved seeing its natural beauty. You can spend anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour at each location.
- Thunder Hole
- Bubble Rock
- Bass Harbor Head Light Station
- Cadillac Mountain
- Jordan Pond
- Otter Cliff
One place I didn’t get to stay is Jordan Pond House; you need to reserve a table there well in advance. I got a Popover but would have loved to stay longer and try out more of the menu. The house also has the most beautiful backyard for families to relax or run around.
Where should you eat in Bar Harbor?
Whether you are on a budget or want high-end dishes, my favorite breakfast was Jeannie Great Maine Breakfast, where the standard breakfast kept me full all day. I also enjoyed Side Street Cafe, where the Lobster Mac and Cheese was out of this world. Give the blueberry pie a la mode some love if you are hungry.
If you want a great lobster roll in Bar Harbor, Maine, Side Street is the place to go. I also like Geddy’s, which serves fresh clam chowder and has a great blueberry pie.
The Harborside Hotel has a great breakfast and dinner menu. It is filled with delicious local staples and meals for the picky eater. I also had the second-best mojito of my life at their bar. Harborside also has a great tiramisu—have one for me!
For a fancier meal, I went to Brasserie LeBrun, a French restaurant in a stunning historic French Nevue building. I had a glass of Whispering Angel with Smoked Salmon Tartine and Scallops. I was so hungry after walking 15,000 steps that I went all-in and ordered the butterscotch creme brulee, which was to die for!
What is the best way to travel from Bar Harbor to other nearby attractions?
Whale watching and lobster fishing are all within walking distance of the harbor. All of the local gift shops, pharmacies, and coffee shops are also best reached by foot. However, anything up the hill toward Acadia requires transport by car or bus.
How long should you stay in Bar Harbor, Maine?
I was there for three days, which was the perfect length.
A Travel Guide of Portland, Maine
Where should you stay in Portland, Maine?
I stayed at The Press Hotel in Portland, Maine. Although it was gorgeous, it had the thinnest windows and walls. If you want opulence, several friends have suggested the Blind Tiger Portland—Carleton Street. People loved the location, and my friend loved their beds!
Next time, I’m visiting the Black Point Inn. It’s exactly how I pictured Maine: with beach views, great food, and a quiet demeanor. It is also supposed to be family-friendly!
What are some other recommended activities to do in Portland, Maine?
There’s downtown Portland and then outer Portland. In downtown Portland, I recommend:
In downtown Portland, I recommend:
- Portland Art Museum
- Children’s Museum and Theater of Maine
- Old Port
- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Just outside Portland, I recommend:
- Portland Head Light
- Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse
- Fort Williams Lighthouse
Where should you eat in Portland, Maine?
I loved Hot Suppa for breakfast, where I had the Waffle Plate—eggs, sausage links, and waffles. The yogurt parfait was also delicious. Many people who stayed at the same hotel as me loved The Holy Donut.
Old Port is peppered with great restaurants serving varying cuisines. I went to Scales, a high-end seafood restaurant, where I had the stuffed lobster frites—they were delicious- and the fish was caught that day! DiMillos is another popular seafood spot that the hotel staff recommended.
The best meal I had when visiting Portland, Maine, was hands down at The Union, the restaurant of The Press Hotel. I had the Maine lobster popover, which was unbelievable, and then the chips and dip, which I could have licked the bowl of. Then I had a mojito, the second best of my life. The hanger steak is the best I ever had with Panisse and truffle fries.
How long should you stay in Portland, Maine?
I stayed for three days, and it felt like 24 hours too long. I’m a walker, averaging 10-15k steps daily, so the average person would probably like three days.
Are there any specific tips for solo travelers visiting Maine?
I have never been to a state with so few public bathrooms. If you go to a lighthouse or the Old Port, be aware that there are few public restrooms, and the only way to find one is by eating out. Some restaurants don’t have bathrooms.
Plan your next trip to Maine!
Whether planning a quick weekend stay or a trip up and down the coast, Maine is a great place to visit, whether solo or with friends or family. Charleston, which has a similar feel but with a Southern twist, is another great place to visit. Let me know what you think of this blog and what you love about Maine!
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