Maine has an assortment of good budget-friendly weekend getaways that don’t cost much to visit. The choices are limitless and one can choose from coastal towns among others. These are the top 10 Weekend getaways in Maine where you can spend less and still enjoy the amazing scenery.
Top Weekend Getaways in Maine
1. Portland
Portland is one of Maine’s most populous cities though it still has the feel of the history and actuality. Shop the boutiques that line the old port neighborhood, grab coffee and breakfast at Café de Paris, and then head to Holy Donut or Becky’s Diner for breakfast at a low price. To end your trip on a high note, be sure to take the time and visit Fort Williams Park Homes, the famous Portland Head Light, and take a picturesque tour of Casco Bay. For the cultural experience, one must visit the Portland Museum of Art for they sometimes have free or half-price days.
2. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of those special places that is filled with natural wonders and things to do that will not empty your pockets. A walk-up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in the U. S. east of the Mississippi, is a fabulous way to capture a sunrise. The driving loop through the park which is named the Park Loop Road, is easy to traverse and it passes by many of the attractions which include Thunder Hole as well as the Jordan Pond. If hiking is not your thing, you could spend your day sunbathing on Sand Beach or cycling on the park’s carriage roads. Blackwoods for instance provides relatively affordable accommodation and this may be further reduced if the meals are prepared in advance or eating a meal in a scenic area.
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3. Bar Harbor
This is one of the finest places to stay and is right next to the Acadia National Park, thus, it is also called the gateway to Bar Harbor. For scenic views of Frenchman Bay, one can take a walk along the picturesque Shore Path or go for a low-cost whale watch to have a chance to observe the grand nature up close. Bar Harbor also has a great culinary culture – yes, you can get delicious lobster rolls at Side Street Café for relatively reasonable prices. Visits to this place during the off-season may attract cheap prices on many inns and motels which only adds to the experience.
4. Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport has a nice view and many historic sites; hence there are many activities one can engage in at little or no cost. Residing in Bar Harbor, an excellent day can be spent at Goose Rocks Beach or driving around enjoying Ocean Avenue, where the Bush family house is situated. The Seashore Trolley Museum is rather interesting and it is more than just a nostalgic stand that gives a glimpse of the past; it is a good place for a historical tour and extremely cheap. When it comes to food you can visit some local restaurants such as The Clam Shack for seafood cuisine originating from Maine. For lodgings, many lodgings range from small inns to economical motels and can be found at almost every corner of the town if reservations were made early enough.
Read more: Romantic Getaways In Maine New England
5. Camden
This is basically to say that a picturesque and affordable trip could be had in Camden, which is often referred to as ‘the Jewel of the Coast. ’ Strolling around the town or riding a cheap boat trip in the well-maintained harbor is possible. Camden Hills State Park has some great trails for those who like to walk and those offer great scenic views of Camden, especially from the top of Mount Battie. Camden Snow Bowl is an excellent winter and summer recreation destination offering skiing in cold weather and mountain bike trails in warm weather. The locals know that they can find good food at reasonable prices at restaurants such as Marriner’s Restaurant. There is a wide variety of accommodation facilities starting with motels that are cheap to country inns that offer their best rates during low season.
6. Bangor
It is not expensive to go there and since the city is ancient, you are assured of lots of activities to do. Start your tour with the Bangor City Forest which offers hiking or biking on its feature trails. For literary enthusiasts, a do-it-yourself Stephen King tour is a must, as it will take you to the places that were the setting for his books. Cole Land Transportation Museum is one of those places in Maine, which is interesting to visit and, at the same time, does not require much money to do that. Bangor has owned and operated several economy restaurants, ranging from Dysart’s, an American food restaurant to Taste of India restaurant for ethnic foods. It has several cheap hotels and motels, thus making it a perfect place from which to explore the nearby attractions.
7. Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor is a prototypal coastal town in Maine where one can find a tranquil getaway with many things to do that are relatively inexpensive. Another activity to do on this island is to go on a scenic boat ride around the harbor or to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden where tickets are given a certain amount of discount on certain days. The art life of the town is also popular and galleries that sell artwork of local artists can also be found. For food, there is Boothbay Lobster Wharf where one can get seafood and it is rather affordable. Accommodation is especially available in small inns and motels where many of which reduce their prices during the low season.
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8. Ogunquit
Described by many as a haven of natural beauty, fine sand, and a renowned painting village of Nokomis, Ogunquit is a perfect destination for a budget weekend. Visit Ogunquit Beach or take a stroll at Marginal Way which is a cliffside trail with a beautiful view of the ocean. Throughout one’s visit to the Ogunquit Playhouse they are usually able to get tickets at a considerably low price, nonetheless get some quality entertainment of live theatre. When it comes to ordering inexpensive food, there are several local places to go to: Village Food Market offering mainly sandwiches and salads. Low price rates of inns and motels make the place even more attractive during low seasons.
9. Freeport
Freeport is indeed a shopping heaven, but there are numerous low-cost and even free attractions beyond the outlets. Visit Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park and you will be able to go for a walk, eat a meal, and appreciate the views of the coast. Historical sites like the Freeport Historical Society offer a glimpse into how the town and the state of Maine used to be, all at no cost. Be sure to visit the flagship store, which is open 24/7, and check out one of the many free events held annually. Grocer’s Café and Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster offer good, cheap food to the visitors. There is an abundance of cheaper options which, in addition to the fact that most of them offer steep discounts during non-shoppers’ highs, means that Freeport is perfect for a weekend break.
Read more: Things to Do in Pismo Beach
10. Rockland
Rockland is home to a fascinating history that ties it to the sea and a thriving arts scene that will help to make it an affordable vacation destination. Tour the Farnsworth Art Museum where entry is free on a certain day or for a picturesque view of the harbour try out the Rockland Breakwater. The Maine Lighthouse Museum is also an additional cheap attraction center that provides Historical information on the state. For eating out, there are several restaurants around the area, some of which include; Home Kitchen Café which offers a nice and cheap breakfast in the morning. Rockland, through the numerous cheap inns and motels, can be a great starting point for the discovery of the Midcoast area.
Conclusion
There are various types of phenomenal weekend getaways that Maine has to offer in terms of taste and cost. Whether you’re hiking in Acadia National Park, exploring Camden, or enjoying the cultural attractions in Portland, you’ll find something for everyone. Further, to avoid splurge on the lodges, meals, and activities, visitors can select cheap hotels, order meals from cheap restaurants, and engage in either low-cost or no-cost events in Maine.
