A Maine Honeymoon Guide for a Quaint and Quiet Getaway
A Maine honeymoon features stunning vistas that are the ideal backdrop for a romantic vacation. With verdant forests and rocky cliffs abutting the Atlantic Ocean, this US honeymoon destination stuns with unspoiled beauty, along with sophisticated coastal cuisine and luxurious inns.
Known for its rugged coastline and quaint towns, Maine provides a romantic escape with its charming bed and breakfasts, scenic lighthouses and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Couples can enjoy the state's natural beauty, fresh seafood, and a slower pace of life that allows for quality time together.
When it comes to planning your honeymoon in Maine, let us be your guide. Read on to experience the very best the state has to offer for your Maine honeymoon.
Maine Honeymoon Tips in this Article:
- Best Time to Honeymoon in Maine
- Maine Honeymoon Planning Tips
- Best Maine Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
- Maine Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
- What to Pack for a Maine Honeymoon
Best Time to Honeymoon in Maine
Summer is one of the best times to visit Maine. During this time of year, the weather is warm and you can take a boat tour, spend time at the beach or hike. That said, autumn delivers dramatic fall foliage, which you can soak up during romantic walks, outdoor activities or carriage rides through the woods.
Best weather: May to October.
Festival highlights: The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, held in early August, celebrates Maine's signature seafood with cooking contests, parades and plenty of fresh lobster. The Fall Foliage Festival in Boothbay in October offers arts, crafts and local food against the backdrop of vibrant autumn colors. The American Folk Festival on the Bangor waterfront in late August showcases music and dance from around the world.
Maine Honeymoon Planning Tips
If you're a nature-loving couple, you'll find Maine the ideal setting for your ultimate romantic getaway. The entire state is picture-perfect, from the hiking trails at Acadia National Park to the small-town coastal charm of Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. Maine is easily accessible by car (the preferred method of transportation for views and road trip honeymoons). Honeymooners are also able to fly into the Portland airport.
As one of the least populous states in the U.S., Maine offers lighthouse-dotted coastline, coastal pitch pine forests, and quaint towns. In addition to taking in the most jaw-dropping scenery, you'll have abundant opportunities to hike and boat. Meanwhile, you'll feast on fresh, coastal cuisine (think: lobster rolls, fried clams, and blueberry pie) and stay at romantic cabins, inns and B&Bs.
Entry requirements: You won't need your passport, but bring your IDs.
Language: English.
Location: Maine is located in the northeastern tip of the United States, bordered by New Hampshire to the west, the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick to the north and northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast.
Currency: USD.
Flight time to Destination: A cross country flight from Los Angeles to Portland, Maine is around 6 hours. From New York City, this destination for honeymooners is only an hour away. t
Getting around: Renting a car is the best way to explore Maine comprehensively, as public transportation options are limited outside major urban areas. Driving allows couples to visit more remote and scenic spots at their own pace.
Pro tip: Curious about what travel agents have to say about going on a Maine honeymoon? Browse honeymoon planning experts near you on The Knot Marketplace.
Best Maine Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
Whether you choose to stay at boutique hotels, B&Bs or have yourselves a glamping honeymoon in Maine, honeymooners should stay on the coast of Maine. Begin in Kennebunkport and drive north to Portland and Bar Harbor, perhaps taking a few day trips along the way. Here are a few accommodations to put on your radar.
Hidden Pond
Nestled in the woods and minutes from Goose Rocks Beach, Hidden Pond resort in Kennebunkport offers two outdoor pools, a treetop spa and organic dining at its on-site restaurant. Book a one-bedroom bungalow, with a stone fireplace, plush king bed and marble shower.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
White Barn Inn
Not only is this 150-year-old inn charming and luxurious; it also offers a wealth of only-in-Maine experiences. Located in Kennebunkport, guests can take a private cooking class or cycling tour, participate in a traditional Maine lobster bake, sail, or venture on a lighthouse or lobster excursion. The White Barn Inn restaurant constantly changes the menu in concert with the seasons.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Kennebunkport Captain's Collection
Check-in at one of the four small boutique inns in the Captain's Collection, all constructed through the early nineteenth century. The centrally located bed & breakfast, close to Dock Square, features gardens and a spa.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Portland Harbor Hotel
Located right by the harbor, the nautically-themed Portland Harbor Hotel offers a wide range of guest rooms and suites with modern amenities, some with jacuzzi tubs or fireplaces. Guests can eat at its Blue Fin restaurant and, in the summer, listen to live music by local musicians.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Press Hotel, Portland
Housed in a historic building that was originally home to a newspaper, Press Hotel nods to its past with newspaper-inspired décor. Part of the prestigious Marriott Autograph Collection, it's the best hotel in Portland, says Corinne Hogge of Pack Up + Go. Dine on the premises at UNION or Inkwell, a coffee and cocktail bar and pastry shop.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
Situated on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor Grand Hotel is located a mere bike ride away from Acadia National Park. Consider a vacation package, like a comfortable Deluxe King Room. Experiences include a lobster bake at the Bar Harbor Inn or a sunset cruise through Frenchman Bay.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Pro tip: If you're looking for Maine honeymoon accommodations that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, you might also want to consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.
Maine Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
Believe it or not, Maine offers a range of romantic activities, especially for couples who appreciate the rugged splendor of the Northern Atlantic Coast. Here are our top recommendations.
Take a Boat Tour
Departing from Kennebunk, New England Eco Adventures offers several trips on its 30-foot-long, 14-seat boat, including whale watching. Meanwhile, with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co, you can choose from tours focused on whale-, seal-, or puffin-watching, lighthouse-viewing, or lobster fishing.
Hike
Acadia National Park isn't the only must-visit when it comes to hiking trails. Look for moose in Baxter State Park (home to Mt. Katahdin) in north-central Maine or venture to Camden Hills State Park in Camden (in mid-coastal Maine).
Go to the Beach
Several coastal towns, like Kennebunkport and Kennebunk, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, and Wells, offer the traditional sandy beach experience—complete with a side of lobster. With its soft, white sandy beach and gentle surf, Ogunquit Beach is particularly compelling (don't miss its charming fishing village, Perkins Cove, reached via the Marginal Way footpath).
Feast on Local Seafood
Maine is famous for its lobster—for good reason. Try the fresh local catch steamed with drawn butter or in a lobster roll. The latter stars lobster meat (usually with butter and lemon) piled inside a grilled hot dog-style bun. Also order fried clams or clam chowder, ideally from a casual spot, like The Clam Shack in Kennebunk. Since the state is also known for its berries, you can't go wrong with capping off your meal with blueberry pie.
Explore Kennebunkport
This charming, coastal town is famous for housing Walker's Point Estate, the Bush family's oceanfront summer retreat. Kennebunkport, a photogenic and resort-friendly stop along the coast of Maine, offers everything from water sports to excursions like fishing, sailing, kayaking, and experiencing a hands-on lobsterman boat. For a scenic outing, head to Cape Porpoise, a working fishing village, to watch fishermen haul in their traps. Then, to explore a quintessentially Maine site, visit Goat Island Lighthouse.
Go Out in Portland
Maine's largest city is a veritable foodie destination. Wake up with potato donuts from The Holy Donut. Then, dine at one of the city's many acclaimed restaurants, such as Fore Street or Central Provisions. To get your drink on, Hogge suggests booking a tour with Maine Brews Cruise and stopping by Urban Farm Fermentory, a taproom with 16 house-made kombuchas, ciders and meads.
As with all coastal Maine towns, the water is a draw. Rent a kayak from Portland Paddle and row through Casco Bay, take a ride on the Casco Bay Lines ferry, and visit Portland Head Light, one of the world's most photographed lighthouses.
Head to Camden's Historic District
A quaint town with a postcard-perfect harbor on Penobscot Bay, Camden is an ideal midpoint between Portland and Bar Harbor. Head to the High Street Historic District to take in charming Victorian-style architecture. Don't miss the garlic fries at Franny's Bistro or the memorable farm-to-table cuisine at Primo Restaurant in nearby Rockland.
For the ultimate romantic day trip, drive to the bustling harborfront town, Boothbay Harbor (about one hour away), then take a ferry ride to scenic Monhegan Island. About ten miles off of the coast, the small rocky island will transport you back in time. With miles of walking trails and no paved roads, cars, or streetlights, it couldn't be more unspoiled or serene. (For a rustic experience that will make you feel you've traveled back in time, stay overnight at one of its inns.)
Stay in Bar Harbor
Make this walkable town your home base while you explore nearby Acadia National Park, which encompasses 50,000 acres of towering trees and rocky coastlines. Arrive early in the morning, to watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, the East Coast's highest point. Then, climb the Beehive Trail or take a leisurely walk around Mount Desert Island. Rest your feet with a bounteous meal of popovers, lobster stew, and Maine wild blueberry sorbet at Jordan Pond House. Then, at night, observe the Bass Harbor Head Light, on the southern tip of the island.
Pro tip: Add Maine honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so your loved ones can pitch in on your honeymoon activities.
What to Pack for a Maine Honeymoon
With so many opportunities to walk, hike, and bike, travelers should bring comfortable walking and hiking shoes, plus athletic clothing in their honeymoon luggage.
You'll also want to include swimwear on your packing checklist, especially if you're visiting Kennebunkport; the water along Goose Rocks Beach is exceptionally warm during the summer.
Brittany Barber contributed to this article.