Central Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Pejepscot Museum showing a house
Bailey Island showing general coastal views
Bowdoin College Museum of Art showing heritage architecture and a garden
Bowdoin College Museum of Art featuring heritage architecture
Bowdoin College Museum of Art featuring heritage elements, religious elements and art

Maine is on its best display in this beautiful area full of historic small towns, beautiful harbors and many opportunities for adventure.

Maine’s Central Coast area is primarily characterized by lobster, lumber and natural beauty. Find all of that and more in this beautiful region that has been welcoming visitors, artists and nature lovers for centuries.

The Central Coast is foremost a marine ecosystem, best experienced from the water. Rent kayaks at towns and coves along the coast and paddle out to sea with only seabirds for company. Cool off in the bracing North Atlantic at Popham Beach State Park near Phippsburg, one of Maine’s few sand beaches. At low tide, walk out to a small island and discover crustaceans stuck to rocks or buried under the sand. Sail from Boothbay Harbour or Port Clyde out to Monhegan Island, a small artists’ colony 10 miles (16 kilometres) out to sea. Ramble along the island’s paths or sit in contemplation of the sea that has inspired many artists.

Experience local art at Central Coast’s museums and cultural institutions. Start at the Marine Maritime Museum in Bath, which is home to a reproduction of the Wyoming, a huge wooden sailboat. Take a side trip to Seguin Island’s lighthouse, first built in 1795 under orders from George Washington. Drive along the coast, stopping frequently. Investigate the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, with an extensive collection of works by local artists. By the time you reach the Penobscot Marine Museum, near Searsport, the hundreds of drawings, paintings and other arts celebrating the sea will feel a part of your soul.

Maine’s Central Coast is a 75-mile (120-kilometre) stretch of land between Brunswick, Maine in the south and Searsport, Maine in the north. Access Brunswick by either car or train from Portland or Boston. The Central Coast itself is best explored via car. Searsport is only a 45-minute drive from the international airport in Bangor, Maine. 

The Central Coast’s diverse attractions and welcoming hospitality make it the perfect destination for visitors of all types.

Where to stay in Central Coast

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Pemaquid Point

While Pemaquid Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park and Pemaquid Beach Park.

Pemaquid Point
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Ocean Point

If you're spending some time in Ocean Point, Grimes Cove Beach and Linekin Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Ocean Point
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Christmas Cove

While Christmas Cove isn't home to many top sights, Pemaquid Beach Park and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Christmas Cove
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Pemaquid Beach

You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in Pemaquid Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at Pemaquid Beach Park or Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site.

Pemaquid Beach
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West Harpswell

While West Harpswell isn't home to many top sights, Bailey Island Bridge and Cobwork Bridge are some notable places to visit nearby.

West Harpswell
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West Point

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West Point and surrounding area, you can visit Popham Beach State Park and Popham Beach.

West Point
Belfast Harbor Inn

Belfast Harbor Inn

3.5 out of 5
91 Searsport Ave, Belfast, ME
The price is ₹15,460 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹15,460
₹16,852 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"I have two travelers with allergies, they had breakfast options for them which is hard to find. The staff there was also nice - we only stayed one night but would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Belfast Harbor Inn
The Country Inn at Camden Rockport

The Country Inn at Camden Rockport

2.5 out of 5
8 Country Inn Way, Rockport, ME
The price is ₹18,915 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹18,915
₹20,617 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rockport. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,011 reviews)
Great place to stay!!
"Staying at the Country Inn is always as expected. Clean, friendly, comfy, and well appointed rooms with an added attention to details. The fire pit area out back is a lovely spot to sit and relax in the evening. The Country in is close to Camden and all the quaint seaside communities along Rt. 1. ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

The Country Inn at Camden Rockport
Cedar Crest Inn

Cedar Crest Inn

2.5 out of 5
115 Elm Street, Camden, ME
The price is ₹20,642 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
₹20,642
₹22,500 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Camden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (637 reviews)
"The place was really clean and quiet. There were also a lot of things to do around the area. It was really beautiful"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Cedar Crest Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Trade Winds on the Bay

Trade Winds on the Bay

3.5 out of 5
2 Park Dr, Rockland, ME
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Rockland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (239 reviews)
"Location is amazing."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Trade Winds on the Bay
Point Lookout

Point Lookout

3 out of 5
67 Atlantic HIghway, Lincolnville, ME
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Lincolnville. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and a business centre. Popular attractions Windsor Chairmakers and Lincolnville ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Great location. Away from the down town bustle, but close enough to enjoy the best of both worlds. Clean cabin, great amenities."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Point Lookout
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Coast