Maine is a natural place for a couples trip: harbor towns you can walk, cliff walks and quiet beaches, small inns, and plenty of seafood. The right town depends on what kind of getaway you want, so this guide is organized by that. Pick the style first, then the place.
Quick Answer: Best Romantic Getaways in Maine
- Classic coastal weekend: Kennebunkport
- Walkable harbor town: Camden
- Beach and cliff walk: Ogunquit
- Mountains meeting the sea: Bar Harbor and Acadia
- Food-focused city weekend: Portland
- Quiet lakes and woods: Moosehead Lake or Rangeley
Kennebunkport: The Classic
Small, pretty and easy to do without a plan. Walk around Dock Square, take the ocean drive, and book a table for dinner. It is busy in summer and calm in the shoulder seasons. See things to do in Kennebunkport, the Kennebunk beaches guide and our Kennebunkport inns.
Camden: Harbor and Hills
Camden packs a postcard harbor, shops and restaurants into a few walkable blocks, with Camden Hills State Park right behind it. For a different kind of evening, book a sail on one of the windjammer schooners. See things to do in Camden and Camden inns. Torn between towns? Camden versus Kennebunkport compares them.
Ogunquit: Beach and Cliff Walk
Ogunquit has a long sand beach, the Marginal Way cliff walk and the small harbor at Perkins Cove, which is crossed by a pedestrian footbridge. It is the easiest romantic trip from Boston. See things to do in Ogunquit, the Ogunquit Beach guide and Ogunquit inns.
Bar Harbor and Acadia: Mountains and Sea
For couples who like hiking, Acadia offers granite peaks, ocean views and a sunrise worth getting up early for. Bar Harbor has the restaurants and the inns. Read the Acadia National Park guide and when to visit Bar Harbor. See also Bar Harbor inns.
Portland: Food and the City
Portland suits couples who care more about dinner than the scenery. The Old Port is walkable, the restaurant scene is strong, and Portland Head Light is a short drive away. See things to do in Portland and the best seafood in Maine. Not sure whether to pick the city or the coast? Portland versus Kennebunkport helps.
Boothbay Harbor and Rockland: The Midcoast
Both are working harbors with good food and fewer crowds than the southern beaches. See things to do in Boothbay Harbor and things to do in Rockland.
Quiet Lakes and the North Woods
For a getaway away from the coast and the crowds, head inland. Cabins and lodges on Moosehead Lake and in Rangeley offer lake views, hiking and dark skies. Moose are common near the roads in the north.
When to Go
Summer is the busiest and most expensive time. Early fall is a favorite for couples: cooler days, fewer people and color in the trees. See the prettiest fall foliage towns and the best time to visit Maine. Late spring and early fall also tend to have better availability at small inns.
Tips for Booking a Romantic Weekend
- Book small inns and bed-and-breakfasts early for summer and foliage weekends.
- Check the cancellation policy. Some inns have minimum stays on weekends.
- Reserve dinner ahead in the busy towns.
- Pick one town and stay put rather than driving between several.