Machias is the shire town of Washington County and the commercial hub of Downeast Maine’s Bold Coast region. A town of genuine character and deep history, Machias was the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution in 1775. Today it draws visitors for the wild blueberry harvest, the spectacular Bold Coast Trail, and access to some of the most remote and dramatic coastline in the eastern United States.
Machias: Blueberries and Rebellion
Machias is the commercial hub of Downeast Maine’s Washington County, and it’s known for two things: blueberries and rebellion. The town sits in the heart of Maine’s wild-blueberry belt — Washington County produces the vast majority of the world’s wild blueberries — and its name comes from the Passamaquoddy word for “bad little falls,” the churning stretch of the Machias River that tumbles right through the center of town at Bad Little Falls Park. Machias was also the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution in June 1775, a history you can still feel at the Burnham Tavern, one of the 21 homes in the country recognized as most significant to the Revolution.
Things to Do in Machias
Time your visit for the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival in mid-August (its 50th year in 2026) — a beloved three-day celebration with a parade, pie-eating contest, more than 100 craft vendors, blueberry pancake breakfasts, and a locally written blueberry-themed musical comedy. Walk to Bad Little Falls Park to watch the river churn, tour the Revolutionary-era Burnham Tavern, and explore the University of Maine at Machias campus. Outdoor lovers can pick up the Down East Sunrise Trail — an 87-mile former railbed running right through town, open to walking, biking, ATVs, and snowmobiles — or drive 30 minutes to Roque Bluffs State Park (a pebble-and-sand beach with a freshwater pond) and the unique Jasper Beach, made of polished jasper stones. Birders can join a Bold Coast charter to Machias Seal Island to see puffins.
Best Restaurants in Machias, Maine
Machias dining is unpretentious and satisfying. Helen’s Restaurant is a beloved Washington County institution famous for its homemade pies and classic Maine comfort food. The Blue Nose Inn offers reliable dining in a comfortable setting. The University of Maine at Machias campus brings a younger energy to the local food scene with a handful of cafes and casual spots in the downtown area.
Best Hotels in Machias, Maine
Machias lodging is practical and welcoming. The Machias Motor Inn is a reliable and comfortable option in the heart of town convenient to shopping and dining. Several bed and breakfast properties in the surrounding area offer more intimate stays. Eastport and Lubec — each about 35 minutes away — offer additional lodging options for those exploring the broader Bold Coast region.
Things to Do in Machias, Maine
The Bold Coast Trail near Cutler is one of the finest coastal hikes in New England — a rugged and dramatic loop above 100-foot cliffs overlooking the open Atlantic. The Burnham Tavern, built in 1770, is the oldest building in Maine east of the Penobscot and tells the story of the first naval battle of the American Revolution. The Maine Wild Blueberry Festival each August celebrates Washington County’s signature crop with music, food, and community spirit. Cobscook Bay State Park offers spectacular tidal camping and kayaking.
Machias, Maine FAQ
What is Machias, Maine known for?
Machias is known for wild blueberries — it’s the hub of Maine’s blueberry country in Washington County, home of the world’s largest wild-blueberry harvest — and for Revolutionary War history as the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution. It’s also known for Bad Little Falls (the river tumbling through downtown), the University of Maine at Machias, and the annual Wild Blueberry Festival each August.
What are the best things to do in Machias, Maine?
Top things to do include the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival in mid-August, watching the river at Bad Little Falls Park, touring the historic Burnham Tavern, riding or walking the 87-mile Down East Sunrise Trail, and visiting nearby Roque Bluffs State Park and Jasper Beach. Bird lovers can take a charter to Machias Seal Island to see puffins.
How far is Machias from Bar Harbor and Bangor?
Machias is about 1 hour 30 minutes east of Bar Harbor and roughly 2 hours from Bangor, on US Route 1 in Downeast Maine’s Washington County. It’s a little over an hour from the Canadian border at St. Stephen, New Brunswick.
Day Trips from Machias
Eastport is 35 minutes east — the easternmost city in the US with world-class whale watching and authentic working waterfront character. Lubec and West Quoddy Head Lighthouse are 45 minutes northeast. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are about two hours west for a full day of hiking and coastal scenery.
Looking for work in Machias? Browse Jobs in Machias on JobsInMaine.com.
📌 Road tripping Downeast? Read our Downeast Maine Road Trip Itinerary — Machias is a key stop on the five-day route.
📌 Puffin watching in Downeast Maine? Read our complete Puffin Watching at Machias Seal Island guide — book well in advance, spots are extremely limited.