Guide to Hotels, Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, and Lodging in the Damariscotta & Bristol Maine Area
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The Damariscotta and Bristol area of Maine is a picturesque region known for its charm. Nestled along the scenic MidCoast, these towns and the surrounding area boast a rich maritime history, stunning coastal landscapes, and a vibrant community.
Visitors are drawn to the area’s natural beauty — from the serene Damariscotta River to the iconic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. The region offers a variety of attractions, including art galleries, antique shops, local seafood, and outdoor activities like boating and hiking.
This harmonious blend of cultural richness and outdoor splendor makes it an alluring destination for tourists and residents alike.
Know Your Lodging Options in the Damariscotta & Bristol Maine Area
The Damariscotta and Bristol Maine area offers a delightful array of lodging options that cater to a wide spectrum of tastes and budgets — from historic inns and bed and breakfasts to convenient vacation rentals, campgrounds, and rustic cabins.
Travelers looking for a refined lodging experience may opt for boutique hotels or upscale lodges that feature a host of amenities — fine dining, spa services, and beautifully decorated rooms to name a few. While these establishments might have higher prices, they often provide exceptional service and stunning settings.
For those who appreciate the outdoors, campgrounds and rustic cabins provide a more immersive natural experience, allowing guests to unwind amidst the region’s lush forests and serene waterways. These options are typically more affordable and offer the basics for a comfortable stay.
Seasonality plays a significant role in pricing too — summer and fall months are the most popular seasons to visit, so they’re more expensive. Even during peak times, though, the area offers a range of prices to accommodate different budgets. Plus, travelers can save money by checking for special MidCoast Maine lodging packages.
Featured Damariscotta & Bristol Maine Area Lodging
Getting to Know the Damariscotta & Bristol Maine Area
Nestled in Maine’s MidCoast region, Damariscotta and Bristol offer a blend of maritime history and natural beauty. Damariscotta, with its beautiful riverfront, is a hub for oyster farming and cultural events, while Bristol’s rugged coastline features the iconic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and tranquil beaches.
Along with the surrounding area, both towns provide a wealth of outdoor activities, local arts, and fresh seafood, making them ideal destinations for those seeking an authentic Maine experience.
Damariscotta
Damariscotta Maine is renowned for its vibrant oyster culture, with the Damariscotta River providing fresh seafood and opportunities for oyster tours. Meanwhile, the town’s Main Street features quaint shops, art galleries, and the historic Lincoln Theater.
For hiking and history in one, the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site has a small loop trail through a historic orchard, as well as river views. And, seasonal festivities like the Pumpkinfest & Regatta celebrate local traditions.
When it comes to dining in Damariscotta, the town’s offerings range from waterfront eateries serving the day’s catch to cozy cafes and diverse bistros. King Eider’s Pub stands out as a local favorite for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty pub fare.
Newcastle
In Newcastle Maine, Dodge Point Public Land provides hiking and waterfront enjoyment, while the town’s historic allure is highlighted by sites like the Second Congregational Church. Nearby in Nobleboro, the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder, dating back to 1807, facilitates the essential alewife migration.
For food and drinks, Newcastle Publick House delivers hearty fare and craft beers, Damariscotta River Grill serves American and seafood cuisine, and Oxbow Brewing Company presents a laid-back setting for community engagement and locally brewed beers.
Bristol
Bristol Maine is a coastal town known for its idyllic scenery and maritime heritage. Across its distinct neighborhoods and villages, it features iconic sites, tranquil beaches, and a rich history reflected in its restored colonial buildings.
Round Pond
Round Pond is a charming coastal village celebrated for its New England character and serene harbor. The area is dotted with historic homes, quaint shops, and a vibrant community spirit. And, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries, explore unique art galleries, and take in the scenic beauty of the working waterfront.
New Harbor
Set along a stunning stretch of the MidCoast, New Harbor is a picturesque fishing village. It’s known for its scenic beauty, a harbor filled with lobster boats, and easy access to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy fresh local seafood, explore the historic Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, and relax on the sandy Pemaquid Beach.
Pemaquid Point
Famous for its dramatic, rocky coastline, Pemaquid Point is home to the historic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, which dates back to 1827. The lighthouse and its museum draw visitors from around the world, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic and a glimpse into Maine’s maritime history. The area is also known for its art galleries and seafood restaurants.
South Bristol
A tranquil fishing village, South Bristol Maine is known for its lovely harbors and the swing bridge that connects the mainland to Rutherford Island. It embodies a quiet, maritime lifestyle with a strong boatbuilding heritage.
The area offers stunning views of the Damariscotta River, access to fresh seafood, and a glimpse into the working waterfront life. Visitors can explore the Christmas Cove area, renowned for its beauty and summer sailing.
Walpole
Within South Bristol, this small, serene community is situated along the picturesque Damariscotta River. It’s known for its quiet charm, maritime activities, and proximity to oyster farms. The area offers stunning river views, peaceful surroundings, and a slower pace of life too.
Top Damariscotta & Bristol Maine Area Lodging, Hotels, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals
Hotels in Bristol Maine
Sea Acres Motel & Cottages
23 Bradley Hill Rd, Pemaquid | 207-677-2693
Sea Acres Motel & Cottages is a quaint seasonal retreat open from June through September. It offers a choice of cozy accommodations with a homely feel, where guests can unwind amidst the natural beauty of Maine’s coastline. With its charming setting and friendly service, the motel and cottages promise a memorable stay near area attractions.
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The Bradley Inn
3063 Bristol Rd, New Harbor | 207-677-2105
Situated just minutes from the shore, The Bradley Inn offers a tranquil MidCoast Maine bed and breakfast experience with a fine dining restaurant, a spa, and the soothing sounds of the surf. The inn features unique, coastal-themed accommodations, and its proximity to the iconic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse enhances its charm.
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Hotel Pemaquid
3098 Bristol Rd, New Harbor | 207-633-0353
Next to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Hotel Pemaquid is a value-oriented hotel. It offers a range of accommodations with a historic charm, including rooms with cathedral ceilings and private cottages. The hotel is known for its proximity to the lighthouse — a mere 150 yards from the iconic beacon.
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Inns & Bed and Breakfasts in the Damariscotta & Bristol Maine Area
The Tipsy Butler Bed & Breakfast
11 High St, Newcastle | 207-653-4103
Set in an 1846 historic home, The Tipsy Butler Bed & Breakfast is a cozy and inviting inn. It offers elegantly appointed accommodations, providing a charming and comfortable stay with personalized service in a quaint atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a freshly prepared two-course breakfast, a cedar wood-fired sauna, ample outdoor space for lawn games and campfires, and a convenient location close to local attractions.
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Newcastle Inn
60 River Rd, Newcastle | 207-563-5685
Known for its delicious home-cooked breakfasts and scenic views, Newcastle Inn is a delightful bed and breakfast that offers a blend of comfort and elegance in a historic country inn setting. It provides a relaxing atmosphere with tasteful decor and a variety of common areas. Guests can enjoy the beautiful grounds, and nearby shops and restaurants are just a walk away.
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Mill Pond Inn
50 Main St, Nobleboro | 207-563-8014
Often described as a mystical and magical place, Mill Pond Inn is a bed and breakfast that offers a tranquil setting by a waterway adjoining Damariscotta Lake. Guests can enjoy a full breakfast and complimentary access to canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. With its natural surroundings and cozy accommodations, it’s a serene getaway for nature lovers and those seeking peace and relaxation.
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Oak Gables Bed and Breakfast
36 Pleasant St, Damariscotta | 207-563-1476
On a secluded 9-acre estate, Oak Gables Bed and Breakfast is a charming retreat set along the Damariscotta River. It boasts a stately main house with traditionally furnished rooms, antiques, and quilts. Guests can enjoy a pool and a boathouse perched over the river. Within walking distance of Downtown Damariscotta, this B&B provides a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience.
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Hawks House Inn
349 ME-129, Walpole | 207-563-5941
Nestled amongst majestic ash trees on the South Bristol peninsula, Hawks House Inn is a rustic inn. It offers a cozy and clean environment, and the owner is known for being personable and friendly. Guests can enjoy the picturesque charm of the area, the garden, and the comfort of accommodations that reflect the quaint essence of coastal Maine living.
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The Chamberlain House
1313 ME-32, Round Pond | 207-529-0036
Now functioning as a bed and breakfast, The Chamberlain House is a historic farmhouse dating back to the 1700s. It retains its old-world charm while providing modern comforts, accommodating up to 10 guests across five rooms with private baths. Also, the B&B serves as a venue for events like weddings, offering a picturesque setting with a blend of history and hospitality.
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The Harbor View House
1442 ME-32, Round Pond | 207-350-6244
Set on over 2 acres in the heart of Round Pond village, The Harbor View House is a spacious and welcoming bed and breakfast. Each of the five bedrooms has a private bath, ensuring privacy and convenience for guests. The living spaces are beautifully appointed, and guests can enjoy lovingly maintained gardens that bloom throughout the spring and summer.
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Campgrounds & RV Parks in the Damariscotta & Bristol Maine Area
Duck Puddle Campground
60 Campground Rd, Nobleboro | 207-563-5608
On the shores of Pemaquid Lake, Duck Puddle Campground is a family-friendly and pet-friendly destination for campers seeking a memorable outdoor experience. It offers a variety of sites for RVs, trailers, and tents — complete with amenities like water and electric hookups. Guests can enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, and kayaking in the clear lake waters.
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Sherwood Forest Campsite
32 Pemaquid Trail, New Harbor | 207-677-3642
Nestled between the ocean and forest, Sherwood Forest Campsite is a serene, pet-friendly campground. It offers a variety of campsites suitable for both tent campers and RVs, providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Located near the historical Pemaquid Beach, the campground allows easy access to beachside activities and proximity to other area attractions.
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Pemaquid Point Campground
2872 Bristol Rd, New Harbor | 207-677-2267
With amenities like water and electric hookups, Pemaquid Point Campground is a pet-friendly camping destination offering a variety of sites for RVs and tents, catering to both traditional camping and modern conveniences. The campground is known for its friendly atmosphere and proximity to the scenic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.
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Cottages, Cabins, & Vacation Rentals in the Damariscotta & Bristol Maine Area
Pemaquid Lake Cottage
Nobleboro
This renovated cottage on Pemaquid Lake offers a private and peaceful experience close to Damariscotta’s amenities. It comes with a new private dock and allows for various water activities, while a deepwater well eliminates the need for bottled water.
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Beckoning Bay Cottage
Newcastle
This elegant waterfront cottage combines sophistication with the tranquility of nature on 3 acres along the Great Salt Bay. It features a large, enclosed waterside porch and provides a canoe and kayaks for guests to explore the water. While offering a private retreat, the cottage is conveniently located near Newcastle’s and Damariscotta’s downtown areas.
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Comfort Found Literary Lodging
Damariscotta
Comfort Found Literary Lodging offers a unique and homely experience in historic downtown. This year-round, fully furnished apartment boasts river views and proximity to local amenities, including restaurants and cultural venues. Of note is the third-floor location — accessible only via stairs.
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Wildwood Cabin
Damariscotta
On Pemaquid Lake, Wildwood Cabin is a pet-friendly retreat that combines seclusion with convenience to local attractions, shopping, and outdoor activities. The cabin has a first-floor queen bedroom with an ensuite and a loft with twin beds and an ensuite. Just steps from the lake, it features a large deck, gas grill, fire pit, new dock with kayaks, and floating dock.
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Rustic Riverfront Cottage
Walpole
This rustic, pet-friendly cottage offers an immersive riverfront experience on the Damariscotta River, with the water reaching the structure at high tide. The ground floor opens to a spacious deck and float with panoramic views ideal for kayaking or rowing — rowboat available upon request. Nearby, witness a vibrant working waterfront with fresh seafood available.
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Gulls Rest
South Bristol
On Rutherford Island, Gulls Rest is a vibrant and roomy vacation home boasting a 180-degree panoramic ocean view over John’s Bay. The house is well-appointed with a range of amenities and a tastefully decorated, cozy interior. In the summer, spring, and fall, guests can also rent a separate lower-level apartment that offers an additional bedroom, bathroom, full kitchen, and living room.
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Laughton House & Cottages
201 Snowball Hill Rd, New Harbor
A serene beachside getaway near Pemaquid Beach, Laughton House & Cottages offers a selection of charming cottages and a house rental that provide a true escape. The accommodations are nestled in the heart of the small seaside community of Pemaquid Beach, ensuring a peaceful stay with the convenience of nearby coastal attractions.
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The Moorings
Southside Rd, New Harbor | 312-519-7071
The Moorings offers serene, private accommodations in renovated historic homes — some with stunning harbor and ocean views. The Poolside unit has a four-season addition for stargazing and multiple decks for panoramic views. Units like The Brackett and The Sylvan boast spacious living areas, fireplaces, and decks, catering to those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.
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Victorian Mansard Cottage
Pemaquid Harbor
This pet-friendly, restored Victorian Mansard cottage offers a unique stay with a large deck for outdoor dining set among gardens. Guests can enjoy a shared regulation-size tennis court, two or three cottage bicycles, and nearby beach activities. Additionally, kayaks are available to rent nearby for paddling the harbor and Pemaquid River.
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Featured Lodging in Nearby Towns
Exploring All of Damariscotta & Bristol Maine Area & Beyond
Damariscotta, Bristol, and the surrounding area offer a quintessential Maine vacation with historic lighthouses, scenic coastlines, fresh seafood, and charming villages. Ideal for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and relaxation, it’s a perfect retreat for nature and maritime enthusiasts.
For even more to explore, visitors can take day trips to the nearby towns of Waldoboro, Monhegan Island, and Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor.
Waldoboro
Waldoboro Maine offers a quaint day trip with attractions like Fawcett’s Antique Toy & Art Museum, craft beer at Odd Alewives Farm Brewery, and kayaking adventures. The town’s German roots are evident at the Waldoborough Historical Society’s museum, while Morse’s Sauerkraut serves as a culinary landmark with its European flavors.
Monhegan Island
Monhegan Island Maine is a serene, remote island retreat known for its rugged cliffs, pristine nature, and artist community. Accessible only by boat, visitors can hike extensive trails, enjoy local galleries, and experience the simplicity of life without paved roads, creating a perfect escape from the hustle of modern life.
Boothbay & Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor Maine are delightful for a day trip, offering the beautiful sight of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, maritime history at the Maine State Aquarium, and charming downtown shops. Along the scenic waterfront, visitors will find amazing restaurants, boat tours, and a variety of shops.
Travelers can find MidCoast Maine lodging, including campgrounds, in these towns if they decide to stay overnight.