The Places You Must Explore This Fall in Coastal Maine
Would you like to save this full guide?
We'll email this article to you, so you can come back to it later!
The fall tourist season in Maine blurs the best of summer and the effervescent energy of autumn.
Peak season once solidly wrapped up as Labor Day unofficially ended summer. But those days are long gone, with many attractions and amenities open during peak hours through at least Indigenous Peoples Day — second Monday in October.
From harvest festivals to scenic drives bursting with fall color to the first bowl of chowder in the crisp seasonal air, Maine is pure magic this time of year. Grab your Bean boots and favorite pullover for the kind of fall adventure only Maine can provide.
Fall Foliage
We won’t bury the lede if you’re looking for the best leaf-peeping spots in Maine. For coastal Maine, two regions are tracked by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.
Region 1 goes from Kittery to the Penobscot River near Bucksport. Region 2 covers Bucksport to Lubec. That includes Mount Desert Island and the Bold Coast.
The colorful transition that attracts millions of visitors each fall starts in Aroostook County and works its way down to the coast. Peak color usually reaches the coastline of Maine the week of October 21. However, it can happen as early as the first week of that month.
Southern Coast
Each community along the southern Maine coast brings a pumpkin-spiced specialty for visitors to enjoy.
Kennebunk & the Kennebunk Beaches
The community of Kennebunk is split between downtown on Main Street, the Lower Village, and the three beaches–Goochs Beach, Middle Beach, and Mothers Beach.
As a bonus, fall visitors to the Kennebunk beaches won’t have to get a parking pass after September 15. Also, dogs are allowed on beaches in Kennebunk after Labor Day as long as they are under leash or voice control.
Halloween is especially hopping in Kennebunk, with Main Street, the Lower Village, and Dock Square turning into a trick-or-treat festival. Look for the annual Harvestfest in mid-October.
NOTE: Summer Street will no longer be closed down for trick-or-treating on Halloween.
Kennebunkport
Fall brings perfect hoodie and shorts weather to Dock Square in Kennebunkport, with most lobster boat tours still running regular schedules, at least through the second Monday in October.
Plan your trip around the Fall Family Festival at the Lodge on the Cove, or pick your perfect fall foliage day to paddle the Kennebunk River at the Grist Mill property. Extend your paddling adventure by launching as the tide is coming in.
Explore more of the city by grabbing a cup of chowder at Cape Porpoise or head to Goose Rocks Beach, where parking stickers are no longer required after Labor Day. Enjoy three miles of this white sandy beach walk.
Local Lodging Options
- Nonantum Resort: This family-friendly waterfront resort in Kennebunkport features a full family activities program, a heated pool, and daily tours that take off directly from the resort’s marina.
- Seaside Inn: Nestled directly on Kennebunk Beach, the inn offers incredible oceanside views, fabulous sunrises and sunsets, a hot tub, bicycles, and more.
- Rhumb Line Resort: This is Kennebunkport’s only resort with outdoor and indoor heated pools and also has indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a seasonal bar and grill, and more, just a short walk from the ocean.
- Kennebunkport Captains Collection: Comprised of some of the area’s most significant historic ship captains’ homes, guests can enjoy the nautical theme, warm hospitality, and plenty of room options.
Ogunquit & Ogunquit Beach
The “Beautiful Place by the Sea” simply radiates in the fall, with a trifecta of arts, adventures, and astounding beach views from the sandy surface or the elevated Marginal Way cliff walk. The Ogunquit Museum of Art, which celebrates this famed art colony, stays open through mid-November.
Ogunquit is split into different districts, but downtown, Perkins Cove and the beach are all within walking distance. Plus, the annual OgunquitFest takes over the town in late October, with many activities where you’ll “Fall for Oguinquit” over and over again.
The Ogunquit Playhouse’s season runs through the end of October. It opens again in late November for holiday shows.
Local Lodging Options
- Terrace by the Sea: Visitors can enjoy tranquility and awesome ocean views just across from the beach in a spot that’s close to Marginal Way, shops, and eateries.
- Dunes on the Waterfront: This paradise blends modern hospitality with Maine’s signature charm with summer cottages that harken back to simpler times.
- Rockmere Lodge: Enjoy a beautiful B&B on Marginal Way that includes a wraparound porch and beautiful grounds to relax in.
- The Grand Hotel: An easy walk to Perkins Cove, Marginal Way, and the Downtown area offers two room suites equipped with a king bed, indoor pool, and outdoor hot tub.
NOTE: Pay special attention when booking a place to stay for a fall getaway in Oguinquit. Some hotels are adults-only, while others are family-friendly.
Old Orchard Beach
The amusement of Old Orchard Beach scales back in the fall, but that just means you’ll get more of the expansive (seven miles!) beach to explore without the towel-to-towel crowds of peak summer.
Palace Playland’s amusement park shutters after Labor Day, but the arcade stays open on weekends through mid-October. If weather permits, Pier Fries will still be available through that holiday weekend.
Mid-September brings the annual Old Orchard Beach Car Show for an engine-revving weekend, while a fall festival is usually held at Veterans Park at the end of the month.
Also, mark this city as one of the top spots to watch the fierce energy of the ocean when an off-shore storm kicks up waves. Hurricane season runs through the end of November.
Local Lodging Options
- Sea Cliff House Motel: Enjoy all the comforts of home while having the ocean and a seven-mile scenic stretch of beach as your front yard.
- The Sea Star: Nestled just 200 yards from Old Orchard Beach Pier, visitors can enjoy the beach or take a short walk to town.
- Red Squirrel Lodge: This family retreat in Old Orchard Beach is spacious and beautiful with plenty of room for families to have fun and there’s plenty of beachfront to explore too.
Wells & Wells Beach
The “Friendliest Town in Maine” also has one of the most iconic restaurant stops in the state. The Maine Diner ranked as the best on Guy Fieri’s “Best Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in Every State” list.
– The Best ‘Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives’ Restaurant In Every State
The Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival is one of Maine’s must-see fall craft shows, and it’s held the weekend after Labor Day.
This season is one of the best times of the year to visit the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, and you’ll avoid the summer deluge of biting bugs. Regular tours on the water and through historic sites run through October, with year-round access to the self-guided trails.
The same goes for the Wells portion of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. A family-friendly one-mile trail winds around the marshes and through the woods.
Wonder Mountain Fun Park stays open through the first week in October. From there, you’re less than six miles from an apple-picking adventure at The Orchard at Chase Farms.
Local Lodging Options
- Village by the Sea: These condominium suites offer fully equipped kitchens, dining rooms, and many other amenities near Wells Beach.
- Misty Harbor Resort: Nestled just 3/4 of a mile from Wells Beach, visitors can enjoy condominium suites and excellent views of the ocean and marshlands.
- Sea Mist Resort Motel: This Wells resort is scenic and affordable, offering comfortable amenities including a BBQ area, a sun deck, a hot tub, and an indoor pool.
York | York Harbor | York Beach
From the top of Mount A to beachfront properties to get your zzz’s, the Yorks brings a colorful kaleidoscope of mountains, beaches, and oceanfront.
Mount Agamenticus (Mount A, for short) stands less than 700 feet tall, but you’ll feel on top of the world as the colorful ribbons of leaf-peeping unfold in all directions. On a clear day, you’ll see Boston.
Sohier Park is the place to see the stunning Nubble Lighthouse, with York Beach just a short drive away, where surfers will catch those tropical swells. On the 1.5-mile beach walk, you can see several lighthouses in the distance.
York’s Wild Kingdom stays open through late September, and the parking lot turns into the entry point for the Annual Harvestfest and Kidsfest in mid-October.
Only a lucky few will score tickets to the Haunted York Village, but walking through the historic downtown on your own is something out of a history book and much more majestic when the colors start to burst.
Local Lodging Options
- York Harbor Inn: This historic oceanfront inn is well-known nationally and offers rooms with fireplaces, a jacuzzi spa, ocean vistas, and award-winning dining.
- The Inn at Tanglewood Hall: Casually elegant seacoast B&B amidst woodlands, gardens and fountains.
- Sands by the Sea: Situated on one of the most beloved stretches of coastline in Maine, visitors can forget their troubles the minute they arrive with scenic views and all kinds of entertainment within walking distance.
- Dockside Guest Quarters: Situated on a private peninsula in York Harbor, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the harbor, dine on fresh seafood, and relax in a New England cottage setting.
Portland-Casco Bay
Maine’s biggest city offers autumn adventures from the waterfront through the abundance of restaurants to the natural areas dripping with dropping colorful leaves.
Portland
The city’s historic Old Port district comes alive with crisp autumn air, offering a mix of boutique shopping, cozy cafes, and seafood restaurants. The quintessential Portland fall event is Harvest on the Harbor, held in late October.
Nearby, the Eastern Promenade offers scenic walking trails with panoramic vistas. Go deeper into the woods at the Fore River Sanctuary for stunning fall scenery with the only natural waterfall in Portland.
Ferry rides from Old Port take you to one of several islands within the city limits, and the fall schedule runs from early September through mid-October. After that, look for the winter schedule. Specialty cruises offer some of the best budget-friendly boat rides in the state.
Must-see historic stops in Portland include the Victoria Mansion, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, and the Portland Observatory. Also, hop aboard the Pumpkin Train at the Maine Narrow Gauge Museum, timed for peak foliage.
Keep in mind that the Portland Head Light is in nearby Cape Elizabeth, not Portland.
Local Lodging Options
- Blind Tiger: Located on Portland’s West End, a stay here will make anybody feel like a local as they enjoy an intimate stay and explore the bustling city.
- Bliss Farm Inn: This year-round B&B dates back to 1772, allowing guests to step back in time just 10 minutes from Freeport.
- Percy Inn: This 1800s Federal-style rowhouse has been named one of New England’s best B&Bs and features historic suites, distinctive rooms, and plenty of amenities.
The Midcoast Region
Heading up to the mid-coast of Maine, don’t forget to stop by the L.L. Bean Flagship Store and the nearby outlet mall for great deals. The first weekend in October is reserved for the Freeport Fall Festival, with three days of crafty and cuisine-filled fun.
Boothbay Harbor Area
Leaf-peeping lovers simply must put Boothbay Harbor on their fall mid-coast itinerary. Mid-October brings the Fall Foliage Festival, set among four acres of historic buildings at Railway Village and surrounded by towering trees.
TRAVEL TIP: If you’re visiting during the Fall Foliage Festival, make room for the Damariscotta Pumpkin Festival, just 16 miles up the road. They usually overlap.
Take a break from lobster to enjoy Boothbay Harbor’s Pemaquid Oyster Festival in late September. The specialty shellfish can only be found here, and you’ll get live entertainment along with creative contests.
Take a ferry trip to Squirrel Island, where you’ll see the coastline and foliage from a new angle. Scenic schooner tours run through mid-October. Land lovers can explore the multitude of trails across the Boothbay Region Land Trust.
The stunning Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is open through mid-to-late October when it closes to prepare for the holiday spectacle.
Local Lodging Options
- Bluebird Ocean Point Inn: Located in East Boothbay this scenic summer getaway is perched on a rocky shoreline and is a great destination for families.
- Linekin Bay Resort: Visitors can create a lifetime of memories as they enjoy and explore 20 acres of beautiful oceanfront property and stay in lodges and camp-style cabins.
- Newagen Seaside Inn: No matter what kind of accommodations you need, Newagen has something for everyone on beautiful oceanfront property away from the hustle and bustle.
Camden-Lincolnville
Much like York, Camden’s stunning viewpoint from above is a must-see in the fall. Camden Hills State Park offers hiking trails or a road to the top. You can soak in the views of the harbor from Mt. Battie (780 feet) or Mt. Megunticook (1,385 feet).
For those who seek that eerie fall feeling, a hike to Maiden Cliff will tell a solemn tale of an 11-year-old girl who met an untimely end. In her memory, a cross stands atop the cliff.
Hikers need to check out the options through the Coastal Mountains Land Trust, which offers numerous places in Camden and Lincolnville to explore the fall colors and several access points for paddlers.
Even with stunning scenery, all eyes turn to the theaters in mid-September for the Camden International Film Festival.
Most windjammer and schooner cruises run through mid-to-late October, with charter cruises offered beyond the traditional end of the season.
Local Lodging Options
- Elms of Camden: This 1806 New England Colonial is a hop, skip, and a jump from the harbor and downtown, and features all the comforts of home.
- Belmont Inn: This historic inn is mere steps from Camden Harbor with excellent comfort and accommodations that include a wrap-around porch, and a gourmet, three-course breakfast.
- Spouter Inn: Every room features an ocean view here and guests will feel right at home as they stroll by beautiful gardens, sit in rocking chairs, and relax by a bonfire.
- Whitehall: Enjoy the rambling front porches, front and back patios, and sit by the fire pits for evenings under the stars.
- Pine Grove Cottages: Efficiency cottages with private decks and BBQ grills, all on 3 pine-covered acres.
Rockland & Rockport
Just south of Camden, Rockport and Rockland offer unique iterations of harbor towns. A ferry can also carry you away from Rockland to North Haven and Vinalhaven.
Rockland is home to the annual Maine Lobster Festival in the peak summer travel season, but you can still get some great shellfish any time of year.
A five-mile harbor trail takes you by all the sights and sounds of the busy port, including the Maine Lighthouse Museum, the Coastal Children’s Museum, and the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse at the end of a nearly mile-long rocky walkway.
Check the schedule for fall activities at Aldermere Farms, home to the Belted Galloway cows, in Rockport. More hiking trails through wooded areas, bogs, and waterfront spots can be found through the Georges River Land Trust.
Local Lodging Options
- Berry Manor Inn: Visitors can have a true Maine experience as they enjoy grandeur and elegance that’s straight from the Victorian Era.
- Country Inn at Camden/Rockport: Suites are available with queen beds and sitting areas, king beds and fireplaces, or in free standing cottages.
- Blueberry Fields Bed and Breakfast: Enjoy unmatched tranquility amidst rolling hills, blueberry fields and wooded trails at this hand-built inn.
Wiscasset & Edgecomb
Save room for the famous and highly acclaimed lobster rolls at Red’s Eats Lobster Shack in Wiscasset, as it stays open through the end of October. Try the fall flavors at the Maine Tasting Center and get recipe tips in one of the classes.
For a smorgasbord of art, the Maine Art Galley stays open until mid-to-late October. Special fall train rides are scheduled through the Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway, with one that takes you to a pumpkin patch. No matter which tour you take, expect excellent fall foliage along the way.
A fall walk through Wiscasset’s Museum in the Streets takes you to many historical spots, including a castle. Check for seasonal events through the Wiscasset Creative Alliance.
Shuck your own oysters or get a fresh-shucked collection at Glidden Point Oyster Farms in Edgecomb. Fort Edgecomb State Historic Site is open in the fall; just walk around the gate to get in.
Local Lodging Options
- Sheepscot Harbour Village Resort: Nestled on the shores of the Sheepscot River, visitors can enjoy panoramic sunset views and explore Wiscasset village, or nearby Boothbay Harbor.
- Cod Cove Inn: Situated between the Pemaquid and Boothbay peninsulas, guests can enjoy privacy, a friendly atmosphere, scenic gardens, and beautiful waterfront views.
- OneSixtyFive: Experience authentic Maine hospitality in the center of Brunswick, right on Park Row. Visitors can take a short walk to explore downtown and Bowdoin College.
Harpswell | Bailey Island
You get a lot of bang for your tourist buck when visiting Harpswell, as the town is comprised of several peninsulas and islands.
- Harpswell Neck: This is the long peninsula that extends southward from the mainland at Brunswick into Casco Bay. This includes North Harpswell, West Harpswell, and South Harpswell. Cliff Trail is one of the best fall hikes in this area.
- Great Island: The largest island in Harpswell is formally named Sebascodegan Island, but is locally known as Great Island. It connects to Harpswell Neck and Cooks Corner on the mainland by bridges.
- Orr’s Island: Orr’s Island is located just south of Great Island, and the Devil’s Back Trail brings a bounty of fall beauty.
- Bailey Island: South of Orr Island, the drive is well worth it for stunning sights like Giant’s Stairs.
Look for more wooded or shoreline hiking trails through the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust.
Harpwell’s Garden Club hosts a Fall Fest every September, and you can check the Holbrooke Community Foundation for other autumn events.
With so many natural nooks and crannies, here’s a helpful outdoor guide to towns, boat launches, and scenic views from the city of Harpswell.
Local Lodging Options
Bailey Island Motel: Serviced by the world’s only cribstone bridge, The Bailey Island motel has plenty of amenities in comfortable mini-suites that overlook the island.
Phippsburg
One peninsula east of Harpswell is Phippsburg, a place well-known for Popham Beach State Park and the original location of the failed 1607 Popham Colony on Atkins Bay.
Finding a parking spot at Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area in summer is nearly impossible, so thank goodness for fall hikes through the wetlands, forests, and Seawall Beach. Near Sebasco, check out the moderate hike to Merritt Mountain, which has a perfect mix of fall colors and cliff views of the ocean.
If you catch a nice warm fall day, paddle to Malaga Island, where history and nature combine for a truly authentic Maine experience. More hiking options can be found through the Phippsburg Land Trust.
On your way to Phippsburg, you’ll pass through Bath, which is home to many wonderful fall activities, like Bath Oktoberfest.
NOTE: After a big storm, Popham Beach is prone to serious erosion, and access might be restricted.
Georgetown
It’s an island and a town, with the Back, Sheepscot, and Kennebec River passing north and south through rocky ledges.
The jewel of Georgetown is the Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary, with stunning fall colors and almost a promise of privacy for this secluded spot.
Reid State Park Beach spans a mile of sandy shoreline, and those tropical swells kick up some of the best waves for surfers this side of York. Be sure to climb Griffith Head for sweeping fall views and islands in the distance.
For more secluded spots, look at the Georgetown Conservation Commission website.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, check the fall hours for Five Islands Lobster Company, a Mid-coast staple for lobster in the rough.
Local Lodging Options
- Gray Havens Inn: Visitors can relax and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views from their room in this oceanfront boutique inn perched high on a bluff.
Down East Region
If you’re heading Down East in the fall, you’ll be up there with a large crowd of people ready to explore the masterpiece of nature at Acadia National Park. September and October are two of the busiest months outside of the peak summer travel season.
By September, trails like the Precipice and Jordan Cliffs are open after the peregrine falcon nesting season. Park Loop Road stays open through December 1. Our advice? Take the road less traveled on Route 102 north of Southwest Harbor alongside Echo Lake. Another option is to explore the fall foliage across the island with Scenic Flights of Acadia.
Campers should know that Acadia’s campgrounds close the second week in October for the season.
The Maine State Ferry Service offers discounted rides starting October 1 to Swans Island and Frenchboro. Bring a bike to explore abundant fall foliage views.
Local Lodging Options
- Bar Harbor Motel: Bar Harbor Motel has a lot to offer, giving guests the chance to hike, bike, eat, and shop within a mile of the motel and close to Acadia National Park.
- Bar Harbor Villager Motel: Nestled in the heart of downtown, guests can enjoy the hustle and bustle of town and incredible sights, all within getting in their cars.
- Acadia Inn: Situated right on the border of the national park, the inn has all the essentials for a pleasant stay and is perfect for families, adventurers, and casual travelers.
Fall Festivals on Mount Desert Island
You will have several great festivals and tours on the island during the fall.
- Acadia’s Oktoberfest (Bass Harbor)
- Bar Harbor Ghost Tours
- Autumn Gold Train Ride (Ellsworth)
Don’t forget to add a Bar Harbor sunset to your Maine fall getaway, as the stunning view was ranked as the best in the world.
Available Tours for Coastal Maine in the Fall
Whale-watching tours generally run through early to mid-October, but plan for a fall trip as early as possible to get the best experience.
Lobster boat tours can run through the end of October, but expect a dramatic slowdown after mid-month. Puffin tours have wrapped up by fall, with the birds heading out to sea in mid-August.
One of the biggest fall events in coastal Maine is Maine Open Lighthouse Day. You can also explore the lighthouses along the coastline with our BIG Guide to Maine Lighthouses.
Plus, if you’re looking for an apple orchard adventure during your fall trip to Maine, the Maine Pomological Society has you covered.
Considering how many people visit Maine as repeat guests, maybe it’s also time to start planning your winter trip to Maine.