The Spa at Cliff House - Cape Neddick [edited]

8 BEST Towns for Romantic Getaways in Maine

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Ah, Maine. The very name conjures images of long walks on the beach, cozy cabins hidden away in evergreen forests, and lighthouses perched on precarious cliffs. Romantic getaways in Maine offer unparalleled accommodations, an envious culinary scene, and unique activities for a couple’s itinerary.

Couples looking for a romantic getaway in Maine have four seasons of romantic settings to explore. Choose a snow-silenced cottage deep in the Maine Woods, or pick a grand historic hotel overlooking the crashing waves.

Whether it’s your first getaway as a couple, your 50th wedding anniversary, or a road trip, romance is waiting at every corner in Maine.

The Spa at Cliff House-Cape Neddick
Cliff House | photo via meagdaley

York

Nestled along the Southern Maine Coast, York’s charming appeal offers a quintessential New England escape — perfect for rekindling love or igniting new flames.

What to Do

One of the most romantic spots is on the rock across from the Nubble Lighthouse on Cape Neddick. The beacon is adorned with lights during the holidays and in the summer.

York also has three beaches, and one is among the top surfing destinations in the state. York’s Wild Kingdom is a seasonal zoo that every animal-loving couple should see.

Where to Eat

Dine on the water with salt breezes at Dockside Restaurant on a secluded side of the town. York River Landing’s colorful exterior of green and chocolate wood lures you in, but the food, bar, and ice cream shack keep you coming back. You can enjoy porch picnic lunch views of the river, or dress up for a fine dining dinner.

Buy your beau an old-fashioned soda fountain drink or enjoy the simplicity of a bygone-era meal at the Goldenrod. Then, grab some chocolate or saltwater taffy from the attached candy store.

Where to Sleep

Overnight accommodations include beachfront to cliffside views, including The ViewPoint Hotel with stunning overlooks of Nubble Lighthouse. Stage Neck Inn offers one of the best beachside locations for sunrise walks on the sand. Enjoy the iconic spot and its spectacular ocean views.

We can’t talk about York without mentioning the masterpiece of Cliff House Maine. This is the upper echelon of Maine romance. Special events like lobster bakes are held throughout the year, and an art gallery and couple’s classes are also available.

The Kennebunks

It’s not like Kennebunkport needs a whole month to celebrate the art of love, but it ups the ante anyway. The town celebrates Paint the Town Red every February with immersive experiences for lovebirds.

What to Do

Walk through the shiplap shops of Dock Square or head for one of several beaches in both Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Drive or walk Summer Street from downtown Kennebunk to the Lower Village to see stunning sea captains’ homes along the way. Perhaps the most romantic house to seek out is the Wedding Cake House.

The charming coastal village of Kennebunkport attracts couples year-round, including Presidential families. In fact, the Bush family has a stunning mansion at Walker’s Point.

Where to Eat

You can get the presidential treatment in The Kennebunks by dining at legendary locations like Alisson’s where some of the best lobster rolls in the state are served. Wandby Landing quickly became as popular for its food as its wine list. It’s named after a shipwreck from the 1920s.

Where to Sleep

When you want historic New England charm, stay at the Kennebunkport Inn near Dock Square but in an intimate setting. For those looking for some maritime matrimonial time, you can’t get much closer to the water than the Boathouse Waterfront Hotel without being on a boat. Stay in your own space at the Wanderer Cottages, a spot so elegant it made Conde Nast’s Hot List of 2023.

Waterfront-Public-Park-Camden
Camden

Camden

Romance starts in Camden right at Megunticook Falls, flowing into the bay as the city wraps around the harbor.

What to Do

Head for the hills — Camden Hills State Park, that is. You can hike or drive to the summit of Mount Battie for sweeping views of the harbor and ocean beyond. And, snowbirds will love the winter slopes at Camden Snow Bowl.

Not even 2 miles away, Rockport adds another layer of harbor charm. A stroll through Aldermere Farm can take you through the wetlands, woods, or coastline.

Where to Eat

When it’s time to dine, few places feel more romantic than the red-infused interior of Natalie’s Restaurant. Meanwhile, the restaurant at Hartstone Inn offers New England cozy vibes with a chef’s tasting menu.

Where to Sleep

Romance is afloat at the Grand Harbor Inn with plush accommodations that cater to couples with views of the harbor and Jacuzzi tubs in every room. When old-time romance is what you’re after, the Camden Maine Stay Inn dates back to 1802.

For the “Saltburn” vibes, you can’t miss the gothic romance of the Norumbega Inn. The castle design makes you feel like a royal couple sneaking away to a romantic hideaway. For a romantic Maine getaway on the water, consider the Schooner Heritage out of Rockland, just 8 miles away.

Greenville, ME
Greenville | photo via mafamillerigole

Greenville

Head up to the southern end of Moosehead Lake for an adventure or escape in Greenville. You might be surprised to find out how bonding it is to watch moose meander through the lake, lapping up water.

What to Do

This is about as far north as you can go without feeling like you’re off the grid in Maine. Take a boat around Moosehead Lake or the ferry to Mount Kineo. Or, take to the skies in a seaplane for a unique experience above the Maine Highlands.

Also, Greenville has a perfect mix of an adorable downtown on the water without an overwhelming number of stores and crowds. Don’t be surprised if you pick up a real estate magazine here.

Where to Eat

When you want a low-key meal, stop by the Stress Free Moose Pub for classic pub fare and brews with lakefront views. The fancy spot in town is the Relais & Châteaux Restaurant called Slate. The elevated views of Moosehead Lake are as stunning as the interior and food presentation.

Where to Sleep

Greenville Inn at Moosehead Lake was once a mansion for a lumber tycoon and now offers rooms, suites, or cottages. Just 3 miles up the road, but tucked below the main road while perched above the lake, The Lodge at Moosehead Lake offers rooms or carriage house suites.

Height of Land-Rangeley
Height of Land | photo via liammichel_photography

Rangeley

Feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie where you’re the star. Rangeley’s versatility appeals to adventurous couples and long-time lovebirds who just want to sit by the lake looking for loons.

What to Do

Couples can walk the downtown area lakeside or take the scenic drive to Height of Land. Trails for all seasons await in the surrounding mountains, while Rangeley Lake State Park is another haven for couple’s adventures.

And, listen for loons or look for moose along the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway where you can stop for several waterfall hikes along the way.

Where to Eat

Dining in Rangeley is more classic and historic than fancy, but that’s the vibe of the region. The Red Onion is a local gathering spot with pizza, burgers, and Acadian Maine classics like poutine.

Where to Sleep

The Rangeley Inn & Tavern is an idyllic downtown hotel dating back 100 years. It has the best breakfast in town and is a nightly watering hole that offers dinner fireside. Water views abound, with loons and moose seemingly showing up on cue.

For a more intimate setting, consider the five rooms available at the Pleasant Street Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Owls Head Lighthouse-Owls Head State Park
Owls Head Lighthouse | photo via davepopephoto

South Thomaston

A coastal getaway is punctuated in South Thomaston and is ideal for those who want water views at every turn. This Mid-Coast treasure includes several villages among its peninsula and islands.

What to Do

Owl’s Head Lighthouse is one of the few that you can climb (seasonally) and has a gift shop and museum at the base. Couples can also walk the calm water of the beach at Birch Point State Park and explore St. George and Port Clyde where you can take a boat trip to Monhegan Island.

Where to Eat

Escape the lobster shack lines of the touristy cities at McLoons Lobster Shack on the water near the end of Spruce Head Island. For a more sophisticated seafood experience, dine at The Causeway.

Where to Sleep

The Craignair Inn by the Sea sits at the end of a peninsula in Spruce Head with just 16 rooms and a fresh hot breakfast each morning. The Seaside Inn near the waterfront of Port Clyde offers a remote getaway, yet it’s close to the lighthouse made famous in “Forrest Gump.”

Sunday River Ski Resort
Sunday River Ski Resort | photo via torgor___

Waterford

The western Maine town of Waterford offers rustic romance with mountains and lakes to explore. With secluded trails in all directions, this is truly an escape for outdoor-focused couples.

What to Do

Kezar Falls Gorge might be the most romantic and secluded waterfall in Maine, which is saying something. You and your partner should be skilled at navigation and GPS tracking to find this waterfall and swimming hole.

A simpler adventure awaits at Hawk Mountain with less than 1-mile hike to see stunning views of the region — ideal for a sunrise or sunset. The charming historic town of Bethel is just 20 minutes north, and beyond that, the four-season destination of Sunday River.

Where to Eat

Restaurant options are slim to none in Waterford, but you’ll find some fantastic options nearby. Just a short drive south in Harrison, The Barking Chicken is a craft bar and gallery where you can order comfort foods and paninis alongside craft cocktails, local beer, and wine while enjoying entertainment and perusing local art.

In Bridgton, Street Eats Maine is a tiny, eclectic restaurant that has evolved from a food truck that serves excellent street foods like street gyoza dumplings, bang bang shrimp rolls, crispy duck rice paper tacos, and more. And in Norway, Dolce Amici is a gelato shop and cocktail bar with an array of artisanal in-house-made flavors and a curated cocktail list.

Where to Sleep

Bear Mountain Inn brings four seasons of love, including a private home for larger groups or a dog-friendly cottage for couples who love to take their pampered pets on adventures.

A more rustic retreat awaits at The Waterford Inne. Uniquely themed rooms cater to your romance style, while farm-to-table meals are made from the garden out back. The red barn on-site offers farm harvest dinners and specialty drinks at the bar.

Marginal Way-Ogunquit
Marginal Way | photo via molldoll113

Ogunquit

Ogunquit is a diverse and welcoming community and offers several adult-only accommodations. Romance is around the corner in each section of this coastal community.

What to Do

The Marginal Way cliff walk gives that “wave crashing on the rocks” vibe, while the nearly 4 miles of Ogunquit Beach make an excellent beachcombing location.

Perkins Cove is the community’s art corner, with the seasonal Ogunquit Museum of Art. Performance art comes to life each summer at the Ogunquit Playhouse where Hollywood and Broadway stars of the past and future perform.

Where to Eat

Dine with your own outdoor fire pit at Rose Cove Ogunquit, or choose one of the tables inside for classic seafood dishes. Tents are available to make the meal more intimate. And, The Crooked Pine mixes New England and European styles of food, wine, and design.

Where to Sleep

Anchorage by the Sea is the epitome of coastal romance with various buildings housing different types of rooms and suites, as well as cottages on-site. The Norseman Resort brings you beachside — the only one of its kind in this charming town — while Footbridge Beach Motel brings you to the beach path less traveled.

How Can You Not Be Romantic About Maine?

Few states can mix rugged natural beauty with sweep-you-off-your-feet romance, but Maine flawlessly accommodates all guests. New relationships can blossom with all the adventures available, and reconnection is easy with private spaces to explore on the coast or in the mountains.

Many resorts and inns will offer couples discounts in the winter, such as special spa and meal packages and an added free breakfast. It’s always a good time to start planning your romantic getaway to Maine!

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