11 Excellent Ways to Spend a Spring Break in Maine
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The state of Maine is known for its stunning beaches and coastline, natural beauty, and spectacular summers. Springtime is a wonderful time to explore all that Maine has to offer during the tourist off-season.
During spring break in Maine, you will avoid the summertime crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience. Check out these destinations to start planning your spring getaway in Maine.
From charming towns to family-friendly recreational activities, you’re sure to find something to spice up a spring trip to the Pine Tree State.
Walk the Portland Freedom Trail
Multiple spots in Portland Maine
Portland Maine is known for its proximity to Maine’s beaches, art museums, and delicious restaurants. Start your tour at the Portland Freedom Trail. Located throughout the city, this self-guided tour winds through downtown on a 2-mile trail featuring 13 historical sites.
You will learn about the Underground Railroad, admire historical churches, see Quaker meeting houses, and learn about notable Maine historical figures. The Freedom Trail brings you past the Franklin Street wharf where you can take in the beautiful water views and get a glimpse of docked boats.
View Famous Artwork at the Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress Sq, Portland, ME 04101
Maine is home to many wonderful art museums and galleries. One of the best in the state is the Portland Museum of Art. It features over 18,000 pieces of artwork by famous artists, like Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, Louise Nevelson, and the famous Mainer Winslow Homer.
Children will enjoy The Workshop at the museum, where they can immerse themselves in hands-on activities. But if you want a break from walking through the galleries, visit the PMA Film theater. Films vary by month and feature documentaries, short films, lectures, and artist talks.
Burn Some Energy at the Coastal Children’s Museum
75 Mechanic St, Rockland, ME 04841
The weather in Maine in the springtime can be unpredictable, so it’s good to have some indoor play options for children. The Coastal Children’s Museum in Rockland Maine is a cozy museum for children and families to explore, learn, and play.
Kids can learn about famous Maine lighthouses and explore nature and marine exhibits. Of course, there are play structures for young ones to climb and slide down too.
Imaginative play areas are featured throughout the museum — including a pretend general store, walk-through caves, a dramatic play theater, a veterinary clinic, and more.
Mush With Sled Dogs During the Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience
65 Main St, Oxford, ME 04270
Dog sledding might seem like an exclusive winter activity, but dog sledding season runs well into the spring in Maine. Check out the Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Choose a dog sledding experience to fit your schedule — it offers one-hour, two-hour, or full-day experiences. Longer trips include a Mountain Tour or Romance Package.
You will be pulled along by happy, well-cared-for sled dogs while a guide will regale you with interesting facts about the dogs, sledding, and local history.
The packages include a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with the sled dog team. Then, you can warm up with hot cocoa and a snack after the sledding experience.
Take in the Scenic Ocean Views on Marginal Way
Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907
Marginal Way in Ogunquit Maine is a more than 1-mile-long cliff walk along the Atlantic coast that will leave you feeling amazed by the beauty of the Atlantic. The cliff walk can be blustery, so dress appropriately for the walk.
You can start at the south end at Perkin’s Cove and venture north. The walk will take you along the ocean where, if you’re lucky, you may spot swimming seals or lobstermen on boats hard at work.
At one end of the walk, you will see scenic beaches and have the opportunity to explore tide pools. At the Perkin’s Cove end of the walk, visit the quaint village for a bite to eat and more great photo-taking opportunities.
Shop ’till you Drop in Kittery
Kittery Maine is known for its sprawling outlet shopping options. Here are a few great options.
Kittery Outlets
306 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904
Featuring over 120 popular brand-name stores and delicious food options, the Kittery Outlets is a major shopping and dining attraction year-round. Spend the day going from store to store and restocking your closet with the most fashionable clothing options around.
Kittery Trading Post
301 US-1 One, Kittery, ME 03904
You can stop by the Kittery Trading Post for some outdoor gear or souvenirs. It features apparel, accessories, shoes, fishing gear, hunting gear, and so much more.
Even if you aren’t big on outdoor activities, you’ll enjoy perusing the unique offerings and can even enjoy some of the fun snacks — like fudge and gourmet jerky.
Yummies Candy & Nuts
384 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904
Take a drive down the street and stop at Yummies Candy & Nuts. It packs thousands of different types of candy into a small shop.
You will find various gums, gummies, chocolates, lollipops, nuts, and vintage candies all in one place. Yummies has been a mainstay in Kittery since 1986 and is packed with thousands of pounds of candy for any taste.
Take Pictures of Nubble Light at Sohier Park
11 Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909
The Nubble Light is one of the most popular and recognizable lighthouses in the United States, so grab a friend or family member to get some pictures in front of the Nubble Light.
The lighthouse is located on its own rocky island that is not accessible to the public. But, you can get a picture-perfect view from Sohier Park directly across from the Nubble Light.
Sohier Park has historical placards detailing the history of the lighthouse, benches to picnic or rest on, and large, smooth rocks to stand on while getting the perfect photo.
Visit Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach Maine
While springtime isn’t the best time to go swimming at the beach in Maine, it’s the perfect time to go for a walk along the beach and discover a resort town. Old Orchard Beach offers 7 miles of beach to explore and a slew of activities.
Coastal winds can make it a bit chilly in the spring, so dress in layers for your beach trip. Pack snacks, chairs, and blankets for the beach, and relax without crowds. Old Orchard Beach also features a nostalgic pier and a park with a playground.
Take a Hike at Acadia National Park
25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Spring is still considered the off-season at Acadia National Park, but that just means you’ll have a more peaceful, less crowded park to enjoy. A good place to start is the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
Acadia has trails for all hiking abilities. The Jordan Pond Loop is perfect for beginners with boardwalks and small elevations. Wonderland Trail is ideal for families because it’s a flat trail with easy terrain. For a more challenging hike, check out Great Head Trail.
Depending on the weather, visitors may find beautiful wildflowers, ponds, gardens, wildlife, and a variety of birds to watch.
Enjoy an End of the Season Ski
Many ski resorts in Maine start to wrap up their winter season in early March. Sugarloaf and Sunday River are two that operate well into the spring months.
Sugarloaf Resort
5092 Access Rd, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947
Sugarloaf Resort calls itself the “King of Spring.” Typically operating through the end of April, you can expect lighter crowds and warmer skiing days than in the peak winter season.
Enjoy a few ski runs and then hang out in the lodge or grab a drink and snack at one of the many dining places on site. Plus, the resort hosts spring events, such as Reggae Fest and concerts.
Sunday River Ski Resort
15 S Ridge Rd, Newry, ME 04261
Sunday River Ski Resort offers legendary slopes across eight interconnected mountain peaks, which comprise 870 acres. It typically operates into early May, so there’s plenty of time to hit the slopes during spring before it gets too warm.
The resort even hosts several events during the season, such as Mountain Meltdown Weekend, concerts, tailgates, and beer tastings.
Learn at the Maine State House Capitol Building & Blaine House
230 State St, Augusta, ME 04330
When in another state, visiting local government buildings provides a wealth of historical information and a glimpse into the way that government is run. The Maine State Museum organizes tours of the state capitol building and state governor’s mansion.
Maine State House
The Maine State House capitol building is a beautiful building resembling that of the Massachusetts State House. Offering self-guided tours on weekdays and guided tours during non-session days, you can learn about State House history, architecture, and the government’s functions.
Blaine House
Next door, tours of the Blaine House can be booked on weekdays. The house is the official Maine governor’s mansion. It holds historical Maine artifacts and original historical furnishings, and it has beautiful outdoor gardens.
Plan Your Adventures for Spring Break in Maine
Spring break is the ideal time to visit Maine to avoid crowds. Temperatures begin to rise, flowers and trees begin to bloom with color, the sun provides some warmth at the beach, and local eateries and attractions begin to reopen in preparation for peak season.
Visiting Maine in the spring also provides many activities whether you’re interested in exploring nature and the coast, staying indoors for a museum tour, or looking for some adventure with skiing and dog sledding. Relax, unwind, and enjoy the start of a beautiful season in the state of Maine.
You’ll find many affordable hotels and other lodging in Maine during the spring season. Plus, there are plenty of Maine restaurants to keep you fueled up for your spring adventures. In fact, you can get great package rates on lodging and dining in seaside towns like Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Wells Beach, and even Boothbay Harbor and Bar Harbor.