Central Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Pejepscot Museum showing a house
Bailey Island featuring general coastal views
Bowdoin College Museum of Art featuring heritage architecture and a park
Bowdoin College Museum of Art which includes heritage architecture
Bowdoin College Museum of Art featuring religious aspects, heritage elements and interior views

Maine is on its best display in this beautiful area full of historic small towns, beautiful harbors and many opportunities for adventure.

Maine’s Central Coast area is primarily characterized by lobster, lumber and natural beauty. Find all of that and more in this beautiful region that has been welcoming visitors, artists and nature lovers for centuries.

The Central Coast is foremost a marine ecosystem, best experienced from the water. Rent kayaks at towns and coves along the coast and paddle out to sea with only seabirds for company. Cool off in the bracing North Atlantic at Popham Beach State Park near Phippsburg, one of Maine’s few sand beaches. At low tide, walk out to a small island and discover crustaceans stuck to rocks or buried under the sand. Sail from Boothbay Harbor or Port Clyde out to Monhegan Island, a small artists’ colony 10 miles (16 kilometers) out to sea. Ramble along the island’s paths or sit in contemplation of the sea that has inspired many artists.

Experience local art at Central Coast’s museums and cultural institutions. Start at the Marine Maritime Museum in Bath, which is home to a reproduction of the Wyoming, a huge wooden sailboat. Take a side trip to Seguin Island’s lighthouse, first built in 1795 under orders from George Washington. Drive along the coast, stopping frequently. Investigate the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, with an extensive collection of works by local artists. By the time you reach the Penobscot Marine Museum, near Searsport, the hundreds of drawings, paintings and other arts celebrating the sea will feel a part of your soul.

Maine’s Central Coast is a 75-mile (120-kilometer) stretch of land between Brunswick, Maine in the south and Searsport, Maine in the north. Access Brunswick by either car or train from Portland or Boston. The Central Coast itself is best explored via car. Searsport is only a 45-minute drive from the international airport in Bangor, Maine.

The Central Coast’s diverse attractions and welcoming hospitality make it the perfect destination for visitors of all types.

Where to stay in Central Coast

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Ocean Point

If you're spending some time in Ocean Point, Grimes Cove Beach and Linekin Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Ocean Point
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Pemaquid Point

While Pemaquid Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park and Pemaquid Beach Park.

Pemaquid Point
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Christmas Cove

While Christmas Cove isn't home to many top sights, Pemaquid Beach Park and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Christmas Cove
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Pemaquid Beach

You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in Pemaquid Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at Pemaquid Beach Park or Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site.

Pemaquid Beach
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Pemaquid Harbor

Though Pemaquid Harbor may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pemaquid Beach Park and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park.

Pemaquid Harbor
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West Point

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West Point and surrounding area, you can visit Popham Beach State Park and Popham Beach.

West Point
Harborline Hotel

Harborline Hotel

3 out of 5
6 Park Drive, Rockland, ME
The price is AU$186 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$186
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Rockland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (165 reviews)
"It was centrally located."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Harborline Hotel
The Country Inn at Camden Rockport

The Country Inn at Camden Rockport

2.5 out of 5
8 Country Inn Way, Rockport, ME
The price is AU$247 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$247
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rockport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,013 reviews)
"Great staff."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

The Country Inn at Camden Rockport
Fireside Inn & Suites - Belfast

Fireside Inn & Suites - Belfast

3 out of 5
159 Searsport Avenue, Belfast, ME
The price is AU$273 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$273
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (900 reviews)
"Clean room, quiet room, great stFf"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Fireside Inn & Suites - Belfast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Trade Winds on the Bay

Trade Winds on the Bay

3.5 out of 5
2 Park Dr, Rockland, ME
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Rockland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (272 reviews)
"Friendly, helpful staffr"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Trade Winds on the Bay
Charming Off- Grid cabin 5 min from the ocean in Midcoast Maine

Charming Off- Grid cabin 5 min from the ocean in Midcoast Maine

Lincolnville
Stay at this vacation home in Lincolnville. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Cellardoor Winery and Schoolhouse Museum are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
"Nice break from tent camping for a couple of nice!"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Charming Off- Grid cabin 5 min from the ocean in Midcoast Maine
New Cottage Perfect for a Peaceful and Quiet stay on the Ocean with Beach

New Cottage Perfect for a Peaceful and Quiet stay on the Ocean with Beach

Bailey Island
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Bailey Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Cobwork Bridge and Mackerel Cove ...
10/10 Exceptional! (206 reviews)
"Great property with amazing views."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

New Cottage Perfect for a Peaceful and Quiet stay on the Ocean with Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Coast

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