DownEast Maine
There are hundreds of beautiful towns, trails, beaches, sights, fishing spots, parks, restaurants, and experiences waiting for you in Downeast Maine. We could never talk about them all, but there are some that we think you won’t want to miss. This is far from an exhaustive list, and you’ll find even more information and suggestions waiting in your rental’s local guidebook. You should feel free to contact us to get more specific suggestions from a real local to suit your need.
There are hundreds of beautiful towns, trails, beaches, sights, fishing spots, parks, restaurants, and experiences waiting for you in Downeast Maine. We could never talk about them all, but there are some that we think you won’t want to miss. This is far from an exhaustive list, and you’ll find even more information and suggestions waiting in your rental’s local guidebook. You should feel free to contact us to get more specific suggestions from a real local to suit your need.
Downeast Towns
Ellsworth is the town where Salt Air is based and the gateway to Bar Harbor and Mt. Desert Island. There are dozens of shops, sights, trails, and a number of local hangouts and eateries in Ellsworth. It’s often thought of as a commercial hub for locals who don’t want to visit Bar Harbor when it’s full of tourists in the summer months, but over the decades it has served in that capacity, it has grown into a destination in its own right. It’s where we’ve chosen to raise our children, and that should say a lot about the kind of place Ellsworth is.
Bucksport is a scenic little town West of Ellsworth on the beautiful Route 1 coastal drive. The odds are good that you’ll pass through Bucksport at some point during your stay. You will find its downtown charming, and the view of the town from the Route One bridge to the South is incredible any time of year.
Winter Harbor is Southeast of Ellsworth and almost directly South of Gouldsboro. This quiet town is the doorstep to the Schoodic Peninsula of Acadia National parkmuch as Ellsworth is to Mt. Desert Island. This sleepier town doesn’t boast a lot of amenities, but the locally famous Pickled Wrinkleis nearby and a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. There’s also a lively art, theater, and music scene in the town organized by Schoodic Arts For All
Enjoying Nature
Beyond Acadia’s main campus on Mt. Desert Island, there’s a great deal more to explore in Downeast Maine. If you’re traveling around the area, you’ll likely drive on the Schoodic National Scenic Byway that connects a few truly gorgeous remote natural areas to civilization.
East of easy driving distance, you can find Great Wass Island, open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. This massive nature preserve is smaller than Acadia but less well known. The lack of accommodations on the island also limits visits. If you’re feeling intrepid, though, this might be the perfect fit.
If you don’t mind traveling a bit farther afield, the Cobs Cook Shores Parkin Lubec offers a less crowded summertime nature experience than Mt. Desert Island. For the truly outdoorsy among us, getting just a little lost among the trees and coves of this park can be an incredible experience.
The Terrific Tours & Great Guides of Downeast Maine
It’s no secret that it can be pretty hard to get there from here in Downeast Maine. One of the best shortcuts in the region is traveling by boat. A great option for visiting more remote areas is to charter a boat trip with one of the several charters in the region like Sail AcadiaDowneast Charter Boat Tours, or Ellis Downeast Powerboat Charters, some of these are quite a hike from our properties, but you won’t find anyone with a better personal knowledge of the inlets and waters of Downeast Maine than a seasoned tour charter captain.
Have you ever been out in nature and wanted someone local and expert to ask questions, help you find the best spots, and generally enhance your journey? Maine’s Registered Guide Program might be able to help you realize your dream. Hundreds of expert fishermen, hunters, campers, and hikers are available and registered to help guide your outdoor experience and take it to the next level.