By Bri Rothman

Summer in Maine hits different — and I say that as someone who grew up in Portland, spent my childhood running around the Old Port, and now raises my own kids right here in Vacationland. There’s a reason people travel from all over the world to experience a Maine summer: the ocean air, the small‑town festivals, the boutique coastal resorts, the beaches that feel endless, and that unmistakable “slow down and breathe” energy.

If you’re dreaming about planning a summer trip to Maine, consider this your insider guide — written by a local who still calls this coastline home.

Why Visit Maine in Summer?

Summer in Maine is a season of contrasts in the best way: rugged coastline meets refined boutique stays, lobster shacks meet award‑winning restaurants, and quiet mornings meet festival‑filled weekends.

As a Portland native, here’s what summer has always meant to me:

• Long beach days at Higgins or Crescent
• Ice cream drips down my kids’ arms
• Evenings that smell like sunscreen and saltwater
• Festivals that feel like a rite of passage
• Sunsets that stop you mid‑sentence

It’s nostalgic, it’s beautiful, and it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

Top Summer Festivals in Maine You Can’t Miss

Maine Lobster Festival – Rockland

This iconic festival is a bucket‑list experience. Think fresh lobster in every form, waterfront views, carnival rides, live music, and that classic coastal‑town charm. It’s one of the most popular summer events in Maine — and worth planning a trip around.

Yarmouth Clam Festival – Yarmouth

Just minutes from my home in Cumberland, this festival is a local favorite. Fried clams, parades, craft tents, live music, and a whole lot of small‑town summer energy. If you want a true “Maine community” experience, this is it.

Portland Waterfront Concerts + Old Port Events

From outdoor concerts to waterfront food festivals, Portland comes alive in the summer. The city’s walkability, food scene, and coastal views make it the perfect home base for exploring southern Maine.

Best Places to Stay in Maine in Summer

Inn by the Sea – Cape Elizabeth

Eco‑luxury meets beach‑house serenity. Boardwalks through the marsh, ocean views, a dreamy spa, and a quiet stretch of beach. It’s one of the best boutique resorts in Maine for couples and families.

Hidden Pond – Kennebunkport

Treehouse‑style bungalows, outdoor showers, and farm‑to‑fork dining. It’s rustic luxury with a polished edge — the kind of place where you instantly feel like you’re on vacation.

White Barn Inn – Kennebunk

Classic New England elegance with award‑winning dining. Perfect for a romantic escape or a refined coastal retreat.

The Press Hotel – Portland

If you want to stay in the heart of my hometown, this is the spot. Editorial, artsy, walkable — and surrounded by Portland’s best restaurants.

Best Things to Do in Maine in Summer

Explore Maine’s Beaches

Scarborough Beach, Crescent Beach, Higgins Beach — these are the beaches I grew up on. Wide stretches of sand, rolling waves, and that perfect mix of wild and peaceful.

Visit Coastal Towns

Each town has its own personality:

• Camden for sailing and mountain‑to‑sea views
• Boothbay Harbor for gardens and boat tours
• Ogunquit for beaches and the Marginal Way
• Wiscasset for that postcard‑perfect charm

Eat Your Way Through Maine

From lobster shacks to James Beard‑recognized restaurants, Maine’s food scene is unmatched — especially in summer.

Chase Maine Sunsets

Maine sunsets are a whole mood.

Growing Up in Portland, Raising My Family in Vacationland

I’ve traveled all over the world — it’s literally my job — but nothing compares to coming home. Maine shaped me. Portland raised me. And now I get to raise my kids with the same salty‑sweet summers I grew up with.

Vacationland isn’t just a slogan. It’s a lifestyle. A slower pace. A deeper breath. A place that feels like exhale.

And once you visit, you’ll understand why so many of us never leave.

If Maine is calling your name (and trust me, it will), let’s make it happen. Submit your travel inquiry and I’ll curate a summer escape that feels like pure coastal magic.