If you’re trying planning the perfect weekend getaway in Maine, it helps to break things down by town, so you can quickly see where to stay and what each area offers. When searching for things to do in Maine, you’ll find everything from beaches and hiking to downtown shopping and vibrant food scenes. Each destination offering its own unique experience. Almost every destination connects with Lafayette Hotels properties and nearby local favorites.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is one of the most popular coastal destinations for what to do in Bar Harbor Maine, especially for outdoor scenery and classic New England views. Stay at The Bluenose Inn, offering Frenchman Bay views, an indoor pool, and on-site dining at The Looking Glass Restaurant.
The highlight of the area is nearby Acadia National Park, where visitors can explore hiking trails, Cadillac Mountain, scenic drives, and rocky coastline views. Downtown Bar Harbor also adds shops, ice cream, and waterfront dining.
Belfast
Belfast is a quiet Midcoast harbor town known for its walkable waterfront and relaxed coastal feel. Stay at the Fireside Inn & Suites Belfast, offering ocean views, an outdoor pool, and a peaceful setting right along the bay.
The Belfast Harbor Walk is a highlight, with scenic paths along the water, local shops, cafés, and casual restaurants nearby. It’s an easy place to slow down, take in the views, and enjoy a laid-back coastal day.
Kennebunk
Kennebunk is a classic Maine coastal stop with beach access and nearby town charm. Stay at the Beach House Inn, located directly across from Kennebunk Beach.
The area offers shoreline walks, scenic coastal drives, and ocean views. Just a short drive away, Kennebunkport’s Dock Square adds restaurants, cafés, ice cream shops, and boutiques for an easy outing.
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is one of Maine’s most lively summer destinations and a great spot when you’re looking for what to do in Maine, especially classic beach days, entertainment all around, and coastal fun. Stay at the Waves Oceanfront Resort, offering oceanfront access and seasonal pool amenities.
The area features Palace Playland amusement park, Old Orchard Beach Pier, seven miles of shoreline, arcades, seafood shacks, and classic boardwalk-style fun. For a sweet stop, West Grand Market is a local favorite for ice cream and casual beach treats. It’s an exciting place to spend the day between the beach, rides, and local bites, all right along the ocean.
Ogunquit
Stay at the Aspinquid Resort, located near the beach with a pool and easy access to town. A favorite stop is Splash Bar & Grill, offering casual seafood, drinks, and ocean views.
Nearby, the Norseman’s Resort Beach Store is perfect for beach essentials, snacks, and souvenirs. A short drive away, Perkins Cove adds harbor views, boats, shops, and waterfront dining. The Marginal Way coastal walk, sandy beaches, galleries, and local dining make it an easy and relaxing getaway.
Portland
Portland is a lively waterfront city with plenty of food, shopping, and coastal experiences. Stay at the Holiday Inn Portland – By the Bay, featuring an indoor pool, event space, and easy access to downtown.
When thinking about what to do in Portland, Maine, start in the Old Port, explore waterfront views, visit nearby lighthouses, and enjoy some of the best seafood and restaurants in the state.
Wells
Wells is ideal for a calming beach escape and is often included when people search for what to do in Maine. A beautiful stay at the Lafayette Oceanfront Resort, located right on the beach with indoor amenities, bike riding, and outstanding views.
For a bite to eat, Forbes Seafood Restaurant is known for its lobster rolls, fried seafood, and ice cream. You’ll also find the Happy Clam Beach Store, offering Maine-themed gifts and local souvenirs. The area is all about beach walks, swimming, and a whole lot of fun.
Where Your Maine Adventure Comes Together
From coastal towns and sandy beaches to lively harbors and quiet inland escapes, Maine offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a full itinerary or just looking for a weekend reset, each destination brings its own mix of scenery, food, and things to explore. With Lafayette Hotels locations throughout the state, it’s easy to move from one experience to the next, spending one day on the beach and another exploring a harbor town. No matter where you go, the best part is how naturally everything comes together here: simple, scenic, and always worth the trip.
