Maine is known around the world for its incredible rocky coast. And that explains why so many people choose to take their beach vacations right here in…Vacationland! While we can’t disagree that some of the best memories are made here in Maine, we love the idea of venturing off the coast for even more of that quintessential beauty. Try these islands for day trips or even some amazing overnights!
- Isle au Haut, Knox County
ashleyhexum66 / Flickr This little beauty can be found off the coast of Acadia National Park, about 5 miles south of Stonington. The island lacks the resort-sized hotels that you might find on the mainland which means those in search of peace and quiet will love it here! Enjoy the local trails and try to spot the deer, seals, osprey, and porpoise.
- Monhegan Island, Lincoln County
navin75 / Flickr Whether you’re an artist or simply love great art, this is the island for you! The last hundred years have seen Monhegan become a haven for artists looking to create and then show their work during visiting hours. At just about one square mile, the island itself is quite small. But in just its small area it has more than 12 miles of hiking trails all along the coast and inland. You can visit by taking a boat from New Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, or Port Clyde. Click here to learn more.
- Vinalhaven, Knox County
maybeonmonday2003 / Flickr This one just might be our favorite on the list. Although, Vinalhaven is really just the name of the largest town on the larger of the two Fox Islands. You’ll find it about 15 miles off the coast of Rockland, accessible via an hour and 15 minute boat ride. Once there you’ll find lots of rental homes and motels, just be sure to book ahead of time.
- Campobello Island, New Brunswick or Lubec
Ron Cogswell / Flickr While this island is officially a part of Canada, you can get there from Lubec which makes us feel like it belongs on this list. The views of the Bay of Fundy can’t be beat and visiting Herring Cove Provincial Park means lots of nice walks and hikes. You can even visit the summer home of FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt!
- Swan’s Island, Hancock County
burntcoatharborlight.com This 7,000-acre island is about 6 miles south of Mt. Desert Island and offers lots of exploration opportunities. Enjoy the coastline, take a trail and make sure to pop into the Lobster & Marine Museum. This island’s key occupation is lobstering and you’ll love the scenery of lobster boats at every turn.
- Mackworth Island, Cumberland County
nhoulihan / Flickr This one isn’t actually an island, but somehow it still has “island” in its name. You can reach it by heading over a causeway from Falmouth. Once you’re there, enjoy the perimeter walk while stopping to enjoy the views of Casco Bay and even some secret fairy homes! Click here to learn more.
- Peaks Island, Cumberland County
WorldIslandInfo.com / Flickr This one is easy-peasy to visit if you’re based in Portland. In fact, you can get the ferry to visit right from the Old Port. Peaks is so close you can see it from the mainland, but once you’re there you’ll feel a world away. Rent a golf cart to travel the 3-mile perimeter and when you’re done grab some ice cream before getting back on the boat back to the mainland.
What are your favorite Maine islands? We know there are tons hiding all along the coast. And if you’re really looking to have a unique island experience, there’s something special waiting for you near Stonington! You can rent your own private island with gorgeous views at Spruce Island in Maine.
ashleyhexum66 / Flickr
This little beauty can be found off the coast of Acadia National Park, about 5 miles south of Stonington. The island lacks the resort-sized hotels that you might find on the mainland which means those in search of peace and quiet will love it here! Enjoy the local trails and try to spot the deer, seals, osprey, and porpoise.
navin75 / Flickr
Whether you’re an artist or simply love great art, this is the island for you! The last hundred years have seen Monhegan become a haven for artists looking to create and then show their work during visiting hours. At just about one square mile, the island itself is quite small. But in just its small area it has more than 12 miles of hiking trails all along the coast and inland. You can visit by taking a boat from New Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, or Port Clyde. Click here to learn more.
maybeonmonday2003 / Flickr
This one just might be our favorite on the list. Although, Vinalhaven is really just the name of the largest town on the larger of the two Fox Islands. You’ll find it about 15 miles off the coast of Rockland, accessible via an hour and 15 minute boat ride. Once there you’ll find lots of rental homes and motels, just be sure to book ahead of time.
Ron Cogswell / Flickr
While this island is officially a part of Canada, you can get there from Lubec which makes us feel like it belongs on this list. The views of the Bay of Fundy can’t be beat and visiting Herring Cove Provincial Park means lots of nice walks and hikes. You can even visit the summer home of FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt!
burntcoatharborlight.com
This 7,000-acre island is about 6 miles south of Mt. Desert Island and offers lots of exploration opportunities. Enjoy the coastline, take a trail and make sure to pop into the Lobster & Marine Museum. This island’s key occupation is lobstering and you’ll love the scenery of lobster boats at every turn.
nhoulihan / Flickr
This one isn’t actually an island, but somehow it still has “island” in its name. You can reach it by heading over a causeway from Falmouth. Once you’re there, enjoy the perimeter walk while stopping to enjoy the views of Casco Bay and even some secret fairy homes! Click here to learn more.
WorldIslandInfo.com / Flickr
This one is easy-peasy to visit if you’re based in Portland. In fact, you can get the ferry to visit right from the Old Port. Peaks is so close you can see it from the mainland, but once you’re there you’ll feel a world away. Rent a golf cart to travel the 3-mile perimeter and when you’re done grab some ice cream before getting back on the boat back to the mainland.
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Address: Isle au Haut, Isle Au Haut, ME, USAAddress: Monhegan Island, Monhegan, ME 04852, USAAddress: Vinalhaven, ME, USAAddress: Campobello Island, New Brunswick E5E, CanadaAddress: Swans Island, ME 04685, USAAddress: Mackworth Island, Falmouth, ME 04105, USAAddress: Peaks Island, Portland, ME, USA
