Nestled along Penobscot Bay in Maine’s MidCoast, Lincolnville is a quaint town that might easily be overlooked. Yet, despite its modest size, it offers a wealth of activities. From outdoor adventures and boating trips to shopping destinations and delightful dining options, visitors will always find things to do in Lincolnville Maine.
Best Parks & Beaches in Lincolnville Maine
Similar to numerous locations in MidCoast Maine, Lincolnville boasts a variety of recreational areas and outdoor pursuits. Its parks and beaches offer something for every visitor, ensuring a diverse range of experiences.
Camden Hills State Park
Straddling Camden and extending into Lincolnville Maine, Camden Hills State Park covers vast landscapes and offers diverse activities for all seasons. About 75% of the park lies in Lincolnville, presenting well-maintained trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more.
Visitors can enjoy the changing seasons, from the lush greenery of summer to the snow-covered paths of winter, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers. The park’s extensive area supports a variety of outdoor pursuits, inviting everyone to explore its natural beauty, engage in physical challenges, or relax in the tranquil surroundings.
Lincolnville Beach
Nestled along Route 1 (Atlantic Highway), Lincolnville Beach stands as a quintessential summer destination in Maine. This picturesque beachfront offers a perfect mix of relaxation with its sandy shores and recreational opportunities in the embrace of the ocean.
Not just a haven for sunbathers and swimmers, the beach boasts a touch of history with its War of 1812 cannons, blending leisure with historical exploration. These cannons add a unique dimension, inviting visitors to reflect on the past while enjoying the present.
Breezemere Park
On Norton Pond, Breezemere Park offers a picturesque setting for outdoor relaxation and activities. With its inviting freshwater beach and picnic area, it’s a serene destination for those looking to enjoy nature.
The park features a public boat launch for easy access to calm waters perfect for boating adventures and a deep-water swim float, providing fun and safe swimming opportunities.
Ideal for family outings, kayaking, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, Breezemere Park’s combination of natural beauty and recreational amenities makes it a beloved location for both locals and visitors.
Ducktrap River Preserve
Managed by the Coastal Mountains Land Trust, the Ducktrap River Preserve covers 1,135 acres, safeguarding 83% of the land around the Ducktrap River — a crucial habitat for the endangered Atlantic salmon.
Offering 5.6 miles of trails, the preserve is a year-round destination for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, providing diverse outdoor activities across its scenic terrain. The preserve’s combination of ecological preservation and recreational access makes it a vital resource for connecting with nature and supporting conservation efforts in Maine.
Fernalds Neck Preserve
Also safeguarded by the CMLT, the Fernalds Neck Preserve spans over 300 lush acres. It boasts more than 3 miles of trails, winding through woodlands and diverse ecosystems on a peninsula in Megunticook Lake, a popular swimming spot in summer. It’s perfect for hiking, picnicking, and swimming.
Best Things to Do in Lincolnville Maine on the Water
The array of outdoor activities in Lincolnville Maine extends beyond the parks and beaches. Adventurers can also take to Penobscot Bay for exploration by boat.
Quicksilver
Quicksilver stands out as a versatile water shuttle service, providing access to the stunning destinations of Islesboro Island, Warren Island, and other treasures within Penobscot Bay. More than just a means of transportation, it offers auxiliary ferry services and personalized chartered boat excursions designed to enhance the maritime adventure.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, such as sightseeing tours showcasing the bay’s spectacular views, picnics in serene locations, fishing in waters abundant with marine life, and bird-watching to spot diverse species.
Ducktrap Kayak
Offering personalized aquatic adventures, Ducktrap Kayak has an array of kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. For those eager to discover Maine’s tranquil waters at their own pace, it invites visitors to connect with nature through memorable paddling journeys.
The company champions self-guided exploration, ensuring adventurers of all skill levels and ages can find the perfect fit among its extensive selection. From solo kayaks for individual explorers to tandem models for pairs and child-friendly options, Ducktrap Kayak allows everyone to customize their experience on the water.
Best Unique Shopping Spots in Lincolnville
Beyond the outdoor adventures in Lincolnville Maine, the town offers a couple of stand-out shopping opportunities. Notably, it is home to some exceptionally unique stores.
Maine Artisans
Maine Artisans is more than just a cooperative gift shop and gallery. Between May and October, it’s a vibrant showcase of the rich artistic talent found within Maine.
This distinguished venue features an exceptional array of locally made arts and crafts, including handcrafted jewelry, fine pottery, stunning paintings, and much more. Each piece tells a story of Maine’s cultural heritage and natural beauty and is curated carefully to ensure that visitors receive a genuine experience of the state’s creative spirit.
Green Tree Coffee & Tea
Since its inception in 2002, Green Tree Coffee & Tea has carved a niche for itself in the coffee and tea industry. The company has committed to not only roasting and packaging its own premium products but also upholding values of environmental conservation and cultural integrity.
Nestled in the heart of the community, Green Tree Coffee & Tea actively collaborates with and supports charitable organizations that share its deep-seated commitment to environmental preservation, ensuring that the natural beauty and resources of the land remain intact for future generations.
This dedication to sustainability is mirrored in the meticulous selection of ethically sourced beans and leaves, reflecting a broader mission to foster a healthier planet while providing customers with high-quality, flavorful coffee and tea.
Best Lincolnville Restaurants & Wineries
After engaging in outdoor adventures and shopping in Lincolnville, you’ll find several dining options to satisfy your hunger. And for those seeking a more romantic ambiance, the town’s winery offers the perfect setting for an evening out.
McLaughlin’s Lobster Shack
For over three decades, McLaughlin’s Lobster Shack has been a cornerstone in delivering an authentic Maine seafood experience. Renowned for serving the finest quality Maine lobster and a variety of seafood dishes, this establishment prides itself on enhancing rather than altering the natural flavors of its offerings.
The secret to its popular lobster stew and seafood chowders lies in the use of fresh, live ingredients, ensuring that every dish is as flavorful and genuine as possible. This commitment to quality and tradition has made McLaughlin’s a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking a true taste of Maine.
Lobster Pound Restaurant
Since its inception in 1926, the Lobster Pound Restaurant has established itself as a family-friendly dining haven, cherished for its exceptional food and service. This iconic establishment has remained committed to delivering quality meals, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight Maine’s culinary heritage.
Renowned for creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant ensures a memorable dining experience for all its patrons. Its dedication to culinary excellence and outstanding hospitality has made it a linchpin in the local food scene, drawing visitors eager to savor the authentic flavors and genuine service that epitomize Maine’s dining culture.
Cellardoor Winery
Cellardoor Winery crafts award-winning wines in small batches, utilizing grapes from its vineyard and across the U.S. to create diverse flavors. At the winery’s tasting room, you can savor these handcrafted wines and gain insight into their unique profiles.
The winery enhances the visitor experience by offering tours that reveal the intricacies of winemaking and hosting a variety of events that cater to both wine enthusiasts and newcomers. As such, Cellardoor Winery is not just a destination for wine tasting but a place where community and culture converge, providing an inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy the art of winemaking.
Best Places for Day Trips Near Lincolnville
If you’re looking to venture beyond the charming confines of Lincolnville Maine, embarking on a day trip is a fantastic idea. The surrounding area is dotted with many intriguing towns and cities, each offering unique attractions and character.
Belfast Maine
Situated just a short 20-minute drive north of Lincolnville, the picturesque city of Belfast beckons with its well-preserved historic downtown, rich in architecture and charm. This coastal gem is home to a fascinating maritime museum that celebrates the region’s seafaring heritage.
During your visit, the Historic Colonial Theater offers a glimpse into the area’s cultural past, while numerous art galleries and studios showcase the vibrant local arts scene. Additionally, the United Farmers Market provides a taste of Maine’s agricultural bounty.
Islesboro Island Maine
Regarded as one of Maine’s premier islands, the serene Islesboro is conveniently accessible via a brief 20-minute ferry journey from Lincolnville. This slender, 14-mile-long island offers a tranquil escape from the busier tourist spots, providing a more laid-back atmosphere.
While there, visitors can immerse themselves in local maritime history at the Grindle Point Sailor’s Museum and Lighthouse — an iconic beacon of the island’s nautical past. And for leisure, the Tarratine Golf Club presents an idyllic setting for a peaceful round of golf amidst the island’s natural beauty.
Camden Maine
A jewel of New England and a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, Camden is situated just 10 minutes south of Lincolnville. This picturesque town is renowned for its quintessential charm and ranks as one of the most celebrated destinations in the region.
The Camden Snow Bowl, a beloved local attraction, offers a plethora of recreational activities throughout the year, including the thrill of the U.S. National Toboggan Championships every February.
Camden’s downtown area, adorned with elegant Victorian buildings, is a treasure trove of culinary delights and boutique shopping. Diverse eateries and quaint shops nestle among the historic architecture, inviting visitors to indulge in the town’s vibrant culture and scenic beauty.
Best Place to Stay While Visiting Lincolnville Maine
For a comfortable and memorable stay during your visit to Lincolnville, consider the Glen Cove Inn & Suites as your home away from home. We offer a range of comfortable rooms, suites, and cottages, as well as a host of convenient amenities.
Nestled on the south side of the charming town of Rockport, our inn provides the perfect gateway to the myriad things to do in Lincolnville Maine, as well as the neighboring cities of Rockland and Camden. Our prime location places you in proximity to an array of historic sites and engaging museums and the scenic beauty of local wineries and vineyards.
Explore our selection of inviting guest rooms, and start envisioning your next getaway to the picturesque MidCoast Maine where hospitality and adventure await. If you’re visiting during winter, consider booking your stay at The Country Inn at Camden Rockport — our sister property.