In late Spring of 2026, I enjoyed my first ever visit to Maine. Not to Portland, but further up the coast, in a town called Belfast. It had all the charm of a New England seaside town, without the tourist over saturation that plagues a lot of the cities here during the summer months, thanks to its location off the main highway that ventures from town to town up the coast.
It was an idyllic experience in New England for me. Overcast skies, a windy coast offering the salty smell of the sea, cozy shops and bars, and a quiet, slower pace of life. And of course, eating a lot of top tier seafood.
Where to Stay in Belfast, Maine
While I was lucky to be staying with my partner’s family in Maine, there are some very cute bed and breakfasts and hotels to stay at in this town. Check out the Belfast Harbor Inn, Colonial Gables Oceanfront Village, or The Jeweled Turret Inn for an exceptional stay when in Belfast.
Top Things To Do in and around Belfast, Maine
Walk Along the Shore at Low Tide to see Face Carvings
Located near Heritage Park at 25 Front Street along the Belfast harbor, the face carvings in old wooden pier pillars are a cool, free thing to do in Belfast. Plan your exploring for low tide where more of the faces are visible, and be sure to check out the amazing seaweed and barnacles that envelope a lot of the structures here. It’s a cool thing to come upon while wandering along the coast.
Visit the Shops in Downtown Belfast
There are a ton of really great shops to explore in Belfast. Grab a coffee and a pastry at Chase’s Daily or visit Left Bank Books to buy some new books. Visit Vinolio, a wonderful gourmet grocery store where you can find amazing imported foods— including the elusive Luxardo cherries and the most incredible preserved lemon stuffed olives I’ve ever had.
Hike Mount Battie
Located in Camden, not Belfast, Mount Battie is more of a large hill (only 800 feet high) but it’s still a decent upward hike that will work up a sweat and offer stunning views at the top. Look out over Penobscot Bay, seeing the tiny islands that are just off the coast, with boat traffic moving in and out of the harbor. It’s a moderately difficult hike, with some portions requiring a scramble over the rocks, so be prepared with good shoes. It’s well worth the walk up, but you can also drive to the peak if hiking isn’t your thing.
Walk Along Hills to Sea Trail and the Belfast Rail Trail
Other hiking you can enjoy near Belfast include the Hills to Sea trail and Belfast Rail Trail. Located next to each other along the Passagassawakeag River, this old, abandoned railroad trail is nice for an afternoon walk. It’s mostly flat and offers lovely views of the river. Check out the old train car and station, and meander along on the path for up to 2.2 miles of walking. It’s mostly flat and paved, so easily accessible by foot or bike.
Explore Camden
A charming town just a short drive from Belfast, Camden, Maine offers more of the classic New England tourist experience. I will say exercise caution if you’re visiting here in the summer, traffic could be horrendous as it’s just one main road in and out. There’s a lovely harbor, a lot of shops and restaurants, and an idyllic coastal atmosphere here. It sits on Penobscot Bay, with a harbor full of sailboats and access to great hiking trails.
On the Weekends – Stop at the United Farmers Market
This year-round farmers market takes place every Saturday morning in downtown Belfast. Here you can get everything from baked goods to fresh produce, coffee, small batch ice cream, and body care products. It’s a great space with tables to eat at indoors in case you get prepared food, as well as beautiful vegetables and other products to take home for cooking. I’d highly recommend wandering around this market if you’re in Belfast on a Saturday.
Eating & Drinking in Belfast, Maine
Young’s Lobster Pound
This is a place not only to eat a delicious lobster roll, but to have the experience of visiting a lobster pound in Maine is a must. The “pound” refers to the massive tanks that the establishment is built around, designed with pipes to pump fresh seawater in for the caught lobsters until they are ready for sale. It’s a casual dining spot, with picnic tables and basic amenities but top-notch lobster dishes on the menu.
Bring a jacket if it’s a chilly day, it’s not a heated structure and can be cold.
The lobster roll was very good, my only complaint is I prefer the toasted bread style vs a bun, but the flavor, quality (lots of claw meat in the sandwich) and experience was great.
Marshall Wharf Brewing Company
Sitting on the waterfront in Belfast is Marshall Wharf Brewing Company, a great stop for a beer and a bite. I opted for a flight and tried a bunch of different beers, and shared a half dozen fresh oysters while watching boats cruise by. The brewery has an extensive food menu if you wanted a full meal here, and it was a really nice, relaxing environment to have a drink in.
Graffam Bros Seafood Market
This roadside stop had some incredible lobster rolls! After hiking Mount Battie and exploring Camden, we stopped at Graffam Bros Seafood Market in Rockport on the drive back to Belfast. It was a fantastic little shop, not only for prepared food (definitely get a lobster roll here) but also for the seafood market. If you needed to stock up for a recipe, this would be a great place to get clams, lobster, oysters and other fresh fish. It’s no frills but delicious.
Try a Moxie
I had never heard of this soda before visiting Maine, but trying regional beverages and food is one fly my favorite things to do when traveling. Moxie is one of the original mass-produced soft drinks in the United States, first created in Massachusetts in the 1870s. It’s apparently an iconic New England beverage, with a striking vintage brand style and a surprisingly pleasant, herbal sweet flavor. I liked it a lot, it paired well with salty potato chips and a lobster roll at a roadside seafood shop.
And that’s a wrap on my trip to Maine! I look forward to returning to explore more of this state – from the food scene in Portland to Acadia National Park. There’s a lot to see and I look forward to future adventures. If you have a “must do” for Maine, please drop it in a comment below!
No Comments