The Perfect Solo Trip to Maine

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If you are like me and love a scenic coastline, some amazing hiking, and mouthwatering seafood, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a solo traveler or not, I hope my perfect solo trip to Maine will inspire you to add the Pine Tree State to your bucket list. Keep reading for my 5-day itinerary, including stops in Portland, Acadia National Park, and Freeport.

Day 1: Portland

Old Port Waterfront

After arriving in Portland, and checking in to my room at the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa, I explored the charming Old Port neighborhood. With its cobblestone streets and cute shops, it was a good first impression of the city. I was starving, so of course I made a beeline to my all-time favorite food, donuts! Trust me, almost all my solo adventures include at least one donut pit stop. And the popular option here is The Holy Donut, made from potatoes (yes, you read that correctly). I also had to try a lobster roll, and headed to Eventide Oyster Co. Being gluten free makes finding good food tricky sometimes, but not in Maine!

Portland Head Light

Also known as the Lighthouse State, Maine has 65 lighthouses spread across the state. And the Portland Head Light is one of the easiest to visit from Portland, being only 20 minutes away. Fort Williams Park offers many trails and other amenities as well, if you’d like to explore more. As an introverted solo traveler, I appreciate outdoor settings that allow me to do my own thing and avoid crowds.

Day 2: Peaks Island

On the second day of my solo trip to Maine, I decided to take the ferry to one of the popular Casco Bay islands, Peaks Island. I’m a sucker for a ferry ride, for some reason! The ferry was very easy to navigate and took about 17 minutes one way.

While on the island, you can rent bikes, golf carts, kayaks, or just walk around and enjoy the scenery. There are a few secluded beaches worth visiting, and I made a few friends while exploring. And my favorite part, getting the best blueberry ice cream I’ve ever had at Down Front Ice Cream.

Day 3: Acadia National Park

Beehive Trail

Acadia National Park entry fee: $35 vehicle entry fee, $80 America the Beautiful pass

The third day of my solo trip to Maine was my busiest, as it was my only full day at Acadia National Park. (*Tip: Plan to arrive to the park as early as possible to beat the crowds and maximize your day.) I started my day of hiking at the Beehive Trail. This is classified as a hard 1.4 mile roundtrip hike on the Alltrails app, and I definitely agree. While it is one of the most popular hikes in Acadia, it was the hardest hike I’ve ever done.

The Beehive hike is one instance where I wish my solo trip to Maine was a group trip. I felt out of my element on this hike and would have felt more comfortable with friends or family with me. However, I powered through and was so proud of myself when I made it to the summit! I strongly recommend checking the information about this or any other hikes before starting them to ensure your safety.

Jordan Pond Path and Jordan Pond House Restaurant

After finishing the Beehive Trail, I briefly visited Sand Beach in the same parking lot, then headed to the Jordan Pond area. I was really there to try the famous popovers at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, but there was a 2-hour wait (definitely get reservations ahead of time). So while I waited, I headed to the Jordan Pond Path. This is an easy 3 mile loop surrounding the path, with lots of places to sit and enjoy the scenery. And the wait was worth it for the popovers with jam! These are not gluten-free, but I don’t regret a minute of the suffering later.

Bass Harbor Head Light Station and Ship Harbor Trail

After lunch, I headed to another lighthouse, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station. This one is said to have beautiful sunsets, but even during mid-day, it was gorgeous. I then headed to my last hike of the day, Ship Harbor Trail. This easy 1.4 mile loop walked along a cove with, you guessed it, more beautiful views.

Day 4: Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor

Ocean Path Trail and Hadlock Loop

On the second to last day of my solo trip to Maine, I explored Acadia with 2 more hikes. I had great weather until this day, with lots of fog and overcast skies. But it was nice to experience a moody Acadia too. An easy 2-mile trail, the Ocean Path walks mostly along the side of Park Loop Road, and will take you to other attractions, like Thunder Hole and Otter Point. Hadlock Loop is a moderate 4-mile hiking and biking trail that leads through the forest to a covered bridge and waterfall. However, the waterfall was barely trickling when I visited.

Bar Harbor

That afternoon, I explored Bar Harbor, the main town closest to Acadia. After a delicious meal of gluten-free lobster mac and cheese and Side Street Cafe, it was shopping time. I can’t pass up a good bookshop, and Sherman’s Book Store delivered. Bar Harbor also had every type of shopping you’d want, from souvenirs to Maine novelties like blueberry soaps, chocolate, and syrup, to artisanal bags made from old sails.

Day 5: Freeport

L.L. Bean Flagship and Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park

On my last day in Maine, I headed to Freeport, home of the L.L. Bean flagship store. Well, more like compound. If you love L.L. Bean, add this to your bucket list ASAP. They even have an onsite monogramming and an L.L. Bean Outlet store.

And as if I hadn’t gotten enough hiking in, I also visited Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. This park has a $6 fee for non-State residents ($4 for Maine residents), but was definitely worth it. The trails were all relatively easy, with more of those awe-inspiring views I’ve come to expect from Maine.

I hope this 5-day itinerary for a solo trip to Maine has sparked your interest to visit yourself. I was blown away by the food, friendly people, and stunning views. For my next visit, I am aiming to visit more coastal towns and lighthouses, so if you have recommendations, let me know in the comments!

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