Romantic Getaways in Maine: Couples' Guide to Vacationland

Maine’s rugged coastline, cozy inns, and candlelit restaurants create the perfect backdrop for romance. Whether celebrating an anniversary or just escaping together, Maine offers countless opportunities for intimate moments.

Most Romantic Towns

Camden

Why it’s Romantic:

Picture-perfect harbor with sailboats
Mount Battie sunset views
Windjammer schooner day sails
Intimate inns and B&Bs

Perfect Date: Sunset sail on a schooner, dinner at Natalie’s, walk along the harbor

Kennebunkport

Why it’s Romantic:

Charming seaside village
Historic inns with fireplaces
Ocean Avenue coastal drive
Art galleries and boutiques

Perfect Date: Morning walk on Goose Rocks Beach, lunch at The Clam Shack, afternoon at Dock Square shops, sunset at Ocean Avenue

Bar Harbor

Why it’s Romantic:

Acadia National Park at your doorstep
Cadillac Mountain sunrise together
Waterfront dining
Carriage road bike rides

Perfect Date: Pre-dawn Cadillac summit, Jordan Pond popovers, afternoon kayaking, dinner at Havana

Ogunquit

Why it’s Romantic:

Marginal Way clifftop walk
Art galleries
Beautiful beach
Sunset over the Atlantic

Perfect Date: Marginal Way walk, beach time, dinner at MC Perkins Cove, drinks overlooking the water

Most Romantic Accommodations

Luxury Inns & B&Bs

Inn at Ocean’s Edge (Camden) - Oceanfront rooms, fireplaces, spa Captain Lord Mansion (Kennebunkport) - Historic elegance, four-poster beds Cliffstone Manor (Bar Harbor) - Victorian charm, water views Balance Rock Inn (Bar Harbor) - Mansion turned boutique hotel Newcastle Inn (Newcastle) - Intimate, gourmet breakfasts, harbor views

Cabin Getaways

Migis Lodge (Sebago Lake) - Lakefront cabins, all-inclusive Libby Camps (Millinocket) - Remote wilderness cabins West Branch Pond Camps (Kokadjo) - Off-grid luxury

Coastal Cottages

Goose Rocks Beach rentals - Private beach access Boothbay Harbor cottages - Waterfront, fireplaces Rangeley Lake cabins - Mountain and lake views

Romantic Activities

Sunset & Sunrise Experiences

Cadillac Mountain Sunrise - First sunrise in USA, from summit together
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse Sunset - Iconic photo opportunity
Portland Head Light Sunset - Fort Williams Park picnic
Mount Battie Sunset - Drive or hike to summit

On the Water

Windjammer Cruises - Multi-day sailing adventures
Sunset Cruises - Bar Harbor, Portland, Boothbay
Kayak Tours - Paddle among islands at sunset
Private Boat Charters - Customize your own adventure

Spa & Wellness

Spruce Point Inn Spa (Boothbay Harbor) - Couples massages, ocean views
Samoset Resort Spa (Rockport) - Oceanfront treatments
Balance Rock Inn Spa (Bar Harbor) - Intimate boutique spa
Cliff House Spa (Cape Neddick) - Dramatic ocean setting

Winter Romance

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides - Several farms offer romantic rides
Skiing Together - Sunday River or Sugarloaf
Cozy Fireplace Dinners - Abundant at mountain lodges
Northern Lights Viewing - Best in winter, northern Maine

Most Romantic Restaurants

Fine Dining

Natalie’s (Camden) - Farm-to-table, intimate booths, nationally acclaimed Aragosta (Stonington) - Upscale seafood, harbor views, BYOB Fore Street (Portland) - Open kitchen, wood-fired everything, local ingredients Primo (Rockland) - Mediterranean-inspired, chef’s table available

Waterfront Dining

Salt Water Grille (Portland) - Casco Bay views Islesford Dock (Little Cranberry Island) - Ferry required, worth it Dysart’s Dock (Southwest Harbor) - Casual elegance, sunset views MC Perkins Cove (Ogunquit) - Perched over the water

Cozy & Intimate

The Lost Kitchen (Freedom) - Impossible to get into but worth trying (lottery system) 108 Cottage Street (Bar Harbor) - Small plates, wine focus Solo Italiano (Bath) - Tiny, authentic, romantic Anneke Jans (Kittery) - Dutch-inspired, intimate setting

Romantic Experiences by Season

Spring (May-June)

Lupine blooms along roadsides
Fewer crowds at popular spots
Whale watching season begins
Migratory birds arriving

Summer (July-August)

Beach picnics at sunset
Outdoor concerts and festivals
Sailing and kayaking
Lobster bakes on the shore

Fall (September-October)

Peak foliage drives
Harvest dinners and wine tastings
Cooler weather for hiking
Cozy fireside evenings

Winter (November-March)

Snowshoeing through silent forests
Hot tub under the stars
Skiing by day, fireside by night
Northern lights viewing

Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Friday Evening

Arrive at Camden inn (4pm)
Stroll the harbor (5pm)
Dinner at Natalie’s (7pm)
Harbor walk with wine (9pm)

Saturday

Sleep in, inn breakfast (9am)
Drive to Acadia (10:30am)
Hike Jordan Pond loop (11am-1pm)
Jordan Pond popovers lunch (2pm)
Drive Park Loop Road (3-5pm)
Return to Camden, freshen up
Sunset from Mount Battie (6:30pm)
Intimate dinner at own pace
Drinks by fireplace

Sunday

Early breakfast (8am)
Windjammer 2-hour sail (9am)
Check out, drive to Portland (12pm)
Old Port exploring (1-3pm)
Eventide Oysters (3pm)
Browse galleries (4pm)
Depart (5pm)

Proposal Spots

Looking to pop the question? These Maine locations are perfect:

Cadillac Mountain Summit - Sunrise proposal
Jordan Pond Beach - Acadia, mountain backdrop
Portland Head Light - Classic Maine setting
Private schooner sail - Ultimate romantic gesture
Marginal Way (Ogunquit) - Clifftop ocean views
Bubble Rock (Acadia) - Unique glacial erratic
Beachfront at sunset - Any Maine beach
Inn room with fireplace - Private and cozy

Tips for Couples

Book Early - Best romantic inns fill 3-6 months ahead for peak season
Off-Season Romance - September/October = lower prices, stunning foliage
Unplug Together - Many remote areas have limited cell service (embrace it!)
Leave Room for Spontaneity - Don’t overschedule
Splurge on One Special Meal - Worth the memory
Pack Layers - Weather changes, be prepared
Bring Good Camera - Endless photo opportunities
Consider Midweek - Fewer crowds, better availability

Budget-Friendly Romance

Romance doesn’t require unlimited funds:

Beach picnics - Pack gourmet cheese and wine
Sunrise hikes - Free and unforgettable
State park camping - $30-40/night under the stars
Happy hour dates - Upscale restaurants, smaller bill
Lighthouse road trip - Free to visit most lighthouses
Cooking together - Rent a cabin with kitchen, shop at farmers markets

Maine’s natural beauty does most of the romantic work for you. Whether it’s watching sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, sharing a lobster roll at a waterfront shack, or cuddled by a fireplace as snow falls outside—Maine creates moments that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories together.