Four Days in Damariscotta, Maine

• Day 1: Visit the Damariscotta River Association for a relaxing afternoon of hiking and birdwatching at the Salt Bay Preserve. Continue on to the Frances Perkins Center to learn about one of Maine's most famous politicians. End the day with a fresh seafood dinner at King Eider's Pub & Restaurant.
• Day 2: Start your morning off with a visit to the Maine Coast Botanical Gardens for a peaceful stroll through their beautifully landscaped grounds. Afterward, head to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse to see the iconic white structure perched on a rocky coastline. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Maine lobster dinner at the Contented Sole, a local favorite.
• Day 3: Spend the day exploring the stunning Muscongus Bay by booking a lobster boat tour. Learn about the science, industry, and the local culture surrounding this famous crustacean. After your tour, head to the Boothbay Craft Brewery for a refreshing beer and delicious food.
• Day 4: Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Downtown Damariscotta, you can shop at unique boutiques, art galleries, and explore the many restaurants, such as the Salt Bay Cafe. End your trip with a visit to the Maine Eastern Railroad Museum to learn about trains and see classic railway exhibits.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Damariscotta River Association (2 hours, Free)
• Frances Perkins Center (1 hour, $8 admission fee)
• King Eider's Pub & Restaurant (1.5 hours, $20 for a main dish)
• Maine Coast Botanical Gardens (2 hours, $16 admission fee)
• Pemaquid Point Lighthouse (1.5 hours, Free)
• Contented Sole (2 hours, $35 for a classic Maine Lobster dinner)
• Lobster boat tour (3 hours, $45 per person)
• Boothbay Craft Brewery (1.5 hours, $20 for a pint and a meal)
• Salt Bay Cafe (1.5 hours, $15 for a main dish)
• Maine Eastern Railroad Museum (2 hours, $10 admission fee)

Total Estimated Costs: $219 per person

Transportation

While Damariscotta, Maine is a relatively small town, the best way to get around is to rent a car, so you can easily visit the nearby areas. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are also available but limited depending on the time of day. The distance between Portland International Jetport and Damariscotta is about 70 miles, and the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit nearby areas, such as Wiscasset, Bath, or Boothbay Harbor for more charming coastal towns that offer plenty of dining, shopping, and outdoor activities. For a longer trip, consider visiting Acadia National Park. If you have less time, you could skip the Maine Eastern Railroad Museum, the Boothbay Craft Brewery, or the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse depending on your interests.

Airports

The closest airport to Damariscotta is the Portland International Jetport (PWM). It's only 70 miles away from Damariscotta, and it takes about 1.5 hours to drive between them. Another option is to fly into Bangor International Airport (BGR) which is approximately 95 miles away and takes about 2 hours to drive between the two cities.