Lubec is hands down my favorite place in Maine. I love the small-town atmosphere, local shops and business, and the endless ways to enjoy the surrounding nature.
Located on the easternmost point of Maine (and the US!), Lubec is a tiny town with only a few thousand year-round residents.
Because of that, the town has a wonderfully local feeling and it’s reflected in the tiny details throughout the downtown.
I mostly love Lubec because even in the height of Maine’s popular tourist season, during July and August, you’ll be hard-pressed to find crowds.
But, surprisingly you’ll still find people from all over visiting this charming region. And for good reason!
It’s important to realize that Lubec is quite far away from other Maine highlights like Portland (4 hours) and Acadia National Park (2 hours away). Keep this in mind when considering visiting and planning your itinerary.
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You’ll also need a car to visit as this region and Maine overall have limited to virtually non-existent public transportation.
When visiting Lubec, you’ll also want to keep in mind there are limited accommodation and food options. What is available is lovely, but just something to consider.
If you’re visiting as a family keep in mind there aren’t many activities geared towards kids in the area. But if you have an outdoorsy family, you’ll find plenty to do!
Best Time of Year to Visit Lubec, Maine
Typically, I suggest folks coming to Maine visit during the spring or fall to avoid the crowds and the high costs, however with Lubec, I highly recommend visiting during July and August.
July and August are the best weather months in Maine overall which typically brings hoards of visitors, but few venture up to the “downeast” region, let alone Lubec.
Which is great news, if you love to explore quiet nature like us!
Is Lubec, Maine Worth Visiting?
Typically, I suggest folks coming to Maine visit during the spring or fall to avoid the crowds and the high costs, however with Lubec, I highly recommend visiting during July and August.
July and August are the best weather months in Maine overall which typically brings hoards of visitors, but few venture up to the “downeast” region, let alone Lubec.
Which is great news, if you love to explore quiet nature like us!
Things To Do in Lubec, Maine
There is plenty of activities to keep you busy while visiting Lubec Maine. Below I’m sharing our favorite activities that we highly recommend!
Visit Quoddy Head State Park and West Quoddy Lighthouse
One of the most iconic places to explore in Lubec is West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and State Park.
One of our favorite trails in Downeast Maine is the Coastal Trail in Quoddy Head State Park which offers amazing views of the rocky Maine coastline.
If you love to salt water fish, grab your tackle box and throw in a line off of one of the many rock cliffs. But be careful!
Check Out Cobscook State Park
This state park is great for those looking to do some rustic camping as it offers breathtaking oceanview campsites with both tenting and RV options.
There are also a few trails in this state park worthy of checking out.
Go Camping at Sunset Point RV Park
Speaking of camping, this is hands-down one of our favorite campgrounds, but we highly suggest reserving sites 12a or 12b.
These specific campsites offer unobstructed views of Johnson Bay and are incredibly relaxing!
Sunset Point RV Park also offers tent camping with shelters.
Keep in mind there aren’t any playgrounds, planned activities, or food options on site, but you’re just minutes from downtown Lubec.
Eat Your Heart Out At Monica’s Chocolate
For the most delicious chocolate treats head to Monica’s chocolates. Not only will you find delightful dark, milk, and white chocolate delights but you’ll also meet a lovely family from Peru and Monica herself!
The “sandollars” were ouu favorite, especially the pecan ones!
We were very lucky to stay right next door at Sunset Point RV Park so we could walk over!
Walk Along Cobscook Shore Trails
Cobscook Shores and features over 20 trails great for hiking, biking, and camping. There are also options to launch your kayak or canoe.
The trails are beautifully maintained and have ample signage. Most trails have bathroom facilities and some even feature pavilions for day use.
Go Kayaking in the Ocean
One of our very favorite things to do while visiting any coastline is to take our kayaks out on the water. We always stick to the calm bay areas and never venture too far.
If you’ve never kayaked in the ocean and don’t feel 100% comfortable you can hire a guided tour!
Kayaking off of Maine’s coastline offers a great change to view wildlife including bald eagles, seals, and porpoises.
In fact, while kayaking off of Lubec, we had a friendly seal keep popping its head near our kayaks. It was honestly a little scary at first because they come from out of nowhere but so cool!
Visit the Lubec Farmer’s Market
If you’re in Lubec over the weekend, stop by the local Farmer’s Markets on Saturdays from 10am-12pm. The vendors are lovely and have the most beautiful goods for you to peruse.
Try Morono’s Authentic Pizza
For absolutely delicious pizza, look no further than Morono’s Pizza. Hailing all the way from New Jersey, this unsuspecting pizza joint offers a unique take on the American favorite.
We highly recommend the calzone featuring ricotta cheese, their triple meat pizza, and the olive medley.
We loved this place so much we went twice!
Explore Downtown Lubec
One of my favorite parts of visiting Lubec is exploring the downtown area. Admittedly, it’s a rather small downtown but the community packs it full of charm and character. You can feel the dedication, friendship, and support this community shares.
Get a Scoop at Love at First Sight Ice Cream Shop
What vacation is complete without a trip to get ice cream? Check out the tiny but mighty Love at First Sight Ice Cream Shop. Try the Wild Blueberry for an authentic Maine experience.
They also have a lovely gift shop you should check out!
Learn About Lubec’s Past at the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum
We didn’t get a chance to visit the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum but I’ve heard great things! It’s on our list for next time!
Relax at Mowry Beach Preserve
This tiny beach will forever hold special memories for me now.
During our most recent trip, my sweet husband surprised me with a 10 year anniversary present, a beautiful diamond ring.
One of the reasons we can travel so much now is that years ago we put all our money towards paying off debt and buying a home. So when we were young and just married, we didn’t have money to buy a real engagement ring. Well, my sweet husband wanted to change that, and I was beyond surprised. #besthusbandever
But, the beach itself is lovely and dog friendly!
Unwind at Carrying Place Cove Beach
If you’re visiting Quoddy State Park, this is a great beach to stop along the way. The entrance can be tricky to find so look for the sign below and park along the road on the way to Quoddy State Park.
We visited during July but the weather can get really foggy in Lubec so it wasn’t the most typical beach day.
Even More Things to do in Lubec
We are already planning our next trip to Lubec and this time we’ll be staying for a week! There is so much to explore in this small town and its surrounding area. Here are a few of the activities we’re hoping to visit next time.
- Walk more trails within the Cobscook Shore Trail system
- I hope to go whale watching!
- Wags and Wool Shop – I love any excuse to visit a local yarn shop!
- More ocean kayaking – we can’t get enough
- Explore Herring Cove Provincial Park in nearby New Brunswick, Canada
- Hike the coastal trail of Quoddy State Park for the second time
Read More: The Best State Parks in Maine: A Local’s Opinion
Day Trips from Lubec, Maine
Getting to Lubec is no easy feat, so you may want to consider visiting other popular attractions while you’re in the region.
Each activity is within 1 hour of Lubec and features beautiful views – our favorite type of attraction!
- Roosevelt International Park and Herring Cove Provincial Park – located just over the bridge from Lubec. Bring your passport! We chose to bike from our campground over!
- Shackford State Park – this state park has only one main trail
- Eastport – a larger than Lubec town about an hour away
- Cutler Coast – beautiful hiking and overnight tent camping
- Roque Bluffs State Park – a rocky beach and state park to explore
Read More: The Best Maine Campgrounds for a Quiet Getaway
Final Thoughts
Lubec will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope this list of things to do in the area inspires your first, fifth, or 100th trip to this beautiful Maine town! Shhhhh don’t tell anyone! I want to be sure it stays quiet and adorable;)
Happy Traveling!
