Lubec is my favorite place in Maine – and there’s a lot of places to love in this state! It captured our hearts a few years ago and ever since we dream of the days when we can visit in the summer. In this post, I’ll be sharing a 48-hour itinerary so you can have an amazing time on your next trip!
I’ll share where to eat, our favorite campground, and the best things to do, including exploring Quoddy Head State Park and visiting Roosevelt Campobello International Park in New Brunswick, Canada.
Overview of Lubec, Maine
Lubec, Maine is the easternmost point in the US offering a quiet and serene coastal experience. It’s so small there aren’t any stoplights and you’ll be hard pressed to find a crowd, which is why we love it!
With less than 1500 residents, Lubec offers an authentic Maine village feel.
Is Lubec Worth Visiting?
When considering if you should visit Lubec, you’ll want to factor in how far it is to other popular attractions in Maine, including Acadia National Park (2 hours away) and Portland (4 hours away).
Lubec is a great example of what fishing villages used to be like in Maine before years of tourism built up the communities to what they are today. You’ll see a stark difference between towns like Camden or Bar Harbor and Lubec. The two areas provide very different feelings when you visit. While Lubec offers a quiet, serene atmosphere, Camden and Bar Harbor offer more amenities, attractions, places to eat, and places to stay.
Read More: Hidden Gems of Lubec, Maine: A Revealing Photo Diary
Add Lubec to Your Maine Road Trip
You may want to consider adding a weekend in Lubec on to a longer Maine itinerary. For example, if you were on a 10 day Maine road trip, you can spend a few days down in the Portland area, head up to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park for a few nights, and then finish in Lubec.
That sounds like the perfect Maine itinerary to me!
Read More: Bar Harbor to Lubec: The Most Beautiful Part of Maine
How Many Days Do You Need in Lubec, Maine
It’s hard to answer how many days you’ll need in Lubec, because it really depends on the type of traveler you are. If you’re someone who’s looking for lots of activities, nightlife and shopping then honestly, Lubec might not be for you. It’s a super small town at the very Easternmost tip of Maine, so there’s not a whole lot to do if you’re more into city life. However, if you’re like us and dream of hidden gem towns that are without the crowds but so adorably charming, then please consider adding Lubec to your bucket list.
The first time we visited Lubec, we stayed for 3 nights and it was a great amount of time to get started. Three days gave us a chance to get to know the area and test out if we liked it. What we didn’t expect is that we would fall in love with the area. We’re already planning to stay for a week in the coming years.
Best Time to Visit Lubec, Maine
Lubec is best visited during the summer months of June to August. One of the great things about Lubec is that unlike most areas in Maine, where it gets incredibly crowded in July and August, Lubec stays pretty quiet. We visited during the July 4th weekend and we were so surprised that even during the highlight of events there weren’t many people around.
Be prepared for fog during the summer months that may put a damper on your plans. It’s hard to avoid when you’re surrounded by the Atlantic ocean.
Getting Around Lubec, Maine
You’ll definitely need a car when visiting Lubec. The town itself is small, but getting to Lubec requires your own vehicle or a rental which you can get at the Portland International Jetport.
48 Hour Itinerary for Lubec, Maine
If you only have 48 hours to stay in Lubec, here’s how I would plan your trip!
Arrive in Lubec
For your first day in Lubec, arrive at your accommodation and get settled in.
If you’re wanting a quick and super yummy dinner head over to Morano’s Pizza for a delicious take on New Jersey style pizza. The staff is so pleasant and friendly and we’ve never had a calzone with ricotta, and now we can’t go back!
You can then walk over to get delicious ice cream at Love at First Sight Ice cream and Gift Shop. Try Wild Maine Blueberry for one of Maine’s favorite flavors.
Next, I would recommend finding a spot to enjoy the sunset. You could stop by the dock in downtown Lubec or explore along one of the coastal walks within the Cobscook Shores trail system.
Second Day in Lubec
Morning
Get ready for a fun day in Lubec, Maine!
Wake up early to catch the sunrise!
If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, you could also check out Lubec’s Farmer’s Market (10a-12p). There’s not a ton of vendors, but it’s super cute and they have delicious pastries and local art.
Next, head over to nearby Quoddy Head State Park to explore the lighthouse and the coastal trail. It’s not uncommon for Lubec to be foggy, especially in the morning, so just be aware of the weather and you might want to time it so that it’s a clear day.
If you like saltwater fishing you can take your tackle box down to one of the rocky cliffs along the trail and throw in a line. My husband loves to do this and I was able to relax on the beach nearby.
Next head back to downtown Lubec for a bite to eat at Lubec Brewing Co. and local shopping before your afternoon adventure. Check out
Afternoon/Evening
Before dinner, drive or bike over to Roosevelt Campobello International Park and explore the late president’s summer residence and surrounding area. We biked over and it was a lot of fun and you get to go over a few bridges, plus it’s a nice physical way to explore the area.
If you can, bring a picnic to enjoy on the cottage grounds.
After your adventure, head back to your accommodation for a quick nap before dinner at Water Street Tavern.
Third Day in Lubec
Morning
Start your final day in Lubec wih a coffee from Narrow Escape and a casual stroll along one of the two beaches in the area, Mowry Preserve Beach and Carrying Place Cove Beach. Enjoy the salty air while you read your book or look for seashells along the beach for a relaxing morning.
Before you head out of town, be sure to check out Monica’s Chocolate for delicious Peruvian chocolate handmade by Monica herself and her family. All of the staff were incredibly nice and the Sand Dollars with Pecans are to die for (chocolate and caramel over nuts). We went back twice in our short trip.
Read More: 19 Best Things to Do While Visiting Lubec, Maine
Where to Stay in Lubec, Maine
For waterfront ocean accommodation check out Water Street Inn, The Inn on the Wharf, Pollock Cove Seaside Retreat.
And for a breakdown of the other accommodation options in Lubec, check out this chart reference.
Overview of Sunset Point RV Park
We chose to visit Lubec in our RV and have loved staying at Sunset Point RV Park. With oceanfront sites, crazy affordable prices, and a short distance to town, it’s the perfect campground for anyone wanting a quiet campground.
Read More: 3 Amazing Maine Oceanfront Campgrounds: Reviewed for You!
Things to Know Before Staying at Sunset Point RV Park
Beware that not all sites at Sunset Point RV Park are equal. We LOVE site #12B which offers a huge site with breathtaking views of the rocky beach and boat launch.
The other RV sites within the campground are much smaller and close to their neighbors.
Alternatively, if you’re tenting, you’ll enjoy the wide open sites and the shelter that each campsite provides.
With both the RV and tent sites there is no privacy so keep that in mind.
Another thing to note is there are no activities, playgrounds, or entertainment at the campground. That doesn’t bother us, but if you have a family, that might be a con for some.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found this weekend itinerary for Lubec helpful and inspirational for your next trip there. There will always be a special part in our heart for Lubec and I think you’ll fall in love with the area as well. Happy traveling!
