It can be challenging finding things to do in April, places may be closed and weather can be unpredictable. But fear not!
As a Mainer for 30+ years, I’ve collected my favorite spots to visit in April.
I actually think April is a great time to visit Maine because while you miss the sunniest days, you get to see what Maine has to offer without the crowds and high costs.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Maine
Should you visit Maine in April? It depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip and what type of traveler you are.
It can be challenging to visit Maine in the spring because it may appear not as many activities are available and open. But, there is still plenty to do!
Read More: Your First Trip to Maine: Everything You Need to Know
Pros of Visiting Maine in April
- Less expensive
- Fewer crowds
- Better access to popular activities for parking and wait times.
- Travel off-the-beaten-path
- Experience Maine as a local
- Easier to find available rental properties and hotels
- No mosquitos or black flies
- Other travelers will most likely be locals
Cons of Visiting Maine in April
- There aren’t as many activities available. No whale watching, sailing, swimming, sunbathing on a beach, outdoor farmer’s markets, etc.
- Weather could be rainy and/or muddy. Conditions for outdoor activities may be less than ideal.
- Fewer events and festivities.
- Visiting may require more planning to determine what is open and available to do
- Restaurants may only be open a few days a week or have limited hours
Maine Weather in April
Overall, April can be a wet and rainy time of year in Maine. But you can also experience glorious spring days with the first glimpses of summer.
You shouldnt have any reason to worry about driving conditions during this time of year as most of the snow is gone. There’s a small chance you could experience snow in early spring, but it shouldn’t last very long.
The average temperature in Maine during the month of April has a high of 55, low of 35.
Best Places to Visit in Maine in April
The further south you go in Maine, the better the weather will be during the months of March, April, and May.
Regions like DownEast (Bar Harbor to Lubec), Western Maine (Bethel, Rangely, Sebago Lake) and Northern Maine (Bangor, Baxter State Park, Allagash region) will be colder and may have more snow or rain.
Personally, I think visiting the southern Maine beach area is best during the spring months of March, April, and May. You’ll get these popular towns all to yourself!
Read More: 11 Reasons to Visit Maine This Year: According to a Local
Outdoor Activities in Maine
The best way to enjoy Maine is to go outdoors and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Since you’ll be visiting in May, be sure to dress for the unpredictable weather and pack a rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, and lots of layers.
Below, I share a few of my favorite Maine outdoor activities for April including scenic drives, hikes, and state parks.
Scenic Drives in Maine
Route 1 from Bar Harbor to Lubec
This scenic route from Bar Harbor to the easternmost point in the US, Lubec Maine. This route takes your through beautiful coastal towns that are virtually tourist free.
Read More: Bar Harbor to Lubec: The Most Beautiful Time of Year
Height of the Land
One of my favorite views in Maine, the Height of the Lands is a great overlook in Rangeley, Maine.
Grafton Notch State Park
If you are a mountain lover, you’ll definitely want to check out this scenic drive through Grafton Notch State Park. Even better is to do a bit of hiking within the state parks.
Maine Hikes and Walks for April
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land
By far, my favorite hike in Maine is along the Cutler Coast. This hike is around 11 miles long by don’t fret! You can easily do a few miles along the coast if you prefer.
There is a section of the hike that is inland. I would avoid this section in April since it could be extra wet this time of year. Instead double back on the coastline section of the trail.
Morse Mountain to Sewall Beach
The perfect way to stretch your legs before a day at the beach, check out a hike up Morse Mountain to the secret Sewall beach.
More of a steep hill than a mountain, Bradbury offers great views of the surrounding towns.
Take a walk along the Ocean Ave Road in Kennebunkport taking in the views of the George W. Bush estate and views of Casco Bay.
Visit Acadia National Park
Locals and tourists alike deem Acadia a must-see while visiting Maine . Even in April, Acadia National Park is a lovely place to visit.
Here are a few of the most popular activities:
- Sand Beach
- Precipice Trail
- Beehive Trail
- Ocean Path Trail
- Drive or hike up Cadillac Mountain
Visit Maine State Parks in April
Scarborough Beach State Park: A great spot to visit for walking and a large beach to walk, check out Scarborough Beach State Park.
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park: Easily one of my favorite spots to visit any time of year, Wolfe’s Neck State Park offers a great escape from the city life of nearby Portland.
Two Lights State Park: For absolutely gorgeous views of the rocky Maine coastline, look no further than Two Lights State Park. Great to visit any time of year!
Kettle Cove State Park: For a great beachy visit, check out Kettle Cove State Park.
Explore Maine’s Popular Downtowns
Brunswick: Brunswick has adorable small businesses to check out and TONS of restaurants to stop for a bit to eat.
Freeport: Featuring a huge selection of outlet stores, Freeport is a shopping lovers dream.
Bath: What I love most about walking around Bath are the waterfront parks that are close by.
Kennebunk and Kennebunkport: These two towns feature charming downtowns perfect for those looking for an elevated shopping experience.
Portland’s Old Port: I love walking around Portland’s Old Port where there are constantly new gems to find.
Camden: A charming downtown featuring a marina and state park close by.
Visit Maine’s Waterfalls in April
Maine has a large array of waterfalls including Gulf Hagas, Moxie Falls, Screw Auger Falls, Poplar Stream Falls, Small Falls and more!
Visiting Maine’s waterfalls in the springtime is a great idea since the water will be flowing!
Visit Maine’s Beaches
Maine has so many beaches to choose from and April is a great time to visit them! The ocean off the Maine coast is to cold to swim in even in July so you won’t be missing out by visiting in April.
The most popular beaches in Maine include Old Orchard Beach, Popham Beach, Scarborough Beach, Pine Point Beach and Wells Beach.
Read More: Stunning Photo Diary of Maine’s Beautiful Coastline
Visit Maine’s Lighthouses
According to VisitMaine.com there are over 60 lighthouses in Maine. That’s a lot of lighthouses to visit!
- Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
- Quoddy Head Lighthouse
- Portland Head Lighthouse
- Owl’s Head Lighthouse
Indoor Activities in Maine
Since you’ll be visiting Maine in the spring you may need to have a few back up plans in case of rain.
Check out these indoor activities for your trip in April including bookstores, museums, and wineries.
Theaters and Museums in Maine
If you’re looking for a quiet few hours during your visit to Maine in April, check out these theaters and museums that are sure to keep you entertained.
- Portland Museum of Art
- Maine State Music Theater
- Ogunquit Playhouse
- The Public Theater
- Farnsworth Art Museum
- Maine Maritime Museum
- Bowdoin College Museum of Art
Cafes, Bookshops, and Bakeries in Maine
If I have to stay indoors, my absolute favorite activity is visiting bookstores, cafes, and bakeries.
Here are a few of my favorite spots throughout Maine!
Boulangerie: Homemade breads, seasonal desserts, and delicious breakfast pastries. Highly recommend it!
Wild Oats Bakery: For breakfast, lunch, or dinner – this is your spot for delicious, made from scratch food.
Forage Market: For delicious bagels and homemade spreads, check out Forage Market with locations in both Lewiston and Portland, Maine.
She Doesn’t Like Guthries: If you love to eat healthy, wholesome, foods, this is your place!
Isabella’s Cafe and Bakery: For sticky buns that are out of this world, check out Isabella’s Cafe in Freeport.
Nezinscot Farm: My friend and I visit Nezinscot Farm every few months for brunch and it is beyond cozy! Everything they make is from scratch and delicious!
Oliver and Friends Bookshop: Although the town of Belgrade has a very tiny downtown, this needs to be on your list! The owner is delightful and you’ll find the coziest vibes here.
Elements: Books, Coffee, Beer: I love any combination of a bookstore and cafe, but this goes a step further with their adult beverages;)
Owl & Turtle Bookshop: Such a cute stop for a new read and a hot tea.
Mornings in Paris Cafe: They have so many macaron flavors!!
The Cookie Jar: Their donuts are out of this world, especially the blueberry and apple cider donuts – YUM!
Wineries in Maine
There are multiple wineries to choose from, here are a few of the most popular ones. I’ll admit that I don’t often drink but have heard amazing things about these local wineries.
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are so many things to do in Maine in April.
You may have to pack a raincoat, but that’s no reason not to visit this beautiful state.
Whether you visit one of the state’s beaches, enjoy some quiet at a local cafe, or visit the famous Acadia National Park, you’re bound to enjoy your trip to Maine.
