Spring Getaways in Maine: 10 Coastal Towns for Outdoor Adventure
Experience Spring in Greater Portland with Coastal Trails, Wildlife Encounters, and Scenic New England Landscapes
Spring in Maine is an underrated treasure, a season where coastal trails, quiet beaches, and scenic waterways burst to life. As wildflowers bloom and waterfalls surge, landscapes transform into a playground for hiking, paddling, and coastal exploration. Whether you’re meandering along rocky shores, gliding through salt marshes, or taking in Casco Bay’s sweeping ocean views, spring is the perfect time to experience Maine’s great outdoors in full bloom.
Portland is the perfect starting point for a spring adventure, offering easy access to some of Maine’s most breathtaking coastal towns. Just beyond its cobblestone streets and bustling waterfront, you’ll find windswept trails, historic lighthouses, and peaceful nature preserves waiting to be explored. From South Portland’s iconic shoreline to Freeport’s hidden hiking trails and the Casco Bay Islands’ ferry-accessible escapes, spring in Maine is an open invitation to discover the season’s wild beauty.
10 Spring Getaways in Greater Portland Towns

1 | South Portland
LIGHTHOUSE WALKS + SEASIDE TRAILS
South Portland welcomes spring with fresh ocean air and panoramic waterfront views. The Greenbelt Walkway is a must-visit for nature lovers, winding through salt marshes and along the shoreline with sweeping views of Casco Bay. A stop at Bug Light Park offers a stunning setting to watch sailboats drift by while enjoying a picnic on the grass.
For a springtime beach walk, Willard Beach is a peaceful retreat where seabirds return for the season. Whether you’re strolling along the water or biking through town, South Portland is an easy and scenic escape just minutes from downtown Portland.

2 | Scarborough
KAYAK THE MARSH + WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
Scarborough’s natural beauty comes to life in spring, with warmer days inviting outdoor enthusiasts to explore the town’s vast salt marshes and sweeping beaches. The Scarborough Marsh is a prime destination for kayaking and birdwatching, with migrating shorebirds and osprey returning to their nesting grounds.
Higgins Beach is a perfect place for a morning walk, with surfers catching early spring waves and beachcombers finding shells along the shore. The Eastern Trail, a scenic multi-use path, winds through marshlands and forests, offering a quiet place for hiking or biking amid the fresh spring air.

3 | Cape elizabeth
ROCKY COAST + SANDY BEACHES
Cape Elizabeth’s dramatic coastline is best explored in the spring, when wildflowers bloom along the cliffs and ocean views stretch for miles. Fort Williams Park, home to the iconic Portland Head Light, provides one of the best spots for a coastal hike. The walking paths offer breathtaking views of rocky shores and crashing waves, making it an ideal spot for photography and nature walks.
For a more secluded adventure, Two Lights State Park features oceanfront trails with lookout points where visitors can spot seals basking on the rocks. The quieter, wooded trails of Robinson Woods Preserve are perfect for birdwatching and taking in the fresh scent of spring blossoms.

4 | Westbrook
RIVER TRAILS + WATERFALL VIEWS
Westbrook is a hidden gem for spring adventurers seeking riverside beauty and outdoor exploration. The Riverwalk Trail follows the Presumpscot River, offering a peaceful path for walking or biking with views of Saccarappa Falls, which roar to life with spring runoff.
Rock Row adds an exciting new layer, blending outdoor recreation with dining, entertainment, and live events. In the Spring, you may be able to check out the live music and outdoor lawn games at Quarryside at Rock Row. As the landscape awakens with lush greenery and rushing streams, Westbrook offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal springtime destination just outside of Portland.

5 | falmouth
ISLAND HIKES + PANORAMIC COASTAL VIEWS
Falmouth offers some of the most stunning coastal trails in Maine, perfect for spring hikes and wildlife encounters. Mackworth Island State Park, a favorite among locals, has a picturesque walking loop with breathtaking views of Casco Bay. The trail is lined with budding trees and wildflowers, making it an ideal spot for a morning nature walk.
Nearby, the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Spring is prime time for spotting herons, eagles, and songbirds as they return to Maine’s coastline. The combination of coastal trails and lush meadows makes Falmouth a must-visit spring destination.

6 | yARMOUTH
RIVERFRONT TRAILS + SCENIC FOREST HIKES
Yarmouth’s natural beauty comes to life in the spring, with a diverse mix of parks, trails, and coastal escapes perfect for outdoor exploration. Beyond the well-known Royal River Park, additional scenic spots like Pratt’s Brook Park offer winding trails through forests, wetlands, and meadows, making it a prime location for spring hikes and birdwatching. The West Side Trail, an expanding network of multi-use pathways, connects Yarmouth’s farms, woodlands, and waterfronts, offering an ideal route for walkers, runners, and cyclists looking to take in the season’s fresh air and blooming landscapes.
For a coastal retreat, Sandy Point Beach on Cousins Island provides a peaceful escape with soft sands and calm waters. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely shoreline walk, combing the beach for treasures, or simply soaking in the fresh ocean breeze, this hidden gem is an ideal spot to embrace Maine’s coastal charm.

7 | Freeport
HIDDEN DUNES + OCEANFRONT CRUISES
Beyond its famous shopping scene, Freeport is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise in the spring. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park offers wooded trails that open to breathtaking coastal overlooks, where visitors can spot osprey nesting on the islands in Casco Bay. The rocky shorelines and tidal pools provide a fascinating glimpse into Maine’s marine life, making it a prime destination for nature lovers.
Down by the Freeport waterfront, spring brings the perfect opportunity to take in scenic bay views and explore harbor cruises that showcase the rugged coastline. Whether you’re setting off on a Casco Bay sightseeing tour, enjoying a fresh seafood meal with oceanfront seating, or simply watching the sailboats drift by, Freeport’s waterfront is a stunning place to embrace the season. For a unique inland stop, the Desert of Maine offers a striking contrast to the coastal scenery with its rolling sand dunes tucked within the forest.

8 | CUMBERLAND
TRAIL SYSTEMS + COUNTRYSIDE STROLLS
Cumberland’s natural beauty and rural charm make it a standout destination for spring hikes, farm visits, and countryside escapes, all just a short drive from Portland. While best known as a fall favorite for the Cumberland Fair, this small town thrives in the spring, when its wooded trails, rolling farmland, and scenic open spaces come to life.
The Rines Forest trail system offers peaceful, pine-scented paths, perfect for spotting spring songbirds and budding wildflowers. Local farms begin their growing season, filling the Cumberland Farmers’ Market with fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and handmade goods. Cumberland delivers a refreshing blend of outdoor adventure and rural tradition—all within minutes of the city.

9 | GORHAM
FOREST TRAILS + LOCAL FARMS
Gorham’s charming blend of history and outdoor adventure makes it a wonderful spring destination. The Presumpscot River Preserve is a favorite hiking spot, with forested trails and river views that feel especially refreshing in the springtime.
The town’s historic district offers quaint streets lined with old New England architecture, making for a picturesque stroll before heading out on a trail. Local farms and orchards also begin their springtime activities, offering fresh ingredients for a true farm-to-table experience.

10 | cASCO BAY ISLANDS
FERRY RIDES + COASTAL ESCAPE
Spring is the ideal season to explore the Casco Bay Islands, when the landscapes are awakening, and the shorelines remain peaceful. A ferry ride from Portland offers a quick escape to secluded beaches, scenic trails, and breathtaking ocean views.
The islands provide a mix of coastal hikes, rocky shorelines, and historic charm, where visitors can wander forest-lined paths, discover hidden beaches, and take in the sights of lighthouses standing watch over the bay. Whether it’s a leisurely bike ride along the water or a quiet moment by the shore, the islands in spring offer a refreshing way to experience Maine’s coastal beauty at a relaxed pace.
Plan Your Spring Escape to Maine
From coastal trails and riverside parks to island getaways and countryside retreats, spring in Maine is a season of discovery. As the landscape awakens with blooming wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and fresh ocean breezes, it’s the perfect time to explore. Whether you’re drawn to hiking wooded trails, kayaking salt marshes, or simply soaking in the views, these must-see area towns offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation.

Start planning your spring getaway in Maine today and experience the beauty, tranquility, and outdoor adventure that make this season so special.