DownEast Acadia Travel Regions
DownEast Acadia hugs Maine ’ s rough-hewn northeastern coast from the Penobscot Bay to the St . Croix River , encompassing an astounding 2,330 miles of coastline and 5,600 square miles of wide-open space . With that much ground to cover , we ’ d like to introduce you to the variety that awaits you in our seven Travel Regions , each offering its own distinctly unique take on the DownEast Acadia experience .
The Blue Hill Peninsula is home to the nation ’ s lobstering capital , Stonington , and the historic maritime port of Castine . The peninsula ’ s peaceful sheltered coves and rolling saltwater farms have also attracted generations of writers , artists , and artisans who have made this diverse locale the backdrop to a life rich with culture and memorable dining .
The Ellsworth region combines the best of many worlds . Adventurers need only to travel a few minutes from the extensive shopping , and dining of Ellsworth proper to the quiet inland domain of forests , freshwater lakes , and weather-worn mountain tops ideal for all kinds of outdoor recreation in every season .
Mount Desert Island is a quintessential Maine destination offering the bounty of Bar Harbor paired with infinite natural beauty of Acadia National Park . Shops , restaurants , and abundant lodging line the streets in town , giving the impression that there is no end of things for visitors to do and see . Those seeking a more laid-back vibe will find it in the quiet side villages of Southwest Harbor and Tremont .
The Schoodic to Jonesport peninsulas reach like granite fingers out into the cold , clean waters of the Gulf of Maine . Traveling along their roads will take you through welcoming fishing villages filled with clapboard homes . Shaped by the last ice age , the rocky soil across this region is home to Maine ’ s wild blueberry barrens that cast a scarlet glow over the land each Autumn .
The Machias Bay region offers experiences for history buffs and outdoor recreationists alike . Paddle from the sheltering forests surrounding the Machias Lakes down the Machias River Corridor .
The town of Machias played a historically significant role as the site of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War ; celebrated yearly during Margaretta Days . Along the coast , Roque Bluffs ’ pebble-sand beach at offers a stark contrast to the region ’ s otherwise rocky coast .
The Grand Lakes region , with its unspoiled nature , has been the chosen destination for generations of sporting enthusiasts . Whether one seeks to enjoy the outdoors with a fly rod , shotgun , or backpack , on foot or via motorized power , as part of a guided or independent adventure , the Grand Lakes Region delivers visitors a truly year-round authentic Maine experience .
Head Way DownEast and feel the warmth of some of the sun ’ s first rays to reach the U . S . Here you ’ ll find Eastport and Lubec ; once the center of the world ’ s tinned and smoked fishing industries , now an arts and culture destination .
The small towns along Cobscook Bay deliver up some of the best hiking , paddling , fishing , and camping adventures . Just across the bridge in Lubec , Roosevelt Campobello International Park welcomes guests to the summer retreat of former president Franklin Roosevelt and his family .
The international border community of Calais is at the crossroads of several national and international cycling , paddling , and driving routes . In 2023 ArriveCan is no longer required to cross the international border , but be sure to check the latest Canadian Border Service requirements at cbsa-asfc . gc . ca .
Our seven Travel Regions offer their own distinctly unique take on the DownEast Acadia experience .
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