What to do in Maine while house and pet sitting

Beautiful Maine in New England is the perfect place to be a pet sitter. There are beautiful rocky shores to explore with your four-footed companion, as well as acres of woodland and stunning rural trails. It even has an official State Cat, the beautiful Maine Coon! 

So, if you’re heading up to this Northern state to house and pet sit, what is there to do in Maine? There’s that incredible Atlantic coast to discover, which is dotted with pretty old harbor towns and offshore islets (and you have to try the local lobster and clams).

Away from the coast, there are dense woodlands, which turn the most exquisite colors in the fall and take on a different beauty in winter. Maine also has more than its share of lovely inland lakes. As well as all this natural wonder, Maine is home to lively cities such as Portland, Augusta and Bangor. We’ll take a look at the Maine attractions in our guide to this fantastic state.

Maine attractions

If you love spending time outdoors, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Maine. Almost 90% of this stunning state is forested, giving Maine the alternative name of the Pine Tree State. It also has that rocky Atlantic coast with the state’s signature, old-fashioned lighthouses and painted wooden shacks.

Here are a few of the attractions that you must see in Maine.

1. Acadia National Park: Maine’s National Park has everything: mountains, forests, quiet beaches and over 150 miles of hiking trails. You can kayak, cycle or swim here as well as walk: just try to make time for the legendary popover bread in the Jordan Pond House restaurant.

2. Portland: for a different vibe, take a walk around the old city of Portland. Visit the fishing wharves of the Old Part waterfront and admire the 19th-century buildings in the West End. Portland has fantastic museums (including the Portland Museum of Art), galleries, shops and restaurants to enjoy.

3. Cape Elizabeth and the Portland Head Light: seaside town Cape Elizabeth is pretty enough in itself, and it’s also home to the oldest lighthouse in Maine, which dates from the late 19th century. There’s a museum in the keepers’ house.

4. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and Boothbay Harbor: the 270-acre gardens are relatively new for a Maine attraction, opening back in 2007. They are a wonderfully relaxing place to spend an afternoon, admiring the great variety of planting. Afterwards, head for the lively Waterfront in Boothbay for fantastic local seafood.

Free things to do in Maine

There’s plenty of free stuff to do in Maine if you’re sticking to a budget. When the scenery is so beautiful and the paths so plentiful, there’s often very little need to pay for attractions! Here are some of our favorite free places to see in Maine.

1. Bar Harbor: walk the pretty streets of Bar Harbor (also known as the Gateway to Acadia National Park), and whatever you do, don’t forget to bring your camera. Frenchman Bay is a favorite spot and the town has some lovely green spaces. If you don’t mind spending a few dollars, pick up some seafood and blueberries in this foodie town.

2. Marginal Way and Ogunquit: the paved pathway leads between Ogunquit’s lovely, sandy beach (a nice one for swimming) and Perkin’s Cove. You pass several other sandy coves on the way, if you’re looking for a quiet beach. The path is a great way to admire the coast (but please note: dogs aren’t allowed on the Marginal Way between April and October).

3. Kennebunkport: this coastal town is home to some great beaches, including the long and sandy Goose Rocks Beach. Look out for Goat Island Lighthouse (we know. The names here are great) and the 19th-century St Ann’s Church. Visit lively Dock Square and the old fishing district, Cape Porpoise.

4. Nubble Lighthouse: another one of Maine’s most Instagrammed places, Nubble Light stands on an islet off Cape Neddick. If you’re here for the holidays, look out for the pretty decorations on the light and the keeper’s house. It’s also close to Long Sands, a popular beach that's pretty much summed up by its name.

Fun things to do in Maine

While you’re here, try one of these more unusual and fun things to do in Maine.

1. Whale watching cruise: seeing these magnificent mammals up close in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most of us. Humpback, minke, pilot and finback whales migrate through Maine’s waters, and can be seen from mid-April to mid-October. Take a boat tour for a closer look (apparently, sunset is often the best time).

2. Old Orchard Beach: head back in time to this wonderful, old-fashioned seaside resort, complete with funfair and landmark ferris wheel. There are also seven miles of gloriously golden sands. Grab an ice cream from a kiosk and enjoy a fun day out in the 1950s.

3. Baxter State Park: look out for moose and deer (and possibly, er, bears) as you explore this 210,000-acre park. Baxter State Park tends to be quieter than Acadia, but it’s just as lovely. It’s home to Maine’s tallest mountain, Mount Katahdin (one for super-fit hikers only) as well as breathtakingly beautiful scenery. 

4. Monhegan Island: there are many islands dotted around the Maine Coast. Monhegan is ten miles from land and can be reached by ferry from New Harbor or cruise boat from Boothbay (summer only). The unspoilt island has only 70 residents, but there is a museum, some shops and a few places to eat. Take the cliff path for beautiful ocean views.

What to do in Maine with pets?

If you were wondering what to do in Maine with your four-pawed friend, you’re in luck. This rural, sparsely populated state is geared up for long walks and fun scampers with your pooch, either on the coast or around the woods and lakes. Here are the best things to do in Maine with your pet.

1. Visit the beach: beach regulations can be quite strict, but they also vary throughout the year, so it’s always worth checking. Try Long Sands Beach in York or East End Beach in Portland. Find out more about taking your pet to the beach in our blog.

2. Go on a tour together: Maine Day Ventures offers a bookable walking tour of Kennebunkport for dogs and their humans to enjoy together. Your mission? Discover local treats together!

3. Enjoy lunch together: dogs are welcome in many Maine restaurants, provided you take a table outside. With the glorious views around here, these are often the best seats in the house anyway!

4. Take a trail: there are many dog-friendly trails in Maine. Try Presumpscot River Preserve Trail or the walk to Eagle Lake in Acadia National Park.

5. Set sail with an Acadian Boat Tour: if you’re hanging out with a sea dog, you won’t be able to resist one of these fantastic boat trips. Two of the fleet of four cruisers are pet friendly, so check before you book.

Best restaurants in Maine. Food and drink

Maine is famous for seafood (specifically lobster and clams), farm-to-fork fare, and of course, blueberries. The state is full of fantastic places to eat, and here’s our guide to some of the best restaurants in Maine.

Best restaurants in Maine for lunch 

Need a quick pit stop, or fancy a long, lazy lunch? Here are some of the best Maine-eaters for a lunch break.

1. Palace Diner: fantastic breakfasts, brunches and lunches served in an old diner car in Biddeford.

2. Anju Noodle Bar: this Kittery restaurant produces the most delicious, free-style Asian cuisine. 

3. Central Provisions: come to this Portland restaurant for small plates and craft beers. Please note: it doesn’t open for lunch every day, so plan ahead.

4. The Lobster Shack: you cannot leave Maine without at least one lobster lunch. Head for this inviting shack in Ogunquit.

5. Bite Into Maine: make that two lobster lunches… Pick up a roll at one of BIM’s three Maine locations (Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth and Portland).

Best restaurants in Maine for dinner

Making a dinner reservation? Here are some of the best restaurants in Portland Maine and beyond...

1. Oxbow Beer Garden: this famous Oxford farmhouse brewery serves beer and wood-fired pizzas. What else could you possibly need in life?

2. Chaval: exquisite Spanish food in Portland. The menu changes daily.

3. Local 188: a Portland icon, Local 188 pioneered the farm-to-fork movement in Maine.

4. Primo Restaurant: gorgeous Mediterranean food, grown and raised on the restaurant's own farm.

5. Eventide Oyster: they serve sophisticated seafood in this lively Portland restaurant.

There’s nothing like waking up in the morning and wondering what to see in Maine today. That’s the beauty of house and pet sitting in the Pine Tree State: there is simply so much to do and enjoy. We hope our guide has given you a few pointers of what to do in Maine.

House and pet sitting in Maine

Does Maine sound like your kind of place? Take a look at our list of house and pet sitting assignments to see what’s available in this beautiful northern State. You can also connect with our community to catch up with sitters and owners in Maine.