09/04/2026
Maine Travel Bucket List
A comprehensive checklist of 151 localized experiences across Maine sorted by estimated costs. lol 🦞
$1 - Flea Markets & Quick Roadside Stops
[ ] 1. Moxie soda: Buy a single can of Maine’s polarizing, official state soft drink at a local gas station.
[ ] 2. Souvenir smashed penny: Press a penny at a coastal tourist shop machine (like Kennebunkport or Bar Harbor).
[ ] 3. Flea market postcard: Dig up a vintage 1950s Maine postcard at an antique shop along Route 1.
[ ] 4. Wild blueberries: Pick a tiny handful of wild lowbush blueberries from a public trailside patch in August.
[ ] 5. Highway toll: Toss a dollar into the toll basket on the Maine Turnpike.
[ ] 6. Local bait: Buy a single nightcrawler worm from a bait-and-tackle shack wrapper for dock fishing.
[ ] 7. State map: Pick up a physical highway map at a Maine Visitor Information Center.
[ ] 8. Dive bar jukebox: Play one classic sea shanty or folk song on the jukebox at a Portland or Bangor dive bar.
[ ] 9. Fresh apple: Buy a single Macoun or Honeycrisp apple straight from an orchard basket.
[ ] 10. Sticker: Grab a 'Maine' oval bumper sticker from a convenience store counter.
[ ] 11. Raffle ticket: Buy a ticket for a local church or fire department lobster bake raffle.
[ ] 12. Saltwater taffy piece: Grab two or three individual pieces of taffy from a barrel on a coastal pier.
[ ] 13. Beach parking meter: Feed the meter for 15 minutes of rapid ocean viewing at Ogunquit.
[ ] 14. Seashell container: A tiny paper bag to collect beach glass at Fortune's Rocks.
[ ] 15. Local newspaper: Buy a copy of The Portland Press Herald or Bangor Daily News.
[ ] 16. Pin pine needle: Gather a small bag of fallen white pine needles to scent your car.
[ ] 17. Donation cup: Drop a dollar for a street busker playing the fiddle on Exchange Street.
[ ] 18. Luggage tag: A cheap paper tag to label your bags 'Destination: Maine'.
[ ] 19. Campfire matchbook: Buy a sturdy box of matches for a lakeside campfire.
[ ] 20. Information booklet: A local town walking tour pamphlet from a historical society.
[ ] 21. Ice cup: Get a cup of ice to keep your freshly picked berries cool in the car.
[ ] 22. Pencil: Buy a cedar-scented pencil from a North Woods logging museum gift shop.
[ ] 23. Temporary moose tattoo: A fun wash-off souvenir for kids at a trading post.
[ ] 24. Band-aid: A single strip from a camp store for a minor hiking scratch.
[ ] 25. Lighthouse wish: Toss a penny into the Atlantic off a rocky ledge for good luck.
$5 - Bakeries, Permits & Small Treats
[ ] 26. An Italian Sandwich: Snag a small, classic Maine-style Italian sandwich (ham, sour pickles, olives) at a corner market.
[ ] 27. Whoopie pie: Buy a giant, classic chocolate-and-cream state treat from an old-school bakery.
[ ] 28. State Park walk-in: Pay the individual walk-in entry fee for a gorgeous stroll through a state park.
[ ] 29. Needham candy: Try a traditional Maine potato-and-coconut candy bar coated in dark chocolate.
[ ] 30. C***r donut: Buy a fresh, warm apple c***r donut from a roadside farm stand.
[ ] 31. Cup of chowder: Grab a small cup of seafood or corn chowder at a casual coastal shack.
[ ] 32. Local craft b**r can: Pick up a single, locally brewed IPA or wild ale from a grocery store cooler.
[ ] 33. Ferry ticket (Child): A one-way kid’s fare on the Casco Bay Lines ferry out of Portland.
[ ] 34. Seaside ice cream scoop: Get a single scoop of wild blueberry or Gifford's ice cream on a cone.
[ ] 35. Maine sea salt pack: A small travel-size vial of hand-harvested sea salt from Down East.
[ ] 36. Balsam fir pillow (mini): A tiny cloth sachet stuffed with fragrant Maine balsam needles.
[ ] 37. Maple candy sugar leaf: Buy a couple of pure, melt-in-your-mouth Maine maple sugar leaves.
[ ] 38. Thrifted flannel: Scour a Goodwill or thrift shop in Bangor for an authentic, broken-in plaid flannel shirt.
[ ] 39. Lighthouse postcard stamps: A sheet of stamps to mail your vacation updates back home.
[ ] 40. Beach parking (Short stay): Cover an hour of parking at an absolute beachfront spot.
[ ] 41. Campfire firewood bundle: Grab a small bundle of seasoned hardwood from a roadside honor-system stand.
[ ] 42. Covered bridge photo op: Drop a donation tip into the preservation box at the Artist's Covered Bridge.
[ ] 43. Hot c***r: Sip a steaming cup of mulled c***r at a fall festival.
[ ] 44. Lobster cracker: Buy a cheap, reusable metal lobster cracker to keep in your travel kit.
[ ] 45. Hand warmers: A pack of air-activated warmers for a chilly morning hike in Acadia.
[ ] 46. Souvenir magnet: A small refrigerator magnet shaped like a lobster trap or the state of Maine.
[ ] 47. Tote bag: A simple canvas shopping bag for a trip to the local farmers market.
[ ] 48. Museum admission (Discounted): A student, veteran, or youth ticket to a small town maritime museum.
[ ] 49. Spring water bottle: A bottle of locally bottled Maine spring water for your hike.
[ ] 50. Blueberry jam mini-jar: A tiny sample jar of wild berry preserves.
$10 - Breakfasts, Museum Admissions & Pub Pints
[ ] 51. Local microbrew pint: Sit at a Portland or Bar Harbor taproom bar and enjoy a fresh pour of local craft b**r.
[ ] 52. Maine maritime museum ticket: Admission for one to a local coastal history museum or historic home.
[ ] 53. Blueberry pancake breakfast: Feast on a stack of wild blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup at a
local diner.
[ ] 54. Bag of whole-bean coffee: Grab a bag of locally roasted beans from an independent Maine roaster.
[ ] 55. Pint of wild berries: Buy a fresh pint of native wild blueberries from a roadside farm truck.
[ ] 56. Red Snappah hot dogs: Buy a pack of Maine's famous neon-red casing hot dogs for a campfire cookout.
[ ] 57. LL Bean boot keychain: Purchase the iconic miniature rubber-and-leather boot keychain at the Freeport flagship store.
[ ] 58. Warm bowl of clam chowder: Upgrade to a large, rich bowl of New England clam chowder with oyster crackers.
[ ] 59. Maine maple syrup nips: A small decorative glass flask of Grade A dark amber maple syrup.
[ ] 60. Paperback by a Maine author: Buy a used Stephen King or E.B. White novel at a seaside bookstore.
[ ] 61. Slice of wild blueberry pie: Enjoy a thick slice of homemade pie, ideally served warm with a scoop of vanilla.
[ ] 62. Lighthouse ornament: A small wooden or resin Christmas ornament shaped like Portland Head Light.
[ ] 63. Ferry ride to Peaks Island: A round-trip walk-on passenger ticket across Casco Bay.
[ ] 64. Beach towel: Buy a basic, colorful beach towel from a boardwalk beach shop.
[ ] 65. Fresh cheese curds: A bag of squeaky, fresh cheese curds from a Maine dairy farm.
[ ] 66. Insect repellent: A can of heavy-duty bug spray, absolutely mandatory for the June blackfly season.
[ ] 67. Fisherman’s knit socks: A durable pair of thick socks to keep your feet warm inside your boots.
[ ] 68. Artisan soap bar: A bar of goat’s milk or sea-salt infused soap from an open-air summer market.
[ ] 69. Historic walking tour: Join a guided architecture or ghost walking tour through an old port city.
[ ] 70. Lobster claw dog toy: A plush lobster toy for your pet back home.
[ ] 71. Moxie merchandise: A novelty t-shirt or hat featuring the bright orange Moxie logo.
[ ] 72. State park vehicle day pass: Pay the day-use vehicle entry fee for a carload of Maine residents.
[ ] 73. Sea glass necklace: A simple, wire-wrapped piece of authentic beach-found glass at a craft fair.
[ ] 74. Gourmet popcorn tin: A bag of maple-caramel or cheddar popcorn from a coastal confectionery.
[ ] 75. Binocular rental: A day rental for bird or seal watching at a nature reserve.
$20 - Lunches, Gift Shops & Trail Passes
[ ] 76. Classic lobster roll (Discount/Happy Hour): Catch a lunchtime deal on a smaller, fresh lobster roll served with melted butter on a split-top bun.
[ ] 77. Visit a cuckoo clock shop to get Paw Paw Don’s clock fixed.
[ ] 78. Premium Maine maple syrup: A beautiful, full-sized jug of locally tapped maple syrup from a sugar
house.
[ ] 79. Casual pub lunch: A classic fish-and-chips basket or a big burger at a historic coastal tavern.
[ ] 80. Artisan balsam fir pillow: A beautifully embroidered canvas pillow completely packed with fragrant forest balsam.
[ ] 81. Sea glass or pottery souvenir: A handmade ceramic mug or decorative dish from a local Maine potter.
[ ] 82. Paperback hiking guide: A comprehensive AMC or local trail guide map book for the Western
Mountains.
[ ] 83. Beach umbrella rental: Rent a sunshade umbrella for a relaxing afternoon at Old Orchard Beach.
[ ] 84. W**e or mead tasting: A full tasting flight of native blueberry wines or honey meads at a local winery.
[ ] 85. Fried clam strips basket: A generous basket of crispy, deep-fried clam strips with tartar sauce from a beach shack.
[ ] 86. T-shirt from a coastal town: A classic graphic tee from Kennebunkport, Camden, or Boothbay Harbor.
[ ] 87. Desert of Maine admission: A ticket to explore the bizarre natural glacial silt dunes hidden in the
Freeport pine forest.
[ ] 88. Hand-poured soy candle: A luxury candle scented like 'Maine Campfire,' 'Sea Breeze,' or 'Pine Woods.'
[ ] 89. Trout fishing license: A one-day non-resident fishing license to cast a line into Maine’s pristine trout
streams.
[ ] 90. Box of gourmet chocolates: A box of sea-salt caramels or needhams from a high-end coastal
chocolatier.
[ ] 91. Beachfront parking (Full Day): Secure a prime all-day parking spot right next to the sand at York Beach.
[ ] 92. Hand-woven basket: A small, decorative pine needle or ash-splint basket crafted by a local artisan.
[ ] 93. Canoe or kayak rental (Hourly): Rent a kayak for an hour to paddle around a calm inland lake or cove.
[ ] 94. Ferry ride with a bicycle: A round-trip passenger ticket plus a bike fee to explore an island’s roads.
[ ] 95. Local music vinyl/CD: A record from an indie Maine band picked up at a Portland or Bangor music shop.
[ ] 96. Museum general admission: An adult ticket to the world-class Portland Museum of Art or the Maine
Maritime Museum.
[ ] 97. Gourmet picnic basket fixings: Crackers, local smoked salmon, and gourmet cheese from an upscale market.
[ ] 98. Canvas boat tote: A heavy-duty canvas tote bag, perfect for carrying gear onto a boat or beach.
[ ] 99. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse admission: Climb up into the historic light tower and explore the fisherman's museum.
[ ] 100. Campground firewood stash: Buy a massive armload of premium wood for a weekend of continuous campfires.
$50 - Dinners, Rentals & Island Ferries
[ ] 101. Full lobster dinner feast: Indulge in a whole steamed twin lobster dinner complete with corn,
corn-on-the-cob, and drawn butter at a classic rustic pier.
[ ] 102. Acadia National Park vehicle pass: A full 7-day vehicle pass allowing your car and all passengers into Acadia.
[ ] 103. Half-day kayak or paddleboard rental: Rent a sea kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore a coastal harbor for the morning.
[ ] 104. Nice dinner out for two: Enjoy a fantastic pizza or pub dinner for two with drinks at a cozy brick-lined bistro.
[ ] 105. Windjammer sunset cruise ticket: Board a historic wooden schooner for a gorgeous two-hour sail around a rocky bay.
[ ] 106. Round-trip ferry to Monhegan Island: Ride the mail boat ferry out to Maine’s famous, rugged artist island.
[ ] 107. Authentic LL Bean flannel: Buy a brand-new, top-quality Scotch Plaid flannel shirt from the flagship store.
[ ] 108. Whale watching tour (Child ticket): A child’s ticket for a massive high-speed catamaran trip out to the ocean feeding grounds.
[ ] 109. Maine botanical gardens ticket: Explore the spectacular coastal landscapes and giant wooden trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
[ ] 110. Guided fly-fishing lesson: A brief introductory casting lesson on a river with a registered Maine Guide.
[ ] 111. High-quality fleece pullover: A rugged, warm fleece jacket perfect for the cool, crisp Maine coastal
evenings.
[ ] 112. Artisan gift basket: A pre-curated gift box containing syrup, wild blueberry jam, pancake mix, and local tea.
[ ] 113. Theater or playhouse tickets: Catch a professional summer stock theater production at a historic playhouse.
[ ] 114. Full tank of gas: Fill up the tank to drive the entire scenic length of the Schoodic Scenic Byway.
[ ] 115. Framed local art print: A beautiful, framed photograph or print of a foggy harbor or rocky shoreline.
[ ] 116. Seafood market haul: Buy pounds of fresh steamer clams, mussels, and lobsters to cook yourself at your rental cabin.
[ ] 117. Gourmet breakfast for a family: Treat the whole group to a massive bakery and coffee run at an artisan shop.
[ ] 118. Chartered historic trolley tour: A full, narrated historical afternoon tour of a coastal city and its
lighthouses.
[ ] 119. Snowshoe rentals for two: Rent two pairs of snowshoes for a winter day trip through the snow-capped state forests.
[ ] 120. Luxury wool blanket: A small, warm woolen throw blanket woven at a historic New England textile mill.
[ ] 121. Umbrella and double chair rental: A full-day setup of luxury beach lounge chairs and a giant umbrella at an ocean resort.
[ ] 122. Craft distillery bottle: Purchase a bottle of high-end, small-batch gin or blueberry vodka made right in Maine.
[ ] 123. Interstate train ride: A comfortable Downeaster train ticket from Portland down to Boston and back.
[ ] 124. Deep sea fishing trip (Spectator): Board a fishing boat just to watch the action, enjoy the ocean breeze, and see the coastline.
[ ] 125. Premium hiking backpack: A durable daypack from a Maine outdoor supplier to hold all your trail gear.
$100 - Excursions, Luxury Dining & Overnights
[ ] 126. High-end fine dining for two: A memorable gourmet dinner featuring fresh local catch and upscale cocktails at a top-tier Portland restaurant.
[ ] 127. Whale watching cruise ticket (Adult): Venture deep into the Atlantic to watch massive humpback and finback whales breach.
[ ] 128. One-night stay at a cozy sporting camp: Spend a night in a rustic lakeside log cabin deep in the Maine woods.
[ ] 129. Seaplane scenic flight: Take a breathtaking aerial tour over Moosehead Lake or Mount Desert Island in a historic floatplane.
[ ] 130. Full-day white-water rafting trip: Face the thrilling Class IV rapids of the Kennebec or Penobscot Rivers with a professional guide.
[ ] 131. Schooner overnight or multi-day deposit: Put down a deposit on a multi-day sailing vacation along the jagged coast.
[ ] 132. Registered Maine Guide trip: Hire a legendary, licensed Maine Guide for a private half-day of hunting, fishing, or deep-woods tracking.
[ ] 133. Pair of iconic LL Bean duck boots: Purchase your own pair of authentic, hand-made rubber-and-leather Maine Hunting Shoes.
[ ] 134. Luxury spa treatment: Relax with a full 60-minute therapeutic massage or skin treatment at a historic coastal resort.
[ ] 135. Private lobster boat charter: Rent a lobster boat and its captain for a private demonstration of hauling up active traps.
[ ] 136. Full-day bike or e-bike rental for two: Rent two electric bikes to effortlessly cruise the historic carriage roads of Acadia.
[ ] 137. Original oil painting: Buy a small, beautiful original landscape painting from a local gallery on
Monhegan or Deer Isle.
[ ] 138. Full day of ski rentals and lift ticket: Hit the mountain slopes for a winter day of skiing at Sugarloaf or Sunday River.
[ ] 139. Gourmet seafood shipping box: Have a live feast of lobsters and fresh clams packed in ice and
shipped directly to your home doorstep.
[ ] 140. Hand-carved wooden duck decoy: A beautiful, traditional piece of Maine folk art carved out of cedar by a local craftsman.
[ ] 141. Glamping tent stay: Spend a luxury night under canvas inside a forest camp complete with a real queen bed and wood stove.
[ ] 142. Private sailing lessons: A multi-hour, one-on-one lesson learning how to handle a sailboat in a windy bay.
[ ] 143. Premium oceanfront dinner & show: Tickets for a prime seaside lobster bake combined with live
theater or comedy.
[ ] 144. Premium fly-fishing rod: Buy a high-end, sensitive fly rod crafted for tackling wild native brook trout.
[ ] 145. Winter dog-sledding excursion: Bundle up for an exhilarating dash through the snow behind a team of Alaskan Huskies.
[ ] 146. Annual state park pass: A pass granting unlimited vehicle entry to all Maine State Parks for a fullcalendar year.
[ ] 147. Premium performance outerwear jacket: A technical, waterproof shell jacket designed to handle harsh coastal storms.
[ ] 148. Helicopter lighthouse tour: A private flight soaring directly over spectacular off-shore lighthouses and islands.
[ ] 149. Artisan handmade quilt: A heavy, beautifully patterned patchwork quilt handmade by a local Maine crafting guild.
[ ] 150. Conservation donation: Fund the protection of acres of pristine Maine wilderness via a land trust.
[ ] 151. Visit with friends at the best campground in Maine!
Did we forget anything?
