Fresh lobster rolls, ocean breezes, and a getaway where the whole family can truly unwind? Maine is calling, and trust me—it’s a call worth answering! Whether you’re strolling the working marina in Portland, climbing into bed at a canvas tent resort near Acadia National Park or choosing the perfect sandy spot along Ogunquit’s stretch of beach, there’s something for everyone in this East Coast charmer.

I’ve detailed our week-long road trip through the state, including our favorite stops (and lessons learned), and am offering the Cliff Notes below to whet your appetite. Funny aside, this was also the trip that caused Stickergate. 🥴

Plus, I’m digging into the rationale my all-time favorite travel crib, and highlighting an adventurous motel in Lake Tahoe that you’ve gotta take a look at.

A taste of summertime in Maine

I’d love to romanticize the reason we packed our bags and flew to Maine. But the truth is that we were too scared to fly further than two hours the first time we had our kid in tow. So, we paired proximity with butter-drenched lobster rolls and ocean views, and had ourselves a vacation plan.

Tackling Maine in one week felt tricky, given that there’s so much to explore. But we strategized and squeezed in three stops:

• Portland: For its seafood saturation and authentic Old Port walkability. (Plus, it’s the city we’d fly in and out of.)

• Acadia National Park: Because how could we skip it? Gorgeous hikes, a sweet small town and a very cool camp-style lodging experience.

• Kennebunkport: Stunning stretches of beaches, undeniable coastal charm, and a relaxed setting to end our trip in

In Portland, we settled into our Airbnb before heading out to explore the city:

• We strolled the Old Port, swung by the seafood market, and found seaside playgrounds perfect for lazing away an early evening.

• Visited the Cape Elizabeth lighthouse at Portland Head Light – one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country – and ate our favorite lobster rolls of the trip from the A Bite of Maine food truck. (Try the wasabi roll!)

• Listened to live music, enjoyed cocktails and food trucks (available on Thursdays and Fridays at “Summer Sunsets”) at family-friendly Thompson’s Point, near the airport and a perfect post-travel stop and space to run around.

• An evening visit to the Eastern Promenade Children’s Park was the perfect way to let our toddler run about while taking advantage of lovely views and the convenience of parked food trucks.

From Portland, we headed north toward Acadia National Park and booked a stay at Under Canvas Acadia. (Click into the full article to read our advice on timing your stay here!)

• Soaked up the oceanside, rustic ambiance at the Under Canvas property.

• Stopped into adorable harbor towns like Camden en route and – of course – couldn’t miss stocking up at the L. L. Bean flagship shops in Freeport.

• Drove through the quaint town of Bar Harbor. Hiked the Great Head Trail in a misty rain and threw down a blanket to lounge at Sand Beach.

• Heading back south, stopped at Owls Head Light Station and LOVED the quiet, rocky beach.

And then, to warm up, we headed to Kennebunkport where the weather shifted and we enjoyed sunshine and warmth (that was immensely appreciated at this point).

• From our Airbnb, we biked to and picnicked (twice) at the gorgeous Goose Rocks Beach, which was a ginormous swath of sand that we nearly had to ourselves.

• Spent a whole day soaking up the sun in nearby Ogunquit and leisurely walked the iconic Marginal Way path to the local’s favorite lobster shack, Footbridge Lobster, which I can wholeheartedly recommend.

• Strolled and shopped Kennebunkport and threw back oysters and drinks on The Spirit – a restaurant and bar housed on an ornate ship – docked in the harbor.

For more details on each of these plus our lessons learned, read our full Maine recap.

The most convenient travel crib ever

I have to take a minute to dish on this travel crib, because we took it on our year of travel and not once did I get annoyed or irritated with it. Fast forward to me trying to set up a Graco pack-and-play a week ago, where I nearly twisted my ankle and damaged a wall.

I digress, let’s focus on this stellar product and what makes it stand out:

• It sets up easily and stores in a travel backpack that you can also check on a flight

• It sits directly on the floor, ensuring firm support with a thing padded mattress

• A zipped side entry allows baby to crawl in or out, or a parent to lay beside babe while they fall asleep, if needed

• It’s created for both indoor-outdoor use

• This bundle includes a handy sunshade that also helps with mosquitoes

Is it worth the price tag at a bundled price of $289? (Savings of $20.) YES. Again and again. And I can say that, because on the last leg of our trip, someone actually accidentally took ours from baggage claim (and left their own behind!). Note to future travelers; mark yours with a unique bag tag to avoid this type of incident.

Cozy California camping… indoors

With 24 rooms, this adventure motel is perfect for kicking back after a day of exploring. Hang by the bonfires to roast marshmallows or hijack a yard game or two for a little competition. Here, you’ll be within walking distance to the water, to walking trails and to restaurants.

The real appeal, however, is in Basecamp’s budget AND family-friendly guestrooms. Choose between a loft set up, with a queen, two loft beds and a twin (sleeps up to five) or the Great Indoors Family Room, with a tented king bed, two twin beds in a separate sleeping area, a faux log fire, picnic table and camping chairs. It’s cheeky but fun, and really comes in handy on a rainy day.

See more photos on Instagram: basecamphotels

Need more ideas? The Kid-Friendly Stays travel directory is the perfect first stop in your next family vacation adventure, wherever you wanna go(!), offering a curated collection of hotels, resorts, Airbnbs and VRBOs for your perusal.

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