If you’re looking for an easy, charming day trip from Portland, head about 30 minutes up the coast to Brunswick. This small college town blends arts, nature, great food, and that relaxed Midcoast Maine feel that makes you want to stay just a little bit longer.
Here are my tips on that perfect Brunswick day trip.
Start Your Morning: Coffee + Strolling Maine Street
Ease into the day with coffee from Reverie Coffee House, a cozy local favorite with strong coffee and just the right amount of bustle. If you’re in the mood for something heartier pop into Ritual Bakehouse and Patisserie. They are known for its fresh pastries and satisfying breakfast options.
From there, take a walk down Maine Street. This is the heart of Brunswick. You’ll find independent shops, bookstores, and that classic New England small town charm. Some of my favorites shops are Nest, Hatch on Maine, The Lemont Block Collective, and Estilo. It’s very difficult for me to leave Nest without a little something for my home.
Explore Bowdoin College
No trip to Brunswick feels complete without a wander through Bowdoin’s beautiful campus. The treelined paths and historic buildings make it lovely any time of year.
Be sure to pop into the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, it’s free and surprisingly impressive for a small college museum. Even a quick visit adds a thoughtful, cultural moment to your day. If you plan your trip during the summer months, try to catch a performance at the Maine State Music Theater! Located right on campus, it brings Broadway quality productions to Midcoast Maine every summer.
Lunch: Casual Favorites
Brunswick has a great food scene without feeling overwhelming. A few of my favorite places to grab a bite are Pomelia Sicilian Eatery, Byrnes Irish Pub, and The Social Goose . There are also usually food trucks gathered around the Brunswick Town Mall, and if there’s a line, that’s generally a good sign. Grab a taco or burrito from Taco the Town, sit on a park bunch and enjoy the people watching.
Afternoon Wandering: Shops + Sweet Treats
After lunch, spend some time browsing in Gulf of Maine Books. You will get lost for a while in this charming independent shop, there is so much to look through. I always love seeing what local bookstores are showcasing it tells you a lot about a community.
Then make your way down Maine Street to Cabot Mill Antiques. If you love vintage finds, this is such a fun stop. There are dozens of vendors to explore, and the prices are very reasonable.
Before heading home, grab one more coffee and a sweet treat. I have recently discovered Elevenses and I absolutely LOVE it. This Hobbit themed little cafe, bakery, and tavern serves creative lattes and genuinely delicious treats. Which I guess shouldn’t be a surprise considering how much hobbits love their snacks. Gelato Fiasco is also a great option if you’re craving something sweet. Even if it’s not peak summer, it’s hard to pass up. When MSMT is in operation they do a show inspired flavor which tends to be a little away from your typical flavor norms. For example the 9-5 inspired flavor was coffee gelato with little donut pieces. It was really good.
Why Brunswick Works So Well for a Day Trip
Brunswick hits that sweet spot of enough to do without feeling rushed. It’s walkable, welcoming, and full of little places to explore. Great coffee, impressive art, yummy food, and just the right level of quirkiness. This helps to make a day feel full without being busy.
Want to make the day feel even more like a little getaway? Skip the drive and hop on the Amtrak Downeaster from Portland to Brunswick. There’s something very charming about arriving by train and stepping right into town for a slow day of coffee shops, bookstores, and wandering Maine Street.
Where should we day trip to next?
