Maine's Unofficial 'Lobster Crawl' Is A Delicious Coastal Trail Through Scenic Towns And Seafood Shacks

There's no better feeling than that first bite of a flaky, buttery lobster roll, when the lemon-zested creaminess seeps down your fingers and the tangy richness hits just right. It's one of the main reasons people flock to Maine. The state's signature dish has sparked a full-blown tourist craze, turning casual visitors into lifelong fans. Travelers do their research to track down the most mouthwatering spots to savor this iconic meal — and, even travel aficionado Samantha Brown has a favorite Maine location to dine at for a melt-in-your-mouth seafood experience. So, why is lobster so iconic here? As it turns out, Maine's ocean temperatures and salinity levels create the perfect conditions for large lobster populations. This unique habitat, along with passionate local chefs, creates a sea-to-table experience that's become a New England tradition.

While expert reviews and blog rankings offer both opinions and stats on where to find the best lobster rolls, it's the travelers themselves who've created an unofficial coastal Maine lobster crawl in search of the state's greatest plates. Visitors now map out lobster trail itineraries, using online rankings, foodie blogs, and word-of-mouth recommendations to find the best bites. One standout example is The Great Lobster Roll Adventure, a multi-day trail that guides you from Kittery to Bar Harbor, hitting coastal gems and beloved seafood joints along the way. 

Traveler-created lobster trails along Maine's coast are like the unofficial "Drinking Around the World" experience at Epcot in Disney World Orlando. It's become so popular, that it is often considered one of the essential things to do in the area. These trails are especially enjoyable because Maine's laid-back nature gives the American hustle culture permission to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and devour some delicious local food. Because the route includes so much good food, this road trip, outlined on NewEngland.com, stretches across Maine's southern and midcoast and is perfect for a long weekend. 

The journey starts in the southern part of the state in Kittery, which is just a 15-minute drive from the Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire. Here, you'll stop at Bob's Clam Hut, a staple since 1956, where the lobster rolls are packed fresh and lightly dressed. Next, cruise up along the coast about 35 minutes to Kennebunk's famous The Clam Shack, which serves up a roll so celebrated it lands on multiple "best of" lists, including USA Today's 10 Best series. From there, you can weave through Portland (try Eventide Oyster Co. to clear your palate with some oysters) before landing in Rockland, home to the annual summer Lobster Festival and scenic waterfront charm.

End the trail in Bar Harbor with a visit to Thurston's Lobster Pound, next to the water with unbeatable sunset views and lobster so fresh, it might've been caught minutes earlier. For overnight stays, consider quaint B&Bs like Captain Nickels Inn in Searsport. If you get a second wind, Captain Nickels Inn also has its own lobster crawl, but it's much less extensive and only requires about an hour of driving.

If you're hungry for more, consider building your own lobster trail based on local favorites and foodie recommendations. One popular route is the MidCoast Maine trail, often spotlighted by travel bloggers for its mix of scenic drives and legendary seafood shacks. Furthermore, travelers from the blog Celebrate the Weekend crafted their own three-day itinerary, chasing ocean views and lobster rolls across the coast. One of their top picks? The Clam Shack in Kennebunk. It's no wonder it's achieved many notable titles.

The beauty of creating your own trail is the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you're hitting iconic spots or discovering hidden gems, there's no wrong way to enjoy Maine's lobster scene. Some travelers even add hands-on experiences, like lobster boat tours or cooking classes, to round out the adventure. The best time of year to visit Maine for foodies is year-round, but if you want the cream of the crop when it comes to lobster it's best to visit between June and December. So, grab a map, bring your appetite, and happy feasting!