Maine's Wildly Charming Coastal Village Just Outside Portland Is Known For Iconic Shopping, Camping, And Downtown

Maine has earned the moniker "vacationland" for a reason. With hundreds of miles of scenic coastline dotted with seaside towns, historic lighthouses, sprawling pine forests, rugged mountains, and idyllic lakes and rivers, it has plenty for visitors to explore in all seasons. While the state's most popular tourist attraction is likely Acadia National Park (with its unique, postcard-worthy scenery), it's second-most attention-grabbing spot is located in Freeport, a charming coastal village not far from the larger city of Portland. 

In Maine, there's no more iconic shopping destination than Freeport. This small town in Maine's Midcoast region is best known as the home of legendary outdoor clothing and gear store L.L. Bean. The retailer has a massive flagship store downtown, featuring a giant replica of its signature Bean Boot out front. There are also numerous outlet stores and boutiques hawking locally made Maine goods to peruse. But there's more to do in Freeport than shop. The city is also home to a lively restaurant and brewery scene, plus incredible natural scenery thanks to its location nestled between two state parks. It's a worthy stop on your way up to Acadia or back down to Portland (aka one of the best foodie destinations in the country). 

The most efficient way to reach Freeport is by flying into Portland and renting a car, as it's only about a 25-minute drive north from the Portland International Jetport. Another option is flying into Boston (a much larger airport with more flights per day) and then renting a car. From Boston, you can get to Freeport in under two and a half hours. However, if you have time, take the longer, scenic route and enjoy a coastal road trip through charming seaside New England towns and historic harbors.  

Considered Maine's shopping mecca, Freeport has over 120 storefronts, and visiting the L.L. Bean flagship store is a must. Founded in 1912 to sell just one product, the iconic Maine Hunting Shoe, Freeport's L.L. Bean is now less of a store and more of a campus, with offerings catering to different outdoor enthusiasts. Find all of this surrounding a lovely park steps from the village's main historic district.

Beyond L.L. Bean, Freeport's compact downtown makes it easy to park and stroll among the shops. Hunting for a bargain on designer goods? Freeport is the place to go. On and around Main Street, numerous popular brands operate out of historic storefronts. Freeport boasts plenty of non-chain stores, too, like Gingham (a woman-owned boutique featuring colorful clothing and accessories), Loom (a sustainable fashion and home goods company), and Rustic Arrow (a contemporary retailer highlighting women designers and fair trade brands). For gifts, visit Abacus Gallery, one of Freeport's oldest stores, to peruse artisan crafts and jewelry. Alternatively, browse Freeport Market's rotating selection of goods from New England makers.

After shopping, grab a drink at Maine Beer Company, a beloved local brewery recognized for its commitment to sustainability. If you're looking for more of a sit-down vibe, the Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro offers Italian-inspired dishes and emphasizes regional ingredients. Maine is synonymous with lobster, and no visit here is complete without a lobster roll. Try one from Mainely Seafood Company, a spot many Google reviewers praise for serving the best lobster rolls they've ever had. Further afield, Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company, located on the water in South Freeport, is fueled by a family that's been slinging seafood for over 50 years.

Located along idyllic Casco Bay, Freeport is a great base for outdoor adventure, with easy access to two popular state parks where you can experience Maine's iconic natural scenery. The closest of the two is Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, just minutes from downtown Freeport. This small but mighty park encompasses most of the peninsula between Casco Bay and the Harraseeket River. Its trails follow the coast past salt marshes and rocky beaches and wind through damp, moody forests of white pine and hemlock. For the best views, combine the Harraseeket and White Pines trails into a loop that nearly circles the park's perimeter along the Harraseeket River's shoreline before crossing over to the rocky edge of Casco Bay. On this route, birdwatchers can stop at the overlook for Googin's Island to see osprey that nest in this area. During warm summer days, some visitors even swim at the park. 

Bradbury Mountain State Park offers an entirely different experience. Located about 10 minutes inland from Freeport in the town of Pownal, Bradbury Mountain is one of Maine's five original state parks. It has several miles of trails that take you through thick forests to the impressive summit of Bradbury Mountain. Several trails can take you up the mountain, with the steepest being the direct 0.5-mile Summit Trail. The park is also popular for mountain biking, with many beginner-friendly trails. If you're looking to camp, Bradbury Mountain has roughly 35 campsites, which can be reserved in advance. Note that Maine's state parks require an entrance fee. Costs vary by park, and many places only take cash. Fees are charged per person rather than by vehicle.