Forget Cape Cod, Visit New England's Less-Crowded Destination With Fresh Seafood, Lake Fun, And Coastal Charm

Nestled along the coast about 4 miles north of Camden Hills State Park is a town Outside Magazine ranked among the best towns in America, chock full of "100-proof Americana": Lincolnville, Maine. This coastal retreat features many of the same elements that draw travelers to Cape Cod, include a sandy beach, ferry rides to a secluded island, delicious fresh seafood, and history stretching back to the 18^th century. But while Cape Cod welcomes some 5 million visitors each year, Lincolnville remains a hidden gem, making it a great option for people who don't want to contend with crowds while enjoying the northern Atlantic coast.

Lincolnville's location is part of why it's stayed off the typical tourist's radar. Tucked along Highway 1, which runs up the Maine coast, you'll have to drive a bit to reach it. The closest major airport is in Bangor, over an hour's drive to the north, and it's about a two-hour drive from Portland. Once you reach Lincolnville, you'll find a charming small town of about 2,400 people, with a tight-knit community that still honors traditions going back to its early residents. This isn't a place where visitors stay in massive resorts or chain hotels. Instead, you can spend your nights in historic bed and breakfasts like the Youngtown Inn, an 1810 farmhouse near the shore of Lake Megunticook, or the Spouter Inn, a colonial home dating to 1832 where guests can wander the gardens or chat with other travelers around the fire pit. Whether you're looking for more stops to add to your Maine road trip itinerary or an off-the-beaten-path place to enjoy the coast, Lincolnville has a lot to offer.

Neighboring Camden is called "The Jewel of the Maine Coast" for its waterfront restaurants and charm, and you can enjoy similarly scrumptious seafood in Lincolnville. M & L Seafood on Beach Road is a favorite spot for locals to get seafood straight from lobsterman Mike. The lobster and steamer clams are the top recommendations from regulars. Keep in mind this is a roadside market, not a sit-down restaurant, but if you don't have a kitchen to cook what you buy, one Google reviewer notes, "You can have them steam lobsters for you for an extra charge, and you must order in advance for steamed." It's also smart to call ahead to see what's in stock that day since it always depends on what Mike caught.

For a more traditional restaurant experience, Aster & Rose Restaurant at the Youngtown Inn serves Italian-inspired American cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. This includes seafood like Maine halibut and braised octopus, along with house-made pasta, steaks, and delectable desserts. Wine lovers can head a mile down Youngtown Road to Cellardoor Farm, which serves Maine-made wines in flights or by the glass along with four-course Chef's Counter lunches and wood-fired pizzas.

If you get hungry while you're at the beach, you can stop in at the Lincolnville Beach Store for salads, sandwiches, and hand-tossed pizzas, which it also serves in a breakfast version with toppings like bacon and eggs. One Yelp reviewer and her husband ordered large subs that were "the star of our meal" but "underestimated how much meat would be on these monsters; at least I know I'll have half waiting for me later!"

Lincolnville Beach is easy to find, located right off Route 1, but it's still often overlooked by tourists. This sandy public beach is open 24/7, year-round, though it's most popular in July and August when the water of Penobscot Bay is warm enough for swimming (though it's still rarely warmer than the low 60s). While the facilities at the beach are minimal, with no lifeguards or changing areas, it's in the middle of Lincolnville's business district, so you'll find shops to buy snacks or souvenirs nearby.

Along with swimming, Lincolnville Beach is a popular place to launch kayaks and fishing boats. Islesboro, a Maine island summer getaway, is visible from the beach, and if you don't have your own boat, you can catch a ride there from the Maine State Ferry terminal just a few minutes' walk south. Ferry service operates daily year-round, though it runs less frequently from November through April than in the summer. Once you reach the island, you can explore its charming traditional community or enjoy the scenic views and secluded campsites of Warren Island State Park.

There's water to enjoy further inland in Lincolnville, too. The 1,305-acre Megunticook Lake is bordered by Mount Megunticook, giving visitors stunning cliff views. Barrett's Cove Beach, at the lake's south-east corner, is a popular swimming spot in the summer. There is also a public boat launch near the beach, with a second off of Route 105, where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard. From April through November, anglers can catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and several other warm-water and cold-water species. Nature lovers can hike through Fernalds Neck Preserve, which occupies a peninsula extending into Megunticook Lake. Take the orange trail to see one of the lake's most distinctive landmarks, Balance Rock, a massive boulder perched precariously upright.