Yarmouth Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Yarmouth - Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views, Culturally Important Attractions, Hiking/Biking Routes, where to stay, local culture, and more. Plan your visit now!


Yarmouth Travel Guide: Discover The Best of Yarmouth, Maine

If you’re planning a trip to New England and looking to explore some of Maine’s picturesque towns, be sure to add Yarmouth to your list. This charming coastal town in Greater Portland has a little something for everyone - from outdoor adventures to culturally important attractions to delicious local eats. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll help you plan your visit to Yarmouth with the best things to see, do, and eat.

List of Places to Visit in Yarmouth

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Maine Maritime Museum: Located a short drive from Yarmouth, this museum showcases Maine’s rich maritime history with interactive exhibits and outdoor activities.
  • Old Orchard Beach Pier: Experience a piece of Maine’s history at the Old Orchard Beach Pier, where you can stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy Atlantic Ocean views.
  • Wadsworth-Longfellow House: Visit the childhood home of American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which is now a museum and historic house.

Natural Attractions of Yarmouth: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Royal River Park: Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Royal River in this beautiful park with a playground for kids.
  • Bradbury Mountain State Park: This park offers hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, picnic areas and grills, and great views from the summit.
  • Cousins Island: A great spot for outdoor enthusiasts, Cousins Island offers beautiful views of Casco Bay, hiking trails, and bird-watching opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yarmouth

  • East Coast Greenway: This scenic trail along the Atlantic Ocean offers 2.8 miles of flat terrain that’s perfect for walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
  • Yarmouth Loop Trail: This 3-mile trail is suitable for all skill levels and offers beautiful views of the town and surrounding landscape.
  • Little John Trail: A challenging but rewarding hike, the Little John Trail offers stunning views of the Royal River and surrounding forests.

Best Things to Do in Yarmouth: Activities and Tours

  • Sailing Lessons and Boat Tours: Take a boat tour or learn to sail at the Yarmouth Boat Yard.
  • Yarmouth Clam Festival: This summer festival is a must-visit for seafood lovers with live music, a carnival, and plenty of clam dishes.
  • Maine Foodie Tours: Explore the local food scene of Yarmouth and sample delicious seafood, sweets, and locally brewed beer.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yarmouth

Day 1: Explore Yarmouth’s downtown area, visit the Yarmouth Historical Society, and enjoy a lobster roll at the Royal River Grill House. Day 2: Take a boat tour to explore Casco Bay or learn to sail at the Yarmouth Boat Yard. Day 3: Visit nearby Freeport for shopping at the outlets and take a tour of the L.L.Bean factory. Day 4: Enjoy a scenic hike at Bradbury Mountain State Park followed by a picnic lunch. Day 5: Visit the Maine Maritime Museum or take a day trip to Portland. Day 6: Rent a bike and explore the East Coast Greenway or Yarmouth Loop Trail. Day 7: Relax at Cousins Island and take in the beautiful views of Casco Bay.

Food and Drink Scene of Yarmouth

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll: A classic Maine dish, you can find delicious lobster rolls at many of the local seafood restaurants and shacks in Yarmouth.
  • Blueberry Pie: Made with Maine’s famous blueberries, this traditional sweet treat is a must-try.
  • Clam Chowder: Another classic Maine dish, Yarmouth has several restaurants that serve delicious clam chowder.

Local Beverages

  • Allagash Brewing Company: Visit the brewery or enjoy a cold Allagash White beer at a local bar or restaurant.
  • Maine Craft Distilling: Take a tour of the distillery and sample some delicious local spirits, like their Alchemy Gin and Chesuncook Botanical Rum.

Where to Stay in Yarmouth: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Clam Shack Cottage: This cozy cottage is located near Yarmouth’s beaches and can accommodate up to four people.
  • The Gray Havens Inn: A beautiful bed and breakfast with ocean views and a private beach.
  • The Daniel: This historic hotel is located in downtown Yarmouth and offers luxury rooms and suites.

What to Buy in Yarmouth: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • L.L.Bean Products: Visit the L.L.Bean Factory Store in Freeport to purchase a variety of outdoor gear and clothing.
  • Window Panes: These unique glassware items are perfect for serving drinks or as decorative pieces in your home.
  • Blueberry Products: Buy some Maine blueberry jam, syrup, or candy to enjoy a taste of Maine at home.

Local Culture and Customs of Yarmouth

Yarmouth is known for its friendly locals, beautiful natural landscapes, and strong maritime history. Visitors should be respectful of a slower-paced lifestyle and take the time to enjoy the town’s natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit Yarmouth

The best time to visit Yarmouth is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the town hosts several events and festivals, like the Yarmouth Clam Festival in July.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yarmouth

Do:

  • Do try the local seafood, like lobster and clam chowder.
  • Do take the time to explore the town’s natural beauty with hiking and cycling trails.
  • Do visit the Maine Maritime Museum to learn about the state’s rich maritime history.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or disturb the natural landscape.
  • Don’t rush - take the time to enjoy the town’s slower-paced lifestyle.
  • Don’t forget to tip your servers at local restaurants.

Safety and Health

Safety in Yarmouth

Yarmouth is a safe town with low crime rates, but visitors should still take standard precautions to keep their belongings safe.

Health in Yarmouth

Visitors should be aware of tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease, and take precautions when spending time outdoors, like wearing protective clothing and using repellent.

Getting to Yarmouth: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Yarmouth

  • Portland International Jetport
  • Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
  • Boston Logan International Airport

Bus Stations Near Yarmouth

  • Concord Coach Lines: Offers daily service between Boston and Portland.
  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Offers service to Portland from various U.S. locations.

Other Options

  • Amtrak Downeaster Train: Offers service from Boston to Portland with stops in nearby Brunswick and Freeport.
  • Ferry Service: Visitors can take a ferry from Portland to nearby islands, like Peaks Island.

How to Get Around in Yarmouth

Visitors can rent a bike or car to explore the town and nearby areas. Yarmouth also has a trolley service that runs between downtown and the harbor area during the summer months.

Where to Go Next from Yarmouth: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Portland, Maine: This charming coastal city is located just a short drive from Yarmouth and is known for its delicious food scene and historic architecture.
  • Freeport, Maine: A shopper’s paradise, Freeport is home to the L.L.Bean Factory Store and several other outlet stores.
  • Boothbay Harbor, Maine: This picturesque seaside town offers plenty of outdoor activities, like whale-watching and kayaking.

Conclusion

Yarmouth is a beautiful and charming coastal town in Maine with a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the town’s natural beauty, enjoy delicious local cuisine, or learn about the state’s rich maritime history, Yarmouth has it all. Plan your visit now and start exploring this hidden gem of New England.