Why OutTavelers are falling hard for Maines coastal, LGBTQ+ charms
The salt-sweet air. The wind-kissed harbors. The wildflower-lined trails that seem to whisper, youre exactly where youre meant to be.Maine knows how to hold a moment. But come June, the cobblestone streets of the Pine Tree State hum a little louder with Pride. Somewhere between a butter-drenched lobster roll in Ogunquit and a delicious cocktail in Portland, I realize: Maine doesnt just show up for Pride. She plans for it. And more importantly, she means it. The state is crafting a love letter to us OutTravelers. Explore our curated Maine itinerary below and plan your escapade today at VisitMaine.com. Ogunquit, MainePhoto Courtesy of Maine Office of TourismOgunquit: Romance, cliff walks and lobster rolls that are worth the hype!Start your adventure in Ogunquit, which fittingly translates from Abenaki as beautiful place by the sea. This coastal gem isnt just picturesque its powerfully LGBTQ+. For generations, Ogunquit has been a beacon for OutTravelers seeking saltwater therapy, seaside art, and that just-right mix of relaxation and flirtation. Footbridge BeachPhoto Courtesy of Maine Office of TourismWalk the Marginal Way, a 1.25-mile paved coastal footpath that hugs the Atlantic and feels more like a runway for the soul than a hiking trail. Benches appear exactly where youd want to sit hand-in-hand, hair perfectly tousled by the ocean breeze. Its one of New Englands few public paved cliff walks and easily one of its most photogenic. Footbridge Lobster at Perkins CovePhoto Courtesy of Maine Office of TourismAt the trails end, Perkins Cove awaits a storybook harbor where lobster boats gently rock beside boutiques and time feels beautifully suspended. Stop at Footbridge Lobster, a family-run shack opened in 2009, where lobster rolls are served fresh from daily catch just butter, buns, and the kind of simplicity that feels decadent. Perkins CovePhoto Courtesy of Maine Office of TourismFor a more elevated moment, head to MC Perkins Cove, where pan-seared scallops and sweeping ocean views set the scene. Named one of Food & Wines most romantic restaurants in Maine, its serving casual coastal chic the kind of place where a toast at sunset could easily turn into a proposal. Perkins CovePhoto Courtesy of Maine Office of TourismBefore you leave, dont skip Perkins Cove Pottery Shop. Once a studio for high-fired stoneware, its now a LGBTQ-owned treasure trove of ceramics, serveware, and garden dcor that feels as artful and inviting as the town itself. Brian Pu RuizPhoto Courtesy of Maine Office of TourismPortland: Coastal cool meets comfort.About 45 minutes north via I-95, Portland welcomes you with rainbow crosswalks, cobblestone streets and a food scene thats quietly world-class.Start your day at Rambler Caf in Deering Center, where your latte comes with fresh flowers literally. As Maines original flower caf, Rambler combines espresso and blooms with ease. Order the pistachio rose latte, grab a seat by the window and pretend youre living the first act of your very own rom-com. (And yes, the barista who makes your heart race will absolutely notice you.) While Rambler is currently under an exciting remodel, its grand reopening is scheduled for November this year.Back on Congress Street, things heat up. Jewel Box crafts cocktails like love spells. The bar, a dimly lit treasure trove of vintage glamour and moody charm, was a James Beard semifinalist for a reason. Here, LGBTQ+ locals and curious travelers sip gin tonics garnished with rosemary smoke and trade stories in candlelight while the city buzzes just outside.A few blocks away, Regards offers a new kind of coastal romance one built on bold flavors and shared plates. This restaurant brings Los Angeless culinary playfulness to the Maine coast, and somehow, it works like a long-distance love finally coming together. The arroz negro crab rice is earthy and elegant, while the grilled caraflex cabbage is crunchy poetry. And the hamachi collar? Lets just say: I caught feelings.With that, its time to loosen the belt and unplug. Hop on the ferry just 17 minutes from downtown and set sail for Peaks Island. Once a Victorian vacation hideaway, today its unpaved roads, breezy bike rides and pastel porches feel like stepping onto the film set of Mamma Mia! but with a more LGBTQ+ cast.Rent a cruiser or golf cart and take your time exploring the island loop. Discover hidden beaches, pop into local art galleries, or swing by the Umbrella Cover Museum, where humor and whimsy are always on display. Youll leave sun-kissed, maybe a little in love, and definitely googling How to move to an island?Beyond rainbow flags, Maines welcome is year-round hand-stitched into its scenic hikes, chic restaurants, and thriving LGBTQ-owned businesses. With support from inclusive creators and strategic partnerships including the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, travel influencer Brian Pu Ruiz, and viral travel couple Gabi and Shanna Meit-Sciarra of 27 Travels Maine invites you on an escapade, with something rare: a place thats both a getaway and a coming home. Gabi and Shanna Meit-SciarraPhoto Courtesy of Maine Office of TourismMaybe the greatest luxury for OutTravelers sometimes isnt five stars or champagne brunch (although theyre arguably just equally as important). Maybe its ease. Safety. A kind of quiet joy in Maine that says: Youre seen. Youre safe. You are home. YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Start planning your Maine journey any time of year at VisitMaine.com!