Auburn, Maine Weekend Escapes: 10 Short Scenic Road Trips

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10 Easy Road Trips From Auburn, Maine: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Androscoggin County

If you’re based in Auburn, Maine and itching to explore a little farther than your own backyard, you’re in luck. Within an hour or two by car, you can hit beaches, mountains, cute harbor towns, and classic Maine lighthouses—without needing a week off work. All of the ideas below are outside Androscoggin County, but close enough for simple day trips or relaxed weekend getaways. Think of these as your go‑to list for things to do near Auburn, Maine when you want a quick change of scenery. We’ll hop around nearby counties:
  • Cumberland County
  • Franklin County
  • Kennebec County
  • Oxford County
  • Sagadahoc County

1. Portland’s Old Port & Working Waterfront (Cumberland County)

If you only have time for one road trip from Auburn, make it Portland. It’s about a 45–50 minute drive south and feels like a mini-vacation the second you hit the cobblestone streets. Walk around the Old Port, and you’ll find:
  • Brick warehouses turned into shops, bars, and galleries
  • Working fishing boats and ferries along Commercial Street
  • Plenty of places for lobster rolls, chowder, and craft beer
I still remember the first time I parked near the waterfront and just followed the smell of the ocean and fried seafood. I ended up sitting on a bench with a hot cup of chowder, watching the fog slowly roll in over the harbor. Nothing fancy—just pure coastal Maine. A few easy ideas:
  • Stroll Fore Street & Exchange Street for shopping and people-watching.
  • Grab a lobster roll at a waterfront shack and eat it on the pier.
  • Take a short harbor cruise or ferry ride if the weather’s nice.
Portland is a great all‑season choice, and it’s one of the top day trips from Auburn, Maine for food lovers.

2. Portland Head Light & Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth (Cumberland County)

Just outside Portland, in Cape Elizabeth, you’ll find one of the most famous lighthouses in the country: Portland Head Light. It’s about an hour from Auburn, and it’s worth every mile. Everything here feels straight off a postcard:
  • Dramatic rocky cliffs
  • Waves crashing below the lighthouse
  • Old fort ruins and grassy lawns for picnics
Fort Williams Park is free to enter (you may pay for parking depending on where you park), and you can easily spend a few hours:
  • Walking the cliffside paths
  • Snapping photos of the lighthouse from different angles
  • Grabbing a snack at one of the seasonal food trucks
If you like simple, low‑stress outings, this is perfect. Bring a light jacket—even in summer, the wind coming off the water can feel chilly.

3. Beach Day at Popham Beach State Park (Sagadahoc County)

Want sand, surf, and wide‑open space? Head about 1 hour and 15 minutes southeast from Auburn to Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg. This is one of Maine’s most impressive beaches:
  • Long, wide sandy shoreline (not just rocks)
  • Views of offshore islands and a distant lighthouse
  • Shifting sandbars you can walk along at low tide
One fun thing to do here is walk out toward Fox Island at low tide. Just keep an eye on the water level and head back before the tide comes in. It rises faster than you expect. Pack:
  • Beach chairs or a blanket
  • A cooler with drinks and snacks
  • A hoodie or sweatshirt—the breeze can cool off quickly
If you’re wondering where to go to the beach near Auburn, Maine, Popham is one of the best answers.

4. Shopping & Seafood in Freeport (Cumberland County)

About 40–45 minutes from Auburn, Freeport is ideal when you want a mix of shopping, simple walking, and good food. You’ve probably heard of it as the home of:
  • L.L.Bean’s flagship store (open 24/7 most of the year)
  • Outlet shops along U.S. Route 1
Even if you’re not a huge shopper, the town has a cozy feel:
  • Stroll around the village center
  • Check out the giant L.L.Bean boot for a fun photo
  • Grab a bowl of chowder or a plate of fried clams
If you want a small dose of nature, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is nearby, with easy wooded trails and views of the water. This makes for one of the easiest short road trips from Auburn, Maine—you can go after breakfast and be home before dinner if you’d like.

5. Farm Stands & Fields in the Belgrade Lakes Region (Kennebec County)

Head about an hour north toward the Belgrade Lakes region in Kennebec County, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a relaxed summer postcard—no ocean, just peaceful lakes and rolling hills. This area is great if you like:
  • Quiet roads and small towns
  • Farm stands with fresh corn, berries, and pies in season
  • Lake views and simple hikes
Ideas for a slow, easy day:
  • Drive around the chain of lakes and stop at scenic pull‑offs.
  • Rent a kayak or canoe for a couple of hours.
  • Pack sandwiches and enjoy a simple picnic by the water.
This kind of road trip is less about checking off big attractions and more about letting yourself slow down. If you’ve been glued to a screen all week, this is a nice reset.

6. History & River Views in Augusta (Kennebec County)

Maine’s capital city, Augusta, is only about 40–45 minutes from Auburn and makes an easy half‑day escape. A few things to explore:
  • Maine State House – Walk the grounds and admire the architecture.
  • Kennebec River Rail Trail – A paved path for walking or biking along the river.
  • Old Fort Western – A National Historic Landmark (seasonal hours, so check ahead).
One simple plan:
  • Park downtown
  • Take a stroll along the riverfront
  • Grab lunch at a local cafĂ©
This trip is a good choice if you like mixing a little history and light exercise without a lot of planning.

7. Mountain Vibes in Rangeley (Franklin County)

If you’re up for a slightly longer drive—around 2 hours northwest from Auburn—the Rangeley area in Franklin County feels like classic northern Maine. Think:
  • Big lake views
  • Mountain backdrops
  • Moose crossing signs along the road
A few popular stops:
  • Height of Land – A scenic overlook with sweeping views of lakes and hills.
  • Downtown Rangeley – Small shops, restaurants, and that relaxed “camp town” vibe.
  • Lakeside pull‑offs – Perfect for quick photos and quiet breaks.
If you’re wondering, “Is it too far for a day?”—it depends on your style. Many people do Rangeley as a full‑day road trip from central Maine: drive up in the morning, explore, have an early dinner, and head back in the evening.

8. Bethel & Sunday River Area (Oxford County)

About 1 hour and 15 minutes northwest of Auburn, the Bethel and Sunday River area offers outdoor fun year‑round. In winter:
  • Hit the slopes at Sunday River for skiing and snowboarding.
  • Warm up in town with hot chocolate or a hearty meal.
In summer and fall:
  • Hike easy trails with views of the Mahoosuc Mountains.
  • Take a scenic chairlift ride (when available).
  • Drive back roads to see some of Maine’s best fall foliage.
Bethel itself is a charming little town with old New England homes, a village green, and a relaxed pace. It’s a solid pick if you’re looking for outdoor things to do near Auburn, Maine that still feel accessible.

9. Bridgton & The Lakes Region (Oxford & Cumberland Counties)

If you like a mix of small‑town charm and water views, head about an hour southwest to Bridgton and the surrounding Lakes Region. You’ll find:
  • Access to lakes like Long Lake and Highland Lake
  • Boat rentals and swimming spots in summer
  • Cozy restaurants and a walkable downtown
Ideas for a simple day:
  • Pick a lake and spend a few hours swimming or paddling.
  • Explore downtown shops and grab an ice cream cone.
  • Take a sunset drive along the lakeshore roads.
This area doesn’t scream “touristy” in the way some bigger spots do. It feels more like normal Maine life—only with better views.

10. Bath’s Historic Downtown & Waterfront (Sagadahoc County)

About an hour southeast of Auburn, Bath sits on the Kennebec River and has a rich shipbuilding history. What to do there:
  • Walk downtown streets lined with 19th‑century brick buildings.
  • Check out the waterfront and watch boats on the river.
  • Browse local shops and grab coffee or lunch.
If you’re into maritime history, the city’s shipbuilding heritage is all around you. Even if you’re not a history buff, Bath makes a relaxing, low‑key day trip with a distinct “old coastal town” feel.

Tips for Planning Your Auburn, Maine Road Trips

To keep your trips fun and stress‑free, a little planning goes a long way:
  • Check driving times before you go so you’re not rushed.
  • Bring layers – Maine weather can flip quickly, especially near the water.
  • Pack snacks and water, even for short drives.
  • Look up seasonal hours for parks, museums, and attractions.
If you’re trying to choose just one or two trips:
  • For ocean views and lighthouses: Cape Elizabeth & Popham Beach
  • For shopping and food: Portland & Freeport
  • For lakes and mountains: Rangeley, Bethel, Bridgton
  • For history and easy walking: Augusta & Bath

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Auburn?

Now it’s your turn. Have you taken any of these short road trips from Auburn, Maine? Did I miss a hidden gem in Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, or Sagadahoc County?
  • Comment below with your favorite spots, tips, or must‑try restaurants.
  • If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends and family who are always asking, “What’s there to do near Auburn?”
The best road trip ideas often come from locals and fellow travelers, so don’t be shy—your suggestion might become someone else’s new favorite day out.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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