Lewiston, Maine: 10 Short Road Trips for Easy Weekend Escapes

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10 Easy Road Trips From Lewiston, Maine: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Androscoggin County

If you live in or around Lewiston, Maine, you probably know there’s plenty to do in town. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, drive for an hour or less, and explore somewhere new. The good news? Lewiston is surrounded by amazing places in Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Sagadahoc counties. From ocean views to mountain lakes, you can find a whole new world of day trips without driving all day. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips with fun things to do near Lewiston, Maine. All are in neighboring counties—so yes, everything here is outside Androscoggin County.

1. Portland Head Light & Fort Williams Park (Cape Elizabeth – Cumberland County)

Looking for that classic Maine postcard view? Head about an hour south to Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. This is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country, and once you’re there, you’ll see why. Towering cliffs, crashing waves, and a bright white lighthouse—it’s the Maine coast in one view.
  • Walk the paved paths along the rocky shoreline
  • Explore the old fort ruins at Fort Williams Park
  • Spread out a blanket for a picnic with an ocean view
  • Grab a lobster roll from one of the food trucks in the park (seasonal)
On a clear day, the breeze off the water feels so good you’ll forget you left Lewiston less than an hour ago.

2. Old Port Waterfront & Working Harbor (Portland – Cumberland County)

Already in the area or want more to do by the water? Spend a few hours in Portland’s Old Port, just across the bridge from Cape Elizabeth. This part of Portland is all about cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and views of a real working harbor. Fishing boats, ferries, and sailboats all share the same waterfront. Things to try:
  • Stroll Commercial Street and browse local shops
  • Walk down to the piers and watch the lobster boats come in
  • Grab chowder, lobster rolls, or fresh seafood at a harborside restaurant
  • Book a short harbor cruise or lighthouse tour in warmer months
If you enjoy people-watching, this is a great spot. You’ll see locals on lunch break, tourists snapping photos, and fishermen just going about their day.

3. Freeport & L.L.Bean’s Flagship Store (Freeport – Cumberland County)

Want a quick shopping and outdoor combo? Head to Freeport, about 30–35 minutes from Lewiston. Freeport is best known for the L.L.Bean flagship store, open 24 hours a day. If you’re into hiking, camping, fishing, or just cozy flannel, this is a fun place to wander. In and around L.L.Bean you can:
  • Try on outdoor gear and test out backpacks, boots, and more
  • Pose by the giant L.L.Bean boot out front
  • Walk around the Freeport Village area for outlet deals
  • Check out seasonal events and demonstrations at L.L.Bean’s campus
A lot of folks from Lewiston run down just to walk around here on a rainy afternoon. It feels like a mini trip without a long drive.

4. Popham Beach State Park (Phippsburg – Sagadahoc County)

If you’re craving real sandy beach time, head to Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg, in Sagadahoc County. It’s one of Maine’s best sandy beaches and still within an easy drive from Lewiston (around an hour, give or take). This is where you get those classic long-walk-on-the-beach moments.
  • Walk along the wide, flat beach at low tide
  • Let the kids play in the sand and shallow surf (always watch the tides and currents)
  • Check out the nearby historic Fort Popham (just outside the park)
  • Bring a cooler and make it a full beach day
Tip: Tides really matter here. At low tide, the beach feels huge. At high tide, there’s a lot less sand. It’s worth checking tide times before you go.

5. Quaint Downtown Bath & the Working Shipyard (Bath – Sagadahoc County)

If you like small coastal towns with real history, point your car toward Bath, the “City of Ships,” in Sagadahoc County. Bath’s downtown is compact and walkable, and the bridge views over the Kennebec River are beautiful. Things to do in Bath:
  • Wander the brick-lined downtown streets and peek into local shops
  • Walk down to the waterfront park for river views
  • Watch tugboats and working vessels on the Kennebec River
  • Enjoy lunch at a local café or pub
There’s something special about seeing a modern shipyard right next to a historic downtown. It feels like Maine’s past and present meeting in one place.

6. Augusta’s Riverfront & Historic Downtown (Augusta – Kennebec County)

Want something low-key and close to home? Augusta, the state capital in Kennebec County, is an easy drive from Lewiston. You can pair a walk, some history, and a meal all in one short visit. Ideas for your Augusta road trip:
  • Stroll along the Kennebec River waterfront walkways
  • Explore the historic downtown streets and older brick buildings
  • Visit local coffee shops and grab a bite at a small downtown restaurant
  • Drive around the capital area to see the State House exterior
If you don’t want to spend your whole day in the car, Augusta is a comfortable, close option that still feels like a change of scenery from Lewiston.

7. Belgrade Lakes Region (Belgrade – Kennebec County)

If you prefer freshwater over the ocean, head to the Belgrade Lakes region in Kennebec County. Here, it’s all about quiet roads, pine trees, and sparkling lakes. On a summer day, it feels like a classic camp postcard come to life. On a Belgrade Lakes road trip, you can:
  • Find a public boat launch or small beach and dip your toes in
  • Rent a kayak or canoe from a local outfitter (seasonal)
  • Grab ice cream in the village and sit by the water
  • Take a slow drive along the lakes and enjoy the views
This is the kind of place where time slows down. If your week has been hectic in Lewiston, a few hours by the lake can really reset your mood.

8. Rangeley Lakes & Scenic Overlooks (Rangeley – Franklin County)

Ready to trade city streets for mountain views? Head up to Rangeley in Franklin County. It’s a longer drive than some others on this list, but still a reasonable day trip if you leave in the morning. Along the way, you’ll pass through classic Maine small towns, forests, and rolling hills. Once you get to Rangeley, the big draw is the scenery. Highlights in the Rangeley Lakes area:
  • Drive up to a scenic overlook (like Height of Land) for sweeping lake and mountain views
  • Walk along the shore of Rangeley Lake at one of the public areas
  • Look for moose along certain stretches of road, especially early or late in the day (drive carefully!)
  • Enjoy a slow meal at a local diner or lakeside spot
If you’re used to the steady rhythm of Lewiston, Rangeley’s wide-open views can feel like a whole different world.

9. Bethel Village & Sunday River Area (Bethel – Oxford County)

If you’re craving mountain air without going too far north, try Bethel in Oxford County. Bethel is a classic New England village surrounded by hills and ski country. Even if you’re not skiing, there’s plenty to enjoy in all seasons. Things to do around Bethel and Sunday River:
  • Stroll through Bethel’s small downtown with its shops and cafés
  • Take a scenic drive toward the Sunday River area
  • Enjoy foliage views in the fall—this area really lights up with color
  • In winter, watch the action at the base of the ski resort, even if you’re not on the slopes
Bethel makes a great “change of pace” day trip when you just want new views and fresh mountain air.

10. Bridgeton, Naples & the Lakes of Western Maine (Oxford County)

Western Maine’s lake country is an easy and rewarding trip from Lewiston, especially in summer and fall. Towns like Bridgton and Naples offer that perfect mix of small-town charm and lake access. On a day trip through this region, you might:
  • Walk around Bridgton’s Main Street and poke into local shops
  • Stop at a public boat launch and hang out by the water
  • Head to Naples’ causeway area and watch the boats pass by
  • Grab ice cream or fried seafood and eat by the lake
If you love sunset light on the water, plan to end your day here before heading back to Lewiston.

Tips for Planning Your Lewiston, Maine Road Trips

To make these short road trips from Lewiston smoother and more fun, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check driving times: Most of these are within about 30–75 minutes, but traffic and back roads can change that.
  • Watch the seasons: Beach trips shine in summer, foliage drives in fall, and cozy downtown walks in winter.
  • Pack basics: Water, snacks, a light jacket (Maine weather changes fast), and maybe a simple picnic kit.
  • Have a backup plan: If the beach is too crowded or the weather turns, nearby towns often offer shops or cafés to duck into.
Sometimes the best adventures are the simple ones—a tank of gas, a friend or two, and a loose plan.

Where Will You Go Next?

Lewiston is in a great spot for exploring coastal Maine, lake regions, and mountain towns without long drives. Whether you choose lighthouses in Cumberland County, sandy beaches in Sagadahoc, lakes in Kennebec, or mountains in Franklin and Oxford, you can build a full day of memories and still sleep in your own bed that night. Have you tried any of these Lewiston, Maine road trips? Do you have a favorite stop I should add next time? Share this post with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” Then drop your favorite out-of-county day trip in the comments—your idea might inspire someone’s next adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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