Maine Summer Activities to Help You Cool Down

The balmy months of summer in Maine are a wonderful time of year for locals and visitors alike, but there are certainly a few days of the season that can get a little uncomfortably hot. For these days, it’s good to have in mind some local Maine summer activities that are not only enjoyable but cool you down at the same time! Keep reading for our favorite places to beat the heat this summer in Maine!

1. Beaches

Maine’s beaches are renowned, and for very good reason! They are pristine slices of heaven, and if the Atlantic Ocean is anything, it’s chilly. Perfect for a quick dip or a few laps on a hot sunny day! There are so many great beaches to choose from, especially in the Portland area, with some of the best ones including the following:

Old Orchard Beach – Old Orchard, ME
Crescent Beach – Cape Elizabeth, ME
Scarborough Beach – Scarborough, ME
Higgins Beach – Scarborough, ME
Pine Point Beach – Scarborough, ME
Popham Beach – Phippsburg, ME

If you plan on spending a day at one of these beaches, be sure to get there on the early side to get a good spot – they can fill up fast with other beachgoers!

2. Lakes

There are seemingly endless clear, sparkling lakes throughout Maine, all of which make for the best swimming around and an afternoon or weekend full of fun. As a matter of fact, there are more than 6,000 freshwater lakes across the state! Jumping into a crystalline lake is, in our opinion, one of the best Maine summer activities there is! Some suggestions to get you started include:

Rangeley Lake – Rangeley, ME
Flagstaff Lake – Stratton, ME
Sebago Lake – Casco, ME
Webb Lake – Weld, ME
Lower Range Pond – Poland, ME
Echo Lake – Mount Desert, ME
Moosehead Lake – Greenville, ME

3. Local Museums

Sometimes, you just need a day of air conditioning and local culture! There are many incredible museums in Maine, ranging from historical societies to art museums, which means there is something for every interest. Our favorites in the Portland area include:

Maine Historical Society – This museum offers a rich history of the stories and traditions of Maine’s communities. It highlights the preserved heritage of Maine people and is an interesting, eye-opening experience. It’s also one of the oldest historical societies in the U.S!

Portland Museum of Art – The PMA has a substantial collection of art that some may be surprised to find in Maine. Works from famous creators like Monet are housed alongside lesser-known (yet no less remarkable) pieces from local Maine artists, with everything in between.

Southward Planetarium at USM – Let your inner kid shine at the University of Southern Maine’s Southward Planetarium! Take your seat in the massive star dome and experience the wonders of the world, from seas to galaxies.

International Cryptozoology Museum – This wacky museum holds a vast collection of mysterious, one-of-a-kind zoological specimens that have not been verified by science but are fueled by folk traditions, sightings and culture. Not only does it make for a fun event, but it’s also the world’s only cryptozoology museum!

4. Coastal Islands

Maine’s coast is dotted with hundreds of beautiful islands just waiting to be explored! Islands are always several degrees cooler than the mainland, so you are sure to find some respite from the heat as you soak in all the fun and beauty of Maine’s islands.

Mackworth Island – Falmouth, ME
Peaks Island – Portland, ME
Chebeague Island – Portland, ME
Great Diamond Island – Portland, ME
Monhegan Island – Monhegan, ME
Mount Desert Island – Bar Harbor, ME

All islands are very easily accessible, either by car or by ferry! Schedules and fares may vary. For Portland’s Casco Bay Lines, click here. For the Monhegan Boat Line, click here.

5. Oxford Casino

On the next sweltering Maine day, try your luck at Oxford Casino! Open 24/7, this relatively new casino in Oxford, Maine is sure to get your heart pumping with excitement. From table games to state-of-the-art video machines and penny, nickel and quarter slots, the options are plentiful and the energy is a lot of fun!

Cumberland Crossing by OceanView

Cumberland Crossing by OceanView is an active retirement community located just minutes from the coastal city of Portland, Maine. Our two spacious, energy-efficient, and customizable home floor plans are truly retirement for the 21st century. Enjoy your retirement years without the stress of homeownership! Instead, let us take care of all the maintenance so you can simply spend your time doing what you love, like beating the heat with these fun Maine summer activities!

To learn more about our community at Cumberland Crossing, please contact us today.