Lubec, Maine
Easternmost town in the US. Home to West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, the bridge to Campobello Island, and quiet Downeast charm.
Lubec is remote, and that is exactly the point. This is where the continent runs out and the Atlantic takes over. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, with its red and white stripes, marks the easternmost point in the contiguous United States. Across the FDR Memorial Bridge lies Campobello Island, New Brunswick, where Franklin Roosevelt's summer cottage is now an international park. The town itself is small, quiet, and honest, with a handful of good restaurants, a microbrewery, and some of the most spectacular tidal scenery on the East Coast.
Come for the lighthouse, stay for the silence. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse gets most of the attention, and it deserves it. But what keeps people coming back to Lubec is the quiet. This is a town where you can hear the tide change.
Walk the Coastal Trail at Quoddy Head. The 2-mile trail along the cliff edge in Quoddy Head State Park passes through twisted spruce forest and opens to views of the Bay of Fundy and Grand Manan Island. It is one of the most dramatic short walks in Maine.
Cross to Campobello. Bring your passport and walk across the FDR Memorial Bridge to Campobello Island. Roosevelt Campobello International Park is free, and the 34-room summer cottage where FDR spent his youth is fascinating. Allow two to three hours.
Time your visit to the tides. The Bay of Fundy tidal range here exceeds 20 feet. Visit the shore at both high and low tide to see the dramatic transformation. Low tide exposes vast mudflats, tidal pools, and marine life.
Plan for fog. Lubec is one of the foggiest places in Maine. The fog is part of the atmosphere, but pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of the forecast. Sunny mornings can turn to thick fog by noon.
West Quoddy Head is where the first sunrise hits the contiguous United States. The park gates open before dawn in summer. Arrive early with coffee and a warm layer for an unforgettable experience. Check sunrise times locally and give yourself 15 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the best viewpoint.
Lubec Brewing Company is a genuine surprise. The organic beers are excellent, and the food menu goes well beyond pub fare with locally sourced dishes. It is a welcome addition to a town where dining options were once very limited.
Beyond the Lighthouse
The Bold Coast Trail in Cutler, about 30 minutes south of Lubec, is one of the most spectacular coastal hikes on the entire East Coast. The full 10-mile out-and-back follows rugged cliffs above the open Atlantic with almost no human development in sight. Budget a full day and bring water.
Cobscook Bay State Park is 20 minutes north and offers excellent camping, tidal pool exploring, and birdwatching. The tidal fluctuations here are among the most extreme in the eastern United States, and the park’s trails wind along the bay shore through spruce and birch forest.
For birders, the Down East Spring Birding Festival on Memorial Day weekend is a major event, with guided hikes, boat tours, and presentations focused on the remarkable diversity of migratory and breeding species in the region.
How remote is Lubec?
Lubec is 5 hours from Portland, nearly 3 hours from Bangor, and 2 hours from Bar Harbor. The nearest grocery store of any size is in Machias, 30 minutes west. Cell service is spotty outside town. This is genuinely remote Maine, and that is its appeal.
Is there enough to do in Lubec for a weekend?
Yes. Between West Quoddy Head, Quoddy Head State Park, Campobello Island, Cobscook Bay, the Bold Coast Trail, and the town's restaurants and brewery, you can easily fill two to three days. Bring a book for the evenings.
Can I see whales from Lubec?
Whale sightings are possible from shore, particularly from Quoddy Head State Park when right whales and finback whales pass through the Bay of Fundy. For a better chance, boat tours from nearby Eastport or Cutler get you closer to the action.
What about puffins?
Machias Seal Island, accessible by boat from Cutler (30 minutes south of Lubec), is the most reliable puffin viewing site on the US East Coast. Trips run late May through August. Book well in advance as permits are limited.
Spring
March-May. Spring Birding Festival on Memorial Day weekend. Cold early on but warms up. Wildflowers along the coast.
Summer
June-August. Best weather, longest days, all attractions open. Fog is common but adds atmosphere. Cool evenings.
Fall
September-October. Early foliage, fewer visitors. Some businesses close by mid-October. Dramatic coastal light.
Winter
November-February. Very quiet. Most businesses closed. For those who love solitude and wild winter coastline.
Things to Do
Quoddy Head State Park
Trails along dramatic coastal cliffs with views of Grand Manan Island and the Bay of Fundy. The Coastal Trail passes through stands of stunted spruce and along the edge of the continent.
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
The iconic candy-striped lighthouse marking the easternmost point of the contiguous United States. Built in 1858, it is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
FDR's 34-room summer cottage on Campobello Island, New Brunswick. Cross the international bridge from Lubec. Free admission. Bring your passport.
Bold Coast Trail
A rugged 10-mile out-and-back hike along cliffs south of Lubec in Cutler. One of the most spectacular coastal hikes on the entire East Coast.
Birding
Lubec sits on a major Atlantic flyway. The Down East Spring Birding Festival draws birders from around the country for guided hikes, boat tours, and presentations.
Cobscook Bay State Park
Tidal pools, nature trails, and some of the most dramatic tidal fluctuations on the East Coast. Excellent birdwatching and quiet camping.
Bay of Fundy Tides
The Lubec area experiences some of the highest tidal ranges on the planet. At low tide, vast mudflats are exposed revealing marine life and creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in Maine.
Where to Eat & Drink
Water Street Tavern
American / PubRestored 1800s building with comfortable pub atmosphere. Seafood, steaks, and craft drinks. Dinner Thursday through Saturday, reservations recommended.
Cohills Inn
AmericanDining room facing the Bay of Fundy and Campobello Island. Locally sourced, seasonal menu that rotates daily. Traditional American fare with international influences.
Lubec Brewing Company
Brewery / RestaurantMicrobrewery and taproom with organic beers and a restaurant serving locally sourced vegan, fish, and meat dishes.
Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant
SeafoodWaterfront seafood restaurant with fresh lobster, fish, and classic Maine shore dinners.
Breakwater Cafe
CafeCasual spot for breakfast and lunch with coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. A good morning stop before heading to the lighthouse.
Where to Stay
B&Bs & Inns
(4)Water Street Tavern and Inn
InnRestored 1800s building with comfortable rooms above one of Lubec's best restaurants. Walk to everything in town.
The Inn on the Wharf
InnWaterfront lodging with suites and apartments on a historic wharf. Harbor views and convenient to restaurants and shops.
Cohills Inn
InnRooms with views of the Bay of Fundy and Campobello Island. On-site restaurant with a daily rotating menu.
Home Port Inn B&B
B&BComfortable bed and breakfast with waterfront views and included breakfast. Warm hospitality in a quiet setting.
Campgrounds
(1)Cobscook Bay State Park Campground
CampgroundWooded campsites on Cobscook Bay with some of the most dramatic tidal scenery of any campground in Maine.
Shopping & Services
Lubec Market
Farmers MarketThe easternmost market in the United States. Local produce, baked goods, aged cheeses, handmade soaps, art, knit goods, and fused glass. Saturdays in summer, first Saturday monthly in winter.
Monica's Chocolates
ChocolatierHandmade chocolates and confections in downtown Lubec. A surprising find in a small Downeast town.
Northern Tides Gallery
Art GalleryLocal art, photography, and crafts reflecting the Downeast landscape and maritime culture.
Events & Festivals
Down East Spring Birding Festival
Four days of guided hikes, boat tours, and presentations celebrating spring migration and the breeding season along the Downeast coast.
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Celebration
Tours, food vendors, art in the park, live music, and raffles at the easternmost lighthouse in the United States.
Bay of Fundy International Marathon
Annual marathon drawing runners from over 30 countries along one of the most scenic marathon routes in North America.
Campobello Fogfest
Free four-day music, art, and culture festival on neighboring Campobello Island, New Brunswick. Accessible by bridge from Lubec.
SummerKeys Concerts
Free faculty concerts at the Congregational Church during the SummerKeys music workshop season.
When to Visit Lubec
Spring
Mar - May
28-55F
Birding season peaks. Spring Birding Festival on Memorial Day weekend. Cold but warming. Wildflowers emerge on coastal trails.
Summer
Jun - Aug
48-72F
Best weather for visiting. Long days, cool ocean breezes, and fog that adds atmosphere. Lighthouse and park are fully open.
Fall
Sep - Nov
30-62F
Foliage arrives early. Fewer visitors. Some businesses close by mid-October. Dramatic fall light on the coast.
Winter
Dec - Feb
10-30F
Very quiet. Most businesses closed. Hardy visitors can enjoy solitude, winter light, and the empty coastline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Lubec. Can't find your answer? Contact us.