Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Freeport Maine: Stays, Eats, Activities, and Festivals
Nestled into Maine’s MidCoast, Freeport is a charming town famous for its New England character, outlet shopping, and outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy historic landmarks, fresh lobster dinners, and scenic state parks. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing coastal escape or a family-friendly getaway—Freeport is the perfect coastal vacation destination.
In this blog post, I share everything you need to know about visiting Freeport, Maine in the Fall—travel tips, what to pack, where to stay, must-do activities, where to eat, fun festivals, and more!
History of Freeport Maine
Freeport may be well-known today for outlet shopping and L.L.Bean’s flagship store—but the streets are filled with history. Incorporated in 1789, this coastal town once thrived on shipbuilding, fishing, and ice harvesting along Casco Bay. The arrival of the railroad in the 1800s boosted trade and transformed Freeport into a bustling hub. In 1912, Leon Leonwood Bean opened his iconic store, which set the stage for Freeport’s retail boom.
Travel tips for visiting Freeport Maine
Best time to visit
September is great for avoiding crowds. Peak foliage and the Freeport Fall Festival happen in late September/early October.
Getting around
I would recommend having your own car for transportation in Freeport—as public transportation, such as the Amtrak and the Metro BREEZ will only bring you to downtown Freeport.
What to pack
Comfortable shoes for hiking and walking around downtown, a rain jacket, bug spray, a hat or sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, lightweight shirts, a sweater or fleece, and a swimsuit.
Getting to Freeport Maine
From I-95
Take Exit 52 to merge onto I-295 North toward Falmouth/Freeport/Brunswick. Continue on I-295 North for about 16 miles. Depending on your destination, take either Exit 20, 22, or 24 (read below for more information).
From I- 295
There are three exit options for getting to Freeport from I-295. Exit 20 will bring you to South Freeport Village and the Desert of Maine. Exit 22 will bring you to the southern end of downtown Freeport— home to Mast Landing, Maine Beer Company, various hotels, and Wilbur’s of Maine. Exit 24 will bring you to the North end of downtown Freeport where all the shopping outlets and a majority of the restaurants are located, including the infamous L.L Bean flagship store.
Where to stay in Freeport Maine
Inns + B&Bs
A charming, family-owned hotel known for its classic New England style and warm hospitality. It offers elegant rooms, two on-site restaurants, and a convenient location just steps from Freeport’s shops and outdoor attractions.
Built in 1888, the Brewster House is a Victorian-style bed and breakfast known for its elegant rooms and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy gourmet multi-course breakfasts, personalized service, and a convenient location near Freeport’s shops and coastal attractions.
Hotels
Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown
Modern, pet-friendly hotel in the heart of downtown with comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
Campgrounds
A family-friendly campground that offers picnic tables, fire rings, showers, a community kitchen, a playground, and access to multi-use recreational trails.
Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Camping
A waterfront campground with cabins, cottages, A-frames, tent sites, camper sites, a campground store, kayak and bike rentals, and a cafe.
Short Term Rentals
A quick search on Air B and B and VRBO will yield several short-term rental options in the Freeport area. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, try searching for short-term rentals located in Pownal, Durham, and New Gloucester.
Things to do in Freeport Maine
Shopping
Downtown Freeport is known for its beautiful brick-lined sidewalks and retailers that offer a mix of outlet stores, home goods, locally-made goods, jewelry stores, food stores, etc. The most popular shopping destination in downtown Freeport is the L.L Bean flagship store—home to iconic products such as the boat and tote and the L.L Bean Boot.
Hikes + Trails
This Maine State Park offers pet-friendly hiking trails that wind through beautiful forest and rocky coastline. The park is also home to a day use area complete with picnic tables, brand new bathrooms, a grassy field, and a covered picnic shelter.
This Maine State Park offers camping, multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking, a playground, and a picnic area.
This quiet preserve offers hikers a peaceful walk through wooded forest with views of Casco Bay.
Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary
Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary is home to 145 acres of protected habitat for birds and animals and three miles of walking trails that guide visitors through orchards, fields, tidal marsh, and forests.
Unique Experiences
L.L Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs
Local retailer L.L Bean offers a wide variety of outdoor-based trips, workshops, and classes located all around the state of Maine.
A unique, family-friendly destination home to sand dunes, a snack bar, a mini golf course, a gemstone village, and a family-friendly campground.
Small batch chocolate and confections made in Maine. Shop their large selection of gifts, candy, fudge, and apparel or take a tour to learn about how some of their most well-known chocolate products are made.
A 600-acre coastal, family-friendly farm that prides itself on sustainability, research, and providing education to the public. Visitors can enjoy the multi-use trails, meet the farm animals, shop at the farm store, and enjoy a meal at the farm cafe.
Where to eat and drink in Freeport Maine
Breakfast
Isabella’s Cafe & Bakery: a local spot that offers sit-down breakfast or pastries and coffee to-go
Met Coffee House: a artsy spot with fantastic bagels and breakfast sandwiches
Lunch
Lily’s Food Cart: a small food cart located behind Ben & Jerry’s that offers delicious dumplings, noodles, and other Asian dishes
Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company: a waterfront restaurant that serves fresh lobster, fried seafood, and yummy desserts
Dinner
Nighthawk’s Kitchen: this low-key kitchen serves up delicious sandwiches and burgers
Maine Beer Company: an iconic Maine brewery that serves killer wood-fired pizza in a modern atmosphere
Li’s Place: Freeport’s best take-out Chinese restaurant
Dessert
Ben & Jerry’s: delicious, Vermont-made ice cream
The Bakeshop: homemade pies, cookies, bars, and brownies, and more!
Events in Freeport Maine
L.L Bean Summer in the Park (all summer long)
This summer event series features concerts, food truck events, exercise classes, family movie nights, and more!
Makers on Main (May-September)
The first Saturday of the month, makers, artists, and food trucks flock to Main Street in Freeport to showcase their goods for visitors and locals.
Flavors of Freeport (mid-February)
Freeport’s signature event showcasing chefs and food producers in the greater Freeport area. Enjoy delicious samples from some of Maine’s best chefs, sample local brews and beverages, and learn about what’s new in Freeport’s culinary world. Join us for frosty beverages, fun photo opps, roaring fires and music to get you moving!
The Maine Oyster Festival (late June)
The Maine Oyster Festival is a free festival that celebrates and showcases the best oysters offered by farmers located off the coast of Maine. This festival is full of oyster shucking, live music, kids activities, food trucks, and local artisans.
Freeport Fall Festival (first weekend in October)
The Freeport Fall Festival is a free, three-day festival that celebrates all things Fall by bringing local artisans, food trucks, kids activities, crafts, and live music to downtown Freeport during peak foliage.
Sparkle Celebration (early December)
One of Maine’s most popular holidays celebrations—the Freeport Sparkle Celebration features a parade of lights, pictures with Santa, camp fires, holiday music, food trucks, and a beautiful tree lighting.
Leave no trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. Think of it like being a good guest—keep things clean, respect the wildlife, take only memories and leave behind only footprints. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild Maine we love.
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With love,
My Maine
