This Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Town in Maine Is so Worth Exploring

We have so many charming and idyllic small towns in Maine that are a delight to visit. Some of them fall under the radar and don’t get as much love as they deserve. One tiny town that should certainly be seen and experienced is Bath in Maine. So many people just pass through it on their way along the coast, but it’s well worth exploring in its own right. Let’s take a closer look at what awaits you in Bath.

Named after its British counterpart, Bath was settled mainly by people from Bath in England. It was incorporated in 1781 and has quite a bit of history, once being a haven for shipbuilding as well as ice and coal exports. These days, it’s a beautiful town with many historic buildings still standing. It’s filled with parks and nature preserves as well as quaint little shops and very tasty restaurants. In fact, the whole area that is considered to be Bath looks big on the map, but the vast majority of that area is nature areas and the actual town area is quite small.

The most prominent attraction in town is the Maine Maritime Museum. It has a 20-acre waterfront campus and contains America’s last remaining historic wooden shipyard. There are permanent and temporary exhibits, all of which are certainly worth seeing.

Stop for a scrumptious meal at J.R. Maxwell & Co. on Front Street. It’s in a historic building that was built in 1840 and was once an elegant hotel, and it was the tallest building in town! Now you can get lobster rolls, crab rolls, steaks, and so much more on a menu that’s full of options.

You may as well make a weekend of exploring this lovely little town and stay at the Inn at Bath. It was once a Greek Revival house that was constructed in the 1840s, and it feels like a step back in time, but with all the modern amenities you'll need to feel right at home. Come stay in a beautiful part of history.

It’s very much worth your while to take a leisurely drive in the Bath Historic District and see houses that have stood for well over 100 years. It won’t take long, as it only covers about half of a square mile.

Before you go, walk off your lunch in the gorgeous Library Park. Tell your friends about this beautiful little town and urge them to explore it, because most people either drive through or only see the Maine Maritime Museum, and there is so much more to love here.

Have you ever taken the time to explore Bath in Maine? What was your favorite thing about this lovely town? Please share your experiences and favorite places with us in the comments. Pack some snacks and hit the road to see some more hidden gems in Maine on this road trip that you’ll adore.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.