Late October is the peak of the fall foliage season in the Midcoast, where the Maine Lobster Festival takes place each year. The landscape explodes with vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow as the leaves of deciduous trees change. This annual Foliage Report shows exactly where to catch the stunning view.

 While people love to witness this transformation of autumn, the peace and tranquility that comes with a foliage drive can’t be understated. The crisp, cool air and the serenity of the natural surroundings combined with the vivid colors and picturesque landscapes offer fantastic opportunities for photographers, artists and anyone who just wants to look out their car window and be transported.

 Driving up through the coast in the fall is a spectacular experience. It coincides not only with agricultural harvest season (for farms and orchards), but it’s also a great time to eat lobster. The catch is usually at its peak during this time, so you are more likely to find a wide selection of lobster sizes and options. For another, the increased supply of lobsters in October can often lead to lower prices compared to the summer months. Finally (though this is not a scientific fact), lobster enthusiasts believe that lobsters caught in colder water have a sweeter and more succulent taste.

 Assuming you’d start in Portland (or work backward on this trail if coming the opposite direction), combine a gorgeous autumn road trip to the Midcoast with top-rated lobster establishments all along the water’s edge.

Portland

  • Portland Lobster Company 
    You’ll find seafood classics and all of the lobster you can eat at the counter of this seasonal waterside lobster shack.

  • Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier 
    Luke is one of Maine’s biggest lobster entrepreneurs with restaurants all over the country. Located directly on the working waterfront, they’re situated right beside their lobster-buying station.

Woolwich

  • Taste of Maine 
    You can’t miss the giant iconic lobster sitting on top of the roof as you head up the coast. Lobster, seafood and steaks are served inside and on the sundeck.

Bath

  • J.R. Maxwell & Co.
    Celebrating 44 years of food, family and friends in downtown Bath, this restaurant serves the finest lobster, seafood and steaks. For brunch, try the lobster melt!

Wiscasset

  • Water Street Kitchen & Bar
    Midcoast Maine’s newest culinary destination, you can look out the window to Wiscasset waterfront, which serves up Maine lobster pasta and roasted Maine lobster, among other delicious entrees.

Rockland

  • North Beacon Oyster
    Oysters and lobster — what a decadent combination! This innovative restaurant always has something fresh and interesting with lobsters.  

Camden

  • The Waterfront
    Just like the name says, you’ll be sitting at the ocean’s edge. Enjoy their steamed or lazy lobster. You can also add cooked chilled lobster meat to any salad!

Note: At the time of this writing, all restaurants were open through October, but it’s best to call ahead if driving a long distance.

The Maine Lobster Festival (July 31- Aug. 4, 2024) will be free again next year! Visit our website for more details:  https://mainelobsterfestival.com/