How to Plan the Perfect Weekend in Belfast, Maine (Complete Itinerary)

If you are headed to Maine for the weekend, I can personally recommend Belfast, Maine for a wonderfully peaceful and relaxing weekend getaway. I lived in Belfast for a while, so I know it pretty well. And while it’s definitely a sleepy little town in winter, it comes alive in the warmer months. It’s a vibrant little town with plenty of hustle and bustle, and offers lots of scenic views and incredibly good food.

In this article, I’ll give you a complete itinerary for where to stay, what to see, and the best places to eat for a perfect weekend in Belfast, Maine.

And if you need even more than this, I highly recommend my Belfast Maine Travel Guide that I sell on Etsy.

Why Visit Belfast, Maine?

Belfast, Maine is one of those places where you go for a romantic getaway, a relaxing solo trip, or a family-friendly experience. It’s a gentle yet slightly funky town that has a personality all it’s own. As much as I’ve traveled, even around the state of Maine, nothing is quite like Belfast.

The small-town charm, waterfront views, the local art scene and incredible food are all reasons to visit this fabulous little town.

The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

This Belfast Maine itinerary is a great starting point if you are wanting to enjoy some time there. While this is certainly not an all-inclusive list, it’s a good place to start with planning your trip and things to do in Belfast, Maine.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Town

• Morning
  • Check-in at your hotel (I recommend hotels over Airbnb in this area)
  • Enjoy breakfast at a local favorite like Chase’s Daily (in downtown) or at Bell The Cat (just outside of downtown).
• Afternoon
  • Walk along the Belfast Harbor Walk and visit the Armistice Footbridge.
  • Stop by the Belfast Co-op for snacks or lunch. If you get a chance, make sure to stop in at the Daily Soup just across the street from the Co-op. Their soups are to die for. Just don’t forget to request a slice of their delicious sourdough bread to go with it.
• Evening
  • Dinner at one of Belfast’s best restaurants. I highly recommend Delvino’s Grill & Pasta House. Their food is unmatched. But if you prefer something a little more exotic for dinner, head down the hill a bit to Laan Xang. It’s a Thai place that has truly incredible food and a beautiful deck patio to eat on with views of the ocean.
  • Option: Sunset stroll by the water. If you are downtown anyway, head al the way down to the water and turn left. You’ll find a big gravel parking lot. Going to the left will take you to the Belfast Harbor Walk bridge. Going right will take you through a beautiful stroll along the water, harbor, and park where many summer events take place. And the end is a small, pebbly beach (when the tide isn’t in). There are even grownup-sized swings along the way.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures & Local Culture

• Morning:
  • Start your day with breakfast at a popular cafe like Tracy’s diner. It’s true diner food for those who like a heavier breakfast.
  • Take a tour by kayak. It’s a great way to see the area from the water.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore art galleries or check out unique shops on Main Street.
  • Lunch at a waterfront spot. If you’re in the mood for pub-style food, I can highly recommend the Front Street Pub which is down at the water by that gravel parking lot I mentioned earlier. Their combo baskets with fries and breaded shrimp (popcorn style) are my favorite. My kiddo loved the fries and chicken strip combo.
• Evening:
  • Visit a local brewery to sample some local brews. Marshal Wharf is a local favorite hangout. It can get a little busy in summer, but it’s well worth the effort to get in. Their flatbread pizzas are incredible for dinner.
  • Want dessert afterwards? Just a short walk around the corner will get you to Wild Cow Creamery. They have a vast selection of flavors and none of them are ever a bad choice.

Day 3: Farewell Breakfast & Final Adventure

• Morning:
  • Breakfast at Bell The Cat.
  • Optional: Visit the local farmers’ market if it’s open. They have an indoor and outdoor market. The indoor market is well worth a visit. They have a large variety of things to sell.
• Before You Leave:
  • If you have the time, I highly recommend driving out highway 3 to see St. George Lake. This lake has breathtaking views, particularly in the autumn months.

Day Trip From Belfast, Maine

If you want something not too far from Belfast, I recommend driving all the way out highway 3 to Augusta, Maine. Stop at The Red Barn and have a bowl of their seafood chowder. It is unmatched if you are a seafood lover. And for those who don’t care for seafood, try their burgers. After that, a drive out to Bangor will take about an hour where you can stop by Stephan King’s house for Instagramable photos.

Where to Stay in Belfast, Maine

Belfast, Maine lodging runs the gamut in price ranges. While I have a couple suggestions here, don’t be shy about checking out other places. My only recommendation is to avoid Airbnbs in the area. Stick to hotels and the like. They do a much better job of keeping things clean.

• Fireside Inn & Suites
• The Yankee Clipper – They have two buildings. One that is down by the waterfront and one that is on the other side of the highway. If you have a preference, be sure to mention it when you reserve a room.

Best Places to Eat in Belfast, Maine

Belfast Maine restaurants are am eclectic mix. From diners to upper class restaurants, there is a lot of food to try. An to add to the selection, you can drive up highway 1 for about 10 minutes and find yourself with an entirely new set of restaurants to try heading towards Searsport.

The best restaurants in Belfast Maine are the ones I mentioned above. But if you want more options, head towards Searsport. Along highway 1 you’ll find lots of restaurants as well as in the town of Searsport which is not a far drive from Belfast. (It’s the next town over across the bridge).

Side note: Along the way, there are lots of little shops you can stop at from gifts stores to book stores. And in the town of Searsport is a wonderful little chocolate shop right at the front of town on the right. They even offer tea parties in their themed shop. It’s definitely worth the short drive to check it out.

For more information on Belfast, Maine, don’t forget to check out my Belfast, Maine travel guide!

Things to Do in Belfast, Maine

Highlight must-see attractions like:

• Belfast Harbor Walk (SEO term)
• Belfast City Park
• Local art galleries
• Waterfront activities (kayaking, sailing, etc.)
• Belfast Summer Nights – Take a picnic dinner!

Tips for a Smooth Weekend Trip

Travel tips specific to Belfast:

• Summer will have the most activities going on in town.
• Fall is the most beautiful time of year to visit. A nice cruise down highway 3 when the leaves are changing is an incredible experience.
• Take comfortable walking shoes. While it’s fine to dress up for a night out, Belfast is best navigated in your runners.
• Transportation is sparse to non-existent in Belfast. So if you plan to explore beyond the downtown area, you’ll want a car.
• Complaints from the locals typically include tourists who don’t clean up their trash and drivers who don’t understand that driving through town is a SLOW experience when things get crowded. The pace of this town is slow, and your driving should match that. Just take a deep breath and relax behind the wheel.

Ready To Visit Belfast?

Not so fast! Don’t go without my guide! It comes with planning pages so you can plan your entire trip with ease.

FAQ Section

• Q: What is the best time of year to visit Belfast, Maine?
  A: Without a doubt, the absolute best time to visit Belfast, Maine is in Autumn. In fact, that’s pretty much the best time to visit any part of Maine. After that, most people seem to really enjoy summer there. I personally don’t care for summer, so I can’t relate. But people love it!
• Q: Can you visit Belfast, Maine without a car?
  A: The downtown area is very walkable and doesn’t require a car. However, getting there does, as does seeing or getting to the outskirts of town. So it all depends on you plans and your mode of transportation for getting there.
• Q: How many days do you need to see Belfast, Maine?
  A: A 2-day weekend is a nice a mount of time to spend in Belfast. That said, a longer stay will allow you to experience more things. To be safe, a three day weekend is perfect. Can you spend more time there without getting bored? That depends on what you like to do. If you love the slower pace of life, then yes. You’ll enjoy a longer stay. But if you need a faster pace of life, you may want to consider Portland instead.

Afterthoughts

A few days in Belfast, Maine will be a relaxing experience. There are spas where you can get massages and manicures, and art galleries to stroll through. The waterfront is an epic stroll with lots of opportunities for photos. It’s a quirky and romantic town that’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, and families alike.

My guide can help you navigate planning your trip. It has insider tips and suggestions that will help your trip go smoothly.

Don’t let your Belfast weekend be a guessing game. Grab the Belfast Travel Guide for can’t-miss spots, local secrets, and everything you need for the ultimate adventure in Belfast, Maine.