Overview
Bristol, Maine is a small port city where the movie Message in a Bottle was shot.
3 sights · 3 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bristol
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse is a symbol of Maine. It was selected as the design for the Maine State quarter, which came out in June 2003. It was built in 1825 over a dangerous section of the Maine coast. When visiting the lighthouse,…
Pemaquid Beach
This is a prime place to be during the heat of the summer. While the coast of Bristol is mostly rocky, there is a small, smooth entrance into the water here at Pemaquid Beach. Although the air can get hot during the summ…
Hannah Boat Landing
Historic park where the annual Bristol Day's are held. Spend a day at a park on the ocean. Boat races and local vendors join the fun for Bristol Days.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Nov. (climate data from nearby Acadia National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RKD Knox County Regional Airport, Rockland — 22 mi away. Directions
- AUG Augusta State Airport, Augusta — 29 mi away. Directions
- PWM Portland International Jetport, Portland — 45 mi away (major hub). Directions
Bristol is on Pemaquid Peninsula, about 60 miles north of Portland.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Pemaquid Beach
- Lunch Reiley's Market
- Afternoon Hannah Boat Landing
- Dinner The Cupboard
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Bristol is on Pemaquid Peninsula, about 60 miles north of Portland.
By car
Coming from the south, most would find themselves taking the Massachusetts Pike to I-95 North. Follow I-95 to Exit 52 and follow I-295 North. From there, take Exit 28 for US-1 north. In Newcastle take the exit for US-1-BR. Make a right at Bristol Rd/ME-130. Bristol Road is the heart of Bristol.
By plane
Place Bangor International Airport (BGR)
Get around
Cars and bikes are the best way to get around. In Bristol you will not have any problems parking. However, on hot beach days, parking will fill up at the local beach, Pemaquid Beach. A bike is an enjoyable and safe way to travel. Even Bristol Road is a calm road to bike. However, there are some challenging hills where you may need to walk with your bike.
See
See Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse is a symbol of Maine. It was selected as the design for the Maine State quarter, which came out in June 2003. It was built in 1825 over a dangerous section of the Maine coast. When visiting the lighthouse, not only can you explore inside the lighthouse and see the panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, but you can also visit the lighthouse keeper's home, now a museum. Located close to the lighthouse is a gift shop and a small restaurant.
See Pemaquid Beach
This is a prime place to be during the heat of the summer. While the coast of Bristol is mostly rocky, there is a small, smooth entrance into the water here at Pemaquid Beach. Although the air can get hot during the summer, the water temperature is usually between 55 and 65 degrees. Be prepared to conquer some cold water! Besides that, is a great family spot with a snack bar, picnic area, and beach shop. Admission is $2.00 per person. Also, if visiting at the right time, you may catch fireworks on the beach!
See Hannah Boat Landing
Historic park where the annual Bristol Day's are held. Spend a day at a park on the ocean. Boat races and local vendors join the fun for Bristol Days.
Do
Hike the trails of local preserves owned by the local land trust, Pemaquid Watershed Association.
Eat
Eat Reiley's Market
A quaint grocery store in the heart of town. Enjoy fresh baked bread, lobster, and rotisserie chicken.
Eat The Cupboard
A small bakery/sandwich shop offering a variety of freshly prepared foods and coffee. The carrot cake is to die for.
Eat Anchor Inn Restaurant
Depending on where you're staying it may be somewhat of a hike, but the crab cakes are excellent. It's a nicer restaurant overlooking water.
Drink
This is not a drinking hot spot. If you do not want to diverge far from Bristol, you should come prepared with alcoholic beverages.
Sleep
Go next
Local towns include Damariscotta, Boothbay Harbor, and Camden. 40 miles away is Freeport, home of the first L.L.Bean. Portland is 40 minutes away, and Acadia National Park is about 3 hours away.
Nearby
New Harbor
City / town · 2 listings · 6 mi away
Edgecomb
City / town · 3 listings · 6 mi away
Wiscasset
City / town · 5 listings · 8 mi away
Boothbay Harbor
City / town · 19 listings · 9 mi away
Whitefield
City / town · 1 listings · 16 mi away
Bath
City / town · 13 listings · 16 mi away
Richmond
City / town · 17 mi away
Jefferson
City / town · 8 listings · 17 mi away
My experience
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