A 'Loop-In' Maine Road Trip: For Lupines, Lobster & a Lighthouse View

Hannah Truman
Jun 23
3 min read

A Scenic Summer Road Trip to See Maine Lupines in Full Bloom

This Maine-centric road trip was all about chasing one thing: lupines. These tall, vibrant wildflowers blanket the fields and coastlines of Midcoast Maine each June. Add in a lobster shack lunch and a lighthouse view? You’ve got a perfect Maine day!

Why Should You Do This Road Trip?

If you're craving coastal views, wildflower fields, and the best kind of roadside eats, this drive gives you a little bit of everything. It’s peaceful, it’s photogenic, and it's the kind of low-key Maine adventure that feeds your soul—and your stomach.

This route is ideal for photographers, flower chasers, seafood lovers, and anyone who wants to soak up the charm of Maine’s slower roads and small towns.

Why Are Lupines So Special?

Lupines are the unofficial symbol of early summer in Maine. With their tall spires of purple, pink, and white blossoms, they grow wild along roadsides, meadows, and coastal overlooks. Their bloom marks the arrival of warm weather and long days.

If you asked me to picture the most iconic Maine scene, it wouldn’t be complete without lupines. I’d imagine a sailboat on the water, a lighthouse on the horizon, and a hillside bursting with these wild blooms.

When Do Lupines Bloom?

Lupines typically bloom in mid to late June, peaking around the summer solstice. Their season is short but spectacular, so if you want to catch them in their prime, plan your road trip accordingly.

The Road Trip

Stop 1: Hay Conversatvation and Recreation Area, Bremen, ME

Our first stop was Hay Conservation and Recreation Area in Bremen, and honestly—this place set the bar high. It’s a quiet nature preserve with wide open fields, a peaceful walking path, and one of the densest displays of lupines I’ve seen.

What makes this spot extra special? The lupines grow on a small hill with a view of the ocean, so you’re surrounded by color with a salty breeze in the air. You can wander through the walking trail that cuts directly through the lupine fields.

Stop 2: Lupine Field, Bristol, ME

Northern Point Rd, Round Pond, ME

Next, we followed the scenic Bremen Road to a tucked away lupine field on Northern Point Road in the village of Round Pond, just about 7 miles and a 12-minute drive from the last lupine stop.

This spot felt like a true hidden gem.

With only a couple of parking spots and no crowds, it offered a quiet, peaceful setting. A small sign labeled “Lupine Field” marked the area, noting its preservation by the Medomak Valley Land Trust and the Round Pond Village Improvement Society.

While the lupines here weren’t quite as dense, the charm of the spot is all in the view: a gentle hillside dotted with blooms overlooking the bay, with sailboats drifting in the distance. It’s calm, photogenic, and well worth the stop. Across the water, we could already spot our next destination: lunch!

Stop 3: Muscongus Bay Lobster, Round Pond, ME

After soaking up the lupines, we were more than ready for lunch and Muscongus Bay Lobster absolutely hit the spot. This quintessential Maine lobster shack sits right on the harbor, with picnic tables overlooking the water and boats bobbing nearby.

The lobster roll was solid, but the real standout? The lobster chowder. Rich, creamy, and packed with generous chunks of lobster, it was pure comfort in a bowl. Served alongside a hefty slice of cornbread, it felt unexpectedly indulgent for such a casual spot. Don’t skip it!

Stop 4: Pemaquid Lighthouse, Bristol, ME

Our final stop brought us to the iconic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, a true symbol of Maine’s rugged coastline. Perched on dramatic rocky cliffs, the lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and crashing waves below. It’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and soak in the salty sea air.

Unlike many other Maine lighthouses, this one offers a small museum, the opportunity to climb the lighthouse tower, art galleries, a restaurant, and a gift shop, making it more tourist-friendly than most. Note: there is a small fee to visit.

Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just craving that quintessential Maine lighthouse moment, Pemaquid Point wraps up the road trip perfectly.

Optional Stop 5:

If you are looking for more, check out Pemaquid Beach, which is not too far from the lighthouse.

Thanks for reading!

- The Maine Chick