How to Visit Monhegan Island in Maine: Trails, Food, and Travel Tips

One of the most memorable adventures along the Maine coast is visiting Monhegan Island in Maine. Located about ten miles offshore, this small island feels completely removed from the mainland. The landscape is rugged and dramatic, with rocky cliffs, quiet woods, and sweeping ocean views.

Monhegan Island in Maine has long been a place where artists, writers, and nature lovers come to slow down and recharge. With no cars and no paved roads, it offers a peaceful and unplugged experience that is hard to find elsewhere.

The island is just one square mile and home to fewer than 65 year-round residents, which adds to its charm and simplicity.

Guide to Visiting Monhegan Island in Maine

How to get to Monhegan Island in Maine

There are three main ferry options for visiting Monhegan Island in Maine:

• Boothbay Harbor
  Ferry: Balmy Days II
  Duration: 1.5 hours each way
  Round trip cost: Adult $46, Child $13
• Port Clyde
  Ferry: Monhegan Boat Line
  Duration: 1 hour each way
  Round trip cost: Adult $42, Child $28, Pets $7
• New Harbor
  Ferry: Hardy Boat Cruises
  Duration: 50 minutes
  Round trip cost: Adult $50, Child $50, Pets $20

We departed from Boothbay Harbor, leaving at 9:30 AM and returning at 4:15 PM. While that sounds like a full day, the ferry ride takes up a large portion of your time, leaving just under four hours to explore Monhegan Island in Maine.

Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. Even on warm summer days, it can be windy and chilly on the water, so layers are important.

If you are prone to motion sickness, it is best to prepare ahead of time. Bonine, Dramamine, Sea Bands, or ginger chews can all help. Taking medication the night before and the morning of your trip can make a big difference.

Keep your eyes on the water during the ride. It is not uncommon to spot Minke whales or harbor porpoises on the way to Monhegan Island in Maine.

As you disembark the ferry, there is a small general store called the Barnacle where you can get water, snacks and ready made sandwiches.

What to do on Monhegan Island in Maine

There are plenty of things to do on Monhegan Island in Maine, but the real highlight is simply being outside and exploring.

Top things to do include:

• Visit the Monhegan Museum of Art & History
• Climb up to the Monhegan Lighthouse
• Stop by the Monhegan Brewing Company
• Browse local art galleries like the Lupine Gallery
• Look for fairy houses along Cathedral Woods Trail
• See the shipwreck at Lobster Cove
• Search for sea glass at Fish Beach
• Take a dip at Swim Beach
• Take a hike!

Hiking Monhegan Island in Maine

Hiking is the best way to experience Monhegan Island in Maine. There are 17 miles of trails that take you through forests, along cliffs, and to some of the most scenic viewpoints in the state.

When you arrive, you can purchase a trail map for $1. This is highly recommended, especially if you are visiting for the day and need to keep track of time.

The Monhegan Associates recommends these hikes for day trippers:

Whitehead (Trail 7): A moderate hike with a steady climb that rewards you with incredible views of the headlands. Take the Main Road past the Library and the school, bear right at the fork up Lighthouse Hill road. Continue past the Lighthouse and Museum buildings, across the ball field, into the woods. This hike is about a 30 minute steady walk from the wharf.

Burnthead (Trail 4): An easier trail once you reach it, with sweeping meadow views and a dramatic coastal overlook. This hike is about a 45 minute steady walk from the wharf.

Lobster Cove: A shorter walk leading to a rocky shoreline where you can see the remains of a shipwreck. This hike is about a 30 minute steady walk from the wharf.

Click here to download a trail map

If you are visiting Monhegan Island in Maine with kids, a great route is Cathedral Woods Trail combined with part of the Cliff Trail and ending at Whitehead Trail. This loop offers a mix of forest, views, and a stop at the lighthouse.

The Cliff Trail is steep but unforgettable. It was easily the highlight for our kids. We were able to do it with a comfortable time to get back to the ferry and have lunch.

Where to eat on Monhegan Island in Maine

Dining options are limited but charming on Monhegan Island in Maine.

• The Barnacle– Located right at the wharf, perfect for quick sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
• The Novelty– Casual spot for pizza, sandwiches, salads, and ice cream.
• Monhegan Brewing Company– A great stop for lunch with a food truck on site.
• The Fish House– Relaxed waterfront dining for lunch or dinner.
• The Island Inn– Offers breakfast and dinner with beautiful harbor views.

Where to stay on Monhegan Island

If you decide to stay overnight, there are a few great options:

• The Island Inn– A historic hotel with stunning views and on-site dining.
• Monhegan House– Located in the center of the village with comfortable rooms.
• Trailing Yew– A classic New England inn popular with artists and travelers.

Staying overnight allows you to explore more of Monhegan Island in Maine at a relaxed pace and enjoy the quiet once the day-trippers leave.

What to pack for Monhegan Island in Maine

Be prepared for a full day outdoors. Pack the following:

• Layers for changing weather
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Sunglasses
• Water and snacks
• Cash
• Hand sanitizer
• Binoculars
• Motion sickness remedies
• Trail map
• Plastic grocery bag for trash

A small backpack or cooler with a picnic lunch is ideal, especially for a day trip.

Important tips for visiting Monhegan Island in Maine

Monhegan Island in Maine is a pack-in, pack-out destination. You must carry out everything you bring, including trash. You may want to bring a small plastic grocery bag to hold trash.

Public restrooms are limited. The only ones are behind the Monhegan House and require a small fee. It is a good idea to use the restroom on the ferry before arriving.

There are no cars, no bikes, and no drones allowed on the island.

If you bring a dog, be sure to clean up after them.

Final thoughts on Monhegan Island in Maine

Visiting Monhegan Island in Maine feels like stepping into another world. The cliffs, ocean views, and quiet trails create an unforgettable experience that is very different from the rest of coastal Maine.

Whether you are going for a day trip or staying overnight, Monhegan Island in Maine is a special place that is well worth the effort to get there.

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