How to Visit Vinalhaven Maine in the Summer
Discover the Best of Vinalhaven, Maine with this summer guide!
Embark on a scenic hour-long ferry ride from Rockland, Maine, and be transported to the most idyllic, charming, and picturesque island – Vinalhaven! It’s an Island straight out of a dream, with its lobster boats, quaint coves, friendly locals, relaxing kayak rides, delicious seafood, and much more.
I had the opportunity to explore Vinalhaven with my family and boyfriend on a long weekend trip at the end of July. None of us had any prior knowledge of this island, but we stumbled upon it while browsing the map of Maine’s coast and Airbnb rentals, and we decided to give it a go!
Our weekend gateway exceeded our expectations in every possible way. We spent our days hiking, sunbathing, kayaking, exploring the island, and enjoying each other’s company.
There’s a distinct charm to Vinalhaven that will captivate you instantly, and I highly recommend visiting this hidden gem. If you are looking for a place to escape to this summer, this is where you want to go- Here is everything you need to know before planning your trip to Vinalhaven!
How to Visit Vinalhaven Maine in the Summer
Vinalhaven accommodations
From my personal experience, I would strongly advise considering an Airbnb or VRBO rental over a hotel stay while on Vinalhaven Island.
There are tons of exceptional and secluded rental properties all over the island that offer full beach access and an incredibly relaxing atmosphere.
However, if hotels are more your style, I would suggest The Tidewater. Situated downtown, right on the water, this charming and immaculate inn provides bike and kayak rentals, as well as boat rides, for their guests to enjoy.
During our visit to Vinalhaven Island, we visited as a group of five people, and we chose to rent a small cabin with an additional separate small building through Airbnb. Without a doubt, this was the perfect accommodation for us!
Located in the most stunning cove, approximately 15 minutes away from downtown Vinalhaven, we were mesmerized by the beauty of this property. Although the road leading to the cabin was a bit rough, it added to the overall experience.
All of us fell in love with this place, which could easily have been a complete vacation in and of itself. We spent most of our time on the water in our cozy cove, roasting marshmallows by the campfire at night while listening to music. The outdoor shower was a treat, allowing us to relax while enjoying breathtaking views of the water. We even enjoyed meals at the picnic table that looked out to the stunning cove. It was the perfect location to spend some quality time with loved ones. I would definitely recommend this Airbnb to anyone visiting Vinalhaven.
Getting to Vinalhaven
There are two options to get to Vinalhaven by ferry or on your own boat!
For those with a personal boat, sailing to Vinalhaven is an excellent choice. The island is surrounded by numerous serene and peaceful coves, making it a perfect place to anchor and stay.
The ferry is the other option, this is how we got to the Island.
The ferry to Vinalhaven
When traveling to Vinalhaven Island, take the ferry from Rockland. The ferry terminal is located at 517A Main St, Rockland, ME 04841.
You can choose to board the ferry with just your bags, or take your vehicle over to the island. However, unless you have a friend on Vinalhaven with a car to borrow, I recommend bringing your own vehicle over.
The ferry operates daily and runs throughout the day, covering a distance of 13 miles and taking just over an hour.
When it comes to taking the ferry with a car, there are two options: make a reservation or take your chances and hope for a short line. Keep in mind that there are only a limited number of reservation spots available. Therefore, it’s best to book your spot as soon as you plan your trip to secure your reservation!
Suppose you plan to bring any kayaks, paddleboards, or other similar equipment. In that case, be sure to let them know when reserving your spot!
Regardless of whether you make a reservation or take your chances, arrive in line half an hour early, fully prepared to go. If you decide to take your chances, aim to arrive an hour or so earlier to secure your place in line. If you happen to miss your ferry, you can take the next one.
The ferry ride itself is smooth and comfortable, with indoor, outdoor, and in-car seating options. As you approach Vinalhaven and begin to see the island on the horizon, the excitement builds.
Arrive on Vinalhaven!
As soon as you step off the ferry, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. The fresh air, the peaceful atmosphere, and the stunning scenery will take your breath away.
Take some time to drive around and explore the island. The small downtown area is just a couple of minutes away from where the ferry docks.
Where to get the necessities on Vinalhaven
When you’re heading over to Vinalhaven, don’t worry about packing all your food and drinks. There are plenty of places on the island where you can stock up on everything you need.
There’s a fantastic grocery store, as well as a beer and wine store, where you can pick up all the essentials. You’ll also find plenty of fresh produce from local farms, so you can enjoy delicious and healthy meals during your stay.
Here are some of the places on Vinalhaven where you can get all the necessities:
Carvers Harbor Market
The grocery store on the Island is Carvers Harbor Market located downton Vinalhaven.
Everything we needed for food, beer, and liquor we found at this grocery store.
Stop in when you arrive to stock up for your stay!
Island Spirits
Another store located in downtown Vinalhaven.
Here you can find a huge variety of craft beers and wine.
A great store stock up on your favorites at for your stay.
Creelam Farm Store
One of my favorite stores to get food at on Vinalhaven, located downtown. Creelam Farm Store is a must-visit! They have an amazing selection of fresh produce, a unique variety of cheeses, delicious granola mixes, and much more.
If you want to prepare some meals while on the island, this store is a great place to stock up on all the essentials. Don’t miss it!
Zach’s Shack
Located at: 12 Old Harbor Rd, Vinalhaven, ME, United States, Maine.
This quaint little shack on the side of the road is a gem! You can find all sorts of toys, games, and trinkets here.
But what really caught our attention was the firewood for sale. It was the only place on the Island we could find that sold firewood. So if you’re in need of some firewood during your stay, be sure to check out Zach’s Shack!
Get lobsters at the gas station
This is the spot for fresh, delicious lobsters!
As you arrive on the Island and drive into town from the ferry, you’ll spot this place on your right. It’s a great option for buying lobsters to take back to your Airbnb and cook up for dinner.
And the best part? The prices here are unbeatable!
Things to do on Vinalhaven
Vinalhaven is a place where you can do as much or as little as you want! Here are some of my favorite activities to do while on the Island:
Brown’s Head Light
One of my favorite spots on Vinalhaven is Browns’ Head Light! It’s a must-see during your visit to the island. Getting there is easy – just enter “Brown’s Head Light” in your phone’s GPS and it’ll take you right to it.
The lighthouse and the surrounding area are incredibly picturesque, making it the perfect spot to relax and watch boats go by. The peacefulness of the location will make you feel like you’re in a completely different world.
Kayak, canoe or SUP around Vinalhaven
While visiting Vinalhaven, one of the must-do activities is getting out on the water! You can choose to bring your own canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with you, check if your Airbnb has one you can use, or rent one from The Tidewater.
The coves around the island are the best places to paddle around due to their calm and enjoyable environment. You can find places all over Vinalhaven to launch your vessel, or even launch directly from your Airbnb if it has access to the water.
We had a great time paddling together in the sunshine, sipping on cold beers, and taking in the stunning scenery around us.
Hike Vinalhaven
Vinalhaven has a variety of hiking trails that you can explore during your visit. One of my personal favorites is Tiptoe Mountain, which offers a relatively easy hike with scenic views.
The trail is not too difficult, so you can easily complete it in flip flops or other comfortable footwear. While the hike may be short, the beautiful views and fresh air make it well worth the trip
Fish Vinalhaven
Fishing is a great activity to do on Vinalhaven, so make sure to bring your fishing pole with you!
My boyfriend and I had a lot of fun casting out our lines in the evenings while getting dinner ready. He even caught a few mackerel!
Roberts Harbor Farm
Visiting the Roberts Harbor Farm was one of the highlights of my trip to Vinalhaven!
We went on a Saturday morning just as they opened and were greeted by live music, friendly locals, and stunning views of the water. The farm is home to beautiful gardens and an array of fresh produce, including locally grown vegetables, fresh flowers, and homemade dressings. It was an amazing experience to explore the farm and take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying the delicious food.
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience on the island, be sure to visit the Roberts Harbor Farm!
Shop on Vinalhaven
Downtown Vinalhaven has a few shops to explore, ranging from jewelry to toys to clothes and books. However, there is one shop that stood out to me – Marston House!
Marston House is an antique store that sells stunning handpicked antiques from France. It is my all-time favorite antique store, and I have been to many! The owners, Sharon and Paul, spend their winters in France curating unique and beautiful antiques to bring back to Vinalhaven to sell during the summers.
The shop is a must-visit, not just for the amazing antiques, but also for the owners. Sharon is lovely and has lived an incredible life. My mom and I spent a while in the store talking with her and learning about her experiences. She is so interesting to talk to and has some incredible stories to share. Don’t miss out on this gem of a store!
Beach day on Vinalhaven
If you’re looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach experience, Vinalhaven has some great options!
State Beach is a great spot, and it’s easy to find – just enter State Beach Road into your GPS and follow the road until you arrive. Once you’re there, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil atmosphere, complete with walking trails and a beautiful beach.
The water can be a bit chilly, but it’s the perfect temperature for a refreshing dip. And if you’re lucky, you might even have your own private beach if you rent an Airbnb on the island! But if you don’t, State Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking to unwind and soak up the natural beauty of Vinalhaven.
Lawson’s Quarry
One of the most popular spots for swimming on Vinalhaven is the Quarry. It’s a local hangout spot and a must-visit during your trip to the island.
The Quarry offers warm, clear water and plenty of space to find your own little slice of paradise. We saw kids jumping off the cliffs, families relaxing on the rocks while eating lunch, and many people enjoying the water.
The Quarry is conveniently located only a little over a mile from the ferry. Just enter N Haven Rd, Vinalhaven, ME 04863 into your GPS and you’ll be there in no time. Make sure to add this to your Vinalhaven itinerary!
The Vinalhaven Flea Market
Visit the Vinalhaven Flea Market, a lively weekly event that takes place on Saturdays during the warmer months from 8AM to noon. The market is a hub for locals to gather and sell their crafts, antiques, baked goods, and more! It’s a great opportunity to take a leisurely stroll around and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Located just outside of downtown, you can find the flea market by driving past town towards the church. The market takes place in an open field near the church. Be sure to stop by the tent with the amazing scones and other baked goods. It’s definitely worth checking out!
Photograph Vinalhaven
Vinalhaven is an absolutely stunning destination, perfect for photography enthusiasts!
If you’re planning a trip to the island, make sure to bring your cameras. I brought my DSLR, two film cameras, and my instax polaroid camera and captured some incredible shots.
Some of my favorite areas to photograph on the Island:
- Brown’s Head Light
- Roberts Harbor Farm
- Photos of the water from the SUP
- Charming things around downtown
- The ferry ride
Places to eat on Vinalhaven
Vinalhaven has a good amount of options for eating out!
Just make sure to check the hours ahead of time because these restaurants operate on Island time. If they don’t feel like opening one day, they simply won’t.
We tried out a lot of the restaurants on the Island during our time there, these were our favorites:
dot & millies
My go-to spot to grab a delicious meal on Vinalhaven is dot & millie’s!
It’s located downtown and fills up quickly, so it’s always a good idea to make a reservation in advance.
Three of us decided to go on a Friday evening and we were lucky enough to snag a table before the rush. The menu is amazing – we ordered the grilled margherita pizza and it was absolutely fantastic! We couldn’t stop raving about how tasty it was.
Overall, I highly recommend checking out dot & millie’s if you’re in the mood for a great meal on the island.
The Sand Bar
After arriving on the Island and exploring a bit, we stopped by the Sand Bar for a nice lunch and a refreshing drink.
This place is definitely a popular hangout spot for the local fishermen and has a great atmosphere that we really enjoyed.
The menu at the Sand Bar is quite extensive, and we all found something we liked.
If you’re looking for a spot to eat in downtown Vinalhaven, definitely check out the Sand Bar.
Greet’s Eats
If you’re looking for a classic and authentic meal on Vinalhaven, be sure to stop by the food truck that has been run by the same family for over 50 years!
Located in a dirt parking lot right by where the ferry drops off and picks up, this food truck is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
While the wait can be a bit long, the delicious food and scenic views make it well worth it. Grab a seat at one of the picnic tables and enjoy your meal with a waterfront view.
The Pizza Pit
The Island’s pizza place! Great atmosphere and delicious pizza.
Sonya & Bernice (it’s a dinner)
Sonya & Bernice are two sister restaurants you can find downtown that make the most amazing foods.
You can smell how fresh and delicious everything is as you walk by. They change their menus everyday! The menus are written in the windows for customers to see. It’s a really cool concept.
SKAL
The Island’s Scandinavian speakeasy!
You can find SKAL in downtown Vinalhaven out behind Carvers Market (the grocery store).
They offer delicious small plates, great drinks and awesome live music.
Check out their website before your trip and buy tickets for one of their events on a Friday or Saturday night. It’s a pretty small place so tickets do sell out fast.
If you like a fun and lively place to hangout at night you want to try and go here during your time on the Island!
Vinalhaven Candy Co
A candy and ice cream shop in downtown Vinalhaven!
Stop in for some ice cream and a bag of candy at least once while on the Island.
Make a fresh Vinalhaven lobster dinner
Grabbing some fresh lobsters from the gas station in town is a must-do when on Vinalhaven. They’re so delicious that it’s worth it to bring them back to your Airbnb to cook for dinner!
To make your meal complete, stop by Carvers Market for some tasty side dishes and a few bottles of wine. But, before you buy the lobsters, make sure that your Airbnb has everything you need to cook and enjoy them.
Best time of the year & for how long to visit Vinalhaven Island
Summer is the perfect time to visit Vinalhaven! June, July, and August offer the most beautiful weather for exploring the island’s many outdoor activities.
To make the most of your trip, I recommend staying on the island for at least the weekend. If you can swing it, consider extending your stay to a long weekend or even a week!
With so much to see and do, you’ll appreciate having more time to relax and explore. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to soak up the island’s natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
The Island locals
The locals of Vinalhaven are one of a kind! During our stay on the Island, we would often run into the same people over and over again, which really highlighted the tight-knit community on the Island.
It was really interesting to see how involved and active the locals are. For instance, we saw some of them playing live music at the farm in the morning, then later on we would recognize them driving their antique car around the Island or enjoying a meal at a restaurant. It was so cool to see everyone coming together and enjoying the Island’s offerings.
Know before you go to Vinalhaven
Vinalhaven operates on “Island Time” for sure. It’s important to note that stores typically close early, so don’t count on them being open late.
You may find that restaurants unexpectedly close earlier than their online hours indicate, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm their hours before heading out.
To avoid any inconvenience, it’s always a good idea to have some groceries stocked up at your Airbnb or hotel.
Leaving Vinalhaven
When it’s time to leave Vinalhaven, make sure to arrive at the ferry early and get in line. While you only need to be in line a half hour before departure, it’s better to play it safe and arrive an hour early to secure your spot.
The ferry ride back to Rockland is just as smooth and enjoyable as the ride to Vinalhaven. When you arrive back in Rockland, simply drive off the ferry and head back home.
Why you should visit Vinalhaven
You’ll undoubtedly be captivated by the Island’s charm.
There’s something about Vinalhaven that’s hard to put into words, but once you visit, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
From the friendly locals to the quaint farms, picturesque coves, and delectable lobster, this Island has it all.
I only wish I had discovered it earlier in life. I plan on returning for years to come and cannot recommend Vinalhaven, Maine enough.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and serene atmosphere, surrounded by the outdoors, the ocean, and a small-town community, then Vinalhaven should be on your list of places to visit.
I can’t wait to return and explore even more of what this unique island has to offer.
Thank you for reading my guide!! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below! ๐
And don’t forget to check out my Vinalhaven Summertime Packing List!
sierra
Hello there! It's wonderful to have you here. I'm Sierra, a NH native with a love for travel and adventure. I have a constant desire to explore beautiful places around the world and go on awesome adventures! I seek to inspire others to travel to see all the beauty and culture the world has to offer! ๐โฐ๏ธ๐ผ๐ซถ๐ผ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ธ๐ฅพ๐
4 Comments
Kelly Francois
Vinalhaven, Maine sounds magical. I’ve never heard of it before, but I’ll be doing some research for sure. The airbnb sounds fantastic and I love that it had an outdoor shower. I also love that you can have a campfire. The best on a summer evening.
sierra
It really is a magical place…I hope you can visit one day!
Tracey L Schepman
Do you have any recommendations about taking a lobster boat tour? Is it even possible? Or would there be a good amount of fishing/lobster boats at the docks to observe? My grandchildren just want to observe Lobster boats and lobster traps etc. so I’m trying to learn as much as I can before we arrive on the island! thanks for any info!
Tracey
sierra
Hi Tracey! I’m not sure about getting on a lobster boat, we didn’t do that but it would be a lot of fun! I’m sure it is possible. When you get off the ferry and start driving down the road look to your right, the parking lot where the Greets Eats food truck is located. There are a few picnic tables, hangout there for a while. We watched a lot lobster boats go in and out of that area. From here you can also watch the lobster crates get loaded into the big 18 wheelers, my family and I watched for a while. It’s a cool process. I hope you have a great time on Vinalhaven with your grandchildren!!