Back in the summer of 2022, during our big East Coast road trip, we found ourselves passing through Portland, Maine. Our hotel was near the port, and we couldn’t help but notice the steady rhythm of ferries coming and going. On a whim, we decided to hop on one early in the morning and set our sights on Peaks Island—just a short ferry ride from the city, but a world away in terms of pace and scenery.

We started out by hitting up a cult favorite, The Holy Donut, for a sweet treat and some coffee to get us moving. Although it was a long line and we got quite impatient, it was worth it. They were outstanding. 10/10, highly recommend.

Our plan for the day? Walk the entire Peaks Island. The route we’d picked out was around four miles, an easy loop that promised good exercise and plenty of sights along the way. We weren’t sure what we’d find, which only added to the excitement.

The ferry ride over was about 30 minutes and cost us about $14/ticket. It was great to be out on the boat in the morning with our donuts, ready for a new adventure.

As soon as we pulled up, we were greeted by that classic New England charm: weathered coastal
homes, tucked-away coves, and panoramic ocean views that made us pause to take it all in.

Every turn seemed to offer something new—a rocky shoreline overlook here, a wooden bench
with a great view there. One moment we were passing a quiet residential lane, the next we were
checking out Maine’s coastal flair: lighthouses, sailboats, and lobster hunt in the distance.

After completing our four-mile loop, we headed back toward the ferry dock, our senses full of the island’s sights and sounds but our bellies growling with hunger. The line for the fresh lobster rolls moved quickly, so we stopped in at the Island Lobster Company, a cheerful lobster shack right by the water. Refueling with a buttery lobster roll was a perfect compliment to the day.

Before catching the ferry back, we wandered into Down Front, a little gift shop and ice cream spot tucked near the dock. We browsed through local crafts and souvenirs, ultimately picking out our favorite: a Christmas tree ornament to commemorate the trip. We love collecting ornaments from each place we visit, and this one would help us remember our great day morning stroll and that salty air charm.

Whether you’re looking for a bit of exercise, a scenic escape from sensory overload, or a delicious lobster roll, Peaks Island offers a laid-back adventure that’s just a quick ferry ride from Portland, Maine. For us, it was one of those unexpected gems that you stumble upon when you’re open to new experiences—exactly what travel is all about.