Gateway Town

Lamoine

Gateway Town
Lamoine glass wind ornament against a snowy backdrop near Acadia National Park.

Lamoine sits on the mainland across Frenchman Bay from Bar Harbor, along Route 184. It’s a small coastal town with a quiet shoreline and Lamoine State Park, which provides access to the water for picnicking, fishing, and short walks. For visitors to Acadia National Park, Lamoine is a practical base: Bar Harbor and Ellsworth are nearby for groceries, services, and dining, and the park’s entrances are within a short drive.

Quick facts

Town Type
Quiet Outpost
Population
1720
Best Known For
Coastal, residential town near Acadia with easy access to Lamoine Beach and Lamoine State Park; serves as a calm base for park visits.
About This Town
Lamoine is a small coastal community with a strong residential footprint and a history of gravel extraction and small marine activities. It swells to about 2,000 in summer and sits between Ellsworth and Bar Harbor as a quieter alternative to the busier spots. Visitors use Ellsworth or Bar Harbor for services, while enjoying a quieter pace and closer proximity to Acadia.

Town overview

Town Type
Quiet Outpost
Population
1720
Best Known For
Coastal, residential town near Acadia with easy access to Lamoine Beach and Lamoine State Park; serves as a calm base for park visits.
About This Town
Lamoine is a small coastal community with a strong residential footprint and a history of gravel extraction and small marine activities. It swells to about 2,000 in summer and sits between Ellsworth and Bar Harbor as a quieter alternative to the busier spots. Visitors use Ellsworth or Bar Harbor for services, while enjoying a quieter pace and closer proximity to Acadia.
What Makes It Special
Low-key, work-and-residence vibe with real coastal character; easy access to Acadia without the peak-town crowds. Parking and seasonal dynamics shape a practical, no-nonsense stay.

Park access

Distance From Park
17 miles (approx 25-30 minutes)
Shuttle To Park
Island Explorer does not stop in Lamoine; no direct shuttle to Cadillac Summit Road
Nearest Airport
Bangor International (BGR) approx 60 miles away

Where to stay & eat

Hotel Count
0
Bnb Count
2
Lodging Variety
Lamoine’s lodging centers on vacation rental properties—cottages and standalone houses. For a wider range of hotels and inns, Ellsworth and Bar Harbor host the larger selection nearby.
Best Area To Stay
Stay in Lamoine for quiet; Bar Harbor for amenities; Ellsworth for value and access
Restaurant Count
1
Restaurant Types
In Lamoine, dining is limited to snacks and basic fare at the Lamoine General Store. In Ellsworth, Thai Sana serves Thai dishes with vegan options, and Momo's Cheesecakes is a popular dessert stop; beyond that, Ellsworth and the surrounding towns present a broader mix of cuisines.
Dining Price Ranges
Lamoine options tend to be modest; Bar Harbor/Ellsworth provide broader price variety and more choices.

Visitor services

Grocery Stores
Lamoine General Store; Ellsworth for full groceries
Gas Stations
Fill up in Ellsworth; Lamoine gas availability not clearly stated; plan ahead
Gear Shops
No dedicated outdoor gear shops in Lamoine; Ellsworth is the likely place for gear
Medical Facilities
Nearest hospital in Ellsworth (about 7 miles); County Ambulance of Ellsworth serves Lamoine
Banks Atms
1
Laundry Facilities
0
Cell Wi-Fi Quality
Cell service in Lamoine is variable, with Ellsworth noticeably stronger coverage.

Things to do

Main Attractions
Lamoine Beach Park, Lamoine State Park; close proximity to Acadia National Park
Summer Activities
Beach days, boating, seaside exploring, easy coastal hikes
Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing at Lamoine State Park; peaceful winter setting
Shopping District
In-town shopping is minimal; Ellsworth is the central hub for groceries and everyday goods, while Bar Harbor nearby adds boutique and specialty shops.
Breweries Bars
Limited in Lamoine; more options in Ellsworth and Bar Harbor
Events Festivals
No major town-run festivals listed; population surges in summer due to Acadia traffic

Planning advice

Peak Season
July-August
Shoulder Season
May and September
Booking Advance
Book six months ahead for summer; off-season often has walk-ins possible
Stock Up Here
This is your last chance for fair prices before Acadia: gas up in Ellsworth (7 miles away) and stock basics at the Lamoine General Store; for full groceries and gear, head to Ellsworth. If you’re chasing deals on outdoor gear, Ellsworth is your stop. Expect higher prices and bigger selection there than in Lamoine.
Late Night Intel
Most kitchens in town close by 9-9:30 PM; late-night options are scarce. If you’re rolling in after 9 PM, drive to Ellsworth or Bar Harbor for reliable late dining.
The Vibe
Lamoine is the working-town, quiet coast version of a gateway to Acadia—price-conscious, practical, and not trying to be the center of the universe. You need a car; nothing here is walkable beyond a few blocks. It’s a sensible base to save cash while you shuttle into Acadia, then retreat to calm streets at night.
Best Time To Visit
Shoulder seasons: late spring and early fall. Summer brings a noticeable uptick in residents and visitors.
Tips Advice
  • Gas up in Ellsworth before you head into Lamoine.
  • Lamoine Beach Park parking is regulated; it closes 11 PM–7 AM and fines apply.
  • Lamoine General Store handles basics; Ellsworth has full groceries and more dining options.
  • Expect kitchens to close early; plan meals in Ellsworth or Bar Harbor.

More details

Visitor Center Location
Ellsworth Visitors Center
Winter Scene
Lamoine State Park stays open for quiet winter recreation; some services may have reduced hours
Insider Tips
  • Gas up in Ellsworth before heading into Lamoine.
  • Lamoine Beach Park parking closes 11 PM–7 AM; avoid fines.
  • Lamoine General Store covers basics; Ellsworth has groceries and more dining.
  • Plan dinners in Ellsworth or Bar Harbor; kitchens in town likely close by 9 PM.
Recent Updates
No major updates reported
Accessibility
Car required; limited walkability in-town
Family Friendly Notes
Quiet streets; safe; some services limited for nightlife
Nearby Facilities
Lamoine Beach Park, Lamoine State Park; Ellsworth hospital; Ellsworth for groceries and gas

Location

Lamoine shoreline along Acadia National Park reveals a rocky beach, calm blue water, and clear sunny skies.Snowy field with a lone utility pole near Lamoine in Acadia National Park, Maine, under a bright blue winter sky.Lamoine in Acadia National Park shows a decorative glass pendant hanging outdoors amid fresh snow near a scenic coastal area.Lamoine Beach shoreline along Acadia National Park with calm bay and sunny sky today.

Frequently asked questions

Is there anything open past 9 PM in Lamoine?

Most kitchens close by 9-9:30 PM; late-night options are limited. For real late dining, head to Ellsworth or Bar Harbor.

Where should I gas up before entering Acadia?

Gas up in Ellsworth before heading into Lamoine or Acadia; there isn’t a reliable 24/7 option in town itself.

Is parking easy near Lamoine Beach Park?

Parking is regulated; expect fines if you violate 11 PM–7 AM closure. Daytime parking is available, but plan ahead during peak season.

What’s the best base for exploring Acadia from here?

If you want quiet and savings, stay in Lamoine. For more dining and shops, pick Ellsworth. For more nightlife and vibes, Bar Harbor is the closest upbeat option.

Can I fly into a nearby airport and drive to Lamoine?

Bangor International (BGR) is the closest major airport; expect about a 60-mile drive to Lamoine. Bar Harbor’s airport is closer but has limited service.

Little Deer Isle

Quiet coastal outpost with an artsy edge. Plan ahead: early kitchens, cash, and a car.

Hancock Point

Ghost town after 9pm. Fuel up in Ellsworth and plan early dinners.

Bucksport

Bucksport: practical base near Acadia. Gas up, stock groceries, and plan dinner before you roll toward the park.

Milbridge

Milbridge: a quiet fishing town 40 min from Acadia. Gas up first; kitchens close early.

Corea

Sleepy Downeast fishing village near Schoodic. Expect limited services and early kitchen hours.

Bar Harbor

Downtown Bar Harbor gets crowded in peak season. Kitchens close around 9 pm.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.