Spring is only weeks away at this point, and if you’re like us, you’re planning out your seasonal travel for both spring and summer already.
With all of this year’s predicted travel trends starting to emerge (including this Airbnb-curated list of trending travel destinations), we’re putting you onto our own hidden gem of a destination…this one in Maine.
Biddeford, Maine (5 hours from NYC) is set to stun in 2025, thrusting itself into the hearts of many travelers thanks to its cozy downtown district, thriving food scene, and incredible nature scenes.
Many locals to the Portland suburb (and even our friends at nearby Boston Uncovered) tipped off to this stunning town (which happens to be the youngest in Maine) and we’re spilling our secrets.
Here’s how to plan your Biddeford, Maine escape this spring/summer.
Things To Do in Biddeford, Maine
🛍️ Shopping in Biddeford, Maine: The town’s cozy retail scene feels so down to earth, which includes local vendors like plant shop Moon Lady Plants, toy store Treehouse Toys, vintage shop Biddeford Vintage Market, and home decor store Mossoki House.
🏖️ Beaches in Biddeford, Maine: This may not be your standard beach town, but they are still beautiful! Biddeford has three public beaches along the ocean (Fortune’s Rocks Beach, Middle Beach, Biddeford Pool) which you can spend a day at and enjoy peaceful serenity (they never truly get busy!). At night you can even have a beach campfire if you have a valid fire permit!
🎨 Art scene in Biddeford, Maine: Local business like Banded Brewing Co and Mill Studio Arts constantly have pop-up art workshops you can attend. Plus, take in rotating galleries at Common Roots Studio, Briar & Bone, and more.
🥾 Hiking trails in Biddeford Maine: Trails can be found in Rotary and Clifford parks, perfect for some outdoor recreation. We also recommend the Eastern Trail entrance behind the Mainehealth Medical Center, and partaking in the free 5k Parkrun races on Saturdays at 9 am.
What to See in Biddeford, Maine
🖼️ Public art in Biddeford, Maine: The town’s entire downtown area is scattered with eye-catching art murals…you can spend a whole day looking at them on the side of Main Street’s buildings and beyond.
⛵ The Wood Island Lighthouse: This stunning lighthouse is the 5th oldest lighthouse in Maine, and can be explored via 2 hour guided tours in July and August 2025.
🌊 Biddeford waterfall: Walk along the Saco River and take in the historic mill buildings and waterfall in the downtown area. You’ll understand why the town motto is “a proud city rising where the water falls.”
❤️ Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center: This non-profit dedicated to the preservation of Biddeford offers tons of programs, including a “Museum in the Streets” project which features signage along the downtown giving you insight into the history and heritage of Biddeford. Follow the trail here!
Where to Eat in Biddeford, Maine
🍺 Banded Brewing Company + Sacred Profane: Biddeford’s craft beer scene is thriving to say the least and was even named USA Today’s #4 Best Small Town Beer Scene in 2024. Grab a pint at one of these breweries…which have outdoor seating in the spring/summer too.
🍕 Peng’s Pizza: There’s not many places you can get pistachio and pickled fresno chili pizza…but we’d travel to this Biddeford and back 1,000 times for it.
🍞 Reilly’s Bakery: The charm of the town comes from the heart of family-owned businesses, including this bakery which gives old-school vibes with yummy desserts.
🍽️ Palace Diner: A classic cozy and casual diner that embodies the spirit of the whole town. Get breakfast for dinner and thank us later.
Spring / Summer Events in Biddeford, Maine
🎵 Music in the Park: On Wednesday nights in July from 5:30 – 7:30 pm, live music graces Mechanics Park in Biddeford. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy free music, Brickyard Hollow’s food truck, and a mini version of the Biddeford Farmer’s Market.
🚶 Art Walk: Makers and artists will pop-up on the sidewalks and businesses throughout downtown showcasing their work. It happens on the third Friday of the month from May – October.
🕺 Fringe Festival: This event inspired by Edinburgh’s Fringe Fest features performances, interactive art, and a pie-luck (a potluck of pies). It happens on August 15th, 2025.
🎶 River Jam: Biddeford’s annual music festival returns to Mechanics Park on August 16th, with free live music, a fireworks display, food trucks, community booths, kids activities, and a beer garden.