Free Washington County Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Washington County
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Washington County, Maine, combines lighthouses, tidal bays, forest trails, wildlife, blueberry country and remote Downeast communities.

Washington County occupies the far eastern edge of Maine, a broad, sparsely populated landscape of tidal bays, spruce forest, working harbours, blueberry barrens and scattered communities. Often called Downeast, the county runs from the Canadian border and the St Croix River to the open Atlantic, with the small city of Eastport, the port town of Lubec and the regional centre of Machias among its principal settlements. Its distances are considerable, but that spaciousness is central to the experience: roads pass through forest and wetland before reaching coves, headlands and villages shaped by the sea.
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The coast is the county’s defining geography. Cobscook Bay reaches deep inland around Eastport and Lubec, while the Bold Coast near Cutler presents cliffs, ledges and ocean-facing walking routes. Quoddy Head State Park, at the eastern extremity of Lubec, combines coastal woodland with West Quoddy Head Light, the red-and-white lighthouse that has become one of Maine’s most recognisable maritime landmarks. Further west, Roque Bluffs and Jasper Beach offer different coastal perspectives, from a quiet freshwater-and-seawater park to a shore made distinctive by rounded red and green volcanic stones.
Inland Washington County is not simply a route between coastal stops. The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge protects extensive habitats around Calais and Baring, while the Cutler Coast Public Land preserves a remote section of shoreline reached by hiking trails. Lakes, rivers and forest roads support canoeing, birdwatching, fishing, hunting and wildlife observation. The region is also associated with wild blueberry production, and the low, open barrens that appear in summer are part of a long-established agricultural landscape rather than untouched wilderness.
The county’s history is inseparable from the Passamaquoddy homeland and the wider Wabanaki cultural landscape. Maritime trade, fishing, shipbuilding, lumbering and border commerce then shaped towns such as Eastport, Lubec, Calais and Machias. Today, historic buildings, boat harbours and small museums sit alongside galleries, community arts events and food businesses that draw on seafood, berries and locally grown produce. Eastport’s island setting gives it a particularly strong arts presence, while Machias remains an important service and cultural centre for the western part of the county.
Washington County rewards a slower itinerary. A visitor might combine a few nights in a coastal town with drives through the interior, allowing time for tidal viewpoints, lighthouse walks, wildlife excursions and changing weather. Boat trips to see Atlantic puffins may operate from the county’s coast in season, but schedules and access are weather-dependent. The Canadian island of Campobello, home to Roosevelt Campobello International Park, lies across the international boundary and can be a practical nearby excursion when border crossings and seasonal access arrangements permit; it is not part of Washington County or the United States.

When is the best time to visit Washington County?

Best: June–August · 21–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-490
February-380
March390
April995
May16100
June (best)21105
July (best)25110
August (best)23105
September18100
October1395
November6100
December-1105

Getting to and around Washington County

How to get there

Most visitors arrive by road from the west, usually via US Route 1 through coastal and inland communities, or by routes connecting the county with Bangor and northern New Brunswick. Bangor International Airport, outside Washington County, is the nearest year-round commercial airport commonly used by air travellers, and car hire is generally necessary for exploring beyond the main towns. The Downeast Sunrise Trail and other regional routes are not substitutes for a comprehensive intercity railway service. International visitors entering from Canada should confirm current land-border documentation requirements; Eastport, Calais and other crossings serve different parts of the county.

Transportation

A private or hired car is the most flexible option because attractions, trailheads, harbours and villages are widely dispersed and public transport is limited outside the larger settlements. US Route 1 is the principal north-south corridor, while smaller roads reach Lubec, Cutler, Roque Bluffs, Grand Lake Stream and the interior. Allow generous driving time, particularly on narrow or winding coastal roads, and do not assume every rural road has mobile coverage or regular services. Cycling can be rewarding on quieter roads, but distances, hills, weather and limited shoulders require careful planning. Boat access and wildlife excursions are seasonal and weather-dependent.

Top city travel guides in Washington County

The cities of Washington County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Washington County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Washington County

Washington County’s attractions are spread across coast, forest and working communities rather than concentrated in one resort centre. In Lubec, Quoddy Head State Park combines woodland trails, ocean viewpoints and West Quoddy Head Light, while Eastport offers galleries, waterfront walks and maritime character on a tidal island beside the Canadian border. The Bold Coast around Cutler provides some of the county’s most rewarding hiking, particularly along the Cutler Coast Public Land, although its trails are remote and require preparation. Inland, Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge protects wetlands, forests and wildlife habitat near Calais and Baring. Cobscook Bay State Park, Roque Bluffs and Jasper Beach each reveal a different shoreline landscape, from tidal inlets to rounded volcanic stones. Seasonal boat trips from the county’s coast may offer opportunities to see Atlantic puffins and other seabirds, subject to weather and operator arrangements. Historic museums, harbour communities, blueberry barrens, canoe routes and quiet forest roads complete an attraction landscape better suited to exploration than rapid sightseeing.

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Best landmarks in Washington County

West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec is Washington County’s most recognisable landmark, distinguished by its red-and-white bands and position at a dramatic headland above the Bay of Fundy. The surrounding Quoddy Head landscape gives the lighthouse context as a working aid to navigation rather than merely a scenic object. Eastport’s historic waterfront and tightly packed streets reflect the town’s maritime importance, border position and former fishing and canning economy. On the St Croix River near Calais, St Croix Island marks the site of the 1604 French settlement and the complicated early colonial history of the region, although the island itself is reached by boat and the principal visitor facilities are on the mainland. The Cutler coast provides a natural landmark of cliffs, ledges and spruce-edged ocean views, while Jasper Beach near Machiasport is notable for its broad covering of rounded multicoloured stones. The tidal waters around Cobscook Bay and the islands near Lubec are also defining geographical landmarks, shaped visibly by some of the highest tidal ranges in the United States.

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Explore Washington County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Washington County

Dining in Washington County reflects its coastal position, rural food production and small-town scale. Seafood is central, with lobster, haddock, clams, mussels and other local or regional catches appearing in straightforward harbour meals, fish markets and independent restaurants. Blueberries are an important agricultural product, and they feature in pies, preserves, baked goods and seasonal farm sales, particularly around the barrens of eastern and central Washington County. Cafés, diners, roadside stands and traditional pubs provide much of the everyday dining, while Eastport, Lubec, Machias and Calais have the county’s broadest selection of restaurants. Local menus may also include Maine staples such as chowder, lobster rolls and whoopie pies, which belong to the wider state’s food culture rather than Washington County alone. Farmers’ markets and small producers are useful places to find preserves, baked goods, seafood and other provisions for picnics, especially when travelling to remote trailheads where restaurant choices are limited.

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Best bars in Washington County

Nightlife in Washington County is modest and community-orientated rather than built around large clubs. Eastport, Lubec, Machias and Calais have the greatest concentration of pubs, casual bars and restaurants where evenings may include conversation, local music or seasonal cultural programming. Traditional bars and inns remain more characteristic than dedicated nightclubs, and closing times and entertainment schedules can vary considerably with the season. Eastport’s arts community contributes galleries, performances and occasional evening events, while summer brings more activity to coastal towns and harbour areas. In rural districts, evening options may consist of a meal, a quiet drink or stargazing rather than organised nightlife, with long distances between settlements making a sober driving plan important. Visitors should check current arrangements locally, as small venues and seasonal businesses can change their schedules outside the main summer period.

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Best nightclubs in Washington County

Nightlife in Washington County is modest and community-orientated rather than built around large clubs. Eastport, Lubec, Machias and Calais have the greatest concentration of pubs, casual bars and restaurants where evenings may include conversation, local music or seasonal cultural programming. Traditional bars and inns remain more characteristic than dedicated nightclubs, and closing times and entertainment schedules can vary considerably with the season. Eastport’s arts community contributes galleries, performances and occasional evening events, while summer brings more activity to coastal towns and harbour areas. In rural districts, evening options may consist of a meal, a quiet drink or stargazing rather than organised nightlife, with long distances between settlements making a sober driving plan important. Visitors should check current arrangements locally, as small venues and seasonal businesses can change their schedules outside the main summer period.

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Best shops in Washington County

Shopping in Washington County centres on useful local goods, food producers, galleries and small independent businesses rather than large retail complexes. Eastport has the county’s strongest arts-oriented shopping scene, with galleries, studios, books and locally made work reflecting the town’s long association with artists and maritime culture. Machias and Calais provide practical high-street services, while Lubec combines small shops, galleries and seasonal coastal commerce. Farmers’ markets and farm stands are good places to look for wild blueberry products, preserves, honey, baked goods and other Maine provisions, although locations and operating days vary by season. Seafood markets can provide another regional purchase, subject to transport and food-safety considerations. Crafts, prints, pottery, jewellery and maritime-themed items make more meaningful souvenirs than generic resort merchandise. Visitors should shop early when travelling to remote areas, since rural opening hours and retail choice can be limited outside summer and during the evening.

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Washington County essentials

Currency and Payment
Washington County uses the United States dollar, written as USD. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in established shops, accommodation and restaurants, particularly in Eastport, Machias and Calais, but cash remains useful at small businesses, seasonal stands, rural services and some car parks or launch points. Visitors crossing into Canada should not assume that US dollars will be accepted on the same terms, and should check foreign transaction fees with their card provider. Bank and cash-machine availability is more limited in remote coastal and inland areas, so sensible cash planning is advisable.
Safety
Washington County is generally quiet, but its remoteness requires practical preparation. Coastal rocks can be slippery, tides can cut off access to ledges and coves, and fog, wind and cold water make an apparently calm shoreline hazardous. Wear suitable footwear on trails, remain on marked paths where requested and check weather and tide conditions before boat trips. Black flies and mosquitoes are common in warmer months. Rural roads may have poor mobile coverage, logging traffic or wildlife, while winter driving can be difficult because of snow and ice. Tell someone your route when hiking in remote areas and carry water, navigation equipment and extra layers.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 anywhere in Washington County for police, fire or ambulance assistance. Give the dispatcher the nearest town, road name, trailhead, harbour or landmark, as address information can be less precise in rural areas. For coastal incidents, emergency services can coordinate with the US Coast Guard, while land searches may involve local and state rescue organisations. Do not rely solely on a mobile phone in remote areas: download maps, carry a charged power bank and leave an itinerary with your accommodation or companions. For urgent medical care, follow local emergency directions rather than assuming the nearest town has a full hospital service.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect Passamaquoddy communities, cultural sites and locally held knowledge, and follow any photography or access guidance. Do keep to marked paths, close gates, pack out rubbish and treat shorelines, wildlife and working harbours with care. Do give logging, farm and emergency vehicles plenty of room on rural roads. Do not climb lighthouse structures or enter closed buildings, cross private land, approach wildlife or remove stones, plants or historical objects. Tipping in restaurants and for appropriate services follows customary US practice, while service charges and card prompts should be checked before paying.
Local Tips
Use Machias or Calais as practical service bases for different parts of the county, but expect limited evening services and longer gaps between fuel stops in remote areas. Eastport and Lubec are best explored with time for tides, harbour weather and unhurried walks rather than as quick roadside stops. Summer is popular for coastal visits, while spring and autumn can bring quieter trails but more variable conditions. Wild blueberry products make a characteristic edible souvenir, and local seafood is often easiest to find through small restaurants, markets and seasonal roadside sellers rather than large retail outlets.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey there[Hey thair]
GoodbyeSee ya[See yah]
YesYeah[Yah]
NoNope[Nope]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[Shoor thing]
Thank youThanks a lot[Thangs a lot]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[Pardon me]
How are you?How ya doin'?[How yah doin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[Good. An' you?]
Do you speak English?Can ya speak English?[Can yah speak English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don’t get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see thuh menu?]
I don't eat meatI don’t eat meat[I don’t eet meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I pay, please?[Can I pay, please?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get lost![Get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call thuh cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI’m sick[I’m sick]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna bye...]
I'm just lookingJust lookin'[Just lookin']
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s thuh price?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[That's a bit pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can ya make it cheaper?[Can yah make it cheaper?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt’s one o'clock[It’s wun o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMorning[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evenin']
YesterdayYesterday[Yesturday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[Wun]
2Two[Too]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where’s the...?[Where’s thuh...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's thuh address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?[Can yah show me (on thuh map)?]
When's the next (bus)?When’s the next (bus)?[When’s thuh next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ...)[A ticket (to ...)]

History of Washington County

Wabanaki and Passamaquoddy Homeland

Washington County lies within the traditional homeland of the Passamaquoddy, one of the Wabanaki peoples whose cultural geography extends across what is now eastern Maine and the Canadian Maritimes. Rivers, islands, tidal bays and forest routes supported seasonal movement, fishing, hunting and gathering long before European settlement. The St Croix and Passamaquoddy Bay remain particularly important in understanding the region’s Indigenous history. European colonisation brought disease, displacement, conflict and changing political boundaries, while Passamaquoddy communities have continued to maintain cultural, governmental and economic life in the area.

French and English Rivalry in the Borderlands

The coast and waterways of eastern Maine became part of a long contest between French and English colonial interests. European settlements and trading networks developed around the Bay of Fundy and the St Croix River, while the boundary between present-day Maine and New Brunswick remained politically unsettled for generations. St Croix Island, near Calais in the international river, commemorates a short-lived French settlement of 1604. Severe conditions and poor relations with local Indigenous people contributed to the settlement’s abandonment, but the episode reflects the region’s early position at the meeting point of European empires and Wabanaki country.

County Formation and the Maritime Frontier

Washington County was established in 1789, shortly after Maine’s early statehood period within Massachusetts, and its communities developed around commerce, agriculture, fishing and timber. Machias became associated with one of the first naval engagements of the American Revolution, when local residents captured the British schooner Margaretta in 1775. Eastport, Lubec and other coastal settlements later grew through trade, fishing and shipping, their fortunes closely tied to Atlantic commerce and the nearby international boundary.

The War of 1812 and Eastport

During the War of 1812, British forces occupied Eastport and nearby Campobello, which were strategically important because of their position at the entrance to Passamaquoddy Bay. The occupation lasted for much of the war and illustrates how national borders could be especially fluid and contested in this maritime region. Afterward, Eastport continued as a significant fishing and trading port. Its built environment, waterfront position and relationship with the Canadian shore still reflect the strategic importance once attached to the town.

Lumber, Fishing and the Sardine Economy

Nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Washington County depended heavily on forests, fisheries, shipbuilding and maritime trade. Rivers moved timber towards mills and ports, while coastal communities processed fish for domestic and international markets. Sardine canneries became particularly important in towns such as Eastport and Lubec, employing local residents and linking the county to wider food-distribution networks. Changes in fish stocks, technology, markets and industrial organisation eventually weakened the canning economy, but harbour structures, working waterfronts and local historical collections preserve evidence of that period.

Railways, Roads and a Changing Rural Economy

Railways and improved roads altered the relationship between Washington County’s isolated communities and the rest of Maine. Rail connections helped move timber, agricultural products, fish and passengers, although many services later declined as road transport became dominant. The county’s economy diversified through education, healthcare, public services, tourism and small businesses, while wild blueberry cultivation remained a visible agricultural tradition in the barrens around places such as Machias and Cherryfield. The resulting landscape combines working farms and forests with conservation land and a continuing maritime economy.

Conservation and Downeast Cultural Renewal

During the twentieth century, the protection of coastal, forest and wetland habitats became increasingly important to Washington County’s identity. Quoddy Head State Park, Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Cobscook Bay State Park and the Cutler Coast Public Land represent different approaches to conserving shoreline and inland ecosystems. At the same time, Eastport and other communities developed stronger arts, heritage and cultural programmes, helping tourism complement rather than entirely replace fishing, forestry and local services. Contemporary Washington County therefore combines an active working landscape with growing interest in ecology, heritage and community-based culture.

Washington County in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Neighbouring regions of Washington County

The closest regions to Washington County, if you have time for more than one.

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Maine
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Evendo: Your Ultimate App-Based Travel Guide to Washington County, Maine

Discover Washington County with Evendo, the 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, landmarks, dining, and more, making your trip unforgettable.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more
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  • Rich content with images, descriptions, and maps for easy trip planning
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More about the Evendo app

Plan your perfect trip to Washington County, Maine with Evendo, the comprehensive and free app-based travel guide that puts the world at your fingertips.

  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions and experiences
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  • Free to use with no in-app purchases

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Washington County, Maine with Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide. From the stunning landscapes of Acadia National Park to the charming streets of Eastport, Evendo offers travelers a comprehensive guide to the best attractions, landmarks, and dining experiences in the region.

Explore the iconic West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, the easternmost point in the United States, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture at the Machias Blueberry Festival. With detailed information on local shops, bars, and restaurants, including the famous Helen's Restaurant known for its delectable blueberry pie, Evendo ensures you experience the best of Washington County.

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With Evendo, navigating Washington County has never been easier. The app offers travel essentials, curated local advice, and easy navigation features to enhance your travel experience. Best of all, Evendo is completely free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs, providing you with a world of possibilities at no expense. Download Evendo today and let the adventure begin!

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