- I took a ferry to Monhegan Island, a charming spot 10 miles off the coast of Maine.
- Cars aren't allowed on the island, which is only 1 square mile and incredibly walkable.
- Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and can't wait to return.
When I first learned about Monhegan Island on social media, I knew I wanted to visit the quaint spot off the coast of Maine.
I was immediately captivated by videos I'd seen of the Island Inn, its charming hotel built in 1816. However, I was even more eager to travel there after learning the small island is a pedestrian-friendly community with no cars or paved roads.
So, before heading to Vermont for a friend's wedding in September, my partner and I decided to make a pit stop and spend a night on the island.
Reaching this hidden gem was an adventure from start to finish, as it can only be accessed by ferry or a privately chartered boat. So, we booked two $50 roundtrip ferry tickets and paid an extra $10 per day for a parking spot on the mainland.
Here's what our experience was like.
The hourlong ride was incredibly scenic
Although the Monhegan Boat Line ferry had indoor seating, we decided to sit on the exposed top level after the crew secured our bags in the luggage area.
From the top deck of the boat, I watched the Maine coast shrink in the distance. The ride was a bit rocky, so I definitely recommend taking something for motion sickness if you're prone to queasiness at sea.
Thankfully, the scenery was pretty enough to make the ride worth it. The ship passed anchored sailboats and seaside homes built on the edge of Muscongus Bay.
When the boat docked, I could see our charming accommodations
When we arrived, I felt like I'd stepped into a novel by Maine-born author Stephen King. Gray wooden cottages greeted us from the rocky coastline as we arrived.
At the dock, I spotted The Island Inn, with its charmingly weathered exterior and red, white, and blue buntings.
I'd booked a one-night stay for my partner and myself, spending about $270 for an ocean-view room with a queen bed and a shared hallway bathroom.
When we stepped inside, we were greeted by a lively scene. Guests socialized in front of a blazing fireplace, a couple nestled in a library marked by dark wood and leather, and servers bustled around the formal dining room.
After settling into our room, we walked around the island
After getting settled, we set off to explore the small island, which spans 1 square mile.
Walking along the dirt road dubbed Main Street, we passed Elva's Old P.O. (a self-proclaimed seller of "doo-dads, gew-gaws, trinkets, trifles") and the Monhegan Library, painted a cheery pastel yellow.
We also strolled by the beach, which, even in late September, was decorated with paddle boards, kayaks, and lobster traps.
Aside from the manmade charm, I was especially taken by the island's natural beauty. We trekked up to a peak where the lighthouse and Monhegan Museum of Art & History were located, and took time to really appreciate the landscape.
Finally, we relaxed over craft beers at Monhegan Brewing Company before returning to our hotel's upscale restaurant for dinner, which cost us about $136. After the fiery sunset sank below the horizon, we toasted to our enchanting stay on Monhegan Island.
The ride home wasn't seamless, but I'm still glad we took the trip
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Monhegan Island.
The only real downside was our ferry ride home, which arrived late and was very rocky. However, the experienced captains ensured we returned to the mainland safely.
Since our visit, I've daydreamed of our next trip back to the island, which I hope will be soon.
