Freeport, Maine is known for being an outlet shopper’s dream come true—hence, the first item on this list.
But if retail therapy isn’t how you like to spend your hard-earned time off, fear not. Freeport offers far more things to do than shopping; it’s just a matter of knowing what to look for.
While not abundant with beaches, Freeport does have one—along with plenty of other outdoor activities and attractions just waiting for you to give them a try.
Map of Freeport Activites
Here’s a helpful map of the top things to do in Freeport, ME.
Freeport Shopping Outlets
Spending time at the Freeport outlets is like strolling through a village made specifically for shopping on foot.
Unlike Kittery, Maine’s other shopping outlet mecca, Freeport seems to have been designed with the pedestrian in mind, rather than as an afterthought.
Everything is walkable, and there are plenty of dining options sprinkled among the outlets to ease those mid-shopping-spree belly growls.
You’ll find everything from North Face, American Eagle, and Old Navy to J. Crew, Vineyard Vines, and Ralph Lauren here…and that’s just to name a few. Oh, and of course, there’s the…
L.L. Bean Flagship Store
L.L. Bean and Freeport are pretty much synonymous in these parts, and being an attraction unto itself, the iconic L.L. Bean Flagship Store warrants its own listing.
Not to be confused with its outlet store across the way, the Flagship Store is a true outdoorsman’s wonderland.
Open 24 hours a day 365 days a year, this store opened in 1917 and sees over 3 million visitors annually, many posing for Instagram shots with the giant “Bean Boot” at the Southwest entrance. Marvel at the indoor fish pond and Riverbed Aquarium or the myriad taxidermized hunting trophies, including two antler-locked full-grown bull moose.
There is also an in-house café and ongoing concerts, events, and activities for the kids; be sure to check Bean’s social media page for updates.
Stretch Your Legs
Would you rather soak in the sounds of nature than drain your wallet? Trade your shopping shoes for hikers and get outside, then, because Freeport has hiking options.
Donated to the state in 1969, the 200-acre Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is just a five-minute drive from the outlets and offers a 4.4-mile network of easy-to-moderate trails.
Hikers will enjoy views of a salt marsh estuary, Casco Bay, the Harraseeket River, and more. Part of the Freeport Conservation Trust holdings, the Powell Point Preserve is just over ten minutes from Freeport Village and features a 0.8-mile hike—with some steep spots—to breathtaking views of Casco Bay.
And if you’re a bird nerd, like me, check out the Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary, just a mile from Freeport and offering over 3 miles of trails along the Harraseeket Estuary.
Explore the Desert of Maine
Wait. What? Yes—you read that right: the Desert of Maine.
Home to a family campground and mini-golf course, this unique attraction is a sight to behold. The strange expanse of inland sand—glacial sand, to be precise—was actually created by poor farming practices back in the early 19th century, and after being dubbed “the sand farm” by locals for many years, an enterprising individual purchased it in the early 1920s…and a tourist attraction was born.
There is also a snack bar and a fossil dig as well as exhibits and historic structures, so you can make a whole day of your visit.
Sip Local
If sipping local suds makes you hoppy…er, happy, grab a designated driver and set out on a tour of Freeport’s craft breweries.
Start at Stars & Stripes, a veteran-owned brewery that also offers a small pub fare menu and commands you to “Enjoy your beer! (That’s an order!)”.
It’s not hard to do, especially with quaffs like the “Stout and Give Me 20,” a collaboration with Wilbur’s Chocolates.
Move on to the bright, spacious tasting room at the Maine Beer Company, a 1% for the Planet brewery that specializes in IPAs—but I prefer their King Titus Porter, thank you; they’ve also got pizzas, salads, and snacks.
Finish up your pour tour at Mast Landing, where you can enjoy my favorite, Nitro Gunner’s Daughter—a peanut butter milk stout—in their new-in-2021 tasting room and on-site restaurant, Nighthawk’s Kitchen.
Learn to Farm Wisely
This working and demonstration farm offers valuable educational resources for sustainable farming practices and is free to the public.
Activities include hiking (with or without goats!), guided forest explorations, bike and kayak rentals for on-property use, storytime, fairy house projects, and “Farmer for a Day” programs for kids 5 and under.
Educational programs include sessions on compost-making, birding, fruit tree care, edible seaweed gathering, seed starting, and much more.
Shop Vintage Instead of Vogue
If you’re into antiques, then you probably already know that portions of the State Route One corridor are rife with shops full of memorabilia, ephemera, and furniture of days gone by—and Freeport is no exception.
Set aside some ambling time to browse Maine Wicked Goods Mercantile, where you’ll find unique vintage and antique treasures, perfect for a truly special Maine wedding or birthday gift.
The Freeport Emporium is another fantastic option, with over 36 vendors; shoppers rave about the selection, the knowledgeable staff, and the affordable prices.
Take a Look Back at Freeport’s History
The Freeport Historical Society has its hands in a bit of everything and is passionate about the town—which is a win-win for visitors and residents alike.
Take a tour of their latest exhibition at the Freeport Historical Society Museum; tour the grounds of the Pettengill House, a former 19th-century saltwater farm; download a map and embark on a walking tour of the Freeport Heritage Trail.
And be sure to check the FHS’s events calendar—you never know what else might be going on while you’re in town.
Sample Some Sweet or Savory Delights
Whether you prefer sweets or savories when it comes to snack time, you’ll find everything you need to stave off those hangries when in Freeport—and you’ll undoubtedly leave with a few extra purchases as gifts, to boot.
Family-owned Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections uses mostly local ingredients to handcraft their small-batch sweet delights…and you can taste the difference their painstaking efforts make.
At Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars, enjoy samples of their extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars.
Bacon-infused olive oil, anyone? How about some bourbon maple balsamic vinegar? I say put ‘em together, because what a salad dressing that would be!
Hit the Beach and Take in Some Tunes
While Freeport is limited in the beach department, you can still get your toes sandy and enjoy the surf at Winslow Park Public Beach.
Open every day of the year, you can enjoy Winslow Park’s public tidal beach, hiking trails, boat launch, picnic tables, and playground for just a few dollars.
And if you happen to be there on a Thursday, stick around for the Thursday Night Concert Series, featuring local bands—also included with your fee.
SUPing or Surfing—Your Choice
If you neglected to bring your SUP or surfboard to Freeport, head to Arlberg Ski & Surf Shop and rent whatever you need.
Outfitting outdoorsy types since 1976, these folks know their stuff; you’ll enjoy friendly, knowledgeable staff and service—and you’ll be riding the waves before you know it.
Hourly, daily, or weekly rentals of surfboards, SUPs, and wetsuits are available—so what are you waiting for? Hang 10, already, dude!
Take to the Water—Without Getting Wet
For some amazing, sea-centric ways to spend some free time in Freeport, take a look at the offerings at Seacoast Tours of Freeport.
You’ll experience Casco Bay in a whole new way while enjoying one of the many sailing and cruising options here, such as the Oyster Farm and Eagle Island tours or the lobstering demonstration and wildlife sail. Fun for the whole family!
Places to Stay in Freeport
Freeport lodging options include affordable motels, cozy B&Bs, brand-name hotels, and everything in between. Here are a few:
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