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Brunswick, United States of America - Things to Do in Brunswick

Things to Do in Brunswick

Brunswick, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Brunswick, Maine, is a charming New England college town that perfectly blends academic culture with coastal Maine's natural beauty. Home to prestigious Bowdoin College, this historic community offers visitors a sophisticated small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets, Federal-style architecture, and a vibrant downtown filled with independent shops, galleries, and restaurants. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring the Mid-Coast region of Maine, with easy access to Freeport's outlets, Bath's maritime heritage, and numerous coastal islands. The Androscoggin River runs through Brunswick, providing scenic waterfront areas and recreational opportunities, while the nearby coast offers classic Maine experiences like lighthouse visits and lobster dining. Brunswick's cultural scene is enriched by Bowdoin College's museums, concerts, and lectures, creating an intellectual atmosphere that attracts visitors year-round. The town maintains its authentic Maine character while offering modern amenities and serves as a gateway to some of the state's most beloved coastal destinations.

Top Things to Do in Brunswick

Explore Bowdoin College Campus and Museums

Visit the beautiful campus of Bowdoin College, founded in 1794, and explore its world-class Bowdoin College Museum of Art and Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum. The campus features stunning architecture and well-maintained grounds perfect for leisurely walks. The museums house impressive collections including works by Winslow Homer and artifacts from Arctic expeditions.

Booking Tip: Museum admission is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Visit during the academic year for the most vibrant campus atmosphere, and check the college website for special exhibitions and events that might coincide with your visit.

Stroll Through Downtown Brunswick

Explore Maine Street's charming downtown district with its mix of local boutiques, bookstores, art galleries, and cafes housed in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. The area offers excellent shopping for Maine-made products, antiques, and unique gifts. Don't miss the farmers market held on the town mall during warmer months.

Booking Tip: Downtown is easily walkable and free to explore. The farmers market runs Tuesday and Friday mornings from May through October. Many shops close on Sundays or have limited hours, so plan accordingly for the best shopping experience.

Visit Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum

Tour the former home of Civil War hero and Bowdoin College president Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a key figure in the Battle of Gettysburg. The museum showcases period furnishings and exhibits about Chamberlain's military career and later life as an educator and Maine governor. The house itself is a beautiful example of Federal-style architecture.

Booking Tip: The museum is open seasonally from late May through mid-October, with guided tours available Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is around $10 for adults. Call ahead to confirm hours and consider combining with other Pejepscot Historical Society sites for package savings.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Androscoggin River

Take advantage of Brunswick's riverside location with activities like kayaking, canoeing, or fishing on the Androscoggin River. The Androscoggin River Bicycle Path offers scenic walking and biking along the water, while several parks provide picnic areas and river access. The area is particularly beautiful during fall foliage season.

Booking Tip: Kayak and canoe rentals are available from local outfitters for around $30-50 per day. The bike path is free and accessible year-round. Spring through fall offers the best weather, with peak foliage typically occurring in early October.

Take Day Trips to Nearby Coastal Attractions

Use Brunswick as a base to explore nearby coastal Maine highlights including Freeport's famous L.L.Bean flagship store and outlets, the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, and scenic drives to lighthouses and coastal villages. The area offers easy access to classic Maine experiences like lobster shacks and rocky coastlines. Harpswell Peninsula and Bailey Island are particularly scenic nearby destinations.

Booking Tip: Freeport is just 10 minutes away and offers free parking near the outlets. Bath is 15 minutes east with maritime museum admission around $20. Plan full days for these excursions and consider purchasing combination tickets for multiple attractions to save money.

Getting There

Brunswick is conveniently located on Interstate 95, approximately 30 miles north of Portland and 120 miles north of Boston, making it easily accessible by car. Amtrak's Downeaster train service connects Brunswick to Boston, Portland, and other cities along the route, with the Brunswick station located downtown within walking distance of many attractions. The Portland International Jetport is the closest major airport, about 45 minutes away by car or available via shuttle services. Concord Coach Lines also provides bus service to Brunswick from Boston and other New England cities.

Getting Around

Brunswick is a very walkable town, especially the downtown area and Bowdoin College campus, where most attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. The town is also bicycle-friendly with dedicated bike paths and relatively flat terrain. For longer distances or trips to nearby coastal areas, a car is recommended, and street parking is generally free and available throughout downtown. Some local taxi services and ride-sharing options are available, though less frequent than in larger cities.

Where to Stay

Downtown Brunswick
Near Bowdoin College
Route 1 Corridor
Harpswell Peninsula
Freeport Area
Bath Vicinity

Food & Dining

Brunswick's dining scene reflects both its college town character and Maine coastal location, offering everything from casual student-friendly spots to upscale restaurants featuring fresh local seafood. Downtown Maine Street features several excellent restaurants serving New American cuisine, craft beer, and Maine specialties like lobster rolls and clam chowder. The town has embraced the farm-to-table movement with restaurants sourcing from local farms and fishermen. Don't miss trying authentic Maine lobster at local establishments, and be sure to sample some of the craft breweries that have emerged in the area, taking advantage of Maine's thriving beer culture.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Medina

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

P.J. Marley's - Medina, OH

4.5 /5
(1710 reviews) 2
bar

Corkscrew Saloon

4.6 /5
(1231 reviews) 3

Foundry Social

4.5 /5
(1236 reviews) 2
bar bowling_alley

Thyme2

4.6 /5
(1205 reviews) 3
bar

Zambistro Restaurant

4.7 /5
(631 reviews) 2

First Watch

4.5 /5
(651 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The best time to visit Brunswick is from late spring through early fall (May through October) when the weather is most pleasant and all attractions are open. Summer months offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for outdoor activities and coastal exploration, though this is also peak tourist season. Fall is particularly spectacular with brilliant foliage colors, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds, making September and early October ideal for many visitors. Winter can be harsh with snow and cold temperatures, but the town takes on a cozy New England charm, and indoor attractions like museums remain open.

Insider Tips

Visit during Bowdoin College's academic year for the most vibrant atmosphere and access to campus events, lectures, and performances that are often open to the public
Take advantage of Brunswick's location by staying here and making day trips to avoid higher accommodation costs in more touristy coastal towns like Kennebunkport or Bar Harbor
The town's farmers markets and local food co-op offer excellent opportunities to sample Maine-made products and interact with locals while supporting the community economy

Explore Activities in Brunswick