If you’ve been a longtime reader, you know that we love the islands of Maine. With over 3,000 beautiful options strung up along 3,500 miles of coast, the island vibes in Maine are strong. With so many to choose from, planning a trip can be overwhelming. To help you stop planning and get to travel, we’d like to share things to do in Vinalhaven, Maine – Only In Maine’s favorite island.

Aaron Dahlstrom / Flickr
The name Vinalhaven is actually a bit of a misnomer. The island is actually one of the Fox Islands and Vinalhaven is the name of the largest town on the largest of the two Fox Islands. Today, many people refer to the island simply as "Vinalhaven." The area is a thriving, working lobster community and much of the local activity focuses on this key industry. Vinalhaven sits in West Penobscot Bay, about an hour-and-a-half ferry ride from Rockland.

The ferry runs six times daily throughout the summer. The first ferry leaves Rockland at 7 a.m. and the last one leaves at 4:30 p.m. See the end of this article for helpful travel links, including a ferry schedule.
Aaron Dahlstrom / Flickr
Vinalhaven was first inhabited by the Red Paint People about 3,000 years ago. Next came the Abenaki. Europeans finally made their way to the island in 1603, followed by the first permanent English settlement in 1766. The town of Vinalhaven was officially incorporated in 1789 and named for John Vinal. Interesting fact: Mr. Vinal did not actually live on the island. Instead, he was actually the agent who petitioned the Maine General Court to make it a town.
Michelle Starin
jmdelacy / Flickr
Aaron Dahlstrom / Flickr
Vinalhaven has a small year-round community, with a population that swells slightly in the summer. And, for good reason. The island is home to two beautiful nature preserves: Lane’s Island Preserve, which is within walking distance of the town center and The Vinalhaven-North Haven Archipelago Preserve, which includes Big Garden, Big White, Sheep, Smith, Brimstone, and Little Brimstone islands.

If you're looking for what to do in Vinalhaven, Maine, start with an easy, convenient, and incredibly scenic walk through the area by heading to Lane's Island Preserve, which is a part of nearby Lane's Island. To get there, head out of the main village and make a right on Water Street. You'll find yourself on Atlantic Avenue.
Michelle Starin
Next, you'll cross over a lovely causeway, which leads directly to the area. Once there, you'll find lots of little trails that lead through grassland, over hills, and provide sweeping views over the water. We met a local lobsterman who told us about the changing face of the lobster industry on the island. Be friendly and ask questions to learn more about the area and how it's changed.
Michelle Starin
The island's namesake is Captain Timothy Lane, and his family has a small cemetery plot on the preserve.
Michelle Starin
Aaron Dahlstrom / Flickr
Michelle Starin
You can easily get around by walking in Vinalhaven, but biking is the best way to take it in. There are a few rental options in the center of town with reasonable day rates. Renting a bike will also allow you to get to some of the further off places, such as the almost 20 hiking preserves. A great one near town is Basin Preserve.
Michelle Starin
The Vinalhaven Land Trust has done an amazing job of creating various hiking paths that meander through the forest, eventually leading to the Basin and the water area.
Michelle Starin
Michelle Starin
We recommend making your way to the water and then spending some serious time practicing your rock skipping.
Michelle Starin
Along the way, you'll see remnants of granite quarries for which the islands were once famous. In some areas, this just means huge rock slabs with unnaturally flat edges. But, in other areas, evidence of quarries comes in the form of actual excavated lakes.
Michelle Starin
Aaron Dahlstrom / Flickr
Search these out! They make for some awesome summer swimming. And group jumps!
Nikki McLeod / Flickr
If you get lucky, you may even spot some seals in the bay.

After enjoying the natural bits of the island, make sure to grab a filling meal. During the summer, there are a variety of options - though, not tons. Try the Harbor Gawker at 26 Main Street for some classic Maine seafood. It's on the pricey side compared to some others, but consider it for a splurge. We've listed some other options at the end of this article.
Michelle Starin
For an overnight stay, you can't go wrong with The Tidewater Motel. With a location directly overlooking the harbor, you'll wake up to the sound of lobster boats heading out to work.
Tidewater Motel / Facebook
One of the best features of The Tidewater Motel is that the water rushes under the building during the tidal change. Twice daily you'll hear the incredible sound and watch as Maine's dramatic tidal system unfolds before your eyes.

Vinalhaven is close enough to Portland to make it an easy weekend trip, but far enough away to warrant that weekend trip. But, if you’ve got the time, why not spend a week? Listed below are just a few of the great places to check out and what to do in Vinalhaven, Maine, including the Rockland Ferry Schedule.

Vinalhaven / Rockland Ferry Schedule

Tidewater Motel

Vinalhaven Historical Society Museum

New Era Gallery

If you’re interested in visiting some other Maine islands, be sure to check out our list of some of the best islands in Maine.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

things to do in vinalhaven, maine

Jennifer Young | July 23, 2022

Why is Vinalhaven Island, Maine such a great place for a vacation getaway?

If you've been wanting to take a getaway, look no further than Vinalhaven, Maine (also known as Vinalhaven Island, Maine). Vinalhaven is Maine's largest offshore island. It's also a popular fishing destination and has the second most lucrative lobstering fleet. On the southern side of Vinalhaven is Carver's Harbor, a charming port town. If you've ever wondered what to do in Vinalhaven, Maine, wonder no more. Vinalhaven offers a variety of places to visit and things to do, including restaurants and shops. Hiking, swimming, and fishing are three popular recreational activities on the island. There are also nearly two dozen parks and preserves located on the island. If you visit Vinalhaven, Maine, don't worry about running out of things to do. There's something for everyone, which is why this island is the perfect vacation getaway spot.

What are three popular things to do on Vinalhaven Island?

As previously mentioned, there are plenty of things to do on Vinalhaven Island. Listed below are three popular things to do on Vinalhaven Island. Some of them you might have already done.

1. Visit the Vinalhaven Historical Society.

The Vinalhaven Historical Society features a variety of artifacts and exhibits that teach visitors all about the island's early days and the way it got to where it is today.

2. Take a swim in Lawson's Quarry or Booth's Quarry.

Lawson's Quarry and Booth's Quarry are two of Vinalhaven's best swimming holes. They both offer crystal-clear water and are perfect for taking a dip in on a hot summer day.

3. Enjoy panoramic views at Tip Toe Mountain Preserve.

Tip Toe Mountain Preserve covers approximately 40 acres and consists of salt marshes, wetlands, rocky summits, and more. It also offers some of Vinalhaven's best hiking trails. While exploring this scenic preserve, you'll get to experience some of the most breathtaking views.

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Vinalhaven, ME, USA