Eastport, ME

Eastport sits at the far northeastern edge of the United States, a small coastal city in Washington County, Maine, with a year-round population of roughly 1,300 residents. Built on Moose Island in Passamaquoddy Bay and connected to the mainland by a short causeway, it holds the distinction of being the easternmost city in the contiguous United States. The town has a quiet, working-harbor character shaped by generations of fishing and sardine-packing industries, and it serves as a natural gateway to Campobello Island, the surrounding Down East region, and the dramatic tidal landscapes of Cobscook and Passamaquoddy Bays. The nearest major city is Bangor, located about 150 miles to the west, which is roughly a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive along coastal and inland routes.

A short drive from Eastport brings visitors to Roosevelt Campobello International Park, located on the Canadian side of Campobello Island in New Brunswick. The park preserves the beloved summer cottage of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, surrounded by roughly 2,800 acres of forest, coastal trails, and gardens that overlook the bay. Visitors typically cross the international bridge from nearby Lubec and can reach the park entrance in about 30 to 40 minutes from Eastport. The combination of historical significance and ocean scenery makes it one of the region's marquee draws.

Just down the road in Lubec, Quoddy Head State Park marks the easternmost point of land in the contiguous United States. The park is home to the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, an iconic red-and-white tower that has guided mariners since the mid-1800s, as well as several miles of cliffside hiking trails with views across to Canada. It lies about 15 to 20 minutes southeast of Eastport by car and is one of the most photographed spots in eastern Maine.

Back in town, the compact historic downtown along Water Street offers a relaxed base for exploring the area's maritime culture. Visitors can browse small galleries, seafood shacks, and the long-running Raye's Mustard Mill, which has been grinding mustard in Eastport since 1900. The deep tidal swings of Passamaquoddy Bay, among the highest on the eastern seaboard, also create the conditions for the Old Sow Whirlpool, the largest natural whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere, viewable by boat or from select points along the local shoreline.

Eastport's appeal as a short-term-rental base comes from its combination of small-town character and an unusually rich set of nearby attractions. Guests are drawn by the easternmost-city novelty, the proximity to international parkland and lighthouse scenery, and the chance to experience some of the most dramatic tides on the Atlantic coast. The relative remoteness, paired with a growing food and arts scene, gives owners a market that rewards longer stays, shoulder-season visits, and travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path coastal Maine experience.