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Ultimate Guide to Maine Lobster: Where to Eat, Trap, and Celebrate the State’s Most Iconic Catch

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • 1 day ago
  • 5 min read

Several lobsters in a pale that were recently cooked and are ready to serve

Taste the Tradition: Discover the Ultimate Guide to Maine Lobster Experiences

If you’re planning a visit to Maine, there’s one iconic experience you can’t miss—Maine lobster. Found in the cold, clear Atlantic waters off the coast of Maine, these delicious crustaceans represent over half of all lobsters trapped in the U.S., and they’re woven deeply into the fabric of Maine’s heritage.


Whether you're craving a fresh lobster dinner or curious about the centuries-old lobstering traditions, the Pine Tree State offers the ultimate guide to Maine lobster experiences with countless ways to explore, taste, and celebrate Maine lobster.


What Exactly Is Maine Lobster?

Maine lobster, also known as the American lobster, is famous for its tender, sweet meat and large claws. Harvested by skilled lobstermen since the 1800s, it’s not just a dish—it’s a way of life. Generations of families have built businesses around lobstering, making it both a cultural and culinary tradition.


Cold-Water Lobsters: Maine’s Coastal Treasure

Maine lobsters thrive in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. This environment produces firmer, whiter meat with a subtly sweet flavor. These lobsters are sometimes called Boston, Atlantic, or Northern lobsters, but the name that reigns supreme is simply: Maine lobster.


They come in two types:

  • Hard-Shell Lobsters: Preferred for their firm texture and rich flavor.

  • Soft-Shell Lobsters: Easier to crack but contain less meat due to recent molting.


How Maine Lobster Is Caught

Despite advances in technology, the basics of lobster trapping haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. Traditional traps are baited and set on the ocean floor, then hauled to the surface. Lobsters are banded on the spot to prevent clawing.


Sustainability First

To protect future lobster populations, Maine lobstermen follow strict guidelines:

  • Only lobsters at least 3.25 inches and weighing 1+ pound are kept.

  • Egg-bearing females are marked and released to preserve breeding stock.


Why Visit Maine for Lobster?

Maine lobster is the gold standard in the seafood world—coveted, flavorful, and unmatched in quality. Even if you don’t eat seafood, you’ll enjoy the sights and traditions surrounding lobster: boat races, quirky souvenirs, and family-friendly festivals celebrating all things lobster.


Lobster Festivals in Maine

Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland is the crown jewel. Held each August, it features:


  • Lobster crate races & eating contests

  • A seafood cooking contest

  • Live music, local art, parades, and pancake breakfasts

  • Fresh lobster in every form imaginable


Where to Get the Best Lobster in Maine


Southern Maine Lobster Co.

📍1021 US-1, York, ME 03909

Live, cooked, or shucked lobster. Open seasonally. Call ahead on busy weekends.


Harbor Fish Market (Portland & Scarborough)

📍9 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101

📍246 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074

A historic fish market with vintage charm. Buy in-person or order shipped seafood


Free Range Fish & Lobster

📍450 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Friendly service, seafood variety, and helpful lobster cooking tips


Graffam Bros. Maine Seafood Market

📍211 Union St, Rockport, ME 04856

Family-run since 1946. Try the lobster mac & cheese or 3-lb lobsters


Three Sea’s Fish & Lobster

📍130 Main St, Kennebunkport, ME 04046O

ffers live, steamed, and pickled lobster meat with competitive pricing.


Contact & Info

To learn more about planning your Maine lobster adventure, visit:

📞 (207) 555-LOBSTER

Follow Maine Lobster Adventures on Social Media:

📸 Instagram: @mainelobsterlife


Lobster Boat Tours: Cruise the Coast and Learn the Trade

In addition, lobster boat tours are great for seeing local sights because you’ll cruise past lighthouses, beaches, keeper’s quarters, landmarks, and sea life while out on the water. If you’re looking to book a lobster boat tour, try one of these on your next visit:



Can I Get Maine Lobster Delivered?

If you can’t make it to Maine, you can have Maine sent directly to you! Several Maine lobster delivery options will ship directly to your home or place of business, sending a restaurant-quality meal to you. Check out some of these reputable options:


Maine Lobster Now

Located in Saco, Maine Lobster Now has been shipping fresh lobster all over the world for decades. Each lobster is hand selected based on your order and comes only from Maine lobstermen.


Every lobster comes with lobster bibs, sea salt, placemats, and detailed cooking instructions. Delivery is fast, fresh, and kept at cool temperatures to make sure the lobsters are comfortable.


On the other hand, you can order just lobster tails, lobster roll kits, lobster mac and cheese, and lobster meat that’s already cooked and shucked. Other seafood items can be added to your shipment as well.


Get Maine Lobster

Get Maine Lobster out of Portland offers fresh or frozen lobster for shipping. All orders are shipped via overnight shipping and arrive cold and fresh. The company offers a big box of 12 live lobsters, individual lobsters, and culls.


For More Info or to Plan Your Visit:


What to Do in Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond

Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.

  • ATV/Snowmobile:: Explore thousands of miles of pristine wilderness.

  • Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking: Explore the lake's serene waters.

  • Camping/Swimming: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.

  • Fishing/Hunting: Discover prime fishing spots.

  • Hiking/Biking: Explore the wilderness.

  • Skiing/Sledding/Snowboarding/Snowshoeing: Miles of cross-country ski trails for those seeking a quieter adventure. Ski and snowboard rentals, plus lessons for beginners.

  • Local Attractions/Sightseeing: Learn about must-see sights in the region.


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit

Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River










To get the full Maine experience, indulge in a lobster on your next trip to see what all of the hype is about.

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