Eastport, Maine

The Easternmost City in the USA

Overview

Eastport is actually an archipelago, with the main city located on Moose Island. It has the deepest natural harbor on the East Coast and is famous for its extreme tides (up to 28 feet). Once the sardine capital of the world, it has reinvented itself as an arts and culture destination.

Key Facts

Population 1,288

Region Downeast & Acadia

County Washington

Founded 1798

Nearest City Calais (30 mins)

Town Office Visit official website

What Eastport Is Known For

Eastport Local Highlights

Easternmost City in the US

The easternmost city in the United States, known for being the first to see the sunrise.

Old Sow Whirlpool

Located near the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere.

Raye's Mustard Mill

Home to the last traditional stone-ground mustard mill in North America.

Extreme Tides

Witness the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, the highest in the world.

Things to Do

Watch the sunrise

Be the first in the country to greet the day from the waterfront.

Visit Raye's Mustard Mill

Tour the historic mill and sample their famous stone-ground mustards.

Go whale watching

Take a boat tour to see whales and the Old Sow whirlpool.

Walk the historic downtown

Admire the Victorian architecture and visit galleries in this arts-focused community.

Attend the Pirate Festival

Join the fun at the annual Eastport Pirate Festival in September.

Living in Eastport

Eastport offers grand Victorian homes at affordable prices. It has a quirky, creative community and a slow, island pace of life.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Cool and breezy, 65-75°F

winter

Cold, 20-30°F

spring

Cool, 40-50°F

fall

Beautiful, 50-60°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Finback Whales Minke Whales Porpoises Eagles

How to Get There

Eastport sits at the end of Route 190. The Bureau of Parks and Lands gives the route as US Route 1 to Route 190 at Perry, then 7 miles out to Eastport. Allow more time than the map distance suggests: this is the far Downeast coast and the road runs out onto an island.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Eastport outline

Outdoor Recreation

Boating & Sailing

June - September

Fishing in Maine 2026: Complete Freshwater & Saltwater Guide

Year-round (Open water & Ice fishing)

Hiking

Year-round (Best: May - Oct)

Lighthouse Touring

Year-round (Best: June - Oct)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see the whirlpool from shore?

Yes, Old Sow is best viewed from Dog Island at Deer Point on the southern tip of Eastport, ideally 3 hours before high tide.

What is the Sardine Drop?

It's Eastport's version of the Times Square ball drop. A giant wooden sardine is lowered from the Tides Institute on New Year's Eve.