I'm staying near Port Clyde, Maine for a week in July and I'd like to visit Monhegan Island. I'm debating between a daytrip (on the first and last boats available) or an overnight stay. How crowded does it get with day visitors?

Thanks in advance.

We were there a couple years ago and it wasn't terribly crowded. Loved it so much that we tried to go back the next year and stay on the island a couple days, but could never work out accommodations which are fairly limited. I would stay overnight just to experience it when there are no day trippers, regardless of how many there might be. Its a charming island.

We've made several day trips out to Monhegan. Then a couple of years ago decided to spend the night. We stayed at the Island Inn http://www.islandinnmonhegan.com/. It's a nice place but somewhat overpriced. Having a great view across the harbor eased the pain.

Anyway, the benefits of staying overnight are -- time to walk the complete shoreline. Time to visit the lighthouse museum. Experiencing the island at night (bring a flashlight!). The day we were there they were holding a wedding at the church. The bridge and groom invited everyone on the island -- unfortunately, we were walking that day. Later that night the church held a sort of talent night -- local singers showed up, some very good. Remember that there really isn't any nightlife on the island.

But if you are content with a simple event like this, or want to sit and sip some wine over a good book, I think you will find an overnight stay well worth it. If the weather is fine take the late boat back. I don't think you'd want to spend much more time unless you had a project like photography or drawing to keep you occupied. We'll be back. I still haven't seen the "rune" stone on Manana Island, across the harbor.

We have only gone on a day trip in July. It was not uncomfortably crowded but there isn't enough time to do a lot of hiking. We brought a picnic lunch with us. Did a short hike and enjoyed the museum.
Fra-Diavolo's experience sounds wonderful. An overnight could be great. Better than a flashlight, you can get a baseball type cape with little lights in the visor. They were a great hit with the guys last Christmas. DH uses his when he goes outdoors to grill.

Thank so much for your thoughts, I think I'm going to try to fit in a one night stay. I'll be sure to bring my headlamp!