maine must visit places

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Things to Do in Maine

From off the beaten path winter activities to charming cities and towns like Lewiston and Bar Harbor, there’s no shortage of things to do in Maine. Mountainside hikes through a kaleidoscope of fiery fall colors. Savory sea-to-table dinners in Portland. Cross-country glides through snow-covered pine. All waiting for you. Whether you’re looking for a summer family vacation or winter weekend getaway, these authentic experiences will leave you feeling inspired.

Activities & Attractions in Maine

Cities in Maine

Seasons to Visit Maine

Maine’s majestic mountains, deep woods and rocky coasts are home to awe-inspiring wildlife. You can sometimes spot whales right from the coast, but a whale watching cruise will give you a close-up view of humpback whales, pilot whales, minke whales, finback whales and more. Birdwatchers will find themselves in a state of bliss, especially if they’re hoping for a glimpse of puffins. Maine’s ocean islands make the perfect nesting sites for the orange-billed beauties, and Seal Island and Matinicus Rock at the mouth of Penobscot Bay are reliable viewing areas. To catch a glimpse of the king of the Maine woods, book a moose watching tour (or moose safari) from mid-May through July or in the fall.

• Whale Watching Trips
• Moose Watching
• Lighthouses & Sightseeing

Looking for a little perspective? Start by climbing the spiral staircases of a few of Maine’s 60 historic lighthouses. Whether you decide to make the rounds by car or by boat, plan on checking out a few icons like the Cape Neddick lighthouse in York , the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth , and the West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec—the only red-and-white striped lighthouse in the country. Then be sure to cruise along one of Maine’s four National Scenic Byways. Acadia All-American Road—the only to be designated as an All-American Road—winds through Mt. Desert Island and Bar Harbor .

• Lighthouses
• Scenic Byways

Whether you want to catch some rays on Maine’s beautiful beaches or catch some thrills on a seaside roller coaster, family fun is never far away. From Kittery to Old Orchard Beach , Maine’s sandy beaches make the perfect summertime playground for the whole family. For a wild (and nostalgic) ride, head to Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco where you’ll find the state’s only wooden rollercoaster. And what better way to cap off a day of family fun than with a drive-in movie under the night sky?

• Amusement & Water Parks
• Animal Parks & Zoos
• On the Water

Hoist the sales. Grab a paddle. Hop on the ferry. Whether you take to the seas or make a splash whitewater rafting , these are adventures you won’t forget. And we can’t think of a better way to get acquainted with Maine’s epic maritime history than with a windjammer cruise. You can work the sails, lift the anchor, and even steer these old-school sailing vessels. Inland, you’ll have no problem finding a lake for a refreshing dip or to cast a line. Maine’s more than 30,000 miles of rivers and streams mean you’re in for some excellent fishing and thrilling rafting.

• Windjammer Cruises
• Explore Maine by Ferry
• Sea Kayaking

If frozen lakes, snowy slopes and endless trails sound like your kind of playground, then winter in Maine is for you. Try your luck at a little ice fishing, or bundle up for a day of adventure as you explore Maine’s thousands of miles of connected snowmobile trails . Quieter trails await when you opt for cross-country skis or snowshoes , but if you’re looking to make some downhill turns, Sunday River and Sugarloaf are just a couple of many ski resorts that offer plenty of adrenaline pumping runs.

• Ice Fishing
• Winter Towns
• Snowmobiling
• Ski Resorts
• Parks & Natural Attractions

Home to a dazzling national park and 32 state parks, Maine’s wild vistas will nudge you to lace up your hiking boots or set up camp. First stop, Acadia National Park. With jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic from Cadillac Mountain, winding carriage roads, and serene forests, it’s no wonder millions of people pay a visit to the park every year. But don’t be surprised if you find equally stunning landscapes at any of Maine’s 32 state parks or natural attractions, like Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.

• Acadia National Park
• Two Lights State Park
• Arts & Culture

Maine’s breathtaking natural beauty isn’t the only thing that will leave you feeling inspired. Our arts and culture are thriving. No matter which part of the state you find yourself in, you’re sure to be close to one of Maine’s many music festivals. If it’s art museums you’re after, the nine museums along the Maine Art Museum Trail will give you plenty to ponder on a rainy day. At Maine theaters , you’ll find both amateur and professionals putting on shows you won’t forget. Maine’s historic districts, like Searsport , Bath , Belfast , Gardiner , Skowhegan , and Kennebunk , provide portals into both the state’s architectural and cultural past.

• Music Festivals
• Maine Art Museum Trail
• Historic Districts
• Dining & Nightlife

Craving some classic Maine lobster? You’ve come to the right place. But if you think the culinary adventure ends there, your taste buds are in for a pleasant surprise. There’s no shortage of food festivals that celebrate Maine staples. Take Eastport’s Salmon and Seafood Festival, the Pemaquid Oyster Festival or the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland. The state’s craft brewery scene is buzzing, and the Maine Beer Trail puts you on the path to sudsy satisfaction. Plus, you're bound to stumble upon a food truck or two while you’re out sipping brews, especially in the foodie haven of Portland .

• Maine Food Festivals
• The Maine Beer Trail
• Lobster Shacks
• Hiking & Climbing

There’s no better way to get to know the towering mountains of Maine than by taking them one step at a time. Going up. Acadia National Park and Maine’s many state parks offer the perfect launch pad for a day of hiking. Tumbledown Mountain and Pleasant Mountain are both great springtime hikes, while Mount Katahdin (Maine’s tallest peak) is best tackled in summer. You’ll find plenty of kid-friendly hikes, too. In Acadia National Park , Wonderland Trail takes you from the woods to the sea and back on a winding (flat) path. For an extra challenge, Acadia National Park contains dozens of rock climbing routes, but you can find plenty more in Camden and Maine’s western mountains, like Shagg Crag.

• Hikes with Kids
• Hiking Maine Mountains
• Rock Climbing

Maine is home to original makers and shakers, and their detailed work is your one-of-a-kind find. From Portland’s boutiques to the Kittery Outlets , shopping in Maine is as unique as the landscape. Maybe you’ll take home a colorful reclaimed lobster trap rope doormat from the Maine Float Rope Company, or—an all-time classic—a pair of L.L.Bean boots. If you’re with a group that has diverse tastes, or you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, Freeport is the place to be. Home to more than 120 outlets and scores of boutiques and specialty shops, one day might not be enough.

• Maine Makers
• Pottery & Ceramic Art
• Maine Made Products

Popular Towns & Cities in Maine

From charming main streets to Portland’s buzzing culinary scene, cities in Maine offer surprise after surprise. Whether it’s natural splendor, handmade crafts, or unique cuisine, you’ll find something to do, see and savor in every corner of the state.

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Maine’s biggest city. If you fancy yourself a foodie, you’ve come to the right place. Michelin Star restaurants are just as much at home here as the plentiful food trucks. You’ll find the city is a coastal creative hub. Be sure to check out a concert at the State Theater or an exhibition at the Portland Museum of Art .

Perched on Mount Desert Island , Bar Harbor offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy some of Maine’s most beautiful landscapes. Climb Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park , check out the oceanarium, or get a front-row seat at a lumberjack show in nearby Trenton.

The scenic coastal town of Ogunquit is a laid-back summer hideaway where you can hit the beach, go deep-sea fishing, or head out for some seasonal whale watching . After some sailing or kayaking , head to the boutiques and antique shops for a special find.

Spend your time in Kittery exploring antique shops, stopping at charming pubs, and checking out its historic homes . Shoppers will love the Kittery Outlets . Situated right across the border from New Hampshire, the coastal town is known as the "Gateway to Maine."

What’s a giant statue of mythic Paul Bunyan doing towering over Bangor? Keeping watch over what was once the “Lumber Capital of the World.” You can thank Bangor’s lumber boom of the early 1800s for the architectural masterpieces you’ll find perusing the mansions of the Broadway Historical District, where novelist Stephen King calls home. Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re walking through a scene from one of his books.

Pack your beach towel. The coastal town of York is framed by beautiful sand beaches perfect for a hot summer day. While you’re in town, view the Nubble Lighthouse . There’s a good chance you’ll recognize its crimson roof and white tower—it’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

Welcome to the state capital of Maine. Stop by the State House for a look at the impressive granite architecture and domed tower, and then check out some regional history at the Maine State Museum. Constructed in 1754 and now the oldest original wooden fort in New England, Old Fort Western lets you take a step back in time for a unique glimpse into the state’s rugged history.

Come for the shopping. Stay for the uniquely Maine trails. Freeport is home to more than 120 outlets and the L.L.Bean Flagship Store . If it’s hand-crafted, Maine-made goods you’re after, you’ll be sure to find some at the numerous boutiques and small local shops. Once you’ve had your shopping fix, head to Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park for some fresh coastal air on the ocean-side hiking trails.

Art lovers will feel right at home in Brunswick where the Bowdoin College Museum of Art —on the National Register of Historic Places—displays its unique collection. Take a stroll or cruise along the river on the Androscoggin Bicycle and Pedestrian Path.

In Belfast, Friday summer evenings are best enjoyed at the Belfast Art Gallery Walk. Peruse more than fifteen galleries, take in the sounds of music on the charming streets, and enjoy farm-fresh cuisine.

The towns of Biddeford and Saco are neighbors across the Saco River . Summertime memories are made at Funtown Splashtown USA , a thrilling amusement and water park in one. Soak up the sun at Ferry Beach State Park , or check out the Wood Island Lighthouse .

Check out quirky technological history at the Telephone Museum , or take a walk on the grounds of the Woodlawn Museum, Gardens & Park . A canoe trip down the Union River is refreshing on a hot summer day, and the Birdsacre Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary is peaceful place for birdwatching .

Cape Elizabeth

If you’re looking for panoramas of quintessential coastal Maine, this little town should be at the top of your list. Home to both the Portland Head Lighthouse and Two Lights State Park , you can spend your days walking the dramatic coastline taking in views of the Atlantic and historic towers.

Auburn & Lewiston

Every August, colorful balloons dot the sky over these towns on the banks of the Androscoggin River . Whether you want to take a balloon ride, or admire the kaleidoscope of floating color from below, the Great Falls Balloon Festival is a can’t-miss. Gritty McDuff’s Brewpub is a popular place in Auburn where you can launch a canoe or kayak at the base of Great Falls and the old mills along the river. In January, check out the Auburn Winter Festival.

Situated on the southern shore of Maine’s largest lake, Greenville makes the perfect home base for days filled with fishing, boating and hiking. For a birds-eye view of Moosehead Lake , make your way to Mount Kineo and climb to the summit where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views from its nearly 800-foot cliff.

It’s all about getting on the water in Naples. Long Lake and Brandy Pond beg to be explored, and you can easily rent kayaks or jet skis right in town. If you’re not on the water, why not get over it? Experience the thrill of a seaplane ride for an aerial view of the majestic landscape.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring the town’s charming streets and the Castle Tucker Federal-style mansion, you’ll be ready for a lobster roll from Red’s Eats. Don’t worry if there’s a line. They’re just that good. Then head to the Maine Crafter's Marketplace at the Maine Heritage Village to look for something unique to take home.

Summer waves give way to fall colors, and winter runs turn into spring trails. In Maine, each season offers its own unique wonders.

Maine’s long summer days create lifelong memories. Whether you kick back on one of Maine’s many beaches in July, give surfing a go (yep, surfing is pretty big here), or head out for a sail , the coast is the place to start enjoying the warmer weather. If you’re looking for the quintessential summer camp experience for the kids, look no further. Lover of the links? Maine’s a golf paradise , and we highly recommend starting with the Belgrade Lakes Golf Club . Be sure to pack your hiking boots. From camping to kayaking to mountain climbing , Acadia National Park and Maine’s state parks offer endless outdoor adventure. Surrounded by such beautiful landscapes, it’s no wonder summer weddings are so popular.

Nothing compares to Fall in Maine. In October, the coasts and mountainsides are illuminated with the blazing yellows, reds and oranges of autumn foliage . Some of the best leaf-peeping can be found from atop a lighthouse or along a scenic byway . Fall is an excellent time for hiking as the days are cooler and the views are beautiful from atop a scenic overlook. In the crisp air and quiet woods, sportsmen will find the stage is set for an unforgettable hunting or fishing experience, while Maine’s legendary guides will be ready to showcase the state’s natural beauty.

When temperatures drops and the snow falls, there’s nothing wrong with hunkering down next to the fire with a good book and some hot chocolate—especially at a cozy Maine B&B . But that’s only half the fun during winter in Maine. Winter offers its own endless adventures like skiing and snowboarding in the Maine mountains, snowshoeing , cross-country skiing , snowmobiling and ice fishing . After a day spent trekking through the woods or carving some black diamonds, Maine’s spas will have you rejuvenated and ready to go for the next day.

Springtime is the right time to start thinking about getting back on the water, and there’s no better introduction than a little whitewater rafting . On the coasts, lobster boats and windjammers are getting ready to head out again, while whale watching is just beginning. Springtime is also great for fishing and there are plenty of Maine Guides who can take you out. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, try a garden tour at Coastal Maine Botanical Garden (in Boothbay Harbor ) and Thuya Garden (near Bar Harbor ) or just take a stroll along a beach!

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24 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Maine

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 20, 2024

Few states can claim as many iconic images as Maine: fully rigged Windjammers, waves breaking against a rocky coast, lighthouses, pine woods, and fishing harbors filled with boats. The miles of backwoods inhabited by moose hold their own mystique and images: a lone canoe barely riffling the mirror-like surface of a forest-encircled lake, or rainbow trout jumping from crystal waters.

The remarkable thing about Maine is that it doesn't disappoint tourists who arrive with these romantic pictures in mind. Lighthouses do crown points from York to Quoddy Head, and between them lie dozens of snug little fishing harbors and mile after mile of rocky wave-beaten shore.

But Maine's attractions aren't all in iconic images, and between its museums, breathtaking gardens, art heritage, historic attractions, outdoor activities, and natural wonders, you're spoiled for choice of things to do on a Maine vacation.

I've seen Maine's attractions from many perspectives -- Moosehead Lake from a kayak and from a float plane, vast stretches of snow-covered wilderness from ski trails on Sugarloaf and Sunday River -- but my favorite view is of the islands and lighthouses from the deck of a Maine Windjammer as it sails through Casco Bay.

Let me help you discover your own favorite view, with this list of the best attractions and places to visit in Maine.

1. Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island

2. the old port and portland head lighthouse, 3. marginal way and ogunquit beaches, 4. pemaquid point light, 5. old orchard beach, 6. coastal maine botanical gardens, 7. farnsworth art museum, 8. boothbay harbor, 9. rockland, 10. bar harbor, 12. nubble lighthouse (cape neddick light), 13. maine maritime museum, 14. west quoddy head & lighthouse, 15. portland museum of art & winslow homer studio, 16. cruising the maine coast, 17. kennebunkport, 18. monhegan island, 19. victoria mansion, portland, 20. desert of maine, 21. peaks island, 22. bowdoin college museum of art, 23. wiscasset, map of attractions & places to visit in maine, best time to visit maine.

The rugged and beautiful stretch of coastline that is set aside as Acadia National Park also surrounds a large inland region of lakes, streams, and forests. It provides a playground for locals and visitors who enjoy the outdoors. The scenic Park Loop Road winds its way through the park past the main attractions and is the best way to tour the park by car.

The handy Island Explorer buses also connect the various attractions, while cyclists and walkers can follow the network of unpaved carriage roads, part of the more than 100 miles of hiking trails for all levels of ability. These include trails to the summit of 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain , the park's highest point, from which there are views of the coast and islands.

Other highlights in the park are Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and the dramatic chasm of Thunder Hole . A second and little-visited portion of Acadia National Park is farther north, on the Schoodic Peninsula , where there are more hiking trails, coastal views, and opportunities for kayaking. There are two large campgrounds in the park and several picnic areas.

Throughout Mount Desert Island are waterside villages overlooking small harbors. Of particular interest to garden lovers are Asticou Azalea Garden and neighboring Thuya Garden , both in Northeast Harbor. Asticou is a Japanese-inspired garden at its most spectacular in the spring, when the azaleas are in bloom around the pond. Thuya reaches its prime in June and July, when the perennial beds are at their showiest.

After strolling the paths through both these gardens, I cross the road to the historic Asticou Inn, where I sit on the verandah overlooking the gardens and harbor, and savor a pot of tea, with hot popovers slathered in wild blueberry jam. That's my idea of a perfect Maine afternoon.

• Read More: Acadia National Park: Best Hikes & Things to Do

Tourists looking for things to do in Portland invariably head straight for its harbor district, the Old Port. There, along with fishing boats, busy docks, and seafood restaurants, they may find a cruise ship or see the tall masts of a sailing ship, for Portland is still an active port.

The narrow streets that climb from the dockside Commercial Street are lined by the brick and stone buildings that supported one of the East Coast's busiest ports from colonial times through the 19 th century.

Shop for maritime souvenirs in a ships' chandlery, eat seafood on the wharf, and if you're there early enough, watch the fishing boats unload and local chefs choose the menu at the city's restaurants. Fore Street , which parallels Commercial, is where you'll find several of these. At the docks, you can board a cruise of Casco Bay or a ferry to visit its islands.

Tip: The island ferries that ply Casco Bay are the best bargain in town. You can take them to visit the individual islands, or you can just ride along on the entire circuit for a scenic cruise of the bay. In high season, if there are enough passengers, a tour guide shares interesting information on the islands, several of which have historic fortifications.

A landmark of Casco Bay is Portland Head Lighthouse , which marks the entrance to the harbor. It is one of the most beautiful along the coast, and from its promontory, you can see the city and Old Port, as well as the passing ships and boats.

The museum in the former Keeper's Quarters features exhibits on the lighthouses and their keepers, showing how these bastions of maritime safety have changed over the years with advances in technology. Along with historic photos, artifacts on display include Fresnel lenses and exhibits on how they work.

Address: 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

The paved walking path along the shore from the center of Ogunquit to Perkins Cove is a beautiful way to see the rocky coast and its crashing surf.

Among the rocky cliffs are a series of small sandy coves that offer a more intimate beach experience than Ogunquit Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in Maine . The Marginal Way is for walkers only (no bikes, no dogs from April to October) and runs about a mile and a half from the end of the village to the scenic wharfs of Perkins Cove .

Here, a slender peninsula shelters a small bay, creating a safe haven for small craft. Originally a small fishing port, today the harbor is overlooked by restaurants and small shops, but you'll still see plenty of fishing boats.

All along Marginal Way, benches are conveniently placed, both on the path and on overlooks above the sea. You can return to town on the same path, walk back along the shady Shore Road, or take the trolley.

Ogunquit Beach has a gentle slope to the sea and comparatively warm water, which makes it popular with families. The town's shops and restaurants are busy in the summer, and the thriving arts scene brings more tourists to the nationally known Ogunquit Playhouse and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art .

Author's tip: Around the museum (whose collections and special exhibitions are well worth seeing) are its outdoor exhibits, in a sculpture garden that slopes to the rocky shore. You can stroll through the gardens for free. Kids will love the largest of these works of art, the whimsical animal sculptures of Maine artist Bernard Langlais. Built from rough boards and scrap wood, the giant lion, horse, and rhino always bring smiles.

One of Maine's most iconic lighthouses stands at the end of the long Pemaquid Point in Mid-Coast Maine and is such a landmark that it was chosen as the image on the Maine quarter coin. It was built in 1835, and along with the light tower, the keeper's cottage and the brick sound signal house have been preserved. The setting is made even more dramatic by the unusual formations of striped metamorphic rock in the ledges below.

The keeper's cottage houses the Fisherman's Museum which preserves the region's strong fishing heritage, with captains' logs, models, dioramas, photos, and artifacts, including information on the shipwrecks off this point. The scenic point is a favorite site for picnics.

To the north, in New Harbor, Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site preserves the foundations of a colonial settlement and the reconstructed Fort William Henry . The museum and excellent sign boards explain the importance of this fort in the conflicts involving English and French settlers and the local Native Americans. The archaeological site has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

An unabashed old-fashioned beach resort, Old Orchard Beach revels in the somewhat tacky honky-tonk atmosphere of its pier and thrill rides at New England's only remaining full-scale amusement park on a beach. So kick off your shoes, step back into mid-century summer fun, and indulge in a little nostalgia.

Palace Playland has all the expected rides: a Ferris wheel right over the waves, a roller coaster, an old-fashioned carousel, bumper cars, and a dozen or so other kid-pleasers. Pier stands and street-side windows sell fries, soft ice cream, saltwater taffy, and fried dough.

The highlight of all this is a full seven miles of golden sand beach with free public access. The sands are scoured each night by volunteers, so you won't find a cleaner beach anywhere, and separating most of the seven miles of beach from the line of low hotels and shops is a barrier of grassy dunes.

Old Orchard is also the only Maine beach where you can arrive directly by train, which is one reason this is such a popular weekend getaway destination from Boston ; the Amtrak station is opposite the pier and amusement park.

Author's Tip: I can't go to Old Orchard Beach without a stop at Pier French Fries , a traditional stop for locals and tourists since 1932. Do you need French fries? Of course you do — it's part of the Old Orchard Beach experience.

Strolling the paths through this 270-acre garden, it's almost impossible to believe that the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens opened as recently as 2007. The profusion of bloom and the size of the well-manicured and creatively designed gardens achieve the sense that they have been pampered by generations of devoted horticulturalists.

The paths wind among the various themed gardens, showing native and exotic plants that thrive in woodland, water, and other environments. There is a kitchen garden, and a garden for the five senses spotlights plants for their fragrances, flavors, and textures, in raised beds for wheelchair access. The large children's garden will charm any age, as will the woodland village of fairy houses.

Walking trails traverse the grounds, which slope down to the shore and include various shore environments. Daily tours point out highlights and follow themes such as rare and native plants. A large collection of original sculpture by regional artists highlights the gardens, and art exhibitions are held in the visitor center throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Tip to parents: The Children's Garden here is a major part of the extensive campus. Like the rest of the gardens, it is scattered with sculptures — these inspired by children's books written by Maine authors. My kids' favorite is the lifelike bronze of Sal's Bear , by Nancy Schon, based on Robert McCloskey's Blueberries for Sal .

Highlights of the themed gardens are a cottage with a grass roof, an arbor tunnel to walk through, a maze lawn, a giant tree house, and a fanciful fairy house.

Address: 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay, Maine

In the heart of downtown Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum is one of New England's best, which is saying a lot in a region with such a rich art heritage. No other museum has such a complete collection of works by artists connected with Maine, and its Wyeth Center is one of only two in the country dedicated to the work of the three generations of Wyeths – N.C., Andrew, and James.

The Farnsworth Art Museum's collections include some of America's most prominent late 19th- and early 20th-century landscape painters. Along with the earliest known work by Thomas Cole, you can see paintings by George Bellows, Rockwell Kent, John La Farge, George Inness, Childe Hassam, and maritime artist Fitz Henry Lane.

A separate building, a former church on Union Street, exhibits works of James Wyeth and N.C. Wyeth. The Farnsworth also arranges tours of the Olson House, made famous in several works by Andrew Wyeth, the best-known of which is his 1948 painting Christina's World .

Author's Tip: Ask at the museum for directions to visit the Olson House, a farmhouse made famous by Andrew Wyeth in his 1948 painting Christina's World . You can see the exterior of the house, which stands on Hathorne Point Road in Cushing, Maine, or see the interior on a guided tour arranged through the museum.

Address: 6 Museum Street, Rockland, Maine

Once a busy shipping port, Boothbay Harbor today is primarily a popular summer resort, with the largest boating harbor north of Boston.

Schooner cruises, whale watches , lighthouse viewing trips, and island cruises begin here, sailing from a harbor so big that in the days of sail several hundred vessels could find safety here during a storm.

For the best view of the waterfront and all the boats, walk across the 1,000-foot-long Boothbay Harbor Footbridge, a wooden walkway across the harbor that's been a landmark since 1901. You can rent kayaks near the footbridge to explore the harbor and shore. In East Boothbay, Linekin Bay is popular for kayaking .

The downtown area is packed with waterfront seafood restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries, reflecting the more than 200 artists and craftspeople who live and summer in the area.

It has been a haven for the arts since the early 1800s, and along with studios and galleries, the little town has an Opera House and Carousel Music Theater , as well as a community band. Reflecting this love of the arts, the Boothbay Harbor Sculpture Trail leads past more than three dozen original sculptures decorating streets and public spaces.

You can learn more about marine wildlife at the Maine State Aquarium , and ride in a vintage coach behind a century-old steam locomotive at the Boothbay Railway Village .

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Boothbay Harbor, ME

Circling a large harbor protected by Owl's Head and a long stone breakwater, Rockland's historic downtown, lined with nicely maintained 19th-century brick mercantile buildings, speaks of a prosperous past.

This was a thriving port for the limestone quarried in the surrounding hills. Until the 1950s, the harbor was lined with kilns that processed the stone for shipment to eastern cities for use as mortar and plaster.

This old seaport town is worth a stop for several attractions, including Owl's Head Light and the Owl's Head Transportation Museum ; Rockland is one of the home ports for the Maine Windjammer Fleet, whose historic sailing ships you can often see moored here.

The town and the nearby islands of Penobscot Bay have long attracted artists, whose works you can see in Rockland's numerous galleries and museums.

You can visit some of the islands that inspired them, on ferries from downtown Rockland. Regular ferry departures can take you to Islesboro, where you can hike through a rare cedar swamp, or get away from the mainland crowds at one of the island's beaches. On Vinalhaven, you can hike through nature reserves, rent kayaks to explore the shoreline, or swim in a former granite quarry.

More than just a base for exploring Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a lively town with a long history as an oceanside resort. Its streets are still lined by impressive "summer cottages" built during the Gilded Age, when wealthy city families came here to escape soaring city temperatures. Today several of these are elegant inns and B&Bs.

Stroll along Frenchman Bay as they did, following the Shore Path from Agrimont Park, for views of the bay and islands. Or at low tide, walk across the bar to Bar Island – but be careful to return before the water covers the track.

Shop in the classy boutiques and artisans' galleries; dine on ocean-fresh seafood; take a whale-watching cruise; and relax to the music of the town band, which plays on The Green two evenings a week in the summer.

The excellent Abbe Museum has an exceptional collection of Native American arts, and across the street from it is St. Savior Episcopal Church, with stunning Tiffany stained-glass windows .

Expect Bar Harbor to be less crowded on cruise ship days from now on; a limit has been imposed on the number and size of ships allowed to make a port stop here.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Bar Harbor, ME

Just north of Rockland, Camden is Maine's other harbor for Windjammers , and you can often see these graceful tall ships in the large harbor. You can also take a two-hour schooner cruise from here.

The harbor sits just below Camden's busy Main Street (Route 1) and Bay View Street, where you'll find shops and galleries featuring everything from fashionable resort wear and fine art to dreamy knitting yarns and vintage garden ornaments.

For a harbor and island view unmatched anywhere south of Acadia National Park, climb or drive to the top of Mount Battie , in Camden Hills State Park, where hikers will find more than 30 miles of trails. For more trails, and beautiful flowers, stop at Merryspring Nature Center .

A block from the busy intersection of Elm and High streets, look for the colorful Riverhouse Footbridge , a garden of flower boxes and leafy arbors suspended over the short Megunticook River. After flowing under downtown buildings, the river ends in the dramatic little Megunticook Falls as it enters the harbor.

Camden's charms don't end when winter arrives. The Camden Snow Bowl claims two distinctions: it's the only ski mountain in the East with ocean views from its trails , and it's the home of a 400-foot toboggan chute . You can take a turn on the precipitous ice-covered track that hosts the annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Camden, ME

Perhaps New England's most photographed lighthouse, and certainly one of the easiest to get to, Nubble Light poses on its own islet just off the rocky point of Cape Neddick. Especially on a rising tide, the surf usually obliges photographers with a few waves breaking into froth against the rocks.

In late November, the lighthouse and keeper's cottage are outlined in lights for the holiday season, and the annual lighting is celebrated with music, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa. You can take a cruise from Ogunquit to see the lighthouse from the water.

The point bounds one end of Long Sands, the largest of two popular beaches in York . The southern end of the beach is a favorite for surfers; York is known to those of us who grew up swimming there as the beach with the coldest water on the entire south coast.

In another of the four villages that make up the town, the Old York Historical Society museum complex includes Jefferds Tavern and the 1745 York Corner Schoolhouse , one of the oldest surviving in New England.

On the site of a 19th-century shipyard where large wooden sailing vessels were built and launched, the Maine Maritime Museum preserves and interprets Maine's seafaring, shipbuilding, and lobstering heritage.

Along with the extensive collection of artifacts and materials that make up exhibits on everything from the clipper ships and lighthouses to maritime art, the 20-acre campus includes a blacksmith shop, and a working shop for the restoration of wooden boats.

A highlight is a 36-foot section of the bow of the American clipper Snow Squall , built in Portland in 1851. It was retrieved on archaeological expeditions to the Falkland Islands, where it had run aground in 1864.

The more than 140 Maine-built or Maine-related boats in the collections include an antique birchbark canoe. The Mary E , the oldest fishing schooner built in Maine, is part of the floating collections, one of three in the museum that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 243 Washington Street, Bath, Maine

The dramatic red-and-white stripes of its lighthouse, plus the thrill of standing at the easternmost point in the United States, make West Quoddy Head & Lighthouse one of the most popular places to visit on the northeast coast of Maine.

The brick lighthouse was opened in 1858, but there has been one here since 1808, when President Thomas Jefferson ordered it built to guide ships through the Quoddy Narrows. The current lighthouse is 49 feet tall, and the lantern rises 83 feet above the sea.

Learn more about the lighthouse and its history at the Quoddy Head State Park Visitor Center in the former Keeper's Cottage and take a tour of the light tower itself on Saturday afternoons in July and August. The lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places .

Five miles of hiking trails explore the point, which is a prime spot for viewing sea birds, especially during the spring and fall migrations. You might also spot humpback, minke, and finback whales in the narrows, which is bounded on the opposite side by the tall red cliffs of Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick.

An easy one-mile trail in the park leads to a coastal plateau bog, where you can see subarctic and arctic plants rarely seen this far south.

Address: South Lubec Road, Lubec, Maine

The superb collections of the Portland Museum of Art go far beyond the expected works of those artists who lived and painted here – artists such as Winslow Homer, Rockwell Kent, and the Wyeths.

Among the more than 18,000 pieces of fine and decorative art, dating from the 1700s onwards, are works by Monet, Degas, Picasso, Warhol, Sargent, Whistler, Mary Cassatt, Gilbert Stuart, Joshua Reynolds, Alexander Calder, George Bellows, and Edward Hopper.

The museum also features traveling and temporary exhibits throughout the year. Attached to the museum is a historic house, formerly home to a prominent Portland family, with outstanding examples of period furniture, art, and decorative details.

Separate from the Portland facility, and accessible only by tours that originate here, is the studio of artist Winslow Homer , overlooking the sea on Prouts Neck, a point of land in nearby Scarborough, Maine.

Address: 7 Congress Square, Portland, Maine

Don't miss the chance to see the craggy, irregular Maine coast and its rock-bound islands from the water. Not only will you get a new perspective on the lighthouses and granite cliffs, but you'll have a chance to be part of the busy harbor life of Maine's seaport towns.

The options are many. You can join a whale watching tour from Bar Harbor, go deep sea fishing from Eastport, take a Puffin Tour to Machias Seal Island from Jonesport or Stonington, join a lobster boat out of Portland to haul traps, or take a seal cruise from there to Eagle Island.

From Boothbay Harbor, you can go deep-sea fishing, take a day sailing cruise along the coast, go whale watching, or even join a local lobsterman hauling traps. From Ogunquit, you can take a breakfast sightseeing tour or cruise to see York's Nubble Lighthouse from the water.

Boat experiences can be as short as the 15-mile ferry ride from Rockland to Vinalhaven or a week-long cruise under sail on a Maine Windjammer out of Rockland or Camden. Windjammer cruises are informal, with the itinerary determined by winds and tides, and passengers can help with the lines and sails if they wish. Special theme cruises may feature lighthouses, music, star gazing or boat races.

Most of the windjammers are suitable for adults only, although those as young as 12 are welcome on some ships — a popular vacation option for grandparents traveling with teens. Couples looking for a romantic vacation should book one of the full moon cruises.

The little coastal town of Kennebunkport, 12.5 miles south of Portland, is very popular in summer. Stately homes of former ship captains and owners, some of which have been carefully restored as bed-and-breakfasts, line its quiet streets, and you can learn about these on a self-guided walking tour, or at the Historical Society's First Families Kennebunkport Museum , in an 1853 Greek Revival home.

Shopping and gallery-hopping are favorite pastimes in the small commercial area of restored dockside buildings around Dock Square, which is lined with shops, studios, boutiques, and restaurants. Parsons Way, a scenic path, begins from the square and leads along the shore to Walker's Point . At the other side of the Kennebunk River, a series of sandy beaches line the shore.

Two miles east of Dock Square is the still-active fishing village of Cape Porpoise , with more shops and galleries, along with working lobster boats. Also of interest is the Seashore Trolley Museum .

In nearby Kennebunk, look for the outstanding Brick Store Museum and drive past the fanciful Wedding Cake House on Summer Street. The entire street, designated as the Summer Street Historical District, is lined with elegant Victorian mansions.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Kennebunkport, ME

Monhegan is a small island that lies 10 miles off the coast of Maine, and although it's one of many inhabited coastal islands, it has achieved iconic status over the years. This is in large part due to its long history as an artists' colony, coupled with the many tales of its hardy population and their lives on this storm-swept outpost.

There are no cars or paved roads on the island, and its 75 year-round residents are mainly engaged in fishing and lobstering. During the summer, visitors can take day trips to the island from Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor, and Port Clyde, but will have only three or four hours ashore.

Monhegan's combination of rugged granite cliffs (the highest ocean cliffs in Maine), crashing waves, and unique light, coupled with its air of an untouched fishing village, has made it a destination for artists since the middle of the 1800s. Because of this long-term art colony and the several dozen artists who currently work there, you'll find an abundance of studios and galleries.

Monhegan's art colony began in the mid-1800s, and by the turn of the 20 th century was a well-established summer colony. Artist Rockwell Kent built a home and studio there, later the studio of painter James Edward Fitzgerald.

Now a gallery of his work, the James Fitzgerald – Rockwell Kent Historic Artists' Home and Studio is managed by the Monhegan Museum of Art & History, whose collections include works by both of these artists and others who painted here.

Art isn't the only appeal of Monhegan, a favorite of birders for migra ting Merlins, American Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons , and others that touch down here.

Author's tip: To hike the island trails and see some of the artists' favorite viewpoints, get a trail map at Monhegan Associates, near the ferry landing. Wear good boots, as the trails are rough and often run along steep clifftops. Be very careful on the shoreline rocks anywhere along the southern or back side of the island, where rogue waves and a fierce undertow are constant dangers.

The beautifully preserved Victoria Mansion is an extraordinary Italian-style villa built in the mid-19th century.

The architecture and the interior details are exquisite, and it's one of the most lavishly decorated mid-Victorian homes in the country, with painted walls and ceilings and ornately carved woodwork. Most of the furnishings are original, and along with the house itself, they provide a glimpse into how Portland's wealthy lived during the pre-civil war era.

While Maine has many historic homes you can visit, representing all eras and lifestyles from the colonial era forward, Victoria Mansion offers an example of Victorian art and culture that is unparalleled.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Portland, Maine

While you'll find plenty of sand on Maine's beaches, you don't expect to find acres of it inland, surrounded by pine forests. A true desert, with its enormous shifting dunes that cover forests and entire buildings, the Desert of Maine is a geologic anomaly – and a Freeport success story.

When I was growing up and traveling the Maine coast with my parents, I was enthralled by the roadside signs showing camels, palm trees, and Arabian tents. But with the support of the town, this one-time hokey tourist trap is now a natural attraction, well-cared-for by locals Mela and Doug Heestand and highlighting its natural history, science, and local history.

Large signboards with photos of the farm that once stood here explain how old farming practices stripped the topsoil from this sandpit left by glaciers. They explain how, in this active environment, the dunes shift constantly, and you can see the former spring house now being dug out of the dune that swallowed it.

I was surprised to learn that little pine trees growing out of the top of a dune were actually the tops of full-grown pines hidden beneath the sand. It's not all serious science -- you'll want to stop for a photo-op with the colorful camel.

Tip for parents: I enjoy visiting as an adult, but kids are even more excited to explore the Desert of Maine. They can find ancient bones in the Fossil Dig, discover artifacts from early colonial settlers in the Secret Sandbox, and dig in the sand at Gemstone Village where they can keep three polished gems that they find. A Maine-themed playground is filled with clever slides and climbing towers.

Address: 95 Desert Road, Freeport, Maine

Technically part of the city of Portland, Peaks Island seems a different world, separated by a ferry ride. The ride is part of the fun of visiting; the fare is inexpensive, and you get a nice mini-cruise in Portland Harbor, past Fort Gorges and other small islands.

Like many along the Maine coast, Peaks Island played a defensive role during World War II. Battery Steele is the largest of the island's military structures, occupying 14 acres facing the Atlantic. Walking trails connect its three sections (two gun batteries with command and munitions in the middle), and you can walk through the echoing abandoned passages — be sure to bring a powerful flashlight.

My favorite place to sit and contemplate the ocean is at Whaleback Ledge (named for its whale-shaped rocks), but Cairn Beach is a close second. Although not a swimming beach, it's a scenic spot where you won't be able to resist making your own little rock monument.

Several art galleries are worth perusing, as well as the quirky Umbrella Cover Museum , the world's largest (and only) collection of umbrella sheaths. For a full meal, several good options are close to the ferry with views of the water and surrounding islands. Get snacks and lighter fare at Milly's Skillet Food Truck and ice cream at Down Front .

Having a car here is more hindrance than help because there is simply nowhere to park on the island. You can realistically visit most of the island's attractions on foot in a full day. Getting around by bicycle (bring your own on the ferry or rent one at Brad's Island Bike Rentals & Repairs ) is a faster way, but I prefer renting a cart from Peaks Island Golf Carts . To see all the sights without rushing, give yourself at least four hours, although I always end up wishing I had booked the cart for longer.

Author's Tip : If you're renting a cart or bicycle, book well ahead. It's also important to remember that although the ferry runs year-round for residents, most restaurants and shops are closed or reduce their hours between Labor Day and Memorial Day, so an off-season visit might not offer as much to do.

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art , on the college campus in Brunswick, features a permanent collection of more than 20,000 pieces, ranging from ancient Greek ceramics and a 15th-century painting by Florentine artist Fra Angelico to 17th-century New England furniture and mid-century modern furniture by Charles Eames.

Multiple works by Winslow Homer, Rockwell Kent, Gilbert Stuart, John Singleton Copley, and Maurice Prendergast highlight the collections, along with those of Bierstadt, Inness, Eakins, and Corot. Rotating temporary exhibits, gallery talks, tours, and lectures throughout the year make this an active cultural center.

Address: 245 Maine Street, Brunswick, Maine

If you are driving to the northern Maine Coast, you will go through the tidy center of Wiscasset. It is a renowned bottleneck on Route 1, and there's no workaround if you're heading for Boothbay Harbor and coastal points north. But Wiscasset is well worth a stop to explore its historic houses and browse in art galleries and antique shops.

Overlooking the main street, which is Route 1, is the Nickels-Sortwell House , one of the finest Federal homes in New England. It is beautifully restored, its rooms furnished in antiques, art, and period decorative features. The gardens are being restored to their original design and plantings.

Castle Tucker was built nearly a century later, in the late 19th century, as the home of a sea captain. Stroll some of the side streets to find more well-kept historic homes and churches.

The town wharf sits beside the long bridge that crosses the estuary of the Sheepscot River. You can order a full shore dinner or a seafood lunch at Sprague's and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables beside the water.

Bangor is one of Maine's most underrated places to visit, but if you're willing to make the long drive, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that it has very little in common with Stephen King's "Derry." Fans of the King of Horror's books and films should take a tour with SK Tours of Maine , but if getting creeped out isn't your thing, don't worry — there's plenty more to do and see in Bangor.

Bangor's Main Street is a lively area full of energy, lined with shops and a dizzying array of restaurant choices, almost all of them locally owned. You'll find everything from small-batch roasted coffee with fresh baked pastries to traditional German dishes with a local touch. This is also where you'll find the colorful Maine Discovery Museum (formerly the Eastern Maine Children's Museum).

Downtown straddles the Kenduskeag Stream, which looks more like a canal, with more places to visit along Harlow Street. These include the University of Maine's Zillman Art Museum and the beautiful Bangor Public Library, now a great source of pride thanks to the philanthropy of the King family.

The area offers several museums that please kids (and kids-at-heart). My favorite is the Cole Land Transportation Museum , which will scratch the nostalgia itch for adults and entertain kids (under 18 always get in free). You'll find everything from early tricycles to classic cars and vintage freight trucks to train cars that you can explore.

If you're interested in aviation, head to the Maine Air Museum , located next to the airport, and if you didn't see enough fire engines at the Cole Museum, try the Hose 5 Fire Museum .

Bangor and its surroundings have plenty of places to go to enjoy nature, and the Orono Bog Walk is my favorite. This handicap-accessible nature trail is a one-mile boardwalk loop with signage and optional guided naturalist tours. It's adjacent to the Bangor City Forest, which has over nine miles of multi-use trails.

Author's tip: A great spot to enjoy both Maine history and the outdoors is the Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonard's Mills, in nearby Bradley. As you walk the grounds of this open-air living history museum, you'll find historic buildings and equipment that show how people lived in rural Maine in the 18 th and 19 th centuries.

The best time to travel to Maine depends on what you want to do while you're here. If you're hoping to ski, head to the mountains during the winter (obviously). Want to hike through Acadia National Park ? Choose spring, summer, or fall. In general, though, the best time to visit Maine is during the summer , especially if you're headed for the coast, planning on spending time at a resort, or simply visiting small towns .

Yes, you'll be faced with hordes of tourists and yes, prices will be higher on everything from souvenirs to lunch to lodging. But with these downsides comes a big payoff: spectacular weather. Highs hover in the comfortable high 70s with lows dipping into the upper 50s. You won't be sweltering during the day or shivering at night, which is perfect.

Plus, this is an ideal time to visit Maine's best beaches , take a sail around Frenchman Bay from Bar Harbor, or enjoy a weekend getaway to Portland.

Another summertime bonus: all restaurants and attractions (many of which tend to close in the off-season) will be open. If you're itching to enjoy a meal in one of the state's best restaurants or stay in one of the top resorts in Maine, book early to ensure your summer visit is a success.

July and August experience the least amount of rain , with only 3.3 to 3.5 inches recorded to fall throughout the month, which is another plus.

A close second to summer is a tie between fall and winter . High season for the inland section of the state, these two seasons are popular for widely different reasons. Fall, which sits comfortably in the high 40s to high 50s, presents artists with a dream palette. Nature's bright red, yellow, and orange hues highlight the beauty of this New England masterpiece. Trees burst into color, captivating visitors and begging cameras to immortalize their beauty.

Winter is cold (sitting in the 30s) and often pummeled by snow. These conditions create a fantastic upside: optimal weather for those who prefer to spend their days on the slopes. Plus, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy in big cities like Portland, so you won't be at a loss for ways to stay warm and entertained.

More on Maine

10 best places to visit in Maine

Apr 27, 2023 • 6 min read

Maine's slogan is “the way life should be,” and these are the best places in the state to visit to experience just that © Thomas H. Mitchell / Getty Images

Come for the lobster and lighthouses, stay for the granite peaks and tranquil woodlands. With the slogan, “the way life should be,” Maine is a place that will capture your heart. 

From its northern waterways and mountain peaks to its southern sandy beaches and lobster rolls, Maine should be on everyone’s travel list. Here’s our guide to the 10 best places to visit in the Pine Tree State.

1. Baxter State Park

Best place for mountain hiking.

A highlight of Maine’s central highlands, Baxter State Park comprises 210,000 acres of wilderness. Most people visit the park to hike Mt Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

A strenuous and day-long hike up the 5267ft granite peak yields incredible views of Maine’s vast wilderness and bragging rights. Baxter State Park is also home to miles of easier hiking trails, ponds perfect for canoeing and moose spotting, and several campgrounds with cabins, lean-tos and tent spots.

2. Acadia National Park

Best place for wild swimming.

The first national park east of the Mississippi River, Acadia National Park is one of the most popular national parks in New England thanks to its soaring granite peaks, dramatic rocky coastline and inner woodlands. Located on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s rocky coastline, Acadia National Park features 26 mountain peaks, including Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the North Atlantic seaboard. Drive or hike Cadillac Mountain to watch the epic sunrise as it wakes the country up. 

Visit Sand Beach or Echo Lake for swimming and choose from an abundance of hiking trails of various difficulties. Zip along the historic carriage trails by foot, bicycle or horseback. 

Planning tip: Once you’re done working up a sweat, enjoy delicious world-famous popovers at the Jordan Pond House . Of course, you’ll find lobster on every menu through the charming town of Bar Harbor and across the island.

3. Portland

Best place for city lovers.

Portland , Maine’s largest city, is home to award-winning restaurants and breweries and is known for its lobster and seafood. For a unique twist on lobster, stop by Highroller Lobster Co. and try their Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco or Lobby Pop. 

Start your morning with a coffee and donuts from Hifi Donuts before walking and shopping your way through the historic cobblestone streets of the Old Port. Get active by hopping on one of Summer Feet Cycling’s bike tours out to the scenic Portland Head Light. Portland has more breweries per capita than any other city in the US. Enjoy a pint with the locals at Bissell Brothers , Allagash Brewing Company  and  Rising Tide Brewing Company . 

4. Camden and Rockland

Best for quintessential seaside towns.

The small coastal towns of Camden and Rockland in midcoast Maine are quintessential seaside towns where the lobster is freshly caught that day, the old homes once belonged to old sea captains and everyone knows everyone’s name. 

For the picture-perfect view of Camden Harbor, hike to the top of 780ft Mt Battie in Camden Hills State Park .

In Rockland, visit the Farnsworth Art Museum to discover the beautiful paintings of the American painter Andrew Wyeth. Grab your morning coffee and enjoy the ocean air while you walk the nearly 1-mile stone breakwater to the historic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse that welcomes ships into Rockland Harbor.

5. Carrabassett Valley

Best for outdoor sports.

Maine’s northwestern mountains are a ski bum’s paradise. Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the largest ski areas east of the Rocky Mountains, offering 2820 ft of vertical drop and more than 1240 skiable acres. It's the East Coast winter playground of champions, including Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Seth Wescott. During the warmer months, you’ll see tons of mountain bikes zipping around the miles of downhill and cross-country trails throughout the region.

Planning tip: If you prefer a slightly slower pace, the 80-mile network of trails with Maine Huts and Trails is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Maine’s woodlands with some of the comforts of home.

6. Kennebunkport

Best place for beaches.

The picturesque town of Kennebunkport, in southern Maine, is nestled along the banks of the Kennebunk River and the rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a plethora of water-based activities, from whale-watching to kayaking to lobster tours.

To catch a glimpse of yesteryear, visit the family-friendly Seashore Trolley Museum . Nearby Kennebunk and Ogunquit (named by the Abenaki and meaning “the beautiful place by the sea”) are home to miles of sandy beaches perfect for a hot summer day.

7. Freeport

Best place for shopping.

No visit to Maine is complete without a selfie with the famous LL Bean Boot in Freeport. A 20-minute drive north of Portland, Freeport is home to some of Maine’s best outlet shopping and is the headquarters of LL Bean . 

Once you’ve purchased your duck boots and flannel, it’s time to visit Freeport’s surrounding state parks. Spot nesting ospreys, smell the salty marsh and walk through the woodlands in the many different ecosystems in Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park . 

Planning tip: Freeport is also home to one of Maine’s most surprising attractions,  the Desert of Maine . Because of poor agricultural practices, a hidden glacial desert was exposed in the 1800s.

8. Quoddy Head State Park

Best place for whale watching .

The United States’s easternmost lighthouse is one of Maine’s most iconic. Built in 1808, the red-and-white, candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse overlooks the rocky coastline in Lubec.  Quoddy Head State Park encompasses 532 acres on the easternmost point of land in the US and is popular with Mainers for its incredible oceanside hiking and whale watching. 

Planning tip: Bring your passport and hop over to Campobello Island, a short drive over the border in Canada, to learn more about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and their historic summer home.

9. Moosehead Lake

Best place for rustic relaxation.

While Maine’s coastline might be its main attraction, its highlands and wilderness really steal the show. Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, and it offers activities as well as rustic relaxation. Rent a cabin or pitch a tent and enjoy a quiet time by the water exploring the miles of hiking trails, streams for fly fishing and lots of watersports. 

Planning tip: Stop in Greenville to pick up ingredients for s'mores because you’ll want to build a campfire and stargaze in the dark sky. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the Milky Way. 

10. Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Best place to escape on an epic canoeing trip.

For a true off-the-grid wilderness experience, set off in a canoe on the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine. In the heart of Aroostook County, or as native Mainers call it, “The County,” the Allagash Wilderness Waterway starts in Telos and ends in the tiny town of Allagash. Unplug from your phone and society and take in the incredible beauty of northern Maine while you’re on one of the country’s premier canoe trips.

Planning tip: The canoe trip takes a week to 10 days (depending on the season) and is best for experienced paddlers. 

This article was first published Aug 5, 2021 and updated Apr 27, 2023.

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Vacation planner, things to do in maine, a four-season vacationland, there’s plenty to do and see on your visit to maine.

If you’re planning your first family skiing trip , a weekend searching for moose and other wildlife , a peaceful oceanside getaway—or all three— Maine offers a host of four-season choices. Whether your aim is to be on land or on the water , in the woods, on a mountain top, or in a family-friendly setting, with a Maine Guide or on your own, we’ve got your covered. View one of Maine’s 65 historical lighthouses , go birding , schedule a tee time at one of our award-winning golf courses , take in Maine’s natural wilderness and wildlife. Start planning for your Maine vacation by ordering Maine Invites You the official Maine state travel planner and don't forget to book your activities!

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Restaurants, attractions, things to do with kids, scenic drives.

Maine's Scenic Byway program offers plenty of recreational opportunities, arts & culture, wildlife and more. Find the state's byways and how to enjoy them.

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101 Unforgettable Things to Do in Maine (Insider Tips!)

Naomi Liz grew up in Maine and has explored many corners of the state–from its iconic places to lesser-known gems. With her breadth of experience and a deep understanding of Maine culture and places, Naomi is a trusted source for insider Maine travel advice . She offers firsthand insights from a lifetime of loving and exploring Maine to help you plan memorable adventures in the Pine Tree State.

Note: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. More details are  here .

Most “best things to do” or “Top 10” lists either only include the popular places you’ve already heard of, or they’re entirely subjective to what the author’s favorite things are.

The truth is: everyone has their own favorite corner of Maine.

Whether it’s the smell of saltwater and pines, the sound of loons calling out across the lake as you fall asleep, the view from a raft as you “let her drift” down the Kennebec, the exhilaration of snowmobiling across a frozen lake, or the simple feeling of the mild summer sun warming your face… Maine’s allure catches us all in a different way.

So I’m not here to tell you what the best things to do in Maine are (though I will share my personal top picks below!). Instead, I’m simply giving you some ideas that, I think, will add up to unforgettable adventures in the Pine Tree State.

Having called Maine my home until I was an adult and now taking frequent trips “home” throughout the year, a lot of this list draws from my own personal experience. But it’s also part Maine bucket list, and part crowd-sourced from friends and family who are lifelong Mainers and shared with me the places they love to take visitors.

I did my best to curate a list of activities and places all across the state, and while you will see a few of Maine’s iconic spots and familiar foods, hopefully you’ll discover some new-to-you things to do in Maine here as well.

( Head to the bottom of the post for a map of all these Maine attractions if you want to visualize where they are located!)

My Top 10 Recommended Maine Experiences:

I hope you’ll have tons of adventures and find your own version of the best things to do in Maine, but if you’re curious, these are the places I’d most love to show friends and family from outta-state.

• Go whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River (#17)
• Explore Deer Isle (#33 and #56)
• Swim at a waterfall swimming hole (Smalls Falls or Coos Canyon, #85)
• Hike Mount Kineo and climb the fire tower for panoramic views (#23)
• Take the mailboat to Isle au Haut or a lobster boat from Stonington (#2)
• Savor lake life—rent a camp (#19) or go camping at Cathedral Pines (#83)
• Enjoy epic coastal views on the Bold Coast Trail (#84)
• Pick wild blueberries (#60) and eat fresh blueberry pie from Helen’s (#65)
• Enjoy the incredible Portland foodie scene
• See the Maine wilderness from above in a float plane (#89)

Things to Do in Maine in the Summer

1. swim on top of a mountain..

Tumbledown Mountain near Mount Blue State Park is not only a beautiful hike in western Maine—there’s also an alpine pond nestled between the three peaks where you can cool off on a summer hike. This is a spot that has gotten very popular in recent years, so consider going in the off-peak times if you want to avoid the crowds. And as with all nature activities, please be a respectful visitor and Leave No Trace (stay on the path, no camping or campfires, and carry out all trash). 

2. Go island hopping in a sea kayak (and visit the most remote part of Acadia National Park).

Merchant Row is a cluster of more than 50 islands that were prized for their granite during the granite boom of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Now two-thirds of these islands are protected in one way or another.

With so many of the islands being open to the public, this is a sea kayaker’s paradise. Experienced kayakers can put in at various public launches around the island and set off on their island-hopping adventure, while beginners can opt for a guided trip with one of several outfitters on the island.

While I haven’t had the chance to kayak this area yet, I’ve taken a mail boat and lobster boat from Stonington. Being out on the water here is what made this self-proclaimed lover of inland Maine fall a bit in love with the coast!

RELATED:  An Epic Travel Guide to Deer Isle, Maine

3. hike to great heights..

While Maine’s highest peaks may not rival the Rockies, mountain lovers will find some gems in western Maine . Climb to the top of a fire tower, take the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit challenge, tackle Maine’s 4K+ footers in the Maine High Peaks region, or hike a rare mature forest at Borestone Mountain.

And of course, scale the highest mountain in Maine: Katahdin. Since it’s the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, you can witness thru-hikers reaching the end of a 2,000-mile trek if you time it right.

4. Stop and smell the flowers at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

These stunning gardens are the largest botanical gardens in New England!

You could easily spend hours or a full day here on the 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces located in the coastal town of Boothbay, Maine. The grounds include a butterfly house, native bee exhibit, dahlia garden, five senses garden, and so much more. There are incredible art exhibits and several miles of forest trails. It’s a fun place for kids, too—from the fairy house village to the children’s garden, little ones love exploring sections inspired by Maine children’s books, seeing rainbow flowers, and feeding chickens. 

This is always a fun thing to do with my mom—both in the summer and for the winter light show.

5. Listen to a lobsterman’s tales.

While I’ve only actually met one lobsterman, and I should avoid making generalizations…he was, indeed, exactly what I imagined a lobsterman would be like: bearded and full of ocean tales.

The farther you travel off the beaten path, the more likely you’ll be able to meet everyday working Mainers, like those whose livelihoods depend on lobstering. But in case you don’t serendipitously encounter a lobsterman (or woman!), there are lobster boat tours from several towns on the coast (like Lulu Lobster Boat and Lucky Catch Cruises ).

6. Go whale watching.

Maine has 3,500 miles of coastline and its ocean waters are host to many types of whales—Humpbacks, Finbacks, Minkes, and more—making whale watching one of the top Maine summer activities.

7. Search for abandoned locomotives in the North Maine Woods.

Over the river and through the woods….and down dusty logging roads you’ll find 1920s train cars abandoned in the middle of the woods. ( Here’s how to get there! )

8. Take a Maine windjammer cruise.

To truly experience the beauty of the Maine coast, you’ve got to get out on the water. Maine has the largest historic fleet of traditional sailing vessels in North America, and you can head out on a multi-day cruise to enjoy wildlife, scenery, and amazing food from many places in Midcoast Maine. (Find out more about what a windjammer cruise is like here .)

9. Catch a summer concert at the Bangor Waterfront.

Everyone from Pentatonix to Train to country music stars whose names I don’t know have performed here. While people from more populated areas might not bat an eye, a venue like this is a big deal in a small state that doesn’t get a lot of concert love.

10. Dig for clams

Head out to the flats when the tide is low and dig into the mud for your dinner! Well, there’s a little more to know than that (like getting license from the town hall and not cutting your hands), but clamming is a fun thing to do in Maine with kids (or without!).

11. Immerse yourself in Wabanaki culture and history.

There are four Indigenous groups in what is now known as Maine that are collectively known as Wabanaki, which means “People of the Dawnland.” Waterways like the Penobscot and Kennebec rivers, which bear their original Wabanaki names, were significant transportation routes for the Wabanaki peoples.

Learn more about their history and present-day culture with an immersive Way of the Wabanaki canoe trip , guided by several members of the Penobscot First Nation together with Mahoosuc Guide Service. You’ll learn about medicinal plants, Penobscot place names, basket making, and more.

12. Go puffin watching.

There are several Atlantic puffin colonies on islands off Maine’s coast, and you can head out on a small tour to view them. While I haven’t had the chance to do this yet, I would personally start by checking out the companies that partner with the Audubon Seabird Institute ( find out more here ).

13. Shiver on a summer hike inside ice caves.

Near Mount Katahdin in Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area, you’ll find ice caves that stay frozen year round–offering “nature’s air conditioning” during the summer. Native Americans even used these caves to preserve meat and pelts.

14. Watch for seals at Cobscook Bay State Park.

This state park is pretty far afield, as are many of the best places to visit in Maine. It’s been many years since I camped there as a little girl, but I remember well how much I loved seeing seals play in the water right from our campsite.

15. Take photos of lupines.

There’s something ever-so-summery about wildflowers. As warmer temperatures are just starting to settle in, and before the ubiquitous Queen Anne’s Lace makes her appearance, Maine enjoys a gorgeous display of pink and purple wildflowers in mid-June: the lupines.

16. Hike the hut-to-hut trail system with Maine Huts & Trails.

This 80-mile trail system in western Maine is relatively new (measured by: wasn’t around when I was a kid) and has several off-the-grid eco lodges. The mission of Maine Huts & Trails is to provide inviting backcountry experiences that inspire reverence for Maine’s western mountains, forests, and waters and help strengthen the local economy. They’ve got a focus on sustainability—both from an environmental stewardship perspective and in stimulating economic development in the often-overlooked western Maine region. 

Currently, the huts are only available for group rentals, but the trails are open to the public for everything from biking and hiking to fly fishing and paddling. Be sure to check the MHT website for the latest information. 

17. Tackle Maine’s most epic whitewater.

If you want to head inland but still crave thrashing waves, whitewater rafting on the Kennebec, Penobscot, or Dead River is where it’s at. There are even some parts that kids (and those less adventurous) can do. Rafting the Kennebec was one of my favorite things to do in Maine growing up, and it definitely makes my Maine Top 10 list!

Check out Northern Outdoors for trips on all 3 rivers (it’s where my dad did his guide training!).

18. Bike the carriage roads in Acadia National Park.

Built by Rockefeller from 1913 to 1940 as a way to get around Mount Desert Island away from motorized vehicles, this 45-mile network of carriage roads is now part of Acadia National Park. Today, you can tkae it slow and enjoy the scenery that the roads were designed to highlight without worrying about car traffic. The 16-foot-wide paths are shared by walkers, bicyclists, and horse-drawn carriages, so please be courteous and aware of who has the right-of-way . 

Finish your carriage road adventure by savoring the ever-popular popovers (or a delicious lunch) on the lawn at Jordan Pond House!

19. Spend lazy summer days at the lake.

Maine summers aren’t complete without heading “upta camp.” Translation: going to a cabin on a lake. Days at the lake are simple, spent skipping rocks and doing cannonballs, listening to the echoes of loon calls floating across the water, and screen doors creaking and slamming. There are plenty of camps for rent on one of Maine’s 6,000 lakes and ponds.

20. Take a summer art walk.

From Portland to Presque Isle, and Bangor to Bar Harbor, there are art walks in downtown areas all over Maine during warmer months.

Got a trip to Maine on your bucket list? Pin this post to your travel board on Pinterest to keep it bookmarked!

Things to Do in Maine in the Fall and Winter

21. go apple picking..

There are over 100 varieties of apples grown in Maine, and apple picking is as much of a fall activity as leaf peeping! Make sure you try some fresh apple cider while you’re at it—either cold or hot with spices, there’s nothing like it in the fall.

One of my favorites is Treworgy Family Orchards near Bangor. I may be biased because working at their dairy bar was my first job when it opened in the early 2000s, but their farm just keeps getting better and better. In the fall, you can even take a hayride and challenge yourself with their epic corn maze to make a day of it!

22. Drive through blueberry barrens in the fall.

While the rest of the world is thinking about leaf peeping in New England, another great way to enjoy fall colors is to take a drive through the fiery fields of low-bush blueberries that define the landscape of Downeast Maine. You can head to the Cherryfield area for prime blueberry country, or meander around the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle , where there are various pockets of blueberry fields.

23. Take in stunning foliage from above.

Get expansive views from the Height of Land Overlook, Attean Overlook on Route 201, Caterpillar Hill near Deer Isle, Penobscot Narrows Observatory Bridge, or Mount Kineo (be ready to climb the firetower!).

What’s the best time to visit? Head here for my month-by-month Maine guide .

24. Slide through pine-filled woods on cross country skis.

Want some human-powered winter adventure? Head out on more than 90 miles of groomed ski trails from the Appalachian Mountain Club’s wilderness lodges . Besides experiencing the snowy landscape at a slow pace, the best part might be coming back to a toasty fireplace. Is there anything better than a cozy cabin in the woods during winter?

25. Try your hand at ice fishing.

When Maine’s thousands of lakes and ponds freeze over during the deep of winter, there are plenty of ice fishing opportunities. If you’ve never been ice fishing, you can head out on a remote lake with a registered Maine guide who can take care of all the equipment and show you the ropes.

26. Ride down a snowy hill on a toboggan.

Whether you’re a kid or not, there’s something so delightful about piling into a sled and careening down a snowy hill. (Okay, if you’re over the age of 25, you might want to have the Tylenol ready.)

27. Savor the stillness of winter as you snowshoe through the forest.

Maine winters may be bitterly cold, but there’s something absolutely serene and beautiful about getting outside anyway. Listen to the trees creek and the snow crunch under your feet as you snowshoe from hut to hut in the Carrabassett Valley with Maine Huts & Trails.

28. Zigzag around the state on a snowmobile.

Wondering why that grown man with a thick Maine accent is so excited about going “sledding”? He’s not about to take a flying saucer down a snowy hill.

It’s heading out on Maine’s 14,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that Mainers get giddy about. This is a favorite winter sport in the Pine Tree State and something I spent many winter days doing when I was growing up.

For visitors, there’s plenty of opportunity to rent sleds or go on a guided trip—head west or north for the best snowmobiling in Maine.

Check out Northern Outdoors in The Forks or New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket for more info.

Unique & Fun Things to Do in Maine

29. eat or stay inside a repurposed mill..

Textile and paper mills were part of the fabric of Maine’s economy and culture for generations, and while many of them have shut down, some are being repurposed—bringing new life into small towns.

In Dover-Foxcroft, you can eat and stay at The Mill Inn + Cafe—it’s a great in-between point for those heading to Moosehead Lake or Peaks Kenney State Park. In Brunswick, the old Fort Andross mill houses a huge antique shop, a winter market, and a couple of restaurants (including the newly opened NOMAD). Or head to Bates Mill in Lewiston to enjoy Baxter Brewing or eat on the patio at DaVinci’s.

30. Learn to sail at the Wooden Boat School.

Ever wanted to become a sailor? If you’ve recognized the fact that it’s going to take more than a little extra cursing, you might be ready to put in the work to learn actual sailor-y skills. Head to the little town of Brooklin for a 5-day hands-on sailing course at the Wooden Boat School. There are even family courses available!

31. Geek out over Stephen King with a tour of Bangor.

Bangor is not only the city that he’s called home for a few decades, it’s also the inspiration for the fictional town of Derry. Fans of the fiction writer can take a tour (SK Tours of Maine) of many significant spots around town—including seeing the outside of his (slightly creepy) house.

32.  Visit the last active Shaker community in the world.

The Shakers were an offshoot of the religious group called Quakers, and they migrated to America in pursuit of religious freedom in the 1700s. Sadly, they experienced some persecution here as well, but survived and eventually grew in number to about 5,000.

In 1783 the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village was established in New Gloucester, Maine. Today it is the only active Shaker community remaining, and it is open to the public, making it a truly unique place to visit in Maine. You can also visit the museum or explore some of the 1,800 acres of land on a guided nature hike.

33. Spend a few days strolling an adorable coastal town.

While many people think of Bar Harbor as the quintessential “adorable Maine town,” there are plenty of places beyond this Acadia National Park hub that are less crowded and just as lovely.

My top recommendations: several villages on the island of Deer Isle, towns around the Blue Hill Peninsula, or taking a drive Downeast past Mount Desert Island.

34. Catch the first sunrise in the United States.

On Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, you’ll be joined by a slew of other cars driving to the summit in the wee hours of the morning—all in pursuit of seeing the first sunrise in the USA.

But (shhhh…you didn’t hear it from me) all those people aren’t actually seeing the first rays of sunlight if they’re visiting in the summer. Because of the way the earth changes position, there are 3 places in Maine that can claim the “first sunrise” title throughout the year: Mars Hill (March 25 – September 18), West Quoddy Head (around the spring and autumn equinoxes), and Cadillac Mountain (October 7 – March 6).

35. Get a selfie with a giant boot.

Yes, it’s perfectly touristy. But L.L. Bean really is a staple in Maine (I always had L.L. Bean book bags in school). The flagship store in Freeport is a fun place to stop and make sure you’re stocked up on outdoor gear—and get a Bean Boot photo while you’re at it.

36. Go to the fair.

From summer through fall, fair food meets farm show as agricultural fairs pop up for a few days at a time throughout Maine.

The Common Ground Country Fair in Unity is a little on the healthier side (sponsored by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association) and has everything from an herb tent to a fiber market to handcrafted Native American baskets. Plus, they compost and recycle—because 60,000 people produce a lot of waste! This fair is also the birthplace of the viral video of Maine’s “moose poop lady,” as I affectionately call her (seriously, I’ve never been prouder to be a Mainer—I love this).

37. Find your way around the world at the world traveler sign.

Paris—15 miles, China—94 miles, Sweden—25 miles, Mexico—37 miles…just another day in small-town Maine! It might be a little confusing to ask for directions around here, but that’s where this helpful (ahem, quirky) road sign comes in. You’ll definitely want to pull over for this uniquely Maine experience.

38. Stop at Indian Hill Trading Post.

On your way to Moosehead Lake, this is a must stop for a little taste of Maine woods life—plus any supplies, groceries, or gas you need.

39. Drive across the only granite cribwork bridge in the world.

Bailey Island Cribstone Bridge, connecting Orr’s Island and Bailey Island, is built of granite slabs put together in a lattice fashion with spaces in between (and no cement!) that allow the ocean tide to pass through. Built in the 1920s, it has stood the test of time and is a historic civil engineering landmark.

Bonus: there are great places to eat on either side of the bridge, so you can stop and enjoy the view for awhile!

40. Stand in the shadow of Paul Bunyan.

Standing proudly at 31 feet tall, this statue of the lumberjack legend has been a local landmark for more than half a century in downtown Bangor. It’s a fun road trip destination that Mainers are proud to call theirs—just don’t try telling anyone that he’s from Minnesota.

41. Follow the Maine Ice Age Trail.

Whether you’re a geology nerd or not, the Maine Ice Age Trail is a fascinating resource for learning more about the unique glacially-formed landscape of coastal Maine.

42. Taste the “buttery, flaky crust” at Dysart’s.

Yes, I’m telling you to go to a truck stop on I-95.

But it’s not just for truckers—locals actually go here to eat (admittedly, I always felt like an anomaly growing up in the Bangor area telling someone I’d never been there, an ailment that has been rectified in my adult years). Even if you’re not from Maine, you may have heard of Dysart’s if you saw the blooper reel that went viral a few years ago with an older couple trying to say “buttery flaky crust” for one of their commercials.

43. Chat with locals at a general store.

While the general store in Maine may not be as ubiquitous as other areas of New England (I’m looking at you, Vermont), it’s still part of the small-town landscape in many places. Stop in, peruse the selection of fishing bait and wine, grab a bite to eat, and listen to the Maine accent in the wild.

44. Practice your French on a road trip through St. John Valley.

Did you know that Maine’s largest minority language is French? Head to the borderlands with Canada and you’ll have the opportunity to speak French (though English is also spoken). In some towns bordering Quebec, the percentage of people who speak French in their home well over 50%.

45. Pan for gold in the Swift River.

Confession: this made the list because it was a childhood dream of mine, and we just never got the chance to do it. Prospecting for gold is still a thing in western Maine, and it’s still very much on my Maine bucket list.

46. Check out Moxie memorabilia at the Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage.

Even though this drink wasn’t actually invented in Maine, it’s been adopted as the Maine state soft drink. This museum (open seasonally) has a wing devoted to Moxie.

47. Visit the desert.

Okay, it’s not technically a desert, but this little spot near Freeport is an unusual attraction and one of Maine’s most famous natural(ish) phenomena.

The Desert of Maine is a result of modern farmers not properly rotating crops , causing erosion that eventually uncovered 40 acres of glacial silt. While it may be a little tourist trappy (think camel statue), it’s still an interesting thing to do in the Pine Tree State.

48. Learn to talk like a Mainah.

There’s more to it than you may think, but replacing “really” with “wicked” is a good start. Ayuh.

Recommended: Check out Down East’s Maine dialect guide .

49. Go moose watching.

Most visitors coming to Maine want to see a moose before they head home—there’s a bit of intrigue and mystery in spotting one of these majestic (if somewhat clumsy) creatures. The moose population in Maine is estimated to be around 60,000 – 70,000, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, making it the highest population in the United States outside of Alaska. Inland Maine is prime moose scouting territory.

50. Take a selfie at Mile 1.

Head to “America’s first mile” on Route 1, which stretches the length of the East Coast all the way to Key West, Florida.

51. Meet the Duck of Justice.

For fans of the Bangor Police Department’s viral Facebook page , meeting the Duck of Justice is a fun (albeit weird and quirky) road trip stop. 

52. Snap a photo of the quirky sign at Bishop’s Store in Jackman.

Maine has a thing for funny signs, apparently. If you’re taking the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, this is definitely worth a stop. (And I haven’t tried it, but locals swear by the pizza here.)

53. See farm country from above in a hot air balloon.

Aroostook County has been home to the start of two famous transatlantic balloon flights. Each year, more than a dozen colorful balloons launch into the sky in Maine’s largest county during the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest.

54. Take a dirt road…get lost*…and find your way out with an atlas.

While not predictable or necessarily fun, this promises to be unforgettable. My family still tells the tale of “our favorite road” (sarcasm intended), which my dad thought looked like a shortcut. Ideally, you won’t actually get lost—it’s more about having a sense of adventure and exploring where the atlas takes you. *Do at your own risk.

Recommended: The one and  only  atlas that Mainers rely on is the  DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer . It’s an absolute essential for getting off the beaten path in Maine (dirt roads or not)!

55. Try a red hot dog*.

While I personally don’t see the appeal, they are decidedly a (weird Maine) thing . There’s even a red hot dog festival. *Do at your own risk.

56. Walk to an island.

While most people will tell you about walking to Bar Island at low tide from the ever-busy Bar Harbor, there’s another island-from-an-island walk in the area. Head to Barred Island Preserve on Deer Isle for a quieter hike with beautiful views.

Foodie Experiences in Maine

57. pick fiddleheads..

Anyone from Maine knows about fiddlehead season–a short time in spring when the still-rolled-up fronds of a baby fern (called fiddleheads before they unfurl) pop up everywhere. They’re harvested (read: “Pull over, deyah! I see some fiddleheads!”) and cooked as a vegetable dish. While they may never receive the acclaim that lobster does, they’re still much a part of Maine life in the spring.

If you don’t want to try foraging for them yourself (it’s important that you can clearly identify any wild plants you pick), you can try a local chef’s take on this rustic delicacy.

58. Try a whoopie pie at the Whoopie Pie Festival.

Maine may or may not be the birthplace of the whoopie pie ( it’s apparently hotly contested ), but Mainers love it enough to make it the official state treat—whatever that means—and give it a festival. So you should probably eat one while you’re here.

59. Eat a lobster roll on the docks.

At Young’s Lobster Pound in Belfast, it’s BYOB, and it’s a perfect spot for a picnic on the docks with fresh-as-it-gets lobster rolls. This isn’t the only spot in Maine to enjoy lobster rolls with a water view—go exploring and you might find your new favorite lobster shack! 

60. Turn your hands (and tongue!) purple as you pick wild blueberries.

Maine has the largest wild blueberry crop in the U.S., and picking blueberries is a Maine summer rite of passage. There aren’t many pick-your-own commercial operations, but wild blueberries grow in a lot of places around the state (not just on the coast!). As long as you’re certain you can identify them, pick away if you’re on public property.

Recommended reading: If you’ve got kids, Blueberries for Sal is a must read! Bonus: through October 15, 2023, some of Robert McCloskey’s original artwork for his books is on display at Curtis Memorial Library. I visited in July, and it was absolutely captivating!

61. Taste fresh maple syrup.

Vermont might get all the attention when it comes to maple syrup, but Maine deserves its own recognition for this sappy goodness, too. Every year on the fourth Sunday in March, sugar houses across the state open to the public for Maine Maple Sunday—offering maple syrup samples, demonstrations, and more.

62. Warm your bones in the winter with a traditional Maine chowder.

New England style chowders reign supreme here. Also affectionately referred to as “chowdah” by Mainers, this creamy soup comes in many variations: from humble corn chowder to fish chowder with haddock to clam chowder to an absolutely loaded seafood chowder. 

Whatever you do, don’t ask if it has a tomato base. 

63. Eat a potato donut at The Holy Donut in Portland.

All the way from the northern reaches of Maine to the big city of Portland, Maine potatoes are the “secret” ingredient making everyone rave about these donuts.

Related: 3 Must-Try Maine Foods

64. Eat a Needham.

These chocolate-covered coconut confections invented in Maine have a surprising ingredient: the humble potato. (Although it may not seem that unusual to Mainers, considering Maine was once the top potato producer in the nation). Nobody is sure exactly what the story behind Maine Potato Candy is , but they’ve stuck around for generations.

65. Taste the fresh blueberry pie at Helen’s.

A drive to Machias just for this pie is entirely worth it. It’s that good.

If you are able to somehow ignore all the other pastry options, you’ll have your pick of two types of wild blueberry pie: the traditional two-crust baked blueberry pie, or a to-die-for seasonal blueberry cream pie (a cooked bottom crust filled with a mountain of fresh, uncooked berry filling topped with whipped cream). I highly recommend the latter, but feel free to sample both if you have room.

Things to Do in Maine with Kids

66. go fishin’..

With your grandkids…or your kids…or any kid! This was a one of my favorite things to do on the lake with my grandpa when I was a kid. Maine has tons of excellent freshwater to choose from—whether you want to go fly fishing or regular old spin fishing.

67. Drive through the solar system in Aroostook County.

Maine’s northernmost and largest county is nicknamed “The County”—whether it’s just easier to say or because it makes you feel like nothing else in the world exists when you’re there, I don’t know. But The County’s potato fields, rolling hills, and wide open spaces are the perfect setting for a built-to-scale model of the solar system.

Stretching 40 miles from Pluto to the sun, it’s the largest complete 3D scale model of the solar system in the world.

68. Find out why locals call this place “Hobbitland.”

The historic walking trails and nature preserve at Vaughan Woods feel a little extra magical when you know the local nickname. But despite their resemblance to a fictional world, you won’t find any hobbits here (though that doesn’t mean you can’t tell your kids fanciful tales to ignite their imaginations).

Still, you’ll love exploring the stone bridges, waterfalls, and wild meadow at Vaughan Woods. Please be a Leave No Trace visitor by respecting the wild feel and not altering the natural landscape of the woods (I’m looking at you, tiny-stick-structure-builders).

69. Hike into the B-52 crash site.

Near Moosehead Lake, you’ll find a memorial to the seven U.S. Air Force men who lost their lives in 1963 when their B-52 plane crashed while out on a routine training mission. Head to the Moosehead Lake Aviation Museum to learn more before taking the short walk into the site.

70. Find your hometown on Eartha, the world’s largest rotating globe.

Okay, you can’t really  find your hometown—it’s not quite that detailed. But it’s still worth a stop.

This 41-foot rotating globe is easy to spot from the interstate, but you can also go inside the building to see it in person (a great kid-friendly, free attraction). It was opened in 1998 by the map company DeLorme —the atlas makers with a cult-like following in Maine—and despite being acquired by Garmin, the giant globe that DeLorme constructed is still open to the public.

It’s only open during the week, and in July 2023 when I tried to visit, the panels were being replaced. But it’s right off the interstate, so it’s an easy stop if the timing is right!

71. Get your hands (and Bean boots) dirty at Wolfe’s Neck Farm.

Independent farms in Maine are trending the opposite direction from most of the country: they’re growing in number.

At Wolfe’s Neck Farm not far from the busy shopping streets of Freeport, they’ve got a mission to “transform our relationship with farming and food for a healthier planet.” This family-friendly (but not-just-for-kids) coastal farm has plenty to do for a day: bike down country roads, kayak the calm Casco Bay waters, enjoy the Farm-to-Table chef dinner series, bird watch on nature trails, camp oceanfront, and of course, visit the animals and gardens.

It’s hard to believe that this place is free and open to the public year round .

Bonus: If you’re in town longer, head to nearby Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park for more scenery and nature trails.

72. Visit Giant’s Stairs.

On Bailey Island, you’ll find a curious rock formation that look like a huge staircase—made for giants. It’s a short walk to get there, and pretty family-friendly for older kids (there are no railings along the path or on the cliffs).

Cultural & Historic Things to Do in Maine

73. learn about maine’s history in the underground railroad..

In 1828 the Abyssinian Meeting House was incorporated in Portland, two years after six African American men wrote a letter to the editor condemning the segregation and racism they faced in the Second Congregational Church. The meeting house served as the hub of African American life for 86 years, and it was also an important part of the Underground Railroad in Maine.

It’s currently undergoing ongoing restoration efforts and is not open to the public. You can also view the outside of the meeting house and more on the self-guided Portland Freedom Trail walking tour ( PDF guide here ).

Additional stop near Bangor: There’s a small park in Brewer, Maine with an Underground Railroad memorial called “North to Freedom” (located at Chamberlain Freedom Park).

74. Visit the only international park maintained by two governments on a two-nation vacation.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park is located on Campobello Island in Canada, just over the bridge from the cute village of Lubec. You can take a free tour of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic summer home and grounds, and go off exploring some of the scenic overlooks or nature trails. This is also the world’s only international park operated jointly by two governments.

75. Step inside the South Solon Meeting House.

Maine is full of white clapboard churches, but there’s something unexpected inside this one. Built in 1842 for religious and community activities, it later suffered the same deteriorating fate as many meeting houses of its era. Part of the preservation efforts included painting floor-to-ceiling frescoes in the 1950s. Even if you’re not an art fan, this is well-worth a road trip stop.

76. Visit historic shell middens in Damariscotta.

If you’re anything like me, you might be wondering: what in the world are shell middens? Basically, they’re heaps of shells that were discarded in one place over long periods of time—in this case, oyster shells discarded by Native Americans. There are many shell middens on Maine’s coast, and they tell an important piece of Native American history. Although many of the shells have been destroyed (processed for chicken feed by Europeans), the Whaleback Shell Middens are one of the largest intact middens on the entire East Coast.

77. Take an art road trip.

The Maine coast has beckoned artists for a long time, and it’s not uncommon to find artist studios and lobster traps in the same coastal villages. Whether you want to explore the Maine Art Museum Trail or visit some of the amazing galleries , the Maine coast has plenty to offer.

78. Connect with Wabanaki culture at the Abbe Museum.

The Abbe Museum is not only Maine’s only Smithsonian Affiliate, it’s also one of the best places to learn about both the history and contemporary cultures of Native peoples in what is now known as Maine.

Like many museums, the Abbe Museum was originally opened by white people displaying Indigenous artifacts, but the museum is now taking active steps toward decolonizing. As former museum president Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko said in her TEDx Talk , this means, “at a minimum, to share authority and governance for the interpretation and representation of Native people.”

79. Explore transportation history.

History buffs (including curious kids!) will love visiting the several transportation museums in Maine: Owls Head Transportation Museum, Cole Land Transportation Museum, Boothbay Railway Village, and Seashore Trolley Museum, which is the largest and oldest museum of public transportation.

80. Learn about Maine’s logging history.

Okay, logging history might not seem very interesting. I get it.

But given that Maine is 90% trees, the lumber industry is an important part of its history and economy. In fact, Bangor was once known as the “lumber capital of the world” and some of the homes of lumber barons still stand. It’s all quite fascinating when you think about connecting with the story of a place!

Take a history tour of Bangor , visit the Leonard’s Mills living history site , or take a drive down Route 201, stopping at the markers along the way (which include information about everything from wildlife to Benedict Arnold to driving logs down the Kennebec River).

READ MORE: Remembering Bangor: The Queen City Before the Great Fire

81. Visit one of the most significant homes from the American Revolution.

Burnham Tavern in Machias is the site where the first naval battle of the American Revolution was planned in June of 1775.

Beautiful Places to Visit in Maine

82. drive over a historic covered bridge..

Maine once had more than 120 covered bridges, but today there are only nine left across the state. Still, covered bridges are perfectly New England and they’re worth driving a bit out of your way for.

83. String a hammock between two pines and enjoy “the way life should be.”

My top pick for said relaxation? Cathedral Pines Campground in Eustis. As the name implies, it’s located in a forest of towering red pines.

Bonus: Cathedral Pines is located on the shores of Flagstaff Lake—as a kid, I was fascinated by the tales of the town that was buried under this man-made body of water!

84. Explore Maine’s coastal preserves.

While Acadia National Park is the darling of Maine, there’s something to be said about getting away from the crowds to enjoy more nature and less people.

And along Maine’s thousands of miles of coastline, there are enough preserves and public land to fill a summer-long itinerary. Camp out on the largest uninhabited island on the eastern seaboard (Marshall Island). Backpack or day hike the Bold Coast Trail, which has miles of oceanside trails. Or hike Great Wass Island to see rare plants and enjoy gorgeous views.

LEARN MORE: Check out Maine Coast Heritage Trust and The Nature Conservancy .

85. Take a waterfall road trip in search of Maine’s best swimming holes.

One of the absolute best things to do in Maine in the summer is find waterfalls and swimming holes! Whether you hike deep into the woods, enjoy a picnic at a rest area, or pull over to the side when you see an inviting stream, western and northern Maine are a dream for freshwater lovers.

A few fan and personal favorites: Bickford Slides (AKA Rattlesnake Flume), Coos Canyon, Smalls Falls, Little Wilson Falls, Angel Falls, Katahdin Stream Falls, Step Falls, Grafton Notch, Houston Brook Falls (near Bingham), The Cataracts, and Frenchman’s Hole.

86. Enjoy views from the tallest bridge observatory in the world.

At the Penobscot Narrows Observatory Bridge, you can see mountains, lakes, and Penobscot Bay from 420 feet above the river. Plus, history lovers will enjoy stopping by the adjacent Fort Knox State Historic Site, one of the best preserved forts in New England. Find rates and hours here .

87. Go in search of the Northern Lights.

While Maine may not be the prime spot to catch the Northern Lights (I’ve seen them just once when I was a teenager), they do show up from time to time. For a better chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, head to the wide open skies of Aroostook County and other remote parts of inland Maine.

88. Stay at a B&B.

One thing’s for sure: New England knows how to do bed and breakfasts. From charming country B&Bs to  beautiful coastal inns , Maine has plenty of options, each one unique.

89. Take a ride in a float plane from a Lake in Gorgeous Western Maine.

Seeing the Maine woods from above is breathtaking, and hopping in a small plane is my favorite way to do it! Check out the tours from Rangeley , or if you prefer to watch from the ground, there’s an international seaplane fly-in at Moosehead Lake every September.

90. Flex your muscle with a photo at Pockwockamus Rock.

About a mile from the south gate of Baxter State Park is a classic photo stop: a boulder with a mural that says, “Keep Maine beautiful” (with Mount Katahdin looming in the distance). It was painted in 1979 by campers at a conservation camp who were tired of seeing graffiti, and it’s been maintained beautifully ever since.

91. Try to find the most picturesque lighthouse in the state.

Lighthouses are one of the highlights of the Maine coast! While you may not be able to see the more than 60 coastal lighthouse in one trip, include a few photo-worth ones on your itinerary—and learn a bit about Maine’s maritime history along the way.

92. Take a drive on a scenic byway.

When it comes to gorgeous scenery in Maine, the options are numerous: there are 10 Maine Scenic Byways, 3 National Scenic Byways, and 1 All-American Road located in Maine.

On the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway, stop at the various pullouts to learn about the history and wildlife of the Kennebec Valley. The Bold Coast Scenic Byway will take you through blueberry barrens and coastal fishing villages. Explore them all here .

93. Drink some Moxie (soda) while you hike to Moxie (falls).

Okay, maybe skip the soda part. It’s overrated…but the falls are definitely worth the drive. Moxie is a classic Maine waterfall hike and one of our family favorites. It’s also pretty short and an easy hike for kids.

94. Visit the easternmost point in the continental U.S.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is definitely off the beaten path in Maine…But it’s worth the drive to visit the only candy-striped lighthouse in the United States AND the easternmost point in the continental U.S. The lighthouse is located in Quoddy Head State Park, and there are several short hikes here to enjoy as well–some with spectacular ocean views.

95. Paddle your way through the Maine woods.

If you’re looking for a remote nature experience, canoeing the Allagash Wilderness Waterway is perhaps one of the best ways to get it. Part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (a 740-mile water trail stretching from New York to Maine’s north tip), the state-protected Allagash is a rare waterway that flows north.

96. Go stargazing in a dark night sky.

Given the fact that Maine is the most sparsely populated state east of the Mississippi, it’s easy to imagine that there’s not a lot of light pollution (or any pollution, for that matter).

And especially as you head inland and north, there are huge expanses of dark night sky . ( The Portland Press Herald reported that Maine has the largest swath of dark night sky in the eastern US!) Even if you don’t head inland, the stargazing is stunning in most places in the state, and Acadia National Park hosts the Acadia Night Sky Festival every September.

97. Enjoy the views at the “Grand Canyon of Maine.”

Part of the 100-mile wilderness (the longest stretch of uninterrupted wilderness on the Appalachian Trail), Gulf Hagas is a stunning waterfall hike located in the heart of Maine.

This one gets bonus points from me because it’s where I got engaged!

98. Take a leisurely drive around Mount Desert Island.

This is one of my favorite things to do when visiting Maine’s Acadia National Park. While Bar Harbor is charming, the island’s quieter towns are every bit as lovely. Take a map, don’t plan much, and see what catches your eye as you drive—you’re on an island, so you can’t manage to get that lost.

RELATED: 12 Under-the-Radar Things to Do Near Acadia National Park

99. Explore Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.

100. watch tidal falls reverse before your eyes..

Maine is the only place on the East Coast of the US with the rare phenomenon of reversing falls (also called tidal falls).

There are eight places where freshwater meets the ocean and you can watch the rapids reverse as the tide changes—sometimes waves, whirlpools, and “waterfalls” form as well. Check out Sullivan Falls and Blue Hill Falls in the Acadia National Park area, and farther Downeast you can see more dramatic tides at Pembroke Falls (in Reversing Falls Preserve).

101. Go in search of hidden spots and locals’ favorites.

Contrary to popular belief, not everything is on the internet. There are still some things that only locals know about (like an epic waterfall hike someone in The Forks told me about—that’s not even on the DeLorme Atlas !). I think there’s some magic to leaving your trip open to spontaneity and exploration.

Map of Things to Do in Maine (All Year Long)

If you’re a visual person like I am, it helps to see these things on a map! I’ve done my best to include most of what’s on this list in a custom Google map below.

PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of this map is to show generally where things are throughout the state. Not all points are at their precise location (because Google Maps is often wrong, especially with hiking trail heads), and I recommend consulting an atlas and/or hiking guide for directions.

Additionally, I’ve divided these into layers for seasons, but it’s not an exact science. Many of the “summer” activities can easily spill over into spring or fall, and vice versa. Some businesses are only open seasonally or change their hours throughout the year—please check the website or Facebook page for current business hours.

Which attractions, food, or Maine adventures would you most love to check out? What else would you add to the list of unforgettable things to do in Maine?

Travel Photographer | FAA Certified Drone Pilot

Naomi is the coffee-loving, crazy-about-Latin-America writer and photographer behind everything here. She's guided by curiosity and a belief that every place has a story to tell–whether it’s through the intricate details of nature, history that has shaped a culture, or the people who call a place home. Learn More

39 Must See Things to do in Maine – Maine Travel Guide

By Author Marissa

Posted on Published: January 12, 2021

Categories Free Entertainment , Maine , National Parks

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Maine was one of our favorite places to visit on the East Coast, and we did NOT want to leave! I wanted to share our top things to do in Maine  as we got to see many of these and some of these Maine attractions are on our list for next time we visit! Kind of a Maine Travel Guide if you will.

Top 39 Things to do in Maine – Must See Maine Attractions

Where to stay in maine.

Normally we take our RV with us and stay at campgrounds, National Parks, state parks, and  even camp for free every chance we get .

If you aren’t camping I highly suggest checking out  Airbnb for a place to stay   first. You can generally get a place for cheaper than a hotel and it’s a great way to experience the area.

Your hosts will be able to direct you to the best things to do, places to eat, and more. Plus you will have access to a kitchen so you don’t have to eat out every night. This will save you money for other great things to do in Maine.

I just did a quick search on Airbnb for Maine and found a super cute Maine Coastal Cottage near Bar Harbor (Acadia National Park) for $75 a night. You can get a small cabin in the middle of nature on a mountain lake. You can even rent a treehouse!

If you choose to  sign up for Airbnb and use my link you will a $40 travel credit! As a side note, Airbnb is a great way to rent your space to make some extra money too.

Also, make sure to check out our travel deals page for any deals or sales on your next trip no matter where it is!

Home Away  –  They have rentals all over the world including   these amazing castles you can rent in Europe !

VRBO  – Stands for Vacation Rentals By Owner. The owners list the rentals instead of going through a rental agency this way. This is under the Home Away umbrella.

Related:  31 Free Things to do in Portland Maine

VacationRentals.com  –  Also under the Home Away umbrella and another great way to find homes to rent.

Home Stay  –  Just like Airbnb you can rent out a home or just a room.

If a rental site just isn’t for you I suggest checking out  Extended Stay America   you can get a mini kitchen and many more creature comforts than a regular hotel and the little extra you will spend will even out if you use the kitchen while there!

One more thing. IF you are visiting the bigger cities in Maine then I suggest checking out the  local Entertainment Book . 

They have tons of coupons on everything from hotel stays, places to eat, places to shop, and local attractions.

Now on to the list!

Nature, National Parks, and State Parks

Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor Maine

Acadia National Park – This was hands down one of our favorite things to do in Maine. If you head to Maine, this is the ONE thing you HAVE to see!! Take in the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain and be one of the first in the country to see the sunrise that day!

Head down and do the Park Loop Road drive and take in Thunder Hole and Jordan Pond along with amazing views like the one above!

Baxter State Park – This is where Mount Katahdin is located and the climb is 100% worth the trip!

Casco Bay –  Hop on the island ferry and visit one of the many islands of Casco Bay. They call them to calendar islands because you can visit a new one almost every day for a year! There is a wide variety of things to do from museums to sightseeing tours.

Related:  The Ultimate Guide to The National Park Service Junior Ranger Program

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site  – If you are venturing all the way north to the top of Maine there is one of the few International Historic Sites you can visit on Saint Croix Island.

Portland Head Light at Fort Williams State Park – One of the top things to do in this Maine Travel Guide is take in all the lighthouses. Located in Fort Williams State Park, this is one of the most famous lighthouses and most photographed!

If you can only visit one lighthouse while in Maine THIS is the one to visit.

Maine Presidential Sites

Home of Hannibal Hamlin – This is the home of President Lincolns Vice President and is located in Bangor Maine.

More on Vice President Hannibal Hamlin – You can also see the couch he died on in the Bangor Public Library a few blocks north of his home. A few blocks east you can see his statue. Then head just north of town to see where is he buried.

Related:  The 15 Best Things to do in Portland Maine with Kids

Things to do in Maine – Attractions

Coastal Maine Botanical Garden – This is a 270 acre garden with a mile of waterfront to take in as well. It’s called the countries most beautiful botanical garden by many. If you want to talk about AMAZING colors this is the place to check out!

They do lights for Christmas and set up lots of fall decor to take in the Fall season change! Check their events calendar for things like free admission for moms on Mother day, tea and tulips, and more!

Mount Desert Oceanarium – Get up close to Maine ocean life and learn all about lobsters and more! This is one of the last lobster hatcheries in the world. A hit on our Maine Travel Guide .

Hamilton House – The  Jonathan Hamilton House is a beautiful late-Georgian mansion completed in 1788. It sits on 50 acres of land on the banks of the Salmon Falls River.

West Quoddy Head Light

West Quoddy Head Light – Labeled America’s most famous lighthouse. Many recognize it from its candy cane stripes.

Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory – This is one of the best-preserved fortifications on the coast of New England.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House – Home to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and is now the oldest standing building on the Portland peninsula.

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village – This is the home of the last active Shaker community in the world. Located on 1800 acres and established in 1783 and today consists of 17 historic buildings that date from the 1780s through the 1950s.

Victoria Mansion – This is a beautiful pre-Civil War home that you will want to see! They have taken the highest level of care and gone out of their way to get the right pieces to finish it.

If you are visiting during the holidays, this is labeled as a must-see!

Desert of Maine – 300 years ago a family moved her to farm the land. They didn’t know the details of overgrazing and over-farming as we do now, and several years later the dessert pushed its way through.

Now it’s taken over the area as a natural phenomenon. Take in the museum and even go mining!

Related:  21 Free Things to do in Newport Rhode Island

The Berlin Wall – When in Portland you can view a few slabs from the Berlin Wall. Who knew?!

Visit Eartha – Just north of Portland in Yarmouth Maine is the world’s largest globe and it actually rotates at the same speed as the earth!

Asticou Azalea Garden – This 2.3 acre Garden was created by Charles Kenneth Savage in 1956.

Nubble Lighthouse, Cape Neddick, Maine, USA

Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse – Built in 1837 on a rocky island in Maine an is another of the famous Maine lighthouses.

York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park – This is a zoo AND an amusement park in one! Located in York Beach don’t miss this one.

Kisma Preserve – If you visit Acadia National Park you have to visit this too!  The animals here have been removed from their natural habitat through various human activities.

The goal of Kisma is to raise awareness of the inappropriate use of wild animals as well as to rescue them, rehabilitate them, release them, and include them in breeding programs if and when possible.

Stephen King’s House – The King of Horrors house is located in Bangor Maine. While there aren’t any tours the outside is just as creepy as you would expect!

Part of the Underground Railroad – Called “North to Freedom” there is an Underground Railroad manhole located in Brewer Maine that was used to hide underground slaves.

The Best Maine Food

Len Libby Chocolate, Portland, Maine

Len Libby Chocolate and the Giant Chocolate Mouse – You read that right! This store has Lenny the Mouse, which is a life-size moose made completely of chocolate. He weighs 1,700 pounds and has been greeting visitors since 1997!

While at the store take in some of the very Maine-themed items like the lobsters on the rocks! This was one of the kid’s favorite Maine attractions.

Youngs Lobster Pound – Lobster pounds are a big thing up in Maine. They are places where you can go to eat lobster or buy a live one or a cooked one to take home. I suggest taking in any of them when you visit but Youngs Lobster comes highly recommended!

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, Kennebunkport, Maine

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights  – OK I know this isn’t a ‘Maine attraction,’ but you can’t come to Maine and not have lobster! Featured on Man vs. Food this was on our ‘to eat at’ list when we visited.

It’s in an old house right on the water you can eat indoors or outdoors and the views alone are worth a stop. A top choice for our Maine Travel Guide .

Other Maine Museums

Portland Museum of Art – Located in downtown Portland Maine, this is the oldest and largest public art institution in Maine.

Maine Maritime Museum – Covering 400 years of Maine’s Maritime History in this 20-acre historic shipyard with a working wooden boatyard.

Owls Head Transportation Museum – This Museum explores the history of aviation, automobiles, bicycles, trains, and old factory engines.

Farnsworth Art Museum – This 20,000 square foot art museum holds over 15,000 works of art. They have the nation’s largest collection of work from Louise Nevelson.

Old Fort Western Museum on the Kennebec River  – Located in Augusta Maine, this is a 1754 historic Fort. This is New England’s oldest surviving wood fort and used during the American Revolution. This is the one Maine attraction with the most history!

Maine State Museum  – I will say the fees for admission here are some of the best I’ve seen at $3 for adults and $1 for children 6-18 and under 6 is free! You can take in everything from moon rocks to Maine state history.

Related:  15 of the Best Free Things to do in Montpelier Vermont

Other Things to do in Maine

Whale Watching – With companies like Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company you can head out on the water and watch the whales. Many people get amazing pictures of whales jumping out of the water! You can also learn a lot about these amazing creatures.

Go on a Moose Safari – I wanted to see a Moose while in Maine but we didn’t find one on our own and now wish we had gone on one of these Moose Safaris!

Historic Old Port, Portland Maine – This is Portlands historic waterfront district. They also say this is one of the most successfully revived warehouse districts in the country. Taking a walk along the water edge, you can take in shopping, restaurants, and great entertainment.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor Maine – This is the quiet little town you picture when you see photos of Maine! It’s right on the water near Frenchmans Bay. Bar Harbor is located right outside Acadia National Park and it can get busy during the summer but it’s well worth a stop!

Kennebunkport  – This is another great small town on the coast you should check out while in Maine. Here you can visit the Portland Head Light, and as seen below Len Libby Chocolate and the Lobster Shack.

31 Free Things to do in Portland Maine  – Don’t miss these freebies when in Portland!

The 15 Best Things to do in Portland Maine with Kids   – If you are visiting the area with kids this is another list of places to visit as well.

What have been your favorite things to do in Maine ?

If you are in the New England area during Fall check out the  New England Day Trips To See the Fall Colors  that we recommend!

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The Must-Visit Attractions in Maine

With a long history as a vacation hotspot, Maine has lots of places to visit that will please sea-seekers and history buffs alike. The colonial past of the coastal state has left delightful cobblestone and brick towns, while miles of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs are as popular with travelers as the Western Maine Mountains are with skiers seeking the best slopes in the northeast. In town? Here are the must-visit attractions in Maine.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Acadia National Park

Made of islands and peninsulas off the Maine coast, this remote coastal area was once the refuge to families of the “robber barons” – rich American industrialists – such as the Rockefellers, Fords and Carnegies. With its inspirational sights and natural beauty, it’s easy to see why. Come here for the pretty Bar Harbor fishing village, magnificent views atop Cadillac Mountain – one of the first places to see the sunrise in the country – and to watch the sea at its most elemental at Thunder Hole. Maine’s national park also has 45mi (72km) of old carriage roads for cyclists to explore, the remote Sand Beach for sunbathers and two lakes suitable for some bracing freshwater swimming.

The tallest peak in Maine, set within out-of-the-way Baxter State Park, should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Maine. Arising 5,269ft (1,606m) out of the wilderness, Katahdin commands sweeping 360-degree views of middle Maine. The 10-hour trek alone is worth the trip: hikers hug a noisy, beautiful stream, plateau at a clear glacial lake and then scramble over fallen rock before reaching the summit. Whichever route you take to the top, park rangers warn that it’s a “very strenuous climb,” so get there nice and early. The name Katahdin is Native American, meaning The Greatest Mountain.

Images of Maine most often conjure scenes from Casco Bay, where Portland (the biggest city in the state) and a host of picturesque commuter islands call home. Whether you’re island hopping on ferries, surfing, kayaking, or cooking on the beach at your first lobster bake, Casco Bay can’t be ignored. Day trippers from Portland usually head to Peaks Island, which makes for a fun bike ride, or to Bailey Island, which has one of the prettiest harbors in the state.

Portland’s Old Port

Urban without forgetting its rural roots, Portland’s Old Port is a mix of winding cobblestone streets and brick colonial buildings. The shopping center and creative hub, the Old Port is where you’ll find the best farm-t0-table restaurants, breweries and boutiques in Maine. The people-watching alone is worth a trip, whether it’s the tourists out for a night on the town or islanders taking the ferry home from a day at work.

Portland Museum of Art

In short, the museum has everything you’d expect from a major capital, without the lines and prices. Old-world legends, modern masters and beloved Maine artists rub shoulders in this intimate museum in downtown Portland. Whether it’s Picasso, Monet or Maine-favorite Andrew Wyeth, the museum is home to more than 18,000 artworks dating from the 18th century to the present day, with a dedicated room featuring works by Winslow Homer of the Maine coast.

The Grand Canyon of the East is a little-known gorge set amid some of the most rural wooded reaches in Maine. Here, the Pleasant River falls dramatically through a series of screw auger falls, into wide pools teeming with trout. A trail rims the gorge, offering spectacular, if steep, views of the wild river below. Native American gravesites found in the area were lined with red ochre to preserve the bodies, and some of these Red Paint People graves date back 7,500 years.

Allagash Waterway

Wild, inaccessible and jaw-dropping. If you’re looking to get away, look no further. The Allagash, as it’s known, is a 92mi (148km) stretch of interconnected lakes and rivers winding through the most off-limits, rural parts of the state. It’s best seen by kayak (there’s plenty of camping along the shore); trips run from one to 10 days, the latter as much a physical feat as it is spiritual getaway. The reward for your hard work are views of pristine woods where the only onlookers are moose.

Asticou Azalea Garden

Elegant, understated and majestic, this small Japanese-inspired garden gives you yet another reason to visit Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. Asticou sometimes slides under the radar, rarely are there any lines; which is surprising, because when the flowers are in bloom the garden’s fluid, natural design flows from one section to another, allowing you to meander from color to color.

Sugarloaf and Sunday River

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding in Maine, you can’t go far wrong with either Sugarloaf or Sunday River. The former, which sits in the Carrabassett Valley, has 162 trails and glades to explore plus 1,240 acres (502ha) of skiable area to tackle. The latter is a collection of eight connected peaks with 53mi (85km) of trails. If you’re split between the two, you can purchase a season pass that covers entry to both.

Rangeley Lake

Buttressed by mountains, surrounded by moose and containing some of the best wild trout in the state, Rangeley Lake is a four-season destination for the world-weary. Situated in rural Western Maine, the lake offers boating opportunities in the summer, spectacular leaf peeping for fall hikers, plus miles of groomed trails come winter.

Grafton Notch State Park

The notch between the mountains separates Maine from New Hampshire. The park itself is a hiker’s paradise, featuring 12mi (19km) of the Appalachian Trail, including the tallest mountain in the region, Old Speck. Peregrine falcons frequent the range, which contains secret waterfalls, gorges and picturesque drives. Visit the Table Rock, a bald strip of granite that will have you thinking about The Lion King .

Sebago Lake

The second-largest lake in Maine is a short drive from Portland. Sebago is Maine’s water playground, the deepest lake in New England and a water source for Portland. The huge lake home is frequented by boaters, kayakers and sports fisherman, and is home to numerous lakeside cottages and a campground.

Moosehead Lake

The largest lake in the state is a series of coves and sheltered bays perfect for anyone looking for a rustic refuge. Moosehead is famous for its cold water (infamous, if you’re swimming); plus it’s an ideal fishing destination. Located to the north, Moosehead is more than 40mi (64km) long and covers some 75,000 acres (30,351ha). Within are incredible vistas, magical wildlife (beavers, loons and – you guessed it – moose) plus plenty of shoreline.

Desert of Maine

Glaciers left their mark by depositing a huge sandbox in Freeport, Maine. Uncovered after generations of poor farming practices, the Desert of Maine grew as the vegetation receded, leaving a bare patch of silt behind. This oddity is now a tourist attraction, a unique aberration (Maine receives too much rain to have an actual desert) that draws tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

The garden sprawls over 270 acres (109ha) of prime coastal shorefront in beautiful Boothbay, about an hour northeast of Portland. The botanical gardens are fabulous, with different sections featuring roses, native plants, greenhouses and lakes. Modern art sculptures from local artists are on display, and come winter the Gardens Aglow display, the annual holiday show, attracts visitors eager for color.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses dot the coastline anywhere there are ships, but only a few, like Pemaquid, are famous. Commissioned by John Quincy Adams in 1827, the lighthouse is located at the entrance to the Muscongus and John’s Bays in the town of Bristol. The crashing waves and rocky cliffs bring weddings, and the first floor features a museum (visitors can also rent out the top apartment).

You’ve probably seen parts of Vinalhaven, the town on the larger of the Fox Islands, even if you’ve never been there. For a century, granite was quarried here and sent to New York, Philadelphia and Boston, leaving behind a network of rain-filled pits that make popular swimming holes. A noted fishing community, summer retreat and artist colony, Vinalhaven is a small community only accessible by a 75-minute ferry. Don’t expect big crowds or jam-packed activities; instead, come for dramatic foggy harbors and a slice of slow summer living.

Height of Land

Tucked away in the small town of Roxbury in Western Maine, this lookout is so popular that it’s earned its own name. Views of Mooselookmeguntic and Rangeley Lakes impress the wild beauty of the region, which is popular with anglers, hunters and families looking to escape to cabins for a week. The Appalachian Trail passes through, offering plenty of activities for a day trip.

Stonington Harbor

One of the most photographed harbors in Maine, Stonington at night is a painter’s dream. Picturesque, quaint and quiet, the town draws only a certain type of traveler during the busy summer months. Life has remained much the same as it ever was here, with fishing and lobstering the major commercial activities, rendering much of the town locked in time. Stop by for a show at the opera house, which occasionally features household names.

Old Sow Whirlpool

If the Bay of Fundy’s legendary tides weren’t enough to bring you to Eastport, the easternmost city in the US and a stone’s throw from Canada, this whirlpool should be enough to suck you in. The largest in the western hemisphere, Old Sow is formed daily when the rising tide passes either side of Indian Island, turns around Deer Island and squeezes through the Western Passage. It is best seen three hours before high tide, when the churning waters are at their strongest.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best bed and breakfasts in maine.

The Best Hotels With a Pool in Maine, USA

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New England Wanderlust

Maine , Summer  ·  February 28, 2024

Summer In Maine: 35 Fun Ideas + Best Places To Go (2024)

Maine is known as “Vacationland” in New England, and there’s a very good reason for that! With over 200 miles of coastline, charming towns, amazing beaches, and the only national park in the region, it’s one of the best places to plan a vacation, especially in the summer.

Are you looking to plan a getaway to Maine in the summer? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Hi there, my name is Sam, and I’ve been exploring New England for over 15 years now, and spend most of my time on the coast. I’ve taken road trips along the entire Maine coastline, been to Acadia National Park so many times I’ve lost count, and I’ve made it my own personal goal to find the best towns and destinations in Maine (spoiler alert, I totally did 😉).

This post is all about the summer season, and where to find the best beach towns, where to stay that’s worth your time and money, and the most fun things to do in Maine during the summer months. With that, let’s start planning your Maine summer vacation!

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Short on time? I’ve got you covered! Here are my top recommendations on where to go and stay in the summer: ⛱️ Ogunquit – stay at the fabulous Cliff House Resort or Anchorage By The Sea ⛱️ Bar Harbor – stay at the beautiful Bar Harbor Inn & Spa or The Claremont Want more ideas? Then just keep reading – I’ve got tons! 😉

What Is Maine Like In The Summer?

Much like the rest of New England, Maine sees its best weather in the summer. This is when you’ll experience the warmest days, and fewest chances of rain, making it the ideal season to be outside and exploring, especially on a beach.

This is also peak tourist season in Maine for many destinations, including anywhere on the coast. You’ll find the highest prices at hotels and vacation rentals, as well as the biggest crowds. But the trade-off is the awesome weather, and the fact that all seasonal businesses and boat tours are open.

Maine Summer Weather

You’ll want to prepare for hot and humid weather during the summer in Maine. I’ve seen some reports and articles say that Maine does have more comfortable weather in the summers, compared to other states in New England (and across the country!). But in my experience, I still find it pretty warm and humid.

Generally speaking, the summer season also bring fewer rainy days, but since this is New England, rain is never out of the question. Maine will typically only experience 7-8 days of rain per month in the summer. Of course, there are very dry years where it hardly rains at all, and then wet years, where rainfall is higher than average. It really depends. But July and August offer the most rain-free days throughout the year.

Maine is also a big state, and weather, rainfall, and temperature could depends on where you are. The further north you go, the colder it will likely be, so a summer vacation in Bar Harbor, for example, will average daily temperatures a bit lower than southern Maine places like Kennebunkport.

It’s also good to know that New England is definitely trending hotter in recent years due to global warming, so I highly suggest you check the weather forecast a few days before your trip for the most accurate idea of what kind of weather to expect. I once went to Maine in July, and the temperatures were reaching close to 95°F, with a high humidity, and it was … intense!

But overall, especially by the coast, weather trends warm, but offers a nice breeze throughout the season to keep you somewhat cool.

Average temperatures in July & August in Maine: 80°F during the day, and 60°F at night.

Best Summer Month To Visit Maine: July, August, Or September?

Each of these months are honestly great, and they all will offer something a bit different. But generally, they’re also pretty similar. Allow me to explain 😉

July in Maine is lovely because it’s the start of the summer season, and also, the famous New England hydrangeas are in full bloom around the state. This month also offers the longest days in the summer, which is really nice. Generally, I love July around New England for this reason!

August in Maine is pretty much the same as July in terms of weather, and the hydrangeas begin to fade for the season. So, you’ll still get to see them in bloom, but they won’t be as colorful, and they could be showing signs of drying up. Days are a bit shorter in August, but a nice perk of this month is that you’ll usually have warm ocean water (well, warm for the northeast, anyway!), as it’s had more time in the sun by now.

September is really nice, and once Labor Day is over, you’ll begin to see lower hotel prices, slightly fewer crowds, and more mild weather. If you travel in September along the New England coast, and want weather that’s most similar to summer, I always suggest right after Labor Day through mid-September. Once you get past mid-September, the weather usually begins to cool down a bit more, and you’ll have days that start to feel more like autumn.

In a nutshell, it just depends on what you want to prioritize . July offers the longest days and peak hydrangea blooming. August offers warm(er) ocean water. September has the shortest days, but fewest crowds and more mild weather.

Overall, I personally love July for a summer vacation in Maine, but it’s just personal preference because I’m such a sucker for those long summer days and beautiful New England hydrangeas 😍

Best Places To Visit In Maine In The Summer For Vacation

1. ogunquit.

My absolute favorite beach town in Maine is Ogunquit, for a few different reasons:

✓ One, it has one of the best beaches in Maine.

✓ Two, most everything is walkable , including the beach! I also love the location in southern Maine because you’re not far from York, Cape Neddick, Kennebunkport, or even Portland. If you’re coming in from Boston, it’s also less than a 90 minute drive.

✓ Three, the town itself is filled with New England charm , and there are plenty of things to do to stay busy, including lots of awesome choices for dining.

Ogunquit Beach stretches for about 3 miles, and its beautiful, pristine sand, and offers tons of room to spread out. It does get very busy in the summer, but even in July and August, it never feels overly crowded because if its size.

The beach is an easy walk from town, and this is where you’ll find streets lined with cute shops and fantastic restaurants. One of my favorite things to do in Ogunquit is Marginal Way, which is a paved walking path along the coast that connects Ogunquit’s town center with Perkins Cove, a charming little harbor with its owns shops and restaurants. The views along here are amazing, too!

There are also some nice hotel options in Ogunquit, with options both in town and right on the beach or Marginal Way.

Overall, this is such a fantastic and easy summer vacation spot that’s in a great location, and is perfect if you want to spend lots of time at the beach.

Where To Stay In Ogunquit : ⛱️ Cliff House – Located on Cape Neddick about 10 minutes from Ogunquit, this is one of the best resorts in Maine, and I love to recommend it when visiting this area! ⛱️ Anchorage By The Sea – Located along Marginal Way right in town, and walkable to most everything. ⛱️ Norseman Resort – A more basic hotel, but right on the beach, making it hard to beat!

Psst! Be sure to check out my guide on the best things to do in Ogunquit for even more ideas 😉

2. Kennebunkport

Located not far from Ogunquit is Kennebunkport, which is another fantastic beach town in Maine. The biggest difference between Kennebunkport and Ogunquit is that the beach in Ogunquit is much more impressive than the beaches in Kennebunkport. That said, Kennebunkport’s beaches are still really nice and absolutely worth visiting in the summer.

The biggest appeal of Kennebunkport as a summer destination is its beautiful and idyllic coastal scenery. After all, there was a reason President Bush and his family made this their summer home base of all the places in the U.S.! You’ll find the famous Clam Shack seafood joint open in the summer, and boat tours around the harbor in full swing.

In Kennebunkport’s downtown, you’ll find charming streets built around the river and the cove, and they’re lined with historic homes, colorful store fronts, and wonderful dining options. The downside to Kennebunkport is that the beaches are not walkable from town, and you’ll need to drive to them, unless you choose to stay closer to the beaches.

That said, Kennebunkport offers the best of both worlds in terms of a summer vacation, and just so happens to be one of the most picturesque places in Maine.

Where To Stay In Kennebunkport : ⛱️ Tides Beach Club – Right on the beach, which is perfect if that’s your main reason for visiting. ⛱️ Hidden Pond – Another one of the best summer resorts and spas in New England! This is located outside of town, but it feels like an authentic Maine escape with top-notch amenities. ⛱️ Cottages at Cabot Cov e – Only open seasonally, this grouping of individual, storybook-looking cottages is right on the cove, but walkable to town. Complimentary use of the row boats and daily breakfast delivery is included!

There are so many other amazing hotels in Kennebunkport that I love, and this is just a small sampling of some that I recommend the most. One of the best things about Kennebunkport is the amazing hotel selection! I also love the Captains Collection , Kennebunkport Inn , White Barn Inn for a luxurious getaway, and the Nonantum Resort for families.

3. Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park, Of Course!

I mean, it goes without saying that Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are going to be tops on my list, right? 😉 Acadia is one of the absolute best things to see when visiting New England, and it just so happens that the park’s closest town, Bar Harbor, is one of the most charming coastal destinations in the region, too. You really get the best of both worlds during your trip, which makes the drive all the way there so worth it.

Peak season in both Bar Harbor and Acadia is July and August, and for good reason. All the seasonal businesses are open, boat tours are in full swing, and you’ll have the longest days to explore the park to get the most out of your trip.

Of course, you’ll want to budget plenty of time to explore Acadia, and depending on how many days you have for your trip, the great thing about the park if that you can see the highlights in about 2 days. However, I usually recommend about 3-4 days to have time to leisurely explore the top sites, and also get a good feel for Bar Harbor, since it’s a worthy destination on its own.

The top things I suggest you do in Acadia on your trip are:

✓ Park Loop Road , the most scenic drive in the park.

✓ Lunch at the Jordan Pond House , and get their famous popovers!

✓ Sunrise on top of Cadillac Mountain – it’s one of the first places to see the sunrise, so it’s a special and popular thing to do. The park requires permits for vehicle access to the summit mid-May through October, so be sure to get your reservation here .

✓ Walk Ocean Path , which runs along Park Loop Road.

✓ Tackle a few hikes . I really love the Great Head and Bubble Rock trails for easy-moderate hikes with good payoff, and also Beehive for a more thrilling hike.

✓ Spend the day at Sand Beach , which is stunning, and best visited in the summer.

Where To Stay Near Acadia : ⛱️ Bar Harbor Inn & Spa – Located right in town and walkable to shops and dining, it’s also waterfront! ⛱️ Bar Harbor Villager Motel – Perfect for more budget-conscience travelers (I stay here a lot if my focus is exploring the park!). Also walkable to shops and dining in town. ⛱️ The Claremont – A luxury waterfront resort in Southwest Harbor, in a more quiet area near Acadia, which is romantic and perfect for couples. It’s also beautifully decorated and offers great amenities.

Here are some of my guides on this area you may find helpful:

• My Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary
• Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park
• Day Trips From Bar Harbor

4. Sebago Lake

While the ocean coastline is popular in Maine, let’s not forget about the beautiful lakes, and my favorite is Sebago Lake. This destination is perfect for all kinds of travelers, whether it’s a romantic getaway, or families with children.

One of the best things about Sebago Lake, in addition to its beautiful scenery, is the Migis Lodge . This resort has been in business since 1916, and feels both upscale, and down to earth. It’s unique in that it’s completely all-inclusive , including meals and activities, and you have your choice of cottages and lodge rooms to choose from.

The whole experience feels like a nod to the classic resorts that were popular in the 60s, but everything is, of course, updated for today’s world. One tradition that has continued to live on (in addition to the wonderful service), is the dress code at dinner . Gentlemen are required to wear pants, collared shirts, and jackets, which is the perfect excuse for everyone to dress up and enjoy a night out together.

Life slows down a bit on Sebago Lake, and the scenery provides an authentic Maine summer experience.

Where To Stay Around Sebago Lake : ⛱️ In addition to Migis Lodge, there are tons of wonderful vacation rentals around the lake worth checking out. Click here to see your options on VRBO!

Not far from Ogunquit and Kennebunkport (and also Wells, which is next on my list 😉) is the beautiful coastal town of York. It’s not as popular as the places previously mentioned, but if you’re looking to stay somewhere that’s slightly lesser-known to tourists, this may be a great option for your summer vacation in Maine.

York is home to some lovely beaches, a quaint little downtown area, and some beautiful waterfront scenery. The beaches in York are typically pretty calm, too, making this a great choice for families with younger children.

All the beaches in York run along Route 1A with street parking, but that means that shops, dining, and many hotels are not that far away.

During your summer visit to York, I love to suggest visiting Cape Neddick to see Nubble Lighthouse, do the scenic Cliff Walk, and enjoy the fun atmosphere at Short Sand Beach, which is close to town and the very cool and retro Fun-O-Rama arcade.

Where To Stay In York : ⛱️ Cliff House – I mentioned this as a top place to stay near Kennebunkport, but wanted to mention it again since it’s located in York on Cape Neddick 😉 ⛱️ Stage Neck Inn – A cozy inn that’s on the water and a short walk to York Harbor Beach. ⛱️ York Harbor Inn – Another cozy inn option with 7 buildings, and some rooms that have amazing balconies with water views.

Also in southern Maine, near Kennebunkport and York, is Wells, which is another great option to consider for a summer vacation. Wells is a bit different from the other nearby destinations in that everything runs along the main road, so there’s not a true, walkable downtown. But, there are some great shops, dining, and beaches to enjoy here along the main strip that are worth your time.

The most popular beach in the area is Wells Beach, which is a beautiful, wide sandy beach with some nice tide pools, making it great for kids to explore. But there’s also a few other beaches in town that are wonderful to visit.

You’ll also want to check out the awesome nature trails in Wells at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and Wells Reserve at Laudholm . Wells is also known for its incredible antique stores, so if that interests you, you’ll definitely want to carve out some time to explore them.

Where To Stay In Wells : ⛱️ Atlantic Oceanfront Hotel – Right on the beach, and many rooms come with balconies with ocean views. ⛱️ Wells Moody Motel – A great budget-conscience option that’s semi-walkable to the beach.

7. Phippsburg

Situated between Harpswell and Boothbay Harbor is Phippsburg, and what makes this destination worthwhile is Popham Beach State Park, which is a gorgeous beach in Maine. This is also a lesser-known area to tourists, so if you’re looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path, this is a great option.

I also really like Phippsburg’s downtown area, which is small, but walkable, and filled with fun shops and restaurants.

But Popham Beach is really where it’s at in Phippsburg, and this long stretch of soft sand is the perfect place to visit for a beach vacation in the summer. Around the the whole Phippsburg area, you’ll also find lots of idyllic Maine scenery, and you’re not too far from other great places to visit.

Where To Stay In Phippsburg : ⛱️ Sebasco Harbor Resort – Located right on the water, and their rooms in the lighthouse building are really cool!

8. Scarborough

Just outside of Portland, Scarborough is a super convenient place to visit in the summer season in Maine for a beach getaway. And since you’re not far from Portland’s downtown, you get the best of both worlds.

With a long, beautiful shoreline to enjoy during the day at Scarborough Beach State Park, you’re only about 25 minutes away from the top things to do in downtown Portland at night. And you’re also only about 30 minutes from Old Orchard Beach, which makes for a fun afternoon excursion and beach day.

Where To Stay In Near Scarborough Beach : ⛱️ Black Point Inn – The closest hotel to the beach, and also nice nice water views!

9. Boothbay Harbor

One of my favorite coastal towns in Maine is Boothbay Harbor, and while it’s not a big beach destination, the coastal scenery here is wonderful, and it’s full of authentic, Maine charm for a summer getaway.

Boothbay Harbor is just a short drive to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which is especially perfect in the summer since everything will be in full bloom. But its very own downtown is worth exploring, and filled with colorful storefronts and great dining options.

One of the best things about Boothbay Harbor is the variety of options for boat tours, and each tour not only takes you around the beautiful harbor, but also gives you a taste for what the stunning scenery is like once you’re out on the open water. There are awesome wildlife and puffin tours, sailing cruises, and more that all depart right from downtown Boothbay Harbor.

I also love to recommend that you make a reservation at Cabbage Island Clambakes , which is such a quintessential Maine experience. You’ll be brought by boat to the family’s private island and residence, where you can enjoy the scenery and have a delicious and authentic Maine clam bake on the water.

Where To Stay In Boothbay Harbor : ⛱️ Harborage Inn On The Waterfront – I love staying here on my visits, and it’s just a very short walk to the heart of downtown. ⛱️ Spruce Point Inn – The perfect choice if you’re looking for lots of amenities and beautiful scenery.

Psst! Be sure to check out my guide on the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor for even more ideas 😉

My last suggestion on the coastal mainland is the beautiful town of Camden, and this is another destination that’s not really a beach town, but it makes up for it with lots of stunning coastal scenery.

Camden is home to a wonderful Main Street filled with gorgeous shops and wonderful restaurants, and it’s all very walkable. And since the entire town is situated along the harbor, it’s easy to enjoy all the coastal beauty without having to go very far. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places in Maine to see!

Camden is known for its sailing vessels, and so hoping aboard a windjammer tour during your visit is an absolute must! Camden Hills State Park is also great for hiking, and there’s also an auto road you can drive to the very top of Mount Battie to enjoy the views of Camden’s harbor from above.

Where To Stay In Camden : ⛱️ Camden Harbour Inn – Walkable to Main Street, and home to one of the best restaurants in town! ⛱️ 16 Bay View – A more modern, but still cozy option with an amazing rooftop deck overlooking the water.

11. Vinalhaven

Looking to venture off the mainland? Then you may want to consider staying on Vinalhaven Island. As one of the most beautiful islands off the coast of Maine, Vinalhaven is perfect if you’re hoping for unspoiled nature and gorgeous coastal scenery.

The island is only 23 square miles, so it offers you the luxury of enjoying everything at a slower pace since there’s no real rush to see everything. It’s also mostly locals that tend to visit and stay on the island, so this is a wonderfully authentic Maine experience if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path.

The ferry to Vinalhaven is located in Rockland, and it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes each way.

Where To Stay On Vinalhaven : ⛱️  The Tidewater : The only hotel on the island! ⛱️  Click here to check out vacation rentals on Vinalhaven for more options!

12. Chebeague Island

Much like Vinalhaven, Chebeague is another wonderful island destination for a truly relaxing summer vacation. Also offering a lot of unspoiled natural beauty, beaches, and a slower pace of life, this feels like a true escape from reality.

One of the best parts of visiting Chebeague is the Chebeague Island Inn, which is the only hotel on the island. This beautiful inn offers such a welcoming home away from home during your stay, and they invite you to relax on their wrap-around porch, enjoy their lawn games, and take out their bikes to explore.

Where To Stay On Chebeague Island : ⛱️ Chebeague Island Inn : The only hotel on the island!

13. North Woods

For those looking for tranquility and seclusion, but don’t necessarily need to be by the ocean, the North Woods is such a dreamy summer vacation spot. This region is most definitely the most unspoiled part of Maine, and where locals tend to go when they really need to get away from it all. Oh, and this is also a great place to look for Moose!

With quiet lakes to row around, tons of hiking and nature trails, and stunning wooded and mountainous Maine scenery, the North Woods is unique in that it really does offer you a separation from your every day life – and I mean that quite literally because you’ll often lose cell phone service!

One of the best places to stay in the North Woods region is the Nahmakanta Lake Wilderness Lodge , where you can book one of their lakefront cabins, and enjoy a true wilderness experience away from the crowds. There are more places to stay in the area, but Nahmakanta is truly secluded and far from the main roads and other summer cottages. They also offer a dining package where they bring you fabulous home-cooked meals to enjoy each day, making it a stress-free vacation.

Fun Things To Do In The Summer In Maine

Now that we’ve gone over where to go in Maine, here are some extra suggestions on fun things to do in the summer season!

14. Plan An Epic Road Trip

Road tripping along Maine’s coast in the summer is honestly just incredible, especially because all the seasonal businesses are open, and you have the longest days to explore and drive. Since there are so many stops to make along the coast, each just as amazing and beautiful as the next, this is such a bucket list-worthy thing to do at least once in your life!

If you’re super ambitious, you could technically plan an even more epic road trip that goes all the way to Canada to explore some of the beautiful sites up that way (which is very worth it, and something I’ve done).

Here are some of my coastal road trip posts you may enjoy:

• Unforgettable Boston to Bar Harbor Road Trip Itinerary
• Best Stops To Make Driving Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park
• Fun Stops To Make Driving Boston To Portland, Maine

15. Tour The Lighthouses

Of course, some of the best stops to make on a Maine coastal road trip are all the beautiful lighthouses, and since Maine is home to over 60 lighthouses, it’s easy to see quite a few while exploring the coast!

I actually have an entire post on a detailed Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary that you can check out to help you plan your adventure. And good news! Many of the places I mentioned above can easily be worked into the itinerary for one memorable coastal road trip!

16. See Maine By Seaplane (Rhythm Intended 😉)

One of the coolest splurges you can make during your summer vacation in Maine is booking a seaplane tour to enjoy all the scenery from above! The best place to enjoy a seaplane tour is around the Rangeley Lake region, and there are a few different options you can book:

→ Seaplane Fly & Dine , which includes a flight tour over the lakes region, and then a 3-course lakeside dinner.

→ Mountain Explorer Seaplane Tour , which includes a very cool water landing for the ultimate adventure!

17. Pick Maine’s Famous Blueberries

Most people know that Maine is synonymous with both lobster and blueberries, and one of the best ways to enjoy the summer season is by picking your own Maine blueberries. I have an entire guide on Blueberry Picking In Maine , which includes the best spots to visit.

And don’t worry! If you’re not down for picking your own, many places also offer pre-picked blueberries you can buy and snack on during your visit.

Blueberry season in Maine typically begins at the end of July, which aligns perfectly with summer.

18. Eat At All The Best Seafood Shacks

You definitely can’t come to Maine in any season and not try the lobster! Well, unless of course you’re allergic to seafood. But if you’re not, summer is an incredible time to enjoy all the very best seafood shacks along the coast. Many of them are very seasonal, and are only open in the summer months, so you’ll have your pick of all of them.

Lobster rolls, lobster dinners, lobster bisque, New England clam chowder, steamers, and so much more are all caught locally in Maine, and are absolutely delicious. Some of my favorite seafood shacks along the coast to visit are:

→ Five Island Lobster Co. → McLoon’s Lobster Shack → Thurston’s Lobster Pound

But really, there are so many fantastic seafood shacks along the entire coast, in addition to fabulous restaurant options that serve equally as fresh seafood. So anywhere you go, you’ll have amazing options, and be sure to take advantage of them during your summer vacation!

19. Hit The Beach

This goes without saying, but I’ll just say it again anyway 😉 Maine is home to some fabulous beaches, so planning at least one day at the beach during your vacation is a good idea. I personally really love Ogunquit Beach and Sand Beach in Acadia the most, but here are some more really fantastic ones (these were already mentioned above, but let’s round ’em up):

→ Popham Beach → Wells Beach → Goose Rock Beach → Scarborough Beach State Park → Old Orchard Beach

20. Eat All The Ice Cream

I mean, is there anything better than an ice cream cone in the summer after a long day at the beach? I think not 😉 This may be personally motivated because I really do love good ice cream, but honestly, there are some amazingly delicious ice cream places all over Maine that are worth a stop. Here are some of my favorites:

→ Downeast Ice Cream → Scoop Deck → Wicked Good Ice Cream → Mount Desert Island Ice Cream → River Ducks

21. Visit A U-Pick Flower Farm

Another one of my favorite things about summer living in a four-season climate is all the beautiful flowers that bloom, and around Maine, there are some lovely places that offer U-pick flowers in their fields, or have cute little farm stands with freshly-cut bouquets to buy.

What I love about buying flowers directly from flower farmers is that they’ll typically have so much more than what you can find at the local grocery store, which makes for a special experience out in the field, or buying a unique bouquet from their stand.

Here are some great places to visit for either U-pick flowers, or pre-made bouquets:

→ Mainely Flower Farm → Fox Meadow flower Farm → Little River Flower Farm → Broadturn Farm

22. Visit The Pier At Old Orchard Beach

One of the top summer destination in southern Maine is Old Orchard Beach, and it’s also a very fun beach to visit in the state! I love to suggest a day trip to Old Orchard to enjoy the actual beach itself, and the very cool pier that’s filled with nostalgic games and eateries.

There’s also a cute little downtown area to explore, and places to eat along the waterfront where you can end your day.

Old Orchard Beach is worth visiting when in Maine, but the reason it didn’t make my list of the top summer destinations is because it doesn’t really feel like Maine, if that makes sense. It has more of an Atlantic City or Jersey Shore vibe, which is very cool. But if you’re visiting Maine for the first time, this is a place you can visit for a few hours, or skip entirely, so you have more time to soak up more authentic Maine vibes elsewhere.

23. Explore The State Parks

Beyond the state parks with incredible beaches like Popham and Scarborough, there are tons more to explore throughout Maine that offer wonderful nature trails and hiking. If you’re looking to get moving on your summer vacation, here are some great ones to check out:

→ Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park → Quoddy Head State Park → Baxter State Park → Owls Head State Park → Camden Hills State Park → Bradbury Mountain State Park → Grafton Notch State Park

24. Take A Scenic Hike

Speaking of getting outdoors into nature, Maine is packed with incredible hikes. And yes, while many of the best ones are up in Acadia National Park, you can actually find amazing ones all over the state. Here are some of the best ones to check out that are outside of Acadia:

→ Table Rock in Grafton Notch → Moxie Falls Trail → Mount Battie → Fire Warden’s Trail → Mount Kineo → Tumbledown Mountain

25. Celebrate Christmas In July

Get a head start on the holidays during your summer visit to Maine! A few places around the state get into the holiday spirit throughout July, and offer up special shopping promos, fun events, and Nubble Lighthouse’s Christmas lights are even lit on certain days in July as a festive way to celebrate!

York Days is one of the top Christmas in July events in Maine, and that just so happens to be where you can find Nubble Lighthouse. Santa even makes an appearance!

Naples in the Sebago Lakes region also does a very cool Christmas in July boat parade to check out.

26. Enjoy The July Fourth Fireworks

Fourth of July always bring very fun fireworks shows to most places around the U.S., and Maine is no exception. Most towns mentioned in this post will have a fireworks show to celebrate the Fourth, but just to round up the list, here are some great places to enjoy the fireworks:

→ Bar Harbor → Kennebunkport → Ogunquit → Boothbay Harbor (they also offer a fireworks cruise!) → Camden → Phippsburg → Portland

27. Head Out On A Whale Watch Tour

Since whale watching is such a seasonal event in New England, summer is one of the best times to head out on a tour! And also, you’ll get to enjoy the best weather, and you probably won’t be as cold out on the water as opposed to tours that run in the spring and summer 😉

Here are some of the best whale watch tours to check out in Maine:

→ First Chance Whale Watch in Kennebunkport → Cap’n Fish’s Cruises in Boothaby Harbor → Bar Harbor Whale Watch

28. Stay On A Private Island With A Lighthouse

One of the coolest things to experience in the summers in Maine on your vacation is a stay on a private island that has its very own lighthouse. Maine is so lucky to have wonderful people that continue to keep overnight stays at Little River Lighthouse open to the public, and if you love lighthouses, this is truly a bucket list experience to have.

Located just south of Lubec and north of Bar Harbor, this island is completely yours during your stay, which includes access to the lighthouse while you stay in the lightkeeper’s house on the island. Enjoy the ultimate sense of tranquility during your stay, and hopefully you get awesome weather to also enjoy sunset from the island.

29. Catch A Gorgeous Sunrise

While you can find some beautiful sunsets in New England, let’s face it, we’re known for our sunrises on the East Coast 😉 And in Maine, there are so many places to catch an epic sunrise.

One of the best places is, of course, Cadillac Mountain in Acadia, and as mentioned, you’ll need a vehicle reservation to visit mid-May through October. But this is definitely worth it if you can time it just right with a clear morning.

Lubec is another great place for a sunrise, which is the most northeastern town in the entire state, and another one of the very first places to catch the sunrise in the U.S.

But really, most of the coastline in Maine will offer a spectacular sunrise, so pick a place, and enjoy!

Psst! Be sure to check out my guide on Visiting Lubec, Maine if you’re interested in planning a trip there.

30. Relax On A Sunset Cruise

On the other end of the spectrum, you should totally enjoy sunset, too, and one of the best ways to do that in the summer season is on a scenic sunset cruise. Here are a few of my favorites to check out during your visit:

→ Windjammer Sunset Cruise in Camden → Schooner Sunset Sail in Boothbay Harbor → Sunset Lighthouse Cruise in Portland

31. Head Out On A Lobster Boat

Another fantastic way to enjoy the warm summer weather in Maine is by hopping aboard a lobster boat! Since lobster is famous in this area, it’s such a fun thing to experience, and you’ll really get a better understanding of the industry, its importance, and also get the chance to haul up a Maine lobster trap on your trip!

Here are some fantastic lobster boat tours to check out: → Rugosa Tours in Kennebunkport → Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, & Seals Tour in Boothbay Harbor → LuLu Lobster Boat Tours in Bar Harbor

32. Take A Day Trip To Peaks Island

Just off the coast of Portland is the little Peaks Island, which makes for such a fun day trip in the summer when visiting this area! The island is only 720 acres, so it makes it very easy to experience in a day, or even a half day.

It’s home to lots of scenic coastal views, some cute shops and eateries, and some really nice opportunities to bike or golf cart around the island.

33. Attend The Main Lobster Festival In Rockland

Typically held the last weekend in July or the first weekend in August, the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland is a 5-day long event with all the lobster you could possibly hope for. If you’re looking to eat lots of Maine lobster, you’ll probably want to plan to attend 😉

During the event, expect live music, local arts and craft vendors, a parade, activities for the kids, a seafood cooking contest, and lots of food vendors! Come hungry.

34. Experience The Windjammer Festival In Camden

Another popular summer event in Maine is the Windjammer Festival in Camden, which is typically held on Labor Day weekend.

Enjoy all kinds of fun events like the arrival of all the beautiful windjammers (which is pretty much worth attending just for this, honestly!), lobster crate races, live music, chowder contents, a boat parade, fireworks, and lots more.

35. Enjoy A State Fair

Lastly, why not enjoy a Maine state fair in the summer? There are a few throughout the state that are worth checking out, and this offer such a quintessential summer experience – rides, fair games, and fair food! Here are the best state fairs to experience this summer:

→ Bangor State Fair → Skowhegan State Fair → Blue Hill Fair

Summer In Maine FAQ

Best Places To Go For Families

✓ Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake for the kid’s activities and calm water.

✓ Kennebunkport for the beautiful beaches, and lots of family-friendly hotels to choose from.

✓ Spruce Point Inn in Boothbay Harbor for their awesome children’s activities.

Romantic Summer Vacations In Maine For Couples

Honestly, most everywhere in Maine along the coast is pretty romantic, but these are the ones I especially recommend for a romantic couples vacation:

✓ Camden for sunset windjammer cruises and awesome dining, plus cozy and romantic hotel options.

✓ Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park for a more adventurous romantic escape because of the small-town charm of Bar Harbor, and great hotel options. I love The Claremont and the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa for this type of getaway.

✓ Kennebunkport is also perfect for this category, too, because of the beautifully romantic hotel options like the White Barn Inn , Hidden Pond , and Cottages at Cabot Cove .

✓ Ogunquit for long strolls on the beautiful beach and romantic walks on Marginal Way. For a romantic weekend, I’d recommend staying just a few minutes away on Cape Neddick at the Cliff House .

Is Summer In Maine Expensive?

Unfortunately, yes. As mentioned, summer is high season along the Maine coast, and hotels and vacation rentals will charge a premium this time of the year. New England also tends to be a more expensive destination in general, so you can expect to pay a bit more for a vacation here.

Visiting In The Summer On A Budget

Of course, there are ways to visit on more of a budget! Camping options are all over, and there are some excellent campgrounds in Acadia National Park! I also love to stay at motels with efficiency kitchens, which will allow you to cook or BBQ so you can save some money on food during your trip.

If you’re on a budget, keep in mind that your Acadia park pass is good for 7 days , so you may want to stay for at least a few days there to really get your money’s worth out of your park admission fee.

Tips For Visiting Maine In The Summer

→ Book in advance , including hotels, tours, and dinner reservations. The summer season books out months in advance in many places in Maine, so for the most options, you’ll want to book everything as soon as you can.

→ Not all the best places to eat take reservations, though! A lot of popular casual places like seafood shacks don’t take reservations, and the lines can get long at peak meal times, especially dinner time on weekends. You’ll want to budget some extra time to wait in line, or dine a bit early (I usually plan to eat early at these places, and kind of enjoy it!).

→ Pack casual clothes . Maine isn’t an overly fancy place for a vacation, and you’ll find most everything pretty casual. Shorts, sandals, sundresses, and t-shirts are all pretty standard. Unless you plan to dine out at a fancy or upscale restaurant, keep everything casual. The only big exception is if you’ve booked a stay at Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake. In that case, have fun, and pack your dinner jackets, khakis, and dresses for a fun, dressed up night out!

→ Plan ahead to visit Cadillac Mountain in Acadia if that’s on your list! I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating, as I’d hate for you to miss out if this is something you really want to experience. You’ll need to purchase a separate vehicle permit to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain from mid-May through October.

→ Offline maps if taking a road trip . Cell service through most of Maine is pretty good, but inside Acadia National Park, near some beaches, and along a few places along the coast, I’ve lost service, so I always recommend offlining Google Maps to your phone if you’re not familiar with the area just to be safe.

More Of My Maine Travel Guides:

• Best Whoopie Pies In Maine
• Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
• Maine In November
• Spring In Maine
• Maine In October
• Maine In The Winter

More posts you may find helpful:

• Best Beach Towns In New England
• Most Incredible Lighthouses In New England To Visit
• Must-See Towns On The New England Coast
• New England Islands Worth Visiting
• Summer In New England: Where To Go & What To Do!
• My Ultimate 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary

That’s A Wrap On Maine In The Summer

And there you have it! Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on all the best places to plan a vacation in Maine in the summer, you’re ready to book your trip! Whether you’re excited to plan an epic road trip along the entire coast, enjoy the perfect beach vacation in Ogunquit, or get off-the-beaten-path on Vinalhaven, one thing’s fore sure – it’ll be one of your most memorable trips yet. Happy planning!

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18 Coastal Towns in Maine: Hidden Gems & Popular Must Visit Spots

• Latest Posts

• 13 Fantastic Things to Do in Maine in Winter ❄️ 2024 - December 12, 2023
• Christmas in Maine 🎄 11 Festive Events, Towns & Things to Do (2023) - November 14, 2023
• 18 Coastal Towns in Maine: Hidden Gems & Popular Must Visit Spots - September 3, 2023

Are you looking for coastal towns in Maine to explore? It takes just under three hundred miles of driving to make your way up the Maine coast from the New Hampshire state line in Kittery all the way to the Canadian border. 

That slow meander up the shoreline takes you through countless coastal Maine towns and fishing villages filled with fry shacks, lobster pounds , and stunning scenery that’s made Maine’s oceanfront a tourist destination.

Maine’s reputation as “Vacationland,” however, has clearly gotten out.  During the busy summer months, most of the well-known coastal towns in Maine are plagued by long lines for a lobster roll, traffic, and overbooked hotels trying to keep up with demand.

Interestingly, once you account for all the peninsulas and harbors and coves along Maine’s jagged shoreline, that 300 miles of driving actually covers more than 3,000 miles of coastline.  That’s right: 3,478 miles to be exact, and that doesn’t even count the islands.

If you’re willing to take a trip off the usual route and down some small, quiet peninsulas and back roads, you’ll discover Maine’s hidden gem coastal towns and villages that you likely didn’t know existed. You’ll find fewer people, less crowds, and more fun in these quaint destinations. 

And the tried and true popular coastal towns in Maine are still there for you to enjoy, too!

Table of Contents

Beautiful Coastal Towns in Maine

One of the sweetest Maine beach towns, Harpswell is an easy and quick drive from Portland, Freeport, or Brunswick.  Despite this proximity to cosmopolitan life, its unique geography makes it the perfect spot for some quiet exploring and long, windows-down coastal cruises with far less crowding and tourists.

A vast chain of stretched-out peninsulas and islands with only two roads connecting to the mainland, Harpswell on a map looks like someone took the trimmings of holiday wrapping paper and glued them together.  The two main peninsulas at their very tips are only a mile apart—yet driving between them takes somewhere around 45 minutes. 

Harbors, coves, oyster farms, fish shacks on stilts, candy shops, lobstering outfits, and well-managed walking paths offer ample distractions while you explore the jigsaw puzzle of land holding back the sea.  If you want a taste of Maine’s unique and rugged coastline while still being able to hit the outlets in Freeport, this Maine coast town is calling your name.

Five Islands

A reality of life in coastal Maine you’ll quickly discover while you make your way up the seaside: nothing is as close as it seems. 

Roads from town centers to coastal vistas and harbors follow old farm routes and back roads put down long before tourists were trying to find some fried haddock. 

It’s a good thing, though: getting to Five Islands requires a gorgeous drive through Bath, Woolwich, Arrowsic, and Georgetown.  Getting to this coastal Maine town is half the fun, as is knowing everyone else is stuck waiting in line in Portland for an overpriced cocktail.

This tiny Maine village looking out over an old guard of islands at the mouth of the Sheepscot River has a famous seafood shack, countless summer homes, and a constant quorum of painters with easels capturing the scene.  There’s ample parking, a working waterfront, charming shops, and picnic tables on the public wharf for you to sit and enjoy the salty air.

Across the Sheepscot River you’ll see Southport Island and your first view of the Boothbay Harbor region; despite being only two thirds of a mile away you’ll need an hour on the road to get there.  

Christmas Cove

Located on Rutherford Island at the terminus of a stretched-out finger of land in South Bristol, Christmas Cove is a haven of quiet harbors and secret beaches.

Squeezed between the Damariscotta River and Johns River, it’s also prime real estate for the delicious oysters that have put coastal Maine on the map as a shellfish lover’s paradise.

South Bristol is chock full of cafes, fish joints, and working wharfs that always feel welcoming and yet authentic. The Coveside Restaurant and Marina offers quintessential Maine coastline views of moored sailboats and weathered boathouses. The single road and draw bridge onto the island limits traffic and tourism, and the old-world wharves lining the road will have you snapping pictures all day. 

Christmas Cove is the perfect example of beating the crowds in Midcoast Maine by going just a bit farther than others are willing to go.  

Just a ten minute drive from the famously photogenic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, New Harbor is tucked into a tiny sliver of protected Maine shoreline that gets far less traffic and visitors.

With Audobon boat tours, ferries to some of Maine’s most iconic islands, and every imaginable kind of seafood battered and fried on a sunny patio with the faint sounds of boats in and out of the harbor—there’s no shortage of ways to experience and enjoy this slice of Maine coast.

Use New Harbor as your home base to explore Round Pond, Yellowhead, Bristol, and Colonial-era Pemaquid complete with an historic fort. Puffin cruises are a local favorite—come for the sightings of these fluffy and colorful seabirds but stay for the dramatic sunsets off their habitat on Eastern Egg Rock Island.

Want to work off those fry shack calories? The Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust has dozens of trailheads for nature walks with gorgeous ocean views. 

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited coastal Maine, you might not have heard or thought much about Biddeford, but it’s having a serious glow up right now and won’t be a hidden gem for long.

Not only does it have the gorgeous coastal Maine views that are high in demand, but downtown Biddeford is growing quickly into quite the vacation destination while still flying enough under the  mainstream radar to be considered a coastal Maine hidden gem.

Check out the craft breweries and the boutique shops downtown, watch the sunset at the beach, then check out some of the incredible restaurants that are turning this coastal town in Maine into the next foodie destination.

Winter Harbor

It’s nearly impossible to think of coastal Maine and not immediately conjure up images of Acadia National Park and it’s world-famous oceanside peaks, hikes, and drives. Yet overcrowding in Bar Harbor, the main town and tourist hub on Mount Desert Island where most of Acadia lies, has increasingly become a hot button issue with locals and tourists alike. 

Avoid all this and see the newer, quieter section of Acadia—gifted to the park from private donors—with a gorgeous, hour-long drive northeast to the Schoodic Peninsula and the tiny town of Winter Harbor. 

Winter Harbor has the same climate and views as Mount Desert Island with less of everything else. There are a few restaurants, a small grocery, miles and miles of biking trails, a few campgrounds and inns, and not much else. 

In other words: perfect.  Enjoy this quiet, sleepy section of Acadia while tourists in Bar Harbor fight over parking.

Spruce Head Island

The planning and research leading up to a coastal getaway in Maine is part of the fun: crawling through guidebooks and scrolling Google Maps looking for the smallest stretches of serene shoreline.  To that end, choosing a location that’s not only charming and beautiful but also strategically located makes a big difference. 

Enter: Spruce Head in South Thomaston. 

An easy and worthwhile drive to some of the most iconic locations on the Maine coast—Port Clyde, Tenant’s Harbor, Marshall Point Light made famous from a Forest Gump cameo, and Owl’s Head— staying in Spruce Head is quieter than all of those combined.  Open pastures looking out over the seashore, a stunning array of tidal islands, and seaweed-covered shallows will stay with you long after you’ve left Maine.

A low bridge with equally noteworthy views connects Spruce Head to Spruce Head Island and one of Maine’s best-known lobster pounds that locals hope you won’t find: McLoon’s Lobster Shack.

Enjoy the views, one of the best lobster rolls in the state, and maybe even plan a day trip from Port Clyde to Monhegan Island while you chow down. McLoon’s is BYOB, too, so keep a cheap bottle of bubbles in the cooler for a proper getaway lunch.

One of the oldest towns in New England, this Midcoast town has had plenty of time to perfect its small town charm! Downtown is as cute as a button, featuring only a few small shops like Compass Rose Books, a cozy bookstore with a cafe.

A visit to the Castine Historical Society is certainly in order for anyone interested in Maine history, and sometimes there are historical walking tours.

The Pentagoet Inn and Wine Bar is situated in a meticulously kept Queen Anne Victorian. If you’re looking for somewhere to lay your head in Castine, this would be a solid option.

Click Here to Check Prices & Book!

Blue Hill Bay

Yes, you’re right: this is a region, not a town in coastal Maine. Yet it’s so tucked away that you’d be forgiven for thinking it was all one small, spread-out village.

Blue Hill Bay is a sleepy peninsula of ex-urbanite retirees, artists, small farms, and families that have been fishing these cold, unspoiled waters for generations. They all share one important thing in common: they like their space, and their quiet.

Sharing the peninsula with Blue Hill and the photogenic shoreline along Blue Hill Falls—a perfect place for a picnic, mind you—are the towns of Brooklin and Sedgewick.

Tiny, family-owned campgrounds and cabin-in-the-woods rentals dot the landscape. Caterpillar Hill in Sedgewick hosts one of Maine’s best views: a panoramic hilltop vista looking out over Penobscot Bay and its collection of islands.

Despite its off-the-beaten-path location and vibes, this coastal Maine hidden gem has an amazing array of high quality art galleries, restaurants, general stores, wine bars, and even a brewery. For urban amenities in a peaceful, rural setting—Blue Hill Bay is the place to be.  

Rockland is one of those classic coastal Maine towns that make for a perfect vacation destination. Not only is this town full of gorgeous coastal Maine scenery, but you’ll also find art galleries, museums, and great restaurants in Rockland, too.

If you’re up for an adventure on water, consider taking a traditional Maine windjammer cruise, sailing out of Rockland. You can check out what it’s like here: Sailing on a Maine Windjammer Cruise: Everything you Need to Know

Stonington & Deer Isle

Connected to the mainland by a series of bridges, the town of Stonington occupies the southern-most tip of Deer Isle. The entirety of the island feels far-flung and hidden away, yet it’s convenient enough to get to by car.

Stonington’s lobster haul is consistently the largest in the state, landing tens of millions of dollars of those tasty ocean bugs you can’t get enough of for summer dinners. 

True to its name, Stonington was an important source of granite used to build up coastal towns with federal-style custom houses and courts and city halls; a number of historic quarry sites remain.

Stonington checks all the boxes for a Maine coastal getaway: picturesque cliffs lined with spruce and rose hips, roadside lobster pounds, miles and miles of pristine hiking with accessible trailheads, a rare sand beach, and a quiet downtown lined with shops looking out over a harbor filled with fishing boats and dories. 

If you’re wanting to make the very most out of your visit to coastal Maine, head to Saco in the summer. The shoreline is the place to go to rent a cottage, eat at lobster shacks, fish from the stone piers, walk the sand beaches, and enjoy the quiet parks that are made of shaded groves opening onto seaside vistas. 

Conveniently nestled between Old Orchard Beach and Biddeford, there’s plenty to do both outside and inside this Maine town! You’ve got trails to explore at Ferry Beach State Park , jet ski, kayak, and boat rentals at Camp Ellis , and two very popular waterparks at Aquaboggan Water Park and Funtown Splashtown .

Needless to say, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the summer at this seaside town.

Machiasport

Nestled into the mouth of the Machias river as it winds its way through into Maine’s interior woods and lakes, Machiasport is a long haul.  In the words of Mainers, it’s “ really up there. ” And it’s worth it. With less than 1,200 year-round residents, it’s a true Downeast village that feels lost in time.

Just a few inns, rentals, cafes, and a whole lot of fishing boats and marinas. It’s an easy drive from Machiasport to the state’s best and most jaw-droppingly beautiful coastal hike over rugge d, mist-wrapped terrain: Cutler Coast Public Preserved Land.  You’ll find most of the out-of-towners are resting up between big hikes. 

If outdoor activity is a big priority for trip to coastal Maine, this is a great place to stay: plan to add Great Wass Island Preserve, Jasper Beach, and Roques Bluff to your itinerary. When you’re this far up there , finding a quiet stretch of coastline, backing your car down towards the water, and having a picnic or cookout right out of your trunk is about as rustic and wonderful as it gets. 

Damariscotta

Damariscotta has been made somewhat famous because it has two very popular annual local festivals. The Pemaquid Oyster Festival is a tribute to the oyster industry that has kept Damariscotta prosperous over many generations, and the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta that is the perfect celebration of fall.

Damariscotta is also home to the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site. This massive midden, or oyster shell heap, was left behind from the indigenous people of this area hundreds of years ago, and it’s a truly fascinating sneak peek at the history of this region.

PS just a quick 10 minute drive up the road is world famous Red’s Eats. It’s basically an institution when it comes to lobster pounds in Maine!

Boothbay Harbor

Basically the epitome of a beautiful seaside village in Maine, Boothbay Harbor is big on natural beauty and attractions.

Home of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, this is almost 300 acres of beautiful walking paths, gardens, and art installations that are the perfect place to spend a day.

Then there’s Boothbay Railway Village , an outdoor history museum that shows what this area of Maine was like in the late 19th-mid 20th century. This is just a very cool place to visit for kids and adults alike.

Board the Bennie Alice from Pier 6 and attend the Cabbage Island Clambake , a great way to experience this unique Maine tradition!

Known as the “Beautiful Place by the Sea,” it’s hard to find a prettier Maine coastal community than Ogunquit .  You can wander around Perkins Cove, walk Marginal Way, visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, and catch a performance at the famed Ogunquit Playhouse.

This beautiful seaside town is perfect for those looking for all that pretty coastal Maine eye candy.

Lubec’s charming downtown looks right into Canada: the international border is so close to its shops, galleries, restaurants, brewery, and museum that the limited cell reception in this quiet town will often result in a “Welcome to Canada! To activate your international data plan…” text message from your carrier.

Y ou’ll learn to ignore them pretty quickly while you’re busy exploring Quoddy Head State Park with it’s iconic red and white striped lighthouse—at the Northeastern-most point of the United States, mind you—and miles and miles of hiking trails looking out and over seacliffs into the ocean.

Expect fog, but also expect to love it; locals call this stretch of rocky, rugged shoreline The Bold Coast, and the mist fits right in with the stark beauty of the wind-swept trees and sheer cliffs.

Fun Fact: Roosevelt Campobello International Park, co-managed by the United States and Canada, is on an island over the Canadian Border but only accessible through Lubec.

Of course, Camden isn’t a hidden gem coastal Maine spot, but it’s obviously popular for a reason. This is one of those spots that has a little something for everyone.

Head to Barrett’s Cove on Megunticook Lake and enjoy some freshwater swimming, or go hiking at Camden Hills State Park. If you’re more an inside person, spend an afternoon at the tasting room at Blue Barren Distillery or see what’s happening at the Camden Opera House.

Camden is also a bit of an up and coming foodie destination, too, so keep some of these top restaurants on your radar! Book a Windjammer Classic Day Sail to round out the experience.

Of course, these aren’t all the best coastal Maine places to visit, but these are some of my favorites.

York Beach, Ogunquit , Freeport, Bar Harbor , Kennbunkport —sound familiar? Of course they do; when you search online to plan a trip to Coastal Maine these are the most popular destinations that pop up. 

There’s nothing wrong with heading to the most popular coastal destinations in Maine, but now you’ve got the insider info on how to find the hidden gems, too.

Read these next:

• 7 Dazzling Puffin Tours in Maine
• 8 Essential Things to Do in Kennebunkport, Maine
• 30 Most Charming Small Towns in New England
• Maine Coast Road Trip: Kittery to Bar Harbor Road Trip Itinerary

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• 7 Delightful Towns to Visit in Maine

Maine is a northeastern state in the US known for its numerous delights and splendors worth exploring. From the small town of Castine with its Maine Maritime Academy to Ogunquit with its Ogunquit Museum of American Art, the small communities throughout the state are full of natural and historical landmarks that may appeal to almost any traveler. For any tourist seeking a fun-filled itinerary in New England , these delightful towns in the Pine Tree State of Maine are worth the visit!

Castine is a pretty waterfront town with 1,300 residents that is full of historical finds and maritime delights. The Maine Maritime Academy is a nationally famous academic stop with college-level training for mariners, engineers , scientists , and others of similar backgrounds. At Wilson Museum, one can expect gracious tours of 1920s geology and Neanderthal stone architecture that have been around for 460 million years! Castine Historical Society is just up the alley for any traveler wanting to enjoy even more local history, with special archives and artifacts from the past to satisfy history buffs.

Nature and outdoor enthusiasts may prefer Dyce Head Lighthouse, a famed 18th-century lit structure with a scenic view of the Penobscot River . Rene Henderson Natural Area has quiet and solitary 100-acre preserves designed to keep travelers at ease while exploring lush forestry and various wetlands full of wildlife. Literature lovers will find comfort at Compass Rose Books, a plaza bookstore with the coziest coffee rooms and the most community charm around town! For anyone seeking further community embrace, the Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine always has room to welcome newcomers.

A peaceful town of 1,000 inhabitants located on Deer Isle's southern point, Stonington is a truly delightful destination for travelers. The 98-acre Crockett Cove Woods of Deer Isle is a natural splendor for anyone seeking relaxing strolls and friendly hikers while moving through foggy forests full of red spruces. At Settlement Quarry Preserve, wind around a historical glacial trail that also leads to open water scenery full of lobster boats!

Art lovers may enjoy The Art of Evelyn Kok, an underrated gallery space where a friendly owner makes tourists feel right at home around vibrant watercolor paintings and collections. The Opera House Arts is a glorified locale for entertainment and theater fans who love experiencing fascinating 20th-century performances and local town culture. Marlinespike Chandlery offers unique cultural antiques and nautical rope trinkets that are well-known throughout town. As for hungry stomachs, the Fin and Fern serves refreshing cocktails and satisfying seafood pasta cuisines for anyone feeling coastal dining thrills!

Kennebunkport

A small coastal town with 3,600 residents, Kennebunkport is a splendid destination. The Seashore Trolley Museum, the world's first and largest known electric railway landmark, has an abundance of trolley cars and buses to appeal to just about anyone who loves mass transit history! For a mixture of natural scenery and religious architecture, one can visit St. Ann's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, an oceanview stop for tourists wanting to explore stunning 1970s worship sites and chapel community charm.

Alisson's Restaurant is a great locale for the finest New England -style seafood cuisine, alongside being a historic 1970s family diner that has some of the most welcoming and delightful locals! Lobster fans may even take a detour to Nunan's Lobster Hut, where heartwarming food vendors love to chat up guests and serve the best lobster dishes around. Some tourists may find that Dock Square is a calming waterfront bridge area with the coolest photography spots and chocolate shops to satisfy casual shoppers.

Bar Harbor is a small town on Mount Desert Island with 5,000 locals who adore nature and history. Acadia National Park is a worthy spot to tour around with its awe-inspiring birding routes and sandbars, along with Shore Path scenery and oceanic viewpoints. Thunder Hole is another landmark to consider for rocky scenery and eastern shoreline views of the town; it even has awesome wave rushes and roaring waters at sudden moments!

Local history at La Rochelle Mansion and History Museum is ideal for anyone who wants to take in delightful 1900s seaside mansion architecture, beautiful flower gardens, and tribal gifts that are all reminiscent of the Gilded Age. Museum lovers can also pay a visit to the Abbe Museum for cultural Wabanaki heritage and Native American archaeological finds in the town. At Little Village Gifts, tourists can find humorous hospitality and amazing homemade gifts like jam and custom t-shirts! For downtown entertainment, the 1932 Criterion Theatre is home to extraordinary talents and orchestral live shows that are quite memorable.

Boothbay Harbor

Another harbor town, Boothbay Harbor is often recognized for its village scenery and sailing routes. Cabbage Island is a must-see for nature admiration and fun boat rides that provide an incredible view of the ocean! Boat tourists may also want to check out Burnt Island Lighthouse, where historic lighthouse sights and private island picnics come to life. Damariscove Island is appealing with its pleasant early settlement history and unspoiled tours of rustic trails used in the older days.

Ed Brown's Wharfside Gallery is a noteworthy locale with watercolored artistry and fascinating exhibits to appeal to downtown tourists and fishers from all wakes of life. Maine State Aquarium offers both commercial and natural enjoyment for families and couples with its marine wildlife exposure and "touch tanks" to get up close with some sea creatures as well! For an unusual yet delightful shopping experience, one can visit Mung Bean for hand-carved Christmas figurines and earrings that are worth the return trip.

A historic small town of 9,000 inhabitants, Ellsworth has many delightful points of interest for travelers. The Telephone Museum is an underappreciated landmark with lots of cool telephone memorabilia and technology for kids and adults of all ages! The Black House Museum at Woodlawn contains 180 acres of downtown estate architecture and public tours to showcase croquet and open fields once used by past generations of landowners.

More delights can be expected at Finn's Irish Pub, a famous 1930s dining car that doubles as a historic Irish restaurant in town with both casual and fancy menu options! The Big Chicken Barn is a surprisingly historical stop with its nostalgic vintage furniture and bygone collectibles. One can find more nostalgia over at D'Amanda's, a bowling alley housing some of the oldest machines for bowlers. Rooster Brother is a cooking store with all types of kitchen supplies and silverware to appeal to downtown shoppers who want to combine Victorian -era shopping with coffee-tasting.

A southern coastal town with around 1,000 locals, Ogunquit is perfect for those who crave natural landmarks and seaside charm. Ogunquit Beach is a key stopping point with its wonderful hot sands and stunning seaside cliffs with shopping resorts nearby! Marginal Way is another outdoor option for travelers who want 1.5 miles of paved walking trails while enjoying tranquility and sunset photography. Tourists who like bridges may easily notice Perkins Cove Draw Bridge, a simple but memorable drawbridge where cozy parking stops and open caves are easy motivators to stick around.

At Ogunquit Museum of American Art, panoramic coastal collections of fine art and iconic animal structures are just some of the best things to discover while exploring this landmark. The Ogunquit Heritage Museum is another historical landmark with 18th-century rustic heritage owing to the Native Americans, as well as walking tours of a winding park that includes lovely wooded architecture and cultural fishing history. At The Greenery Cafe, homemade pastries and vibrant patio seating are enough delights to keep everyone happy in town!

These towns in Maine are all delightful and magnificent in their ways, making for a worthwhile trip. For any traveler needing a new itinerary in the northeast built around fun locales and interesting landmarks to check out, there is no shortage of things to see and do. The "Pine Tree State" is anyone's best option for maritime enjoyment and an abundance of natural thrills or historical finds along the coastline !

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17 BEST Coastal Towns in Maine to Visit

Looking for the best coastal towns in Maine ? Choose one of these for your next getaway!

Maine has over 3,500 miles of coastline stretching from the Canadian border in the north down to New Hampshire in the south. Along this coast are numerous quaint, charming villages and towns to explore.

Each coastal community has its own charm, attractions, and unique features. Whether you’re planning a road trip along the Maine coast or you’re looking for a place to vacation on the oceanfront, check out this list of the best coastal towns in Maine — listed from north to south.

If you’re up north — way north — you have to check out Lubec. It is the easternmost town in the United States, so close to Canada that you can see it in the distance from the shore.

Lubec Maine is the perfect town to visit if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a gorgeous coastline, natural beauty, and a peaceful rural landscape, it is a wonderful town to explore and unplug from technology.

Cutler is a sleepy coastal town with amazing ocean views and a tranquil setting. With nearly 5 miles of cliffs along the shoreline, the town offers impressive landscapes.

The cliffs and shoreline aren’t the only natural attractions in Cutler. There are blueberry barrens, forests to hike in, and wildlife to spot in numerous meadows. Bring a pair of binoculars and hiking gear to explore this lovely town.

Machiasport

Another small town along the Downeast coast, Machiasport prides itself on its fishing industry history. You’ll see fishing boats docked in the water because the industry is still alive and well.

Machiasport is a great stop for history lovers, featuring Fort O’Brien Historical Park , the Machiasport Historical Society , and Liberty Hall . Plus, stop by Jasper Beach , a stone and gravel beach that is a wonderful place to scour for unique rocks and listen to the pebbles tumble around in the gentle surf.

Jonesport Maine has been a thriving fishing and lobstering community since the early 19th century. This coastal town offers stunning water views, friendly locally-owned shops, delectable restaurants, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The town is a wonderful stop to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of a true fishing village.

Winter Harbor

Don’t let the winter part of this town’s name scare you off. Winter Harbor has a plethora of outdoor activities for visitors.

From lobster festivals to music and arts festivals, there’s always something fun happening in this quaint town. Activities like kayaking, bicycling, and hiking are all favorites for locals and tourists alike.

Sorrento is a town of fewer than 300 residents, but there’s no shortage of fun activities in this coastal gem.

There’s a nine-hole golf course that’s been active for over 100 years and plenty of water activities, like kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and swimming. On land, you can enjoy hiking trails, bird-watching, and shoreline walks.

Bar Harbor is one of Maine’s most well-known coastal towns because it has lots of activities and is home to colleges and the famous Acadia National Park . Bar Harbor has numerous restaurants with something for every palate — from delightful breakfast diners to seafood to Italian.

The picturesque Bar Harbor downtown has family-run shops and ice cream stands. And, the town has long been a favorite of tourists because it’s the closest lodging option to Acadia National Park, featuring some enchanting bed and breakfasts and inns .

This coastal town is a bit more active and bustling than some of the other coastal towns, but it has the same quintessential Maine atmosphere.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter than Bar Harbor to set up your base camp for a visit to Acadia National Park, check out Tremont Maine.

Another active fishing and lobstering community, the town has a variety of activities — including hiking, kayaking, exploring nearby Mount Desert Island , and checking out small art galleries.

Trenton Maine is another great location for access to Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. This coastal town has a few well-maintained campgrounds to set up camp, including Wild Acadia Camping Resort , Narrows Too Campground , and Timberland Acres RV Park .

With stunning ocean and island views and a peaceful community feel, Trenton makes for the perfect getaway to explore Maine’s natural beauty.

Filled with historical buildings, sites, and monuments, history lovers will enjoy visiting Castine Maine . It’s said to be one of the oldest towns in the New England region, so there’s plenty of historical charm all around town.

Castine has incredible bay and ocean views with ships and boats swaying peacefully offshore. Seafood shanties, a lighthouse, charming shops, and markets give visitors the quintessential Downeast experience.

A visit to the coastal community of Belfast in Mid Coast Maine will take you back in time as you envision the vibrant old-time fishing community while you walk and take in the gorgeous brownstones by the harbor.

While it’s a small fishing village, Belfast has preserved its historical charm. There’s a vintage theater, quaint inns , antique shops, farmer’s markets, and diners and restaurants to check out. Belfast City Park is a nice spot to stop and relax while enjoying the small beach.

For those looking to enjoy coastal views but also do some shopping, Freeport Maine is the perfect destination for you. It is home to the L.L. Bean flagship store , and visitors come from far and wide to take pictures of the giant, iconic L.L. Bean boot.

Freeport also has shopping outlets and trendy cafes to indulge in. When you’re ready to take in some amazing views, swing by Winslow Memorial Park or Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park .

Old Orchard Beach

Looking for the ultimate family destination on the Maine coast? Old Orchard Beach is the place to be! It has a wonderful boardwalk bustling with activity from late April through early October. There’s even an arcade and rides for children at Palace Playland .

Stroll around town to discover cute souvenir shops, toy shops, and ice cream stands. Delicious beachside restaurants and takeout are perfect for families on the go. Finally, of course, you have to enjoy the miles of clean, soft sandy beach.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is one of the best coastal towns in Maine. Perfect for all ages, there’s something for everyone in your group to enjoy.

For children, check out the Seaside Trolley Museum or spend the day at one of the beautiful beaches. Adults will love visiting the local breweries and delicious diners and restaurants for lobster, chowder, or a slice of Maine blueberry pie.

Kennebunkport is so popular that it often hosts celebrities — it was a vacation destination for President George H.W. Bush’s family.

The town of Wells has dubbed itself The Friendliest Town in Maine, so it’s no wonder that tourists flock to this seaside destination. With numerous antique shops, mini-golf, a movie theater, and many top-notch dining options , there’s so much to do.

The beaches don’t disappoint — there are four to choose from, the largest being Wells Beach. Aside from sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water views, you can check out the Wells Reserve at Laudholm for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Ogunquit Maine is home to Ogunquit Beach, which Tripadvisor rated as one of the top 25 beaches in the United States. If you’re not looking to sunbathe or swim, Ogunquit Beach can be viewed from Marginal Way — a scenic waterfront walking trail.

Also, you may love meandering around Perkins Cove and seeing the Maine lobster and fishing boats come and go throughout the day.

On top of all of the oceanfront activity, Ogunquit has theaters, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art , the Ogunquit Heritage Museum , and many shops to explore.

Likely one of the most photographed coastal towns in Maine, York is home to Nubble Light (also known as Cape Neddick Light). This picturesque lighthouse has been attracting tourists looking to capture the perfect photograph on the cliffs for years.

Explore the seaside town with its shops, candy stores, arcade, bowling, and even a small zoo at York’s Wild Kingdom .

Both Long Sands and Short Sands Beaches are popular in the summertime for exploring tidal pools, swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Long Sands Beach offers stronger surf and larger waves, while Short Sands Beach has calmer waters.

Explore More Coastal Towns in Maine This Year

It’s hard to choose just one coastal town to explore because each one has its own uniqueness. Some feature fabulous beaches, while others have rocky cliff walks with little beachfront.

Yet, some towns have wonderful shops and restaurants to try, while others focus on the natural beauty of the shoreline and nature trails.

Whether you’re looking for thrills, relaxation, or nature, there are coastal towns in Maine that will suit your road trip and vacation preferences. And, our list is only the tip of the iceberg. You can discover even more fantastic towns on a tour of the Maine Coast !

The VisitMaine.Net team is the small team of authors and editors that research and write our in-depth guides throughout the site and update past articles to make sure they're still super valuable to you. We have one goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine!

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Belfast is justly known for many things. Brownstones is NOT one of those.

In what town is Colby college and what are some nearby sites.

Trenton? Seriously? I agree with the others, but there is not decent public ocean access in Trenton. The businesses are lackluster at best.

Any mention of Winter Harbor should include the fact that it is the gateway to the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park, the beautiful and quiet part of Acadia with its 8 mile one way loop around Schoodic Point.

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Portland Maine Bucket List: 15 Cool Things to Do

From mouth-watering restaurants to epic lighthouses to a booming craft brew scene, Maine’s main coastal city of Portland just may have it all. It’s casual, yet trendy. It’s impressive, yet doesn’t try too hard. It is a city of many layers—it’s a seaport, historical hub and cultural hotspot all rolled into one.

No matter what you come here for, or when you arrive, the list of things to do in Portland is pleasantly long. Here is a guide to what to see and the best ways to explore the city.

The Best Attractions & Things to Do in Portland, Maine

1. ✦  eat a holy donut.

There could not be a better name than Holy Donut for this establishment as the taste of their specialty donuts is simply divine. Created with real Maine potatoes mixed with wheat flour, the donuts are made fresh with all-natural ingredients.

You can go to any of their three locations–Park Avenue, Exchange Street and Scarborough–for your dose of donuts. There’s almost always a line out the door, so for the best selections arrive right at opening!

Of course, everyone will have their favorite flavors of the 18 different ones offered, but a clear frontrunner is the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt, followed by the Maple Bacon, Fresh Lemon and Toasted Coconut. Mmm!

2. ✦  Take the Ferry to Peaks Island

A 20-minute journey from Portland via the Casco Bay Lines ferry will have you end up on Peaks Island where the laidback lifestyle will surely encompass you. The quaint island has a population of under 1,000, but it is packed with something for everyone. Spend your time here eating fresh seafood at one of the local cafes, relaxing on one of the many beautiful beachfronts or renting a golf cart to tour the entire island’s attractions, like the World War II history museum.

If you are up for a little more activity, opt to pop into a kayak to tool around the bay or take a bike ride along the scenic pathways. Whatever you do, don’t miss the quirky Umbrella Cover Museum with its assortment of umbrella covers displayed with various themes (including an X-rated section!).

3. ✦  Spend an Afternoon at the Old Port

Cobblestone streets, red-bricked buildings, charming boutiques, trendy restaurants and fishing piers—that’s what you’ll find in Portland’s Old Port. It’s a quaint historic district that overlooks the Fore River. Many folks head there in early June for the Old Port Festival or in December for Merry Madness. But, it is fun to explore anytime of the year!

If you are a fashionista, don’t miss a stop by Rough & Tumble to ogle their handmade handbags, Aristelle for some luxurious intimate apparel and Zane that has a beautifully curated collection of designer labels.

The shopping scene can get overwhelming in Portland, but In the Know Shopping can take you on a tour to many of their favorites.

For all the home chefs out there, don’t miss a stop at Salt Cellar who carries a full line of gourmet flavors, or pop into Skordo who specializes in freshly ground spices, herbs, blends and rubs.

For eats, grab some thoughtful small plates at Central Provisions or indulge in the chef’s tasting menu at Miyake. And if you are a French fries lover like myself, you have to book a seat at Duck Fat . Or just take a culinary walking tour in Old Port to get a sampling of local food. 

4. ✦  Sail the Casco Bay with Calendar Islands Sailing

Can you just imagine basking in the sun onboard a beautiful sailing boat with the wind in your hair and a glass of champagne in your hand? You don’t have to, because this can be your reality.  There’s no better bucket list worthy way to explore Casco Bay and its islands than on a sailing trip, and I had an incredible time doing so with Calendar Islands Sailing Co.

One of the most popular tours is their two-hour coastal sightseeing excursion, but they also offer island-to-island day cruises or personally customized trips. If you are up for more of an experience than opt for one of their overnight adventures. Either way, you will get a chance to discover the breath-taking scenery of the coast, the sights along the way and the islands.

Secrets of Casco Bay from GLP Films on Vimeo .

5. ✦  see the lighthouses.

If you are the kind who just can’t resist historical lighthouses there a handful in the Portland area, each with its own charm. The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (aka: Bug Light) is a small lighthouse that sits at the end of the breaker and is unique because it was designed to look like a 4 th century Greek monument.

Built in 1897, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is a caisson-style light station (the only one in the United States!), but what is special about this one is that you have the opportunity to tour it. But, the most impressive and the one that is best known is the Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park. You can easily spend a couple of hours strolling along the pathways to check out Maine’s oldest lighthouse from every angle. For even more information read our article: 5 Epic Lighthouses in (& Around) Portland Maine

For an extra bucket list worthy experience try taking the Lighthouse Bike Tour that will take you to three lighthouses, and includes a lobster roll! 

6. ✦  Visit the Historic Victoria Mansion

Built around 1860, this ornate summer mansion turned museum is impressive with its vintage look and captivating history. Everything about it is grand including the exterior that has balconies and verandas, and an interior décor of gilded areas, wall paintings, stained-glass skylight, beautiful draperies and splendid furniture.

Take a tour inside with knowledgeable guides who will tell you all about the mansion–from its origins as a summer residence for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse to being bought by a resident of Maine who converted it into a museum. For its time, the mansion also had modern amenities such as hot and cold water and a central heating system.

7. ✧  Explore Maine’s Historic Eastern Cemetery

This is not your typical activity for any itinerary, but when a cemetery has a long and riveting history, it makes for an interesting visit as is the case with Eastern Cemetery. Dating back to 1668, this cemetery with thousands of graves is a chronicle of the life and times of several people including Portland’s leaders and soldiers. It also offers a glimpse into the social divisions of the early times as the graves are divided into different locations.

You can venture there on your own or opt for a guided tour organized by the non-profit group Spirits Alive from June to October.

8. ✦  Go on a Food tour

‘Live to eat’ should be your motto while in Portland as it has a vast variety of yummy food options and restaurants. You can easily set out to find your own delicious meal (which won’t be hard!) or unleash your inner foodie while learning about sustainability on a guided Maine Food for Thought tour.

The educational food tour will lead you on a walking path to eat your way through restaurants who feature locally sourced ingredients and a farm-to-table mindset. You will also get an understanding of the local food culture and delve even deeper with the stories behind the plate.

Though the stops and dishes can change, there was quite a delectable sampling on the day of my tour. For instance, the Union Restaurant dished up a bowl of locally sourced clam chowder with trout and Evo served a beet salad with a kalamata olive crumble and famous Maine blueberries. All the other stops were equally as delicious.

I can promise you that you will not leave this tour disappointed or hungry!

Take a peek behind-the-scenes:

GLP Films on Vimeo .

9. ✧  visit the portland observatory.

An imposing seven-story structure, the Portland Observatory is the only maritime signal tower still standing in America. Back when it was built by Captain Lemuel Moody in 1807, it functioned as a communication tower for ships making their way to the docks. You can go on guided tours of this octagonal tower that stays open from late May to October.

Each floor has interesting displays related to Portland history, maritime traditions and the observatory. You can climb to the top of the tower’s lantern (cupola) and then arriving at the lantern’s balcony will reward you with tremendous 360-degree views over Portland and the bay.

10. ✦  Enjoy the Craft Beer Scene

For all you beer lovers out there, Portland’s craft beer scene is booming! There’s nothing quite like drinking a ‘cold one’ in the open air while sitting at a picnic table with your pooch or playing a game of corn hole. Right? With a booming craft beer scene there is no shortage of good breweries to choose from.

Bunker Brewing Company is set inside a 1920s garage whose doors slide wide open. Novare Res Bier Café is a popular hidden beer garden that not only has a great food menu but also a nice international draft and bottle list. Of course, you can’t forget a visit to Allagash Brewery where you can take a classic tour then plop on their patio to indulge.

For a little more unique beer experience, pop onto a tour with the Maine Brew Bus whose expert guides (and bright green bus) will take you on a trip to discover the distilleries, breweries and wineries in the area. If being on a bus is not your thing, then take a walking beer tasting tour .

11. ✧  Visit the Portland Museum of Art

If your perfect afternoon includes ogling famous works of art, then the Portland Museum of Art is one of the top things for you to do in the city. With a collection of over 18,000 pieces on rotation you are bound to see some notable names during your visit, like Claude Monet and Andy Warhol. But, that’s not all! Ranging from paintings to pottery and sketches to sculptures, the exhibits include American, European and even local Maine works.

12. ✦  Get Fries at Duckfat Friteshack

Do you love French fries as much as me? Then don’t walk, run to Duckfat Friteshack for some of the best made from hand-cut Maine potatoes and fried in—you guessed it— duck fat. The Friteshack is an offshoot of the well-known Duckfat restaurant in Portland, and a popular one at that.

The shack is a casual joint where you place your order at the walk-up window from the limited menu. Fries can totally be a meal (especially if they are in the form of duck poutine), but in case you need more add on some doughnut holes or an extra thick milkshake.

Tip: Though I deemed the truffle ketchup the best homemade dipping sauce they serve, you can order a flight of all the six and judge for yourself.

13. ✦  Shop for Sea Bags

If you want to take home the ultimate Maine souvenir then don’t miss a stop at Sea Bags , where nautically inspired totes are made from recycled sails cloth. No two bags have the exact same markings! The magic happens in the heart of a working waterfront, where craftspeople meticulously design, sew and finish each piece.

You can shop right there in the front storeroom where hundreds are displayed, including their vintage collection that feature mainsail insignia logos. As each bag is unique, leave yourself some time to pick out the perfect one for you.

14. ✦  Drink at a Secret Speakeasy

Before you actually get to drink at Lincoln’s, you’ll have to find it first, and know how to get in—two minor details that won’t be shared here. But, that’s half the fun! Once you’ve cracked the code to get into this chill underground bar you’ll be greeted with a packed house who have come for the low-key vibe and $5 drinks. Yep, all the drinks are just five bucks, hence the name. Get it?

15. ✦  Eat Lots of Lobster

It doesn’t get more quintessential Maine then eating fresh lobster, and Portland has some of the best. You can start the indulgence with the well-known lobster roll. Typically, the famous rolls are simply made with fresh chunks of lobster meat, melted butter (and/or mayonnaise) served on a top-split New England hot dog roll. If you don’t want the carbs, then just opt for a whole lobster tail on a plate. You don’t have to complicate things to make them delicious!

There are plenty of places to get your lobster fix. Luke’s is one of the favorites amongst the tourists, but many of the locals also swear by Bob’s Clam Hut or Porthole . Warning: you may just have to do a lot of research (lobster sampling) to find your favorite.

A peek at where Maine’s lobster comes from:

Pete the Lobsterman from GLP Films on Vimeo

From lobster to museums to a booming craft beer scene, the city of Portland is packed with the best things to do and attractions to see. Be it on the water or on land, Maine’s hub is the perfect blend of the best activities.

Essential Tips for Visiting Portland, Maine Getting There: Portland International Jetport is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. You can easily check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner , which also has the option to choose ‘cheapest month’ as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. From the airport to the city center, you can use the subway, private car, limousine, shuttle or take a taxi. Where to Stay in Portland, Maine: It’s best to stay near the city center, public transportation or the area that you will be spending the most time in. AC Hotel by Marriott is a great choice in the Portland district. For something on the less expensive side, try Inn at St John located in Portland. For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at the Blind Tiger Guest House . Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com . If you’re looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.  Getting Around: Driving in a new destination can be a bit of a challenge, but if you choose to rent a car, RentalCars.com has great deals. If you are not renting a car, there are plenty of other options. Taxis, Lyft and Uber are available all over the city. For a more budget friendly option, you can take the public bus or metro/subway. The DiriGo Pass Card is an all-in-one transit card offering rides on multiple forms of transportation (metro, train, bus) for one fee. Best Tours in Portland, Maine : You can find some of the top tours at Get Your Guide or Viator , and here are some of the top ones. tours: Portland: Old Port Culinary Walking Tour Portland, Maine: 2-Hour History Tour with Sweet Treat The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local Insurance: It’s always a good idea to travel fully insured so you are protected in case of trip cancellations or medical emergencies. You can check out pricing at Travelex Insurance . This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

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10 thoughts on “Portland Maine Bucket List: 15 Cool Things to Do”

Will be coming in September

I’m sure you will love it there!

We’re coming in October can’t wait to have lobster.

Thanks for the info, now we have to make choices! Smooches!

We’re heading up this weekend and next week will try some of your suggestions!

Awesome list! We are here for the next 2 days and will try to cram in as much of these as possible!

I will be on a tour in Oct. 2022 So this will come in handy. I

That’s exciting. Enjoy!

Love this bucket list for Portland, Maine! I’ve been wanting to visit for years and this has given me some great ideas for things to do. The lobster fishing tour and exploring the Old Port are definitely at the top of my list. Can’t wait to try some of the delicious food and drinks, and maybe even spot some puffins!

I’m glad you enjoyed the bucket list for Portland, Maine! Your enthusiasm is contagious, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time exploring the Old Port and going on the lobster fishing tour. The food and drinks are indeed a highlight, so be prepared for some delicious experiences. And spotting puffins would be such a fantastic bonus! Safe travels and have a wonderful adventure in Portland. If you ever need more recommendations or have questions along the way, feel free to reach out. Enjoy every moment of your trip!

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The Best Places to Visit in Maine

B y some estimates, Maine has more than 3,000 miles of coastline. It is the most of any state in the lower 48. Given so much proximity to water, here are the best places to visit along the Pine Tree State’s seacoast in the summer. Visiting Maine’s big cities and small towns The Maine license plate […]

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The Best Places to Stay in Portland, Maine

By Nicole Kliest

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Close your eyes and picture a summer setting—and if it includes the sights, sounds, and smells of the sea coupled with al fresco meals and sun-drenched activities, take this as your sign to book a trip to Portland, Maine. This coastal city is beloved for its Old Port and storybook lighthouses, and while lobster rolls and clam chowder are famously on offer, the food scene is diverse and thriving, so be sure to swing by a couple of food trucks while in town and don’t miss out on the craft beer scene, either.

Whether you spend your days at sea on a whale-watching tour or strolling through the maze of picturesque cobblestone streets, booking a charming home base for your getaway is a must. Ahead, explore the best places to stay while in Portland, Maine, from quaint bed and breakfasts to boutique hotels housed in historic buildings.

Longfellow Hotel

This 48-room Small Luxury Hotels of the World property finally opens its doors this summer in Portland’s historic West End. It’s the first independent, full-service hotel to open in the city in two decades and is owned and operated by Uncommon Hospitality , with design by Post Company . The hotel’s food and beverage amenities will include wellness-focused Twinflower Café and a European-style lobby bar named Five of Clubs. The spa, Astraea, will be a particular highlight with private infrared sauna rooms and experiences tailored toward massage and meditation. Longfellow will also offer a complimentary house car that can provide guest transportation into the Old Port—a must when visiting.

Amenities: Restaurant, spa, bar, bicycle rentals

Address: 754 Congress St, Portland, ME, 04102

The Blind Tiger

By Irene Kim

By Audrey Noble

Arranged across a pair of renovated 19th-century homes in the West End, this boutique property blends the coziness of a guest house with the amenities of a discerning hotel. Blind Tiger on Danforth is set in a Federal-style mansion house, while Blind Tiger on Carleton occupies an 1869 Victorian townhouse. The rooms are decorated with local artwork, vintage furniture pieces, and layers of decor accents collected over time, adding to the nostalgic feel. While here, be sure to borrow the property’s picnic blanket and baskets for a day in the sun, or head for the historic speakeasy turned billiard room for an after-dinner tipple.

Amenities: Breakfast, billiards, fitness center, on-site parking

Address: 163 Danforth Street, Portland, ME 04102

Black Point Inn

This beachfront hotel is located a few minutes from Portland proper in the Prouts Neck area, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides. The property was originally built in 1878, and now offers 25 rooms and suites, each with individual furnishings and design schemes. There are several areas for guests to sprawl out, from the Sun Porch (stocked with games and books) to the Legendary Cliff Walk (a 1.75-mile trek that winds along the shoreline). Bikes, kayaks, and a pool are also among the offerings, as well as The Chart Room, the hotel’s main restaurant with breathtaking food and locally sourced cuisine.

Amenities: Restaurant, fitness center, tennis courts, private beach, swimming pool

Address: 510 Black Point Road, Scarborough, ME 04074

The Press Hotel

Housed in the historic headquarters of the Portland Press Herald , this Autograph Collection hotel spills across seven different floors with nods to the building’s history (think typewriters and printing press motifs). Even the rooms and suites take design cues from the newspaper; each one comes with a vintage-style ‘journalist’ desk, wood floors, herringbone area rugs, and local artwork. The hotel’s Union restaurant is hyper-focused on sourcing local ingredients from land to sea, including honey harvested on their very own rooftop.

Amenities: Restaurant, bar, fitness center, airport shuttle

Address: 119 Exchange Street, Portland, ME 04101

Inn by the Sea

A picturesque oceanfront resort merely a few minutes from Portland, the Inn by the Sea is quintessential Maine. Book one of the property’s Beach Suites to enjoy an outdoor patio and deck overlooking the water, and be sure to begin each morning with a peaceful stroll along the mile of sandy beach. The hotel’s restaurant, Sea Glass, offers an afternoon tea service complete with a lobster roll and front-row views of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

Amenities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, spa, private beach

Address: 40 Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

Pomegranate Inn

Vibrant and eccentric, this bed and breakfast is a celebration of color and print. It’s housed within an 1884-era building and each room flaunts unique qualities, such as fireplaces with intricate hearths, large windows, and painted murals. And because this is a B&B, expect a lovely breakfast each morning consisting of fresh bites such as an egg and asparagus scramble served with fresh pastries and coffee.

Amenities: Breakfast, fireplaces, pet-friendly

Address: 49 Neal Street Portland, ME 04102

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

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ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

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SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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