Best Places to Visit in Maine

Maine is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in New England, known for its rugged coastline, lighthouses, lobster shacks, pine forests, mountain lakes, historic harbours, national parks, islands, beaches and charming seaside towns. From the dramatic scenery of Acadia National Park to the food scene of Portland, the classic coastal charm of Camden and the wilderness of Baxter State Park, Maine is ideal for travellers who love nature, seafood, road trips and relaxed small-town exploring.

Whether you are planning a summer coastal holiday, autumn foliage trip, national park adventure, romantic weekend, lighthouse tour or family road trip, Maine offers a memorable mix of ocean, mountains, forests and culture.

Why Visit Maine?

Maine is perfect for travellers who enjoy scenic drives, fresh seafood, outdoor adventure and classic New England atmosphere. The state has a distinctive character shaped by rocky shores, fishing villages, working harbours, forested interiors, historic inns, islands and independent local communities.

The coast is Maine’s biggest draw for many visitors, with places such as Portland, Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockland, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park offering harbour views, lighthouses, lobster rolls, boat tours and coastal walks. Inland Maine offers a completely different experience, with lakes, rivers, mountains, moose country, hiking, skiing and wilderness escapes.

Best Places to Visit in Maine

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is Maine’s most famous natural attraction and one of the best places to visit in New England. Located mainly on Mount Desert Island near Bar Harbor, the park protects rocky coastline, granite peaks, forests, lakes, carriage roads, hiking trails and spectacular Atlantic views.

Popular things to do include driving the Park Loop Road, visiting Cadillac Mountain, walking around Jordan Pond, hiking coastal trails, cycling the carriage roads and watching sunrise or sunset from scenic viewpoints. Cadillac Mountain is especially popular, and vehicle reservations may be required during certain periods, so check current park rules before visiting.

Best for: hiking, coastal scenery, photography, families, national park lovers and first-time Maine visitors.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is the main gateway town to Acadia National Park and one of Maine’s most popular coastal destinations. It has a lively harbourfront, restaurants, shops, boat tours, galleries and easy access to park entrances.

Visitors can walk the Shore Path, take a whale watching or nature cruise, explore downtown, enjoy seafood and use Bar Harbor as a base for several days in Acadia. It can be very busy in summer and early autumn, so accommodation should be booked early.

Best for: Acadia access, seafood, boat tours, families, couples and classic Maine coast atmosphere.

Portland

Portland is Maine’s largest city and one of the best food destinations in New England. It combines a working waterfront, historic brick streets, excellent restaurants, breweries, galleries, museums and easy access to lighthouses and islands.

Top things to do include exploring the Old Port, walking along the waterfront, visiting the Portland Museum of Art, taking a ferry through Casco Bay and visiting nearby Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. Portland is a strong starting point for a Maine road trip because it has city comforts while still feeling closely connected to the coast.

Best for: food lovers, breweries, lighthouses, city breaks, couples and first-time visitors.

Portland Head Light and Cape Elizabeth

Portland Head Light is one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses. Located in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, it sits on a rocky headland overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is an easy trip from Portland.

Visitors can walk through the park, photograph the lighthouse, enjoy coastal views and continue to nearby Two Lights State Park or other South Portland and Cape Elizabeth coastal stops.

Best for: photography, lighthouses, coastal walks, families and day trips from Portland.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is one of Maine’s most polished and attractive seaside towns. It is known for historic homes, boutique shops, harbour views, beaches, seafood restaurants and a classic coastal resort atmosphere.

Visitors can explore Dock Square, take a scenic drive past oceanfront homes, visit nearby beaches, enjoy lobster rolls and take boat tours along the coast. Kennebunkport is especially popular for romantic weekends and summer holidays.

Best for: couples, boutique stays, coastal dining, shopping, beaches and relaxed seaside breaks.

Ogunquit

Ogunquit is one of southern Maine’s best beach towns, known for its long sandy beach, arts scene, restaurants and the Marginal Way coastal walk. It has a lively but relaxed summer holiday feel.

The Marginal Way is the town’s standout experience, offering beautiful ocean views along a paved coastal path between Ogunquit and Perkins Cove. Visitors can also enjoy galleries, seafood, beach time and local theatre.

Best for: beaches, coastal walks, couples, families, restaurants and summer holidays.

York

York is a classic southern Maine coastal town with beaches, historic sites, lighthouses and family attractions. It is one of the easiest Maine destinations to reach from New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Popular stops include Nubble Lighthouse, Long Sands Beach, Short Sands Beach and York Village. Nubble Lighthouse is especially photogenic and is one of Maine’s most recognisable coastal landmarks.

Best for: families, beaches, lighthouse photography, easy coastal breaks and southern Maine trips.

Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is one of Maine’s most family-friendly beach destinations. It has a long sandy beach, a pier, amusement rides, casual food and a lively summer atmosphere.

This is a different experience from Maine’s quieter fishing villages and rugged coastal parks. It is best for travellers who want a classic beach holiday with entertainment, easy food options and a nostalgic seaside feel.

Best for: families, beach holidays, amusements, summer fun and casual coastal stays.

Freeport

Freeport is best known for shopping, especially the flagship L.L.Bean store, but it also offers access to coastal parks, trails and nearby villages. It is an easy stop between Portland and Midcoast Maine.

Visitors can browse outlet shops, walk local trails, visit Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park and use Freeport as a convenient overnight stop on a coastal road trip.

Best for: shopping, outdoor gear, families, road-trip stops and easy nature walks.

Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor is a beautiful Midcoast Maine town known for boat tours, islands, seafood, gardens, galleries and harbour views. It has a relaxed maritime atmosphere and works well for families, couples and coastal road trippers.

Popular things to do include taking a puffin or lighthouse cruise, visiting the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, walking around the harbour and enjoying fresh seafood by the water.

Best for: boat tours, gardens, families, couples, seafood and Midcoast Maine holidays.

Camden

Camden is one of the prettiest towns in Maine, where mountains meet the sea. It is known for its harbour, sailing trips, historic inns, shops, restaurants and access to Camden Hills State Park.

Visitors can walk around the harbour, take a schooner cruise, browse boutiques and drive or hike up Mount Battie for sweeping views over Penobscot Bay. Camden is especially beautiful in autumn and is one of Maine’s best romantic coastal towns.

Best for: couples, sailing, harbour views, scenic drives, photography and autumn trips.

Camden Hills State Park

Camden Hills State Park is one of the best places in Maine for coastal views. The park’s Mount Battie viewpoint looks over Camden, Penobscot Bay, islands and surrounding hills.

Visitors can hike, drive to viewpoints when access is open, camp, picnic and enjoy forested trails close to town. It is a must-add stop if you are staying in Camden or Rockland.

Best for: scenic views, hiking, camping, photography and Midcoast Maine road trips.

Rockland

Rockland is a working harbour town with a strong arts scene, excellent seafood and ferry access to Maine islands. It is one of the best places in Maine for travellers who want culture as well as coastal atmosphere.

Top attractions include the Farnsworth Art Museum, the Maine Lighthouse Museum, the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and local restaurants. Rockland is also known for summer events and makes a good base for exploring Camden, Owls Head and Penobscot Bay.

Best for: art lovers, seafood, lighthouses, harbour walks, island ferries and cultural travel.

Rockport

Rockport sits between Camden and Rockland and offers a quieter harbour setting. It is a lovely stop for visitors who enjoy small coastal towns, galleries, scenic water views and peaceful walks.

Rockport is ideal as a relaxed overnight base or a slower alternative to busier Camden. It pairs well with nearby Beech Hill Preserve, Camden Hills and the wider Penobscot Bay region.

Best for: quiet stays, couples, harbour views, photography and Midcoast exploring.

Stonington and Deer Isle

Stonington and Deer Isle offer a quieter, more remote coastal Maine experience. Stonington is a working fishing village with harbour views, lobster boats, galleries and access to island scenery.

This area is best for travellers who want to slow down, photograph the coast, enjoy seafood and explore a less commercial side of Maine. The roads, coves and villages around Deer Isle are especially rewarding for scenic wandering.

Best for: quiet coastal travel, seafood, photography, artists, couples and off-the-beaten-path road trips.

Blue Hill Peninsula

The Blue Hill Peninsula is a peaceful coastal region between Penobscot Bay and Mount Desert Island. It is known for small villages, galleries, farms, coves, quiet roads and views of water and forest.

Visitors can explore Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville and surrounding villages, stopping for local food, craft shops and coastal views. It is a good region for travellers who want a quieter alternative to Bar Harbor.

Best for: slow travel, small villages, art, scenic drives, local food and quiet coastal stays.

Lubec and Quoddy Head State Park

Lubec is the easternmost town in the United States and one of Maine’s most atmospheric coastal destinations. It offers rugged scenery, quiet streets, dramatic tides and access to Quoddy Head State Park.

Quoddy Head State Park is home to West Quoddy Head Light, with red-and-white stripes, coastal trails and views over the Bay of Fundy region. This area is more remote than southern and Midcoast Maine, but it rewards visitors with wild coastal beauty and fewer crowds.

Best for: remote coastlines, lighthouses, photography, hiking, quiet towns and scenic road trips.

Eastport

Eastport is a small coastal city in far eastern Maine, known for working waterfront views, art, tides, seafood and a peaceful atmosphere. It is one of the best places to experience Downeast Maine away from the busiest tourist routes.

Visitors can walk along the waterfront, explore galleries, enjoy local seafood and use Eastport as a base for exploring the bold coast and nearby islands.

Best for: quiet coastal stays, art, seafood, photography and Downeast Maine exploring.

Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake and one of the best inland destinations in the state. It is surrounded by forest, mountains, cabins, boating areas and wildlife habitat.

Greenville is the main gateway town, offering lake cruises, seaplane tours, fishing, kayaking and moose-watching trips. Moosehead Lake is ideal for travellers who want a wilderness feel without going fully remote.

Best for: lake holidays, moose watching, cabins, boating, fishing, kayaking and wilderness scenery.

Baxter State Park

Baxter State Park is one of Maine’s greatest wilderness destinations. It protects rugged mountain terrain, forests, lakes, wildlife and Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak and the northern end of the Appalachian Trail.

This is not a casual roadside park. Visitors should plan carefully, check access rules, reserve camping or parking where needed and be prepared for wilderness conditions. Hiking Katahdin is strenuous and should only be attempted with proper preparation, weather awareness and realistic fitness.

Best for: serious hikers, wilderness, camping, photography, wildlife and Appalachian Trail travellers.

Mount Katahdin

Mount Katahdin is Maine’s highest mountain and one of the most important hiking destinations in the northeastern United States. It is challenging, scenic and deeply rewarding for experienced hikers.

Popular routes include trails from Katahdin Stream, Roaring Brook and other access points, but conditions can be difficult and weather can change quickly. Visitors should treat Katahdin as a serious mountain hike, not a casual walk.

Best for: experienced hikers, mountain scenery, Appalachian Trail history and wilderness adventure.

Rangeley Lakes Region

The Rangeley Lakes Region is one of western Maine’s most scenic outdoor destinations. It offers lakes, mountains, scenic overlooks, fishing, boating, hiking, snowmobiling and autumn colour.

Visitors can drive the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, stop at Height of Land overlook, explore small towns and enjoy lakeside accommodation. The region is especially beautiful in fall and is also popular for winter recreation.

Best for: scenic drives, fishing, autumn colour, lake stays, snowmobiling and outdoor escapes.

Bethel

Bethel is a charming western Maine mountain town known for skiing, hiking, covered bridges, fall foliage and access to the White Mountain region. It is a good base for Sunday River Resort and nearby scenic drives.

Visitors can explore local shops, enjoy mountain views, ski in winter, hike in warmer months and drive through nearby forested landscapes. Bethel is especially good for travellers who want a mountain village atmosphere.

Best for: skiing, autumn colour, hiking, families, couples and western Maine road trips.

Augusta

Augusta, Maine’s capital, sits along the Kennebec River and offers state history, museums, riverfront walks and access to central Maine attractions.

Visitors can see the Maine State House, walk sections of the Kennebec River Rail Trail and visit the Maine State Museum when open. Augusta works well as a practical stop between the coast, inland lakes and western mountain regions.

Best for: state history, river walks, road-trip stops, families and central Maine itineraries.

Bangor

Bangor is a historic city on the Penobscot River and a useful gateway to northern and eastern Maine. It has riverfront walks, restaurants, museums and connections to author Stephen King for literary travellers.

Bangor is a practical stop on the way to Moosehead Lake, Baxter State Park, Bar Harbor or Downeast Maine. It is also useful for travellers flying into or out of northern Maine.

Best for: road-trip stopovers, riverfront walks, literary interest, northern Maine access and practical travel bases.

Allagash Wilderness Waterway

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is one of Maine’s great remote outdoor experiences. It is a protected corridor of lakes, rivers and forest in northern Maine, popular for canoeing, camping, fishing and wilderness travel.

This region requires careful planning, proper equipment and comfort with remote conditions. It is best suited to experienced paddlers or travellers using experienced guides.

Best for: canoeing, wilderness camping, fishing, experienced outdoor travellers and remote nature trips.

Best Beaches in Maine

Maine is better known for rocky coastline than warm beach holidays, but it has several excellent sandy beaches, especially in the south.

• Ogunquit Beach: Best for long walks, summer swimming, families and access to restaurants.
• Old Orchard Beach: Best for classic boardwalk-style fun, families and entertainment.
• York Beaches: Best for easy southern Maine beach days and lighthouse visits.
• Popham Beach State Park: Best for scenic sand, tidal views and a more natural beach setting.
• Reid State Park: Best for beach walks, dunes, rocky coast and quieter scenery.
• Sand Beach in Acadia: Best for dramatic national park scenery rather than warm swimming.
• Goose Rocks Beach: Best for quiet coastal beauty near Kennebunkport.

Best Lighthouses in Maine

Maine is famous for lighthouses, and visiting a few is one of the best ways to enjoy the coast.

• Portland Head Light: One of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses, near Portland.
• Nubble Lighthouse: A classic southern Maine lighthouse in York.
• Pemaquid Point Lighthouse: A dramatic Midcoast lighthouse with rocky shoreline.
• Marshall Point Lighthouse: A scenic lighthouse near Port Clyde.
• Owls Head Light: A beautiful lighthouse near Rockland.
• West Quoddy Head Light: A red-and-white striped lighthouse near Lubec.
• Bass Harbor Head Light: A famous lighthouse near Acadia National Park.

Best Places in Maine for Families

Maine can be an excellent family destination, especially if you combine beaches, wildlife, boat tours, easy hikes and small towns.

• Acadia National Park: Easy walks, carriage roads, tide pools, scenic drives and ranger programs.
• Bar Harbor: Boat tours, shops, seafood and family-friendly access to Acadia.
• Old Orchard Beach: Beach, pier, amusements and classic summer fun.
• Portland: Ferry rides, food, museums, lighthouses and family-friendly city exploring.
• Boothbay Harbor: Boat cruises, gardens, seafood and harbour scenery.
• Freeport: Shopping, outdoor gear and nearby nature walks.
• Moosehead Lake: Wildlife tours, boating, cabins and outdoor activities.
• Rangeley Lakes: Lake activities, scenic drives and wildlife watching.

Best Small Towns to Visit in Maine

Maine’s small towns are one of the state’s biggest attractions. Many have working harbours, historic homes, local shops, seafood restaurants and scenic coastal views.

• Camden: Harbour views, sailing, inns and Mount Battie scenery.
• Kennebunkport: Boutique shops, beaches, seafood and polished coastal charm.
• Ogunquit: Beach, Marginal Way, galleries and restaurants.
• Boothbay Harbor: Boat tours, gardens and harbourfront atmosphere.
• Stonington: A quieter working fishing village on Deer Isle.
• Rockport: Peaceful harbour scenery between Camden and Rockland.
• Bethel: Mountain town charm, skiing and fall foliage.
• Lubec: Remote coastal scenery, lighthouses and dramatic tides.

Best Outdoor Adventures in Maine

Maine is one of the best states in the Northeast for outdoor adventure. Its coast, forests, lakes and mountains offer activities in every season.

• Hike in Acadia: Explore coastal trails, mountain paths, carriage roads and scenic viewpoints.
• Climb or view Katahdin: Experience Maine’s most famous mountain in Baxter State Park.
• Go whale watching: Join coastal boat tours from towns such as Bar Harbor or Boothbay Harbor.
• Kayak the coast: Paddle around protected bays, islands and coves with local outfitters.
• Spot moose: Try guided wildlife trips around Moosehead Lake, Rangeley or northern Maine.
• Canoe the Allagash: Plan a remote wilderness paddling trip with proper preparation.
• Ski in western Maine: Visit Sunday River, Sugarloaf or other winter recreation areas.
• Cycle carriage roads: Ride Acadia’s historic carriage roads for a scenic, car-free experience.

Best Scenic Drives in Maine

Maine is a classic road-trip state, especially along the coast and through the western mountains.

• Coastal Route 1: A classic Maine drive linking southern Maine, Portland, Midcoast towns and Downeast scenery.
• Park Loop Road in Acadia: A scenic national park drive with ocean, forest, lake and mountain views.
• Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway: A beautiful western Maine route with lake and mountain views.
• Bold Coast Scenic Byway: A remote Downeast route with rugged coast, fishing villages and wild scenery.
• Old Canada Road Scenic Byway: A northern route through river valleys, forests and historic travel corridors.
• Moosehead Lake Scenic Drive: A rewarding route through lake, forest and mountain landscapes.

Best Places in Maine for Food Lovers

Maine is one of the best seafood destinations in the United States, but its food scene also includes bakeries, breweries, farm-to-table dining and local markets.

• Portland: Best for restaurants, breweries, bakeries, seafood and creative dining.
• Bar Harbor: Best for lobster dinners, casual seafood and Acadia-area meals.
• Rockland: Best for seafood, harbour dining and Midcoast food culture.
• Kennebunkport: Best for polished coastal restaurants and lobster rolls.
• Boothbay Harbor: Best for waterfront seafood and casual coastal dining.
• Wiscasset: Best known for famous lobster-roll stops and Midcoast road-trip eating.
• Blue Hill Peninsula: Best for local farms, small restaurants and quieter food experiences.

Best Time to Visit Maine

Maine can be visited year-round, but the best season depends on your travel style.

• Spring: A quieter season with cool weather, fewer crowds and early coastal exploring, though some seasonal businesses may still be limited.
• Summer: Best for coastal towns, boat tours, beaches, seafood, Acadia, islands and family holidays.
• Autumn: Excellent for fall foliage, scenic drives, hiking, photography and quieter coastal stays after peak summer.
• Winter: Best for skiing, snowshoeing, cosy inns, quiet towns and inland mountain escapes.

For a first visit focused on the coast, late spring through early autumn is usually the easiest period. For fall colours, late September into October is often popular, depending on region and weather. For Acadia, summer has the most services but also the biggest crowds.

Suggested 7-Day Maine Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Portland

Start in Portland. Explore the Old Port, walk the waterfront, visit the Portland Museum of Art and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s seafood or farm-to-table restaurants.

Day 2: Cape Elizabeth, Freeport and Boothbay Harbor

Visit Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, then head north to Freeport for shopping or Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. Continue to Boothbay Harbor for a coastal overnight stay.

Day 3: Boothbay Harbor to Camden

Take a boat tour or visit Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in the morning. Drive north through Midcoast Maine, stopping in Wiscasset or Rockland before arriving in Camden.

Day 4: Camden, Rockland and Penobscot Bay

Visit Camden Hills State Park, enjoy Mount Battie views, explore Rockland’s museums and walk to Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse if conditions are suitable.

Day 5: Blue Hill Peninsula or Deer Isle

Spend the day exploring quieter coastal Maine. Choose the Blue Hill Peninsula for small villages and local food, or Deer Isle and Stonington for working-harbour scenery.

Day 6: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park

Travel to Bar Harbor and begin exploring Acadia National Park. Drive parts of Park Loop Road, visit Jordan Pond and enjoy sunset from a scenic viewpoint.

Day 7: Acadia National Park

Spend a full day in Acadia. Hike, cycle carriage roads, visit Cadillac Mountain if you have the required reservation, explore tide pools and enjoy a final seafood dinner in Bar Harbor.

Longer 10-Day Maine Itinerary

• Days 1 to 2: Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Casco Bay and Freeport.
• Days 3 to 4: Boothbay Harbor, Rockland, Camden and Penobscot Bay.
• Day 5: Deer Isle, Stonington or the Blue Hill Peninsula.
• Days 6 to 7: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
• Day 8: Lubec, Quoddy Head State Park and Downeast Maine.
• Day 9: Bangor or Moosehead Lake.
• Day 10: Return through Augusta, Bethel or western Maine depending on your route.

Travel Tips for Visiting Maine

• Book early for summer: Bar Harbor, Acadia, Camden, Kennebunkport and coastal inns can book out during peak season.
• Rent a car: Maine is best explored by road, especially if you want to visit small towns, state parks and inland regions.
• Expect slow coastal driving: Route 1 can be scenic but slow, especially in summer.
• Check park reservations: Acadia and popular state parks may have seasonal rules, parking limits or vehicle reservation requirements.
• Pack layers: Coastal weather can change quickly, and evenings can be cool even in summer.
• Bring proper footwear: Rocky beaches, trails and lighthouse areas often require sturdy shoes.
• Respect tides: Some beaches, islands and coastal walks change dramatically with the tide.
• Try local food: Look for lobster rolls, clam chowder, blueberry pie, whoopie pies, oysters, haddock, craft beer and local farm produce.
• Do not rush: Maine is best enjoyed slowly, with time for scenic stops, harbours, walks and meals by the water.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in Maine

Maine is a destination that combines rugged natural beauty with classic New England charm. Its coast is filled with lighthouses, harbours, beaches and seafood towns, while its interior offers lakes, mountains, forests and wilderness. It is a state made for road trips, outdoor adventure and slow travel.

For a first visit, Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockland, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park make an excellent itinerary. Travellers with more time should add Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Freeport, Moosehead Lake, Baxter State Park, Rangeley Lakes, Lubec, Stonington and the Blue Hill Peninsula.

Whether you want lobster by the harbour, sunrise in Acadia, a lighthouse road trip, a cosy coastal inn or a wilderness escape, Maine offers some of the most memorable scenery and travel experiences in the northeastern United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Maine

What is the prettiest place in Maine?

Some of the prettiest places in Maine include Acadia National Park, Camden, Bar Harbor, Portland Head Light, Pemaquid Point, Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes, Baxter State Park, Stonington and the Bold Coast near Lubec.

What is Maine best known for?

Maine is best known for lobster, lighthouses, Acadia National Park, rocky coastline, pine forests, blueberries, fishing villages, islands, outdoor adventure, coastal towns and classic New England scenery.

Is Maine good for a family holiday?

Yes, Maine is excellent for families. Families can visit Acadia National Park, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Boothbay Harbor, Bar Harbor, Freeport, Moosehead Lake and many coastal parks and boat tour destinations.

How many days do you need to visit Maine?

You can enjoy southern Maine or Portland in 2 to 3 days, but a broader coastal road trip covering Portland, Midcoast Maine and Acadia is better with 7 to 10 days. To include inland lakes, Baxter State Park or Downeast Maine, allow more time.

What is the best time of year to visit Maine?

Summer is best for coastal towns, boat tours, beaches and seafood trips. Autumn is excellent for fall foliage, hiking and scenic drives. Winter is best for skiing and cosy inland escapes, while spring is quieter but cooler.

Is Maine good for a road trip?

Yes, Maine is one of the best road-trip states in New England. Coastal Route 1, Acadia, Midcoast towns, lighthouses, inland lakes and mountain regions make it ideal for travellers with a car.

Where should first-time visitors go in Maine?

First-time visitors should consider Portland, Portland Head Light, Freeport, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockland, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. If time allows, add Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Moosehead Lake or the Rangeley Lakes region.

Does Maine have nice beaches?

Yes, Maine has several beautiful beaches, especially in the south. Ogunquit Beach, Old Orchard Beach, Popham Beach State Park, Reid State Park, York beaches and Goose Rocks Beach are popular options.

What are the best small towns in Maine?

Some of the best small towns in Maine include Camden, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Boothbay Harbor, Rockport, Stonington, Bethel, Lubec, Blue Hill and Bar Harbor.

What should I pack for a Maine trip?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a rain jacket, sun protection, a reusable water bottle and warmer layers for cool coastal evenings. For hiking or rocky beaches, bring sturdy footwear. For boat tours, bring wind protection even in summer.