Maine Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Top Attractions

Nicknamed the Pine Tree State, Maine is known for its rocky coastline, charming seaside towns, lighthouses, and forested wilderness. Whether you’re looking to explore Acadia National Park, eat fresh lobster, or take a scenic drive, this guide covers the best places to visit in Maine.

Where is Maine?

📍 Location: Northeastern United States, New England region
🌆 Major Cities: Portland, Augusta, Bar Harbor, Bangor
🌲 Bordering States: New Hampshire, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick
🔗 Visit Maine Tourism

Best Time to Visit Maine

🌸 Spring (April-May): Great for budding trees and quiet coastal towns.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Peak season for beach vacations, lobster festivals, and national park visits.
🍂 Fall (September-October): Ideal for leaf peeping, harvest festivals, and cool hikes.
❄️ Winter (November-March): Best for skiing, snowmobiling, and cozy cabin getaways.

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Top Attractions & Destinations in Maine

1. Acadia National Park – Maine’s Natural Gem

Acadia offers mountains, forests, lakes, and rugged coastline all in one beautiful park.

🏞️ Top Things to Do in Acadia:

Drive Park Loop Road – A scenic 27-mile loop with panoramic ocean and forest views.
Hike Cadillac Mountain – The first place to see sunrise in the U.S. during certain months.
Explore Jordan Pond & Bubble Rock Trail – Ideal for family hikes and photography.

📍 Location: Mount Desert Island, Eastern Maine
🔗 Visit Acadia National Park

2. Portland – A Coastal Foodie Haven

Portland is a historic port city known for its vibrant food scene, waterfront views, and arts culture.

🍽️ Must-See Spots in Portland:

Old Port District – Cobblestone streets with boutiques, breweries, and seafood restaurants.
Portland Head Light – One of the most photographed lighthouses in America.
Eastern Promenade Trail – A scenic coastal walk and bike route.

📍 Location: Southern Maine
🔗 Visit Portland

3. Bar Harbor – Gateway to Acadia

Bar Harbor is a quaint town offering seaside charm and easy access to Acadia National Park.

🦞 Top Things to Do in Bar Harbor:

Take a Lobster Boat Tour – Learn about Maine’s lobster industry firsthand.
Walk Shore Path – A peaceful trail along Frenchman Bay.
Enjoy Fresh Lobster Rolls – Served at nearly every restaurant!

📍 Location: Mount Desert Island, near Acadia
🔗 Visit Bar Harbor

4. Kennebunkport – A Classic Maine Seaside Retreat

This charming town is known for its beaches, historic homes, and the Bush family summer estate.

🌊 Best Activities in Kennebunkport:

Explore Dock Square – A walkable district with local shops and galleries.
Visit Goose Rocks Beach – A great spot for sunbathing and tidepooling.
Take a Sailing Tour – Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Atlantic coast.

📍 Location: Southern Maine
🔗 Visit Kennebunkport

5. Baxter State Park – Wilderness & Wildlife

Baxter State Park is a rugged paradise for hiking, wildlife spotting, and solitude.

🥾 Top Things to Do in Baxter State Park:

Climb Mount Katahdin – The northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Hike the Chimney Pond Trail – One of the park’s most popular backcountry hikes.
Look for Moose and Black Bears – Wildlife sightings are frequent and thrilling.

📍 Location: Northern Maine
🔗 Visit Baxter State Park

Best Outdoor Adventures in Maine

🛶 Kayaking in Casco Bay – Paddle around islands, lighthouses, and seals.
🚴 Biking the Kennebec River Rail Trail – A scenic ride along woodlands and riverside towns.
🎣 Fly Fishing in the Rangeley Lakes Region – Ideal for trout and salmon fishing.
🏕️ Camping in Moosehead Lake Region – One of Maine’s most remote and peaceful spots.

Where to Stay in Maine

🏨 Luxury Hotels & Inns:

The Press Hotel (Portland) – A boutique stay in a historic newspaper building.
Bar Harbor Inn – A seaside resort with spa and ocean views.

🏕️ Best Cabins & Campgrounds:

Blackwoods Campground (Acadia) – Steps from trails and ocean views.
Sebago Lake State Park Cabins – A cozy option near one of Maine’s largest lakes.

Tips for Visiting Maine

✅ Try Local Seafood – Maine is known for lobster, clams, and haddock.
✅ Book Accommodations Early in Summer – Maine is a popular summer destination, especially near Acadia.
✅ Pack for All Seasons – Even in summer, evenings can be cool near the coast.
✅ Respect Wildlife – Especially when visiting moose country and forested parks.

Nearby Travel Destinations

If you’re visiting Maine, consider these nearby state destinations:

New Hampshire – Hike the White Mountains or visit Lake Winnipesaukee.
Vermont – Explore charming towns, covered bridges, and mountain scenery.
Massachusetts – Head to Boston or Cape Cod for city life and beaches.

Final Thoughts

With its picturesque coastlines, iconic lighthouses, and outdoor adventures, Maine offers an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you’re hiking Cadillac Mountain, kayaking with seals, or enjoying a lobster roll by the sea, the Pine Tree State is a must-visit for nature lovers and coastal explorers.

For more New England travel guides, check out our New Hampshire Travel Guide and Massachusetts Travel Guide.