Formerly named “Vacationland” and then “The Way Life Should Be”, it’s a sure bet that any visit to Maine will be a wicked good time. But if you’ve never been, figuring out where to go in Maine can be quite a task. With more than 35K square miles to cover between the borders of New Hampshire, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean, there are many beautiful places to explore. In this Maine Where To Visit Guide, learn about the best places to go to in Maine.
Table of Contents
5 Fun Facts about Maine
- Maine is the only one-syllable state.
- Maine is a state in the USA and NOT Canada, anchoring the most northeastern corner of the continental US. New Hampshire is the only other state bordering it. Many Americans do not know this!
- The 3 most popular things Maine is known for: lobster, lighthouses, Acadia National Park
- Maine’s Mount Desert Island is 1 of the top 10 trending destinations in the US in 2022.
- Maine, just behind Vermont, has the most craft breweries per capita in the USA.
For more fun facts to inspire your Maine where to visit quest, read Interesting Facts About Maine.
Best Places To Go To In Maine
So much of deciding where to visit in Maine and the number of places to see hinges on time and which airport you fly into. From the southern border to the north, here are a few highlights and teasers about the best places to go to in Maine.
York
York was the first American chartered city in Maine named after York, England. But York’s English roots aren’t why it should be on your must see Maine list.
York is one of the best places to go to in Maine because of its coastal charm and scenic island lighthouse off the coast of Cape Neddick. Cape Neddick Lighthouse, also referred to as Nubble Light, is beautiful to see at any time of year. Nubble Light may be the most photographed lighthouse in Maine, although Portland arguably takes first. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful Route 1A scenic drive along the shore. There is limited free parking at Sohier Park.
In addition to Nubble Lighthouse, other places that make York the best to visit include York Beach and York’s Wild Kingdom for families. For New England inspired gifts, whimsical art, and other coastal illustrated goods, visit the Sara Fitz flagship store at 127 Long Sands Road, York.
Maine is incredibly dog-friendly – Nubble Lighthouse
Ogunquit
Ogunquit, which means “beautiful place by the sea”, is very quaint but incredibly popular. 11 of Ogunquit’s 15 square miles is actually water. Even with only 4 square miles of land, Ogunquit is one of the best places to go in Maine. It’s a progressive coastal town packed with unique Maine shops, seafood restaurants, a beach, and its very own theatre, the Ogunquit Playhouse.
Perkins Cove is the destination for a Maine lobster roll and quaint seaside boutiques. The only drawback to Ogunquit is parking so wear your comfy walking shoes and be sure to bring cash.
Perkins Cove, Ogunquit Maine (photo credit Matthew Alland)
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport, or “Kport” or “KPT”, is a foodie coastal town with all the luxuries fit for a President. George Bush has a home here. A few presidential-worthy favorites that make Kennebunkport a best place to go to in Maine:
- Shopping and art galleries at Dock Square
- Lobster roll at Mabel’s Lobster Claw
- Goose Rocks Beach, with a pit stop in Goose Rocks Beach General Store
- Glamping at Sandy Pines Campground
- Pier 77 Restaurant for upscale seafood dining next to Cape Porpoise Pier
- Blackberry mojitos at The Tides Beach Club
Drive scenic Ocean Avenue to Kport and see the Bush compound on Walker’s Point
Wells
Wells is most known for being the antique capital of Maine. Antique shops line Route 1 one after the other. While Wells antiques make it the best place to go in Maine for any vintage collector, Wells also offers 7 miles of oceanfront to enjoy, and one-of-a-kind food experiences.
- Blueberry fritter at Congdon’s Doughnuts. It’s ranked by Food & Wine as one of the best doughnuts in America!
- Congdon’s After Dark Food Truck Park is the only one of its kind in New England.
- Wells beaches: Wells Beach, Moody Beach, Crescent Beach, and Drake’s Island Beach
Wells Beach, Maine
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is the best place in Maine to go for entertainment. This laid-back beach destination is loved by locals and Canadians. During a visit to Old Orchard Beach, it’s likely to hear more French than English.
Old Orchard Beach offers easy access to amenities for sports (beach volleyball nets and skin boards are popular), nightlife, carnival rides, and games for the kids. Palace Playland at OOB is the best place in Maine to visit for amusement geared towards kids. While the Old Orchard Beach Boardwalk and Pier offer shops, restaurants, and bars for adults.
OOB pier fries are a must!
Old Orchard Beach, also referred to as OOB
Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth is famous for its lighthouses that line Casco Bay – most notably Portland Headlight situated in Fort Williams Park. There are walking trails along the rocky coast leading to and from the famous lighthouse, picnic areas, and an old military battery to explore.
Two Lights State Park is pretty spectacular too. One of the lighthouses is a personal residence while the other is still active. At Two Lights State Park kids can climb rocks, explore tide pools, and there is a perfectly situated lobster shack that is a must. Parking is limited since Two Lights is one of the most popular places to visit in Maine.
Crescent Beach State Park is a mile-long sandy beach, not far from the secluded Higgins Beach in neighboring Scarborough. Both beaches appear almost annually in the national news for great white shark sightings but don’t let that steer you from visiting this spectacular Maine town.
Portland Headlight, Cape Elizabeth Maine
Portland’s Old Port
The best place to go to in Portland Maine minutes from PWM airport is the Old Port district along the waterfront. The Old Port is the place to go for eating, shopping, and endless Maine salty air. The waterfront is a maritime blend of sunset Casco Bay cruises, island tours, and working lobster boats.
Walk along Commercial Street and up and down the various cobblestone streets, to enjoy the finest foods and shops in Portland Maine.
- Corn chowder at Gilbert’s Chowder House
- Lobster at Portland Lobster Company
- Wild Maine Blueberry Crisp Gelato at Gelato Fiasco
Seabags flagship store is located on 123 Commercial Street, but the Seabags outlet store is hidden across the way at 25 Custom House Warf. It’s located across The Porthole next to the Harbor Fish Market (which also deserves a visit). This is the best place to buy a Seabag in Maine. For my recycle/upcycle friends, the Seabags vintage collection is the best!
While in the Old Port, take a cruise on Casco Bay. Go island hopping or buy a ferry pass to just boat around the Casco Bay islands and see historical points. Stop off on Peaks Island for lunch or dinner. A passenger ferry ticket round trip starts at $8 per person during peak months.
Of all the cities in Maine to visit, Portland’s Old Port is #1.
Grab the Casco Bay Ferry to Peaks Island, Maine
Freeport
Freeport is the outlet mecca of Maine. If your Maine where to visit search excludes shopping, Freeport might not be the best place to go. But here are a few reasons to reconsider.
Freeport is not an ordinary outlet mall. It’s home to L.L. Bean’s flagship store, Factory Store, Home Store, Events Pavilion, and Outdoor Discovery Programs. L.L. Bean hosts many free demonstrations, paid outdoor adventures/classes, and ongoing free concerts.
A photo on the massive L.L. Bean boot that marks the side entrance is a Freeport rite of passage, along with Linda Bean’s chowder and biscuit across the street.
Do not miss these other best places to go to in Freeport Maine:
- Wicked Whoopies – A mom with a small idea turned her Maine whoopie pies into a national dessert. When Oprah Winfrey was gifted one, Wicked Whoopies earned fame fast. The Wicked Whoopie flagship store is on 100 Main Street in Freeport.
- British Goods Bridgham & Cook – Given the British influence on Maine, you can find Queen Elizabeth ornaments and stock up on digestives.
- Maine Beer Company – For Maine craft beer IPA tastings and wood-fired pizzas, visit the Maine Beer Company at 525 US Route 1.
- Desert of Maine – Yes! Oddly enough and completely unexpected, Maine has its very own desert. Well, it’s not actually a desert but a deposit of glacial sand from the last ice age! Visit 20 acres of sand dunes in the middle of a forest.
Catching snowflakes in front of the big LL Bean boot in Maine
Wiscasset
In addition to Wiscasset’s picturesque location overlooking the Sheepscot River, Wiscasset is home to the best lobster roll in Maine for many years in a row. So if you’re seeking where to go in Maine for the best of the best lobster, add Wiscasset to your list.
Although Red’s Eats occasionally slips its top spot as the best Maine lobster roll, it remains in the top 10. If the Red’s Eats line or lack of cash deters you, Sprague’s Lobster across the street is a pretty awesome backup.
Expect a queue & to pay in cash for Red’s Eats Maine lobster roll
Boothbay Harbor
Add Boothbay Harbor to your Maine where to visit list for ocean excursions. While Boothbay Harbor is another beautiful seaside Maine town with great restaurants, shopping, and lighthouses, it’s most popular for yachting, sailing, and deep-sea fishing. While whale watching and puffin tours are a popular thing to do in Boothbay Harbor, these also warrant a visit.
- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for the gigantic trolls
- Grimes Cove for a pebbly beach and swimming, located at the tip of Ocean Point in East Boothbay
- Hendricks Beach and Hendricks Head Lighthouse
- Cabbage Island Clambake for the ultimate Maine clambake experience
Boothbay Harbor – popular for fishing and whale watching tours
Newcastle-Damariscotta
Two villages separated by the Damariscotta River but connected by the Main Street Bridge are where you’ll find Newcastle and Damariscotta. If you’re seeking to know where to visit in Maine that’s less touristy but packed with the same Maine nautical charm, Newcastle Maine is the place. In addition to exploring Newcastle’s Main Street and Damariscotta River excursions, one of the very best things to do in Newcastle Maine is a short drive away.
Pemaquid Beach Park and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse are at the very tip of the Pemaquid peninsula in Bristol. And if you go to Damariscotta, these two Maine places are a must. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is easy to get to and one of the most stately. In fact, you’ve likely seen it before! It’s the only Maine lighthouse printed on US currency: the 2003 Maine State quarter.
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is the only Maine lighthouse on a US quarter
Rockland
Topping the list of where to go in Maine for the coolest seafood festival, Rockland hosts the annual Maine Lobster Festival the first weekend in August. In addition to typical festival activities, Rockland holds a floating lobster crate race in the inner harbor. The 50-strung floating lobster crate race has been going strong since the 1970s!
What to visit in Rockland Maine beyond the August lobster festival?
- Rockland Breakwater Light – This almost two-mile round trip granite walk is not only a rite of passage to any Rockland visitor, but I’d say a Maine one, too.
- Seagull Cottage on 389 Main Street
- Owl’s Head Lighthouse & State Park
A 7/8 mile granite walk makes this a unique Maine lighthouse
Camden
Camden Maine is “where the mountains meet the sea”. Every summer I return to Camden and absolutely love it. But I’m not the only one that finds this midcoast Maine town in Knox County extra special, Conde Nast Traveler ranks it one of the most beautiful towns in America.
In addition to Camden’s historic town beauty, windjammer sails, harborside restaurants, Mount Battie trails, and Camden Ski Bowl make Camden a Maine destination to visit all year long. While I could gush about Camden for the rest of this post, in all fairness it deserves one on its own.
Mount Battie overlooking Maine’s beautiful town, Camden
Augusta Manchester Area
While Augusta and Manchester aren’t cities that warrant a reason to visit Maine alone (I can say it – I’ grew up here), you’ll likely find yourself driving through the Maine Capital on 95 at some point. As such, there are a few pretty cool places to add to your Maine what to visit list if you find yourself in the neighborhood.
Augusta
- Cushnoc Brewing on the Kennebec River won best pizza in Maine with its wood-fired Bond Street.
- Fort Western is located along the Kennebec River. It’s a must visit in Maine because it’s the oldest surviving wood fort in New England.
- The Red Barn on 455 Riverside Drive for the best fried chicken, fried seafood baskets, and best Maine whoopie pie. (I’m on a mission to try them all.)
- I can’t mention Augusta without mentioning Windsor. For the best Maine General Store, agricultural country fair, and an antique store that you can get lost in, add Windsor to your Maine where to visit list.
Manchester
Maine Cabin Masters officially put Manchester on the map. For a chance to run into Ryan, Ashley, Dixie, or another member of the MCM crew, stop for a Jedi sandwich and blueberry hard seltzer at The Woodshed.
The Kennebec Cabin Company resides next door with Maine artisan crafts curated by the Maine Cabin Masters.
Say “hi” to cast members over a Maine brew at The Woodshed!
Hallowell
Situated on the Kennebec River just minutes from the Augusta Capital, Hallowell is marked with brightly colored Adirondack chairs along the waters’ edge. Take a break, a paddle along the Kennebec, or pop into The Quarry Tap Room for a pub lunch.
Although not pictured, The Red Barn whoopie pie is the BEST in Maine!
Mount Desert Island
Mount Desert Island or “MDI” is home to the famous coastal town of Bar Harbor and Maine’s Acadia National Park. This Maine island is the state’s largest and the country’s second-largest on the east coast. The 108-square-mile island is so rich in history, culture, and natural beauty that many famous people such as David Rockefeller, Martha Stewart, and Dick Wolf have lived or have homes here.
Acadia National Park is a playground for hikers, nature dwellers, cyclists, kayakers, campers, beachgoers, and artists. If physical activity isn’t the draw, MDI’s mecca of beautiful photographic opportunities is.
Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain is the first place to see the sunrise in the USA, and the 3am wake-up call to witness it is 100% worth it.
Bar Harbor is the most bustling town on MDI with shops, restaurants, and 5-star hotels, including over-the-water boathouse suites. So although Bar Harbor and the island exude a rusticator vibe, there is no shortage of luxury to be found in and along Frenchman Bay.
This Maine top spot also has its own Island Explorer – a free shuttle bus that takes you to all the best places to go on the island. It’s no wonder Mount Desert Island is ranked as a top 10 destination in the USA.
Catch the sunrise first at Cadillac Mountain
Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is located in Piscataquis County, and is part of the state referred to as the Maine Highlands. If you’re looking for an epic outdoor experience where moose outnumber residents 3:1, Moosehead Lake is the place. The lake is the largest east of the Mississippi, in the shape of a moose head and home to over 80 islands!
You need at least 24-48 hours to visit Moosehead (read this 1 perfect day post). Because it’s located further north and an outlier compared to the other places listed in this post, Moosehead Lake really is its own destination.
- Stop along Rt 6 in front of the DOT in Shirley before arriving in Greenville. This is the most popular spot to see a moose!
- Take a ferry to Mount Kineo and hike to the 64′ observation tower for 360 degree views of Moosehead Lake. After the hike, walk to Pebble Beach for a refreshing swim.
- Visit the B-52 Memorial Crash Site
- Eat at Stress Free Moose in Greenville or Dockside Tavern. Both have dog-friendly patios.
- Shop at Indian Hill Trading Post for the best Moosehead Lake souvenirs.
For a 24 hour itinerary in Moosehead, read Moosehead Lake: How To Spend 1 Perfect Day.
Indian Trail is steep and strenuous along Mount Kineo’s ledge but THOSE views!
Where To Visit In Maine If You Can Only Choose 1 to 3 Places
While all these Maine places should be added to your travel bucket list, the reality is you may not have enough time to go to them all. So, how do you decide?
Best Place To Go In Maine – if you can only pick 1
Mount Desert Island. It’s a paradise of freshwater and oceanwater venues meets national park. It’s the best of the best of Maine in 108-square miles. If there is only one place you can go to in Maine in your life, make it Mount Desert Island. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the other places in this post but this is the very, very best.
Best Places To Go In Maine – if you can pick 2
Mount Desert Island and Moosehead. Both destinations offer epic outdoor experiences but are totally different. MDI for the scenic coastal island experience and Moosehead for what feels like a private freshwater island adventure. Fly into Bangor for the most convenient airport to both destinations.
Best Places To Go In Maine – if you can pick 3
Mount Desert Island, Moosehead, and the Old Port. Combining the Old Port with MDI and Moosehead offers a Maine foodie experience and island exploration with unmatched value.
The Maine vibe: buoys, lobsters, whoopie pies, brews & dogs!
When And Where To Visit In Maine
Choosing when to go to Maine is nearly if not more important than deciding where to go. Maine winters can be brutally cold whereas spring is “mud season”. And don’t even get me started about the potholes.
Tourism in Maine is highest in summer so places, especially destinations like Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor, book up fast. Fall is the second most popular time of the year.
If you find an opportunity to visit Maine at a certain time of year, consider these places first.
- Summer:
- All of the places listed in this post are fabulous in summer, and truthfully year round. Fewer businesses in the coastal towns are open or have shorter hours during the winter and spring season, but offer fewer tourists and more affordable accommodations since it’s off-peak.
- Fall:
- Mount Desert Island
- Newcastle – Damariscotta
- Moosehead Lake
- Winter:
- Camden
- Rockland
- Kennebunkport/Kennebunk
- Spring:
- Boothbay (Monhegan Island ferry schedule picks up again)
- Portland
- Sugarloaf / Carrabassett Valley (spring skiing & reggae festival)
Final Tips To Visit The Best Places To Go To In Maine
Bring cash. A big part of Maine’s draw is the old-fashioned simple way of living. As such, many diners, parking lots, parks, and other random but important establishments only take cash.
Mosquitoes, ticks, brown-tail moths, and other not-yet-to-be-named pests live here. Stock up on bug spray, an award-winning Bug Bite Thing, brown-tail moth spray (you can purchase in most drug stores or general stores in Maine), and be sure to always check for ticks after a day in Maine. They are truly the most annoying part about visiting Maine.
So, have you decided? Let me know if this has inspired where to go in Maine?
