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Maine's unmatched landscape, enviable seafood scene and laid-back atmosphere have made the state a must-visit destination among New Englanders. But with one of the country's most-visited national parks and inarguably the best lobster in the United States, Maine is worth a trip for those farther afield, too. To help you find the state's most satisfying destinations, U.S. News evaluated Maine's top sights, adventurous pursuits and value, among other factors. From outdoor hot spots to cool coastal towns and culture-packed cities, these are the best places to visit in Maine. Vote for your favorites below to help us determine next year's list.
SUMMARY
Best Places to Visit in Maine
- Bar Harbor
- Baxter State Park
- Acadia National Park
- Camden
- Portland, ME
- Rockland
- Brunswick, ME
- Ogunquit
- Belfast, ME
- Sugarloaf Mountain
- Kennebunkport
- York, ME
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Bar Harbor is small-town Maine at its finest. This adorable town, widely known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, offers a village-like atmosphere and a picturesque waterfront setting worth writing home about. While here, take things slow and stroll the scenic Shore Path to check out luxurious yachts and seaside parks. You can also meander down charming Main Street, where you'll find a bevy of fresh seafood, specialty shops and small art galleries. To see Bar Harbor from a new perspective, opt for a trolley tour, a cruise around Mount Desert Island or a whale watching excursion.
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Baxter State Park
#2 in Best Places to Visit in MaineWhile Maine's coastline draws the biggest crowds, head inland to Baxter State Park in north-central Maine if you're looking for pure solitude. With narrow dirt roads, no cellphone reception and no amenities to speak of, aside from the occasional outhouse, Baxter State Park attracts explorers who don't mind roughing it. The park's lack of frills only enhances the beauty of its rugged wilderness, including more than 200,000 acres of scenic vistas, tranquil ponds and prime wildlife viewing opportunities (think: moose, black bears and white-tailed deer). If you're extra adventurous, take on Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine, on a hike that can take up to 12 hours round trip.
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For truly breathtaking marine terrain, complete with rocky coastlines and lush forests, travel to Acadia National Park. Acadia is home to plenty of stunning scenery, with trails that bring you to the highest point on the North Atlantic Seaboard: Cadillac Mountain. Climb the granite cliffs on the popular Precipice Trail, and for unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean, head to Schoodic Point. If you're not in the mood to hike, go for a drive on the 27-mile Park Loop Road, which offers scenic views and pull-off points. Since parking is limited at popular attractions like Jordan Pond, consider taking the free shuttle or biking if you're planning to make a lot of stops.
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Camden
#4 in Best Places to Visit in MaineOverlooking Penobscot Bay, Camden is small but full of charm (think: cozy bed-and-breakfast accommodations and picturesque shops). The harbor is always bustling with boats bringing fishermen to and from shore each day. To check out the area's best lighthouses and lobster habitats, sign up for a harbor cruise. Then, get a taste of Camden's fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. No visit would be complete without trekking the trails in nearby Camden Hills State Park. The park's paths bring you to overlooks with stunning vistas of the area's bay and islands.
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Maine's biggest city (by population) is the state's cultural hub, offering plenty in the way of art, history and food. Start your vacation with a lobster roll (don't ask us to choose our favorite) before exploring popular attractions like the historic Old Port neighborhood, the Portland Museum of Art and the city's ever-evolving brewery scene. If the weather's right, do as the locals do and travel to the nearby Casco Bay Islands for tucked away beaches and evergreen woodlands. If you visit Portland in winter, snowshoe on the surrounding trails or admire the area's famous lighthouses.
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Rockland
#6 in Best Places to Visit in MaineRockland is the sleepy, coastal town of your dreams. Located about 80 miles northeast of Portland, Rockland features lighthouses, beautiful boats swaying in the harbor and compact streets lined with traditional brick and shingled buildings. Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art to add a dose of culture to your vacation. Or, if you're looking for something more active, hike through Beech Hill Preserve's blueberry fields to Beech Nut, a sod-roofed stone hut built in the early 1900s, for striking panoramas of Penobscot Bay. The view from Owls Head Lighthouse is also worth the short climb.
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Brunswick, ME
#7 in Best Places to Visit in MaineBowdoin College is the focal point of Brunswick, giving this town on Maine's MidCoast a unique bustle. In addition to the college, which was founded in 1794, sights like Skolfield-Whittier House, Pejepscot History Center and Harriet Beecher Stowe House allow visitors to glimpse into various stages of the past. Those looking to get outdoors can head to the Androscoggin River, which runs through town, for fishing, canoeing and biking opportunities. Meanwhile, Brunswick's Maine Street, with its bakeries, bookshops, antique shops, breweries and top-notch restaurants, has all the quaintness expected of small-town New England.
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Ogunquit
#8 in Best Places to Visit in MaineVibrant and inviting, Ogunquit on the southern coast is perfect for the casual traveler. Artists and beach bums alike flock to this tiny town (it takes up just 4 square miles) for its picturesque coastline. Head to Footbridge Beach for smaller crowds or Main Beach for gear rental and a shallow river ideal for kids. After a day of sun and sand, check out the restaurants on Main Street and Shore Road, which serve everything from lobster dishes to farm-to-table fare. Because of its accepting atmosphere and many gay-friendly bars, Ogunquit is a popular vacation destination for members of the LGBTQ community.
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Belfast, ME
#9 in Best Places to Visit in MaineIf you're looking for a carefree vacation spot and a low-key agenda, consider Belfast, which sits about 60 miles west of Bar Harbor. Belfast emerged as a maritime hub in the 1800s, and today, you can stroll along the Belfast Harbor Walk to watch the ships come and go and catch a glimpse of a working shipyard. Beyond the port, support local farms and artisans at the United Farmers Market of Maine (open year-round), take in river views along the Belfast Rail Trail or hop on the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad, which offers train rides with varying themes, ranging from lobster rolls to fall foliage.
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Sugarloaf Mountain
#10 in Best Places to Visit in MaineNo matter the season, Sugarloaf Mountain is the perfect backdrop for your next vacation. In winter, skiers will revel in Sugarloaf's many shred-worthy options, from traditional downhill skiing to more adventurous cat skiing on rugged terrain. Fat biking, dog sledding and ice skating are also popular winter activities. Meanwhile, summertime is ideal for zip lining, kayaking, hiking and scenic lift rides, among other adventures. The mountain is surrounded by a wide variety of restaurants and stores, so you can explore the great outdoors without leaving behind the conveniences of home.
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If you're looking for the perfect beach vacation in Maine, you'll find comfort in Kennebunkport. This southern coastal town offers long, flat shorelines atypical to the craggy coastal spots you'll find along Maine's other shores. Lay out or rent a boat on Gooch's Beach (a traveler favorite). Or, if you're looking to stay dry, take a nice long walk along leafy Walker's Point, preferably at sunset, for a glimpse of the Bush family compound. A popular haven for celebrities and politicians, Kennebunkport has its fair share of chic boutiques and art galleries to explore, especially in the charming Dock Square area.
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York, ME
#12 in Best Places to Visit in MaineYork offers something for every member of the family to enjoy. Parents can relax on the 1.5-mile stretch of Long Sands Beach while children play in the surf before grabbing lunch at a nearby restaurant. Souvenir shops, boutiques and a plethora of ice cream parlors are sprinkled around the downtown area. Arcades, bowling alleys, amusement park rides and mini-golf courses also abound here, so kids will never get bored. Plus, visitors will have their pick of lodging options, including budget hotels and quaint cottages.
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