Nestled on the northeastern fringes of the USA, Maine is one stunning state to visit. With its rugged coastline, bayside towns and beautiful national parks, there’s a little slice of Maine that will appeal to each and every visitor. Honestly, there are so many of the best places in Main to visit dotted all across the state. You just have to find it!
And this is where the harder part comes in. It can be tough to whittle down a concise list of places in Maine to visit on a trip. Especially, if you want to explore as much as possible with your time in the state.
So, to help you see the most gorgeous spots in Maine, I’m sharing some gems that I know you won’t want to miss. This way, you can focus on all the delicious food (trust me, the lobster is great here) and actually visit the state.
Have the most amazing time exploring Maine. It really is a beautiful state.
1.) Acadia National Park
Perched on the Atlantic coastline southwest of the city of Bangor, Acadia National Park is one place you won’t want to miss in Maine. You see, it’s one of the best places in the Northeast of the United States to explore the untouched rugged coastline of the North Atlantic.
In fact, Acadia National Park is a 46,000-acre park with other mountains, cliffs, beaches, ponds, forests, and inlets that make this a perfect place to ramble, hike and explore the great outdoors.
We absolutely loved the Cadillac North Ridge Trail, where you’ll explore, you guessed it, Cadillac Mountain. A heads up: Make sure to pack waterproof shoes with you, as the trails can get wet at certain times of the year. It’ll take you around three hours to hike, and you’ll cover just over four miles. It’s a great route and perfect if you don’t want anything super intense.
Also, don’t forget about the Wild Gardens of Acadia. It’s a great place to follow the trails and explore the stunning nature around the Jesup Path. It’s beautiful.
Book this guided tour of Acadia National Park, which departs from nearby Bar Harbor, to make your trip easier. It’ll take you across to Sieur de Monts Spring, see Jordan Pond, and you’ll even have a lobster roll thrown in. It’s so good.
Read more: Best places in Massachusetts to visit
2.) Augusta
Around a 70-minute drive from Bangor, Augusta is the capital city of Maine and a really lovely place to visit for a half-day trip whilst visiting Maine.
Augusta is also one of the best places in Maine to visit if you want to explore more of the state’s cultural history. Once here, you can visit Old Fort Western. It’s said to be the oldest wooden fort in all of New England and dates back to the 1700s. You’ll be able to explore the historic Garrison building and learn so much more about life in New England back in the 18th Century.
Also, if you fancy a stroll, head out on the Kennebec River Rail Trail. This takes in the riverwalk along the Kennebec River. Plus, along the way, you can stop off at Otto’s on the River for a bite to eat. Their lamb shank is so good.
Read more: Best places in the Northeast of the USA to visit
3.) Gulf Hagas
colloquially referred to as Maine’s very own Grand Canyon, Gulf Hagas is a vast canyon-like waterway that’s incredible to visit. It’s one of the best places in Maine to visit if you want to hike and are heading into the state’s heartlands.
For some stunning views, join the Gulf Hagas Trail, which will take you through the gorgeous landscapes of central Maine. Just be aware that, like much of the East Coast, it can get wet, so plan ahead and take layers with you.
Also, you can easily partner a trip around the Gulf Hagas region of Maine with its famous lakes, too. Don’t forget to visit Moosehead Lake, Rum Pond and Upper Wilson Pond.
Just be aware that there’s little in terms of services around this area of Maine, so choices can be limited in terms of accommodation and restaurants. For a bite by the lake, stop by Stress Free Moose Pub & Cafe. It’s an unfussy spot in Greenville serving a tasty chilli dog.
Read more: Best places in Massachusetts to visit
4.) Nubble Head Lighthouse
Perched on the headland around the coast of York is Nubble Head Lighthouse. It’s a gorgeous stop to make, especially for a 30-minute break to stretch your legs before carrying on your Maine road trip. For the best views, head to sunrise (if you’re up) or sunset, where the orange hues are beautiful.
If you’ve got more time, stay a night in York itself and stroll Short Sands Beach, and explore York’s small Historic District. Here, you’ll get to see the Old Schoolhouse, York Townhall and stop by Fat Tomato Grill. Their homemade soups and Thanksgiving sandwiches are so good.
Alternatively, head to Sun & Surf Restaurant, which is on the coast. They serve up some tasty bacon-wrapped scallops.
5.) Portland
Portland, not to be confused with the one in Oregon, is a pretty great city in Maine to visit. It’s the perfect stopping point whilst on a road trip exploring some of the best places in Maine while driving the coastal routes. You can easily spend two nights in Portland, and it can act as a gateway city to stay and explore the wider area.
Once in Portland, make sure to visit the yummy Farmer’s Market. Serving fresh local foods, organic dairy, juicy fruits, meat and sweet treats. Though it’s small, it’s a great way to have a taste of the local area.
Also, don’t forget to visit Luke’s Lobster at Portland Pier. They serve some of the city’s best lobster—all fresh to order. Just be aware that it can get busy on the weekends, so plan ahead in case you’re short on time.
Oh, and make sure to spot the Portland Observatory. It’s a historic signal tower—the only one left in the US made entirely of wood. It dates back to the 1800s and is an integral part of the city’s long history. They also run guided tours, every 30-minutes.
For a little afternoon trip from Portland, take the boat to Peaks Island just off Portland itself. It’s a gorgeous little island for a stroll, and the boats go across it at least every hour during the day. Once on Peaks Island, you can ramble to Battery Steele, walk the coastal route from the Casco Bay Ferry stop and stop by the Cockeyed Gull for a bite to eat.
Read more: Best places in Massachusetts to visit
6.) Moosehead Lake
I briefly touched on Moosehead Lake earlier, but it deserves its own mention. It’s one of the best places in Maine to visit if you’re heading further inland through the state.
Now, Moosehead Lake is huge, so don’t expect you’re going to cover all of it within one trip. Choose specific spots, like Mount Kineo State Park (if you love hiking) or Lily Bay State Park. These are both stunning. Though, as I mentioned before, there’s not much in terms of restaurants around here – so plan ahead.
7.) Quoddy Head State Park
Perched right on the international border between Canada and the United States, Quoddy Head State Park is a great place to visit. You see, it’s the easternmost point of the United States and the whole area is stunning.
If you love hiking, then the Coastal Trail is a goal that you should hit. However, the fascinating feature that comes with this hiking challenge is that you enjoy some awesome ocean views. You will see so much of the coastline around the Quoddy Channel to the cliffs of Great Manan Island in New Brunswick Canada.
Oh, and don’t forget to spot West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, too.
Read more: Best places in Massachusetts to visit
8.) Port Clyde
If you’re travelling down the coast in Maine, then make sure to make a stop off at Port Clyde on the St Geroge Peninsular and explore more of Clark Island, too. It’s only small, but that’s its charm, in my opinion.
Once you’re in the area (and driving around by car), make sure to stop off at Marshall Point and visit the Marshall Point Lighthouse and museum that’s steeped in history from the 1800s. Also, there’s Drift Inn Beach which is great for ramble.
Oh, and if you’re heading further north up the peninsular, make sure to grab lunch at McLoons Lobster Shack. Their lobster stew and steamed Maine lobster are so good.
9.) Cape Elizabeth and Portland Light
Just on the outskirts of the city of Portland is Portland Head Light, one of the most famous lighthouses on the East Coast. It dates back to the 1700s and has been warning incoming ships of land for centuries since.
It’s an absolute gem of a place to visit and totally beautiful to visit at sunrise (if you’re up early enough).
Also, you can easily include a visit to nearby (by car) Kettle Cove and Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth. Kettle Cove and crescent beach are adjacent to each other and so lovely for a little stroll on a warm day.
Read more: Best places in Massachusetts to visit
10.) Rockport
North of Manchester-by-the-Sea and nearby Salem, that’s across the border in Massachusetts, Rockport is one of the best places in Maine to visit when exploring the coastline here (and around Gloucester itself).
Once here, you have to head over to Roy Moore Lobster Company that’s been serving lobster here for over 100 years. They serve up some of the freshest Maine lobster in the region. It’s a pretty unfussy spot and the lobster is always incredible and totally fresh.
Oh, and be sure to spot Motif #1. It’s a replica of the wooden shack that once stood here in the 1800s. It’s so cute.
11.) Allagash Wilderness Waterway
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is one of the best places in Maine to visit when you’re exploring the northern stretches of the state. You see, it’s near the Canadian border and is so easy to include on your trip if you’re heading further north.
Now, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway is very remote and, in terms of facilities, it’s lacking. So, if that sounds like a bore to you, then maybe give Allagash Wilderness Waterway a miss.
If it doesn’t, great! Make sure to head out kayaking (with a qualified guide) or take in the views on Allagash Mountain Trail. It’s such an untouched and totally unspoilt area.
Read more: Best places in Massachusetts to visit
12.) Baxter State Park
Right in the heart of Maine, Baxter State Park is well worth visiting as you meander the roads taking you from the coast and up towards Canada. You see, it’s about halfway up Maine and a perfect stopping point for a few days trip as you explore more of the state.
Once here, make sure to spot Mount Katahdin. Honestly, it’s hard to miss – especially as it’s Maine’s tallest peak. Katahdin rises from Baxter State Park.
Once here, there are heaps of hikes to choose from. You’ve got the Helon Taylor Trail that’s accessible in the summer months and you can find out more information here. Though this is for only the most skilled hikers – the hike can be extreme, and it’s not for anyone that’s not looking for a serious challenge and serious elevation gain.
Read more: Best places in Massachusetts to visit
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