Maine is overflowing with vacation destinations, so much so that it was honestly difficult for me to narrow down this list. From lively cities to nature retreats to seaside towns, this state has something for absolutely everyone. Read on to learn about the best places to visit in Maine (and my personal favorites). Come for the history, the breathtaking views, and, of course, the lobster.
York
I love history, and York is the second oldest town in Maine (with a very active historical society). You can tour places such as the Old Gaol (the first prison in Maine, built in 1719), York Corner Schoolhouse (built in 1745), and Jefferds Tavern (built in 1750).
The famous Nubble Lighthouse sits on the rocky point of Cape Neddick and gets decked out around the holidays.
Another longstanding establishment that I always stop at is The Goldenrod, a candy shop where you can watch salt water taffy being pulled and drink ice cream floats made with an antique marble soda fountain.
Long Sands Beach is great for lying out and swimming, while Short Sands Beach is great to visit Fun-O-Rama, a classic arcade with bowling alleys and games like skeeball.
Lastly, you can hike up Mount Agamenticus to view all of York and the ocean.
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Lubec
Lubec is a small town just below the Canadian border and, fun fact, the easternmost point of the United States.
This destination is certainly far flung and perfect for those travelers looking to escape the crowds. It sits on a peninsula with miles upon miles of rocky coastline and dramatic ocean views, where you will find peace and quiet as well as plenty of opportunities to explore.
You can see the sunrise at West Quoddy Head Light, an iconic structure with red and white candy stripes, or go whale watching, which often leads to seal, porpoise, and bald eagle sightings too!
Lubec may be a hike, but it is also one of the best places to visit in Maine to relax and recharge.
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Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a gorgeous walkable town with pristine beaches made of soft white sand.
We like taking a stroll down Marginal Way, a path along the shore with plenty of benches to admire the stunning view. It ends at Perkins Cove, a quaint fishing village with cute shops and restaurants serving up fresh lobster.
Next, you can grab a kayaking tour on the Ogunquit River, where you might spot some local wildlife (we saw a great blue heron once)!
The art scene here is vibrant too, and the Ogunquit Playhouse is a very popular theater that started in a renovated garage in 1933 and now attracts Broadway actors.
The fun in this town even continues at night, with live music and dancing at the many bars downtown.
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Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is over 200,000 acres of pristine wilderness that includes Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
There are plenty of easier hiking routes as well, often around ponds where you can kayak or canoe.
The camping amenities are decidedly rustic but ultimately bring you closer to nature, with the chance to spot wildlife such as black bears, moose, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles.
Baxter State Park is undoubtedly a haven and a beautiful reminder of the majesty of this planet.
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Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is a picturesque town that sits right on the ocean. Long known to be a hideaway for politicians and celebrities, it has no shortage of charm.
You can visit historic Summer Street and marvel at the grand homes of former ship captains on the banks of the Kennebunk River. My favorite is the iconic Wedding Cake House, a vibrant yellow structure with ornate white trim that resembles frosting.
Dock Square is perfect for shopping, with chic boutiques and locally sourced wares like handcrafted jewelry or candles. You can also peruse galleries, admiring paintings and photographs from local artists.
On the water, grab a whale-watching tour and see humpbacks that return here year after year.
I always hit The Clam Shack for some fresh fried seafood, yet another reason why Kennebunkport is one of the best places to visit in Maine.
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Moosehead Lake
At 40 miles long and 12 miles wide, Moosehead Lake is the largest in Maine. People come to beat the heat and swim in its deep cool waters.
They also come to fish, with an abundance of lake trout, brook trout, and landlocked salmon hidden beneath the surface. The shallow waters of Lily Bay and Spencer Bay are recommended for catching smallmouth bass with the whole family.
On land, the moose outnumber the people 3 to 1, leading to good odds for a sighting.
Lastly, Moosehead Lake is known for stargazing, and sometimes you can even see the Northern Lights!
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Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is a quaint seaside town that lives up to its name with miles of soft golden sand.
If you get tired of lying out, you can visit The Pier, a wooden structure that stretches 500 feet into the ocean with plenty of souvenirs.
For a dose of nostalgia, I love Palace Playland, the only beachfront amusement park in New England. The general atmosphere here is like an old-fashioned carnival, and we always visit the arcade with both modern and vintage games.
There are rides for every age, like a carousel for kids and rollercoasters for teenagers, and the food choices include classic fare like caramel apples and fried dough.
Old Orchard Beach has plenty of events too, with a chowder festival in May, a corvette weekend in June, and weekly fireworks on Thursday nights in the summer!
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Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is a great destination in Maine for any season!
In the colder months, you can go skiing or snowboarding, with trails that range from easy greens to challenging double black diamonds. You can also hop on a snowmobile in neighboring Kingfield and cruise over miles of packed snow.
In the warmer months, you can go mountain biking on a network of world-class trails or ziplining through the trees. There is even a golf course with breathtaking panoramic mountain views, sure to make you forget any bad shots you might hit.
Without a doubt, Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the best places to visit in Maine for action-packed experiences.
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Portland
With a population of 68,000, Portland is the largest city in Maine. It was founded in 1623, long before the American Revolution.
I love to dive into this history on the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, a revitalized harbor district where brick warehouses have been transformed into boutiques, bars, and breweries. Still a working waterfront, we have also seen fishermen unload their catch of the day on the piers.
The cultural center of this city is the Portland Museum of Art, and its extensive collection includes works by Andy Warhol and Claude Monet. For those who prefer nature, you can hop a mailboat and cruise around the islands in beautiful Casco Bay.
Last, but certainly not least, you can take a food tour and learn why Portland is renowned for its culinary scene, with local ingredients and something in every price range.
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Bangor
Bangor is a city with a historic downtown and grand mansions that were built during its time as “the lumber capital of the United States.” A 31-foot-tall statue of the lumberjack Paul Bunyon even towers over Main Street to celebrate the period.
Stephen King fans will love it here and can take a tour of locations that served as inspiration for his books, like Mount Hope Cemetery. It is the second-largest garden cemetery in the United States, full of ornate tombstones and green space.
The Orono Bog Walk also brings you closer to nature, with a self-guided stroll through wetlands and peat moss that includes stations identifying the unique flora and fauna.
Bangor was once called “the Queen City of the East” for its beauty and continues to serve up plenty of local charm.
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Read: 15 Best Things to Do in Bangor, ME
Rockland
Though technically a city, Rockland is more like a sleepy town. Called the lobster capital of the world, it carries that classic coastal feel.
We once came for the Maine Lobster Festival in August, and the seafood was the very definition of fresh and local. We also visited the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and got to sample the famous Maine blueberries.
On the water, you can travel back in time and take a Windjammer tour to admire the towering masts and billowing sails as well as the view.
On land, you can stop by the Maine Lighthouse Museum or walk along a breakwater to visit one yourself.
Rockland is a snapshot of life on the ocean in a state with hundreds of miles of coastline and one of the best places to visit in Maine in the summer.
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Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a quaint resort town that sits on Mount Desert Island, known as the gateway to Acadia National Park.
The wealthy began keeping grand summer cottages here in the late 19th century, and though many burned down in a massive fire in 1947, a few are still standing today.
You can stroll lovely Main Street, full of local boutiques and galleries, or wander down the Shore Path, which hugs picturesque Frenchman Bay.
You can also grab a boat tour and take in the scenery from the water before seeking out some fresh lobster for dinner.
Whatever you decide, you will find yourself surrounded by plenty of quintessential New England charm in Bar Harbor.
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Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a wonder, full of breathtaking scenery.
You can climb Cadillac Mountain and see a sunrise that contains the first rays of light in the United States or go stargazing and see the Milky Way in all of its celestial glory.
Sand Beach is a place to relax, a welcome break in the rocks that pepper the rest of the coast. Another great spot we like to visit is the Thunder Hole, an inlet where waves produce a deafening roar a few hours before high tide.
Lastly, make sure to stop at Jordon Pond House, a favorite of mine, where they have been serving afternoon tea with famously delicious popovers to Acadia National Park goers since 1893.
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Camden
Camden is a charming small town where the mountains join the sea.
You can climb Mount Battie for the best view of Penobscot Bay and then hop on a harbor cruise to see lobster habitats and lighthouses.
Another option is a majestic schooner, where you can watch the sunset as gusts of wind whip through the sails.
On land, you can grab some fresh chowder before a visit to Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe for dessert.
With amazing foliage, Camden is also one of the best places to visit in Maine in the autumn, perfect for your next vacation.
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Augusta
Augusta is the capital of Maine, a lesser known city brimming with history.
The downtown contains Victorian architecture and landmarks such as the Colonial Theater, built in 1913. You can visit the Maine State House, built in 1832, or the Maine State Museum (which has faced six closures since it first opened in 1836 and is currently under renovation).
I very much enjoy Old Fort Western, which was built in 1754 during the French and Indian War and visited by Benedict Arnold during the American Revolution.
For your nature kick, I love Viles Arboretum, a free botanical garden with six miles of trails open from sunrise to sunset.
Though frequently overlooked, Augusta is a great destination for those wanting to take a deep dive into the history of Maine.
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I hope this post gave you some ideas for your next vacation in Maine! For the most beautiful places to visit in Maine, I think Acadia National Park is at the top of the list. Enjoy!