Even though it is one of the smaller states by area and population, Maine is certainly one of the most picturesque places to visit in the United States.
Driving along the coastline of Maine, you’ll find an abundance of beautiful coastal towns.
While winter in Maine brings plenty of snow for winter sports, spring brings renewal as beach weather begins, and summer is simply stunning, followed by awesome autumn foliage.
Rich in history and known for its delicious seafood, idyllic atmosphere, mesmerizing beaches, and rocky shores, Maine is a must-see destination for a New England vacation.
In this post, I’m sharing 7 coastal towns in Maine you will love visiting.
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1. Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor has a population of about 5,000 but summer and autumn bring many thousands more people to the area.
Founded in February 1796 as the town of Eden (after Sir Richard Eden), it was renamed Bar Harbor in 1918.
Surrounded by Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor is adjacent to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island.
This is an idyllic setting with seaside cliffs, beautiful beaches, and amazing hiking trails. It’s no wonder that Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States.
With must-see attractions such as Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Gorham Mountain Trail, and Sand Beach, Acadia National Park is an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors.
And Bar Harbour is the perfect place to begin your journey to this coastal paradise.
Where to Stay in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor Motel is only 1 mile from the main entrance to Acadia National Park and just 2 miles to downtown Bar Harbor. With an outdoor swimming pool and breakfast included this is an ideal place to stay in Bar Harbor. Have a look at photos and reviews
Island Place is another superb spot to stay especially if you prefer to walk to downtown and Town Beach. Here you’re only a few blocks from great restaurants and bars in Bar Harbor. Check availability at Island Place
2. Belfast
Around the mid-coast region of Maine, you will find Belfast, another small town with abundant beauty and lots of fun things to do.
With a population of about 6,600 people, Belfast has a beautiful harbor, lots of historic buildings, artist studios and galleries, great food, awesome farmers markets, a community theater, and wonderful hiking trails.
Apart from art happenings and stuffing your face with seafood, Belfast is a great spot for camping and hiking, especially near Moose Point State Park and Swan Lake State Park.
Belfast is an absolute gem on the mid-coast of Maine.
Where to Stay in Belfast
Belfast Harbor Inn is perfect for a relaxing getaway in Maine. With stunning views of Penobscot Bay, an outdoor pool, indoor pool and hot tub plus a private beach area you’re all set. Check rates and read reviews
3. Lincolnville
The town of Lincolnville is a beautiful coastal community on Penobscot Bay.
With a population of less than 3,000 there is a wonderful small town vibe and charm to Lincolnville.
Take a stroll on the Lincolnville Beach on Penobscot Bay or take a kayak out for a scenic paddling trip.
Alternatively, take a boat trip to Isleboro Island; just hop on the ferry at the beach, it’s only a 20-minute ride to the island.
Or enjoy one of the chartered boat trips for sightseeing, fishing, and birdwatching on the bay.
Across from the beach, you can visit the antique store and crafts shops in Lincolnville for some unique souvenirs.
For a superb seaside dining experience, try the Whale’s Tooth Pub, Youngtown Inn and Restaurant, or McLaughlin’s Lobster Shack.
Where to Stay in Lincolnville
The Inn at Ocean’s Edge is a stunning location by the water with beautifully landscaped grounds for a truly relaxing experience. Enjoy the infinity pool, hot tub, fitness room and a buffet breakfast. Read guest reviews and see photos
4. Camden
The picturesque seaside town of Camden overlooks Penobscot Bay. Add this one to your Maine bucket list for sure.
With a population of about 5,000 Camden is a lovely coastal town for a weekend getaway or seaside vacation.
Walk along the Highstreet historic district with beautiful homes dating back to the 1800s, visit the Camden Public Library (established in 1796), and next door visit the park and amphitheater.
Another beautiful historic building is the Camden Opera House, opened in 1894 in the heart of Camden at 29 Elm Street.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Camden Hills State Park, Camden Snow Bowl, Curtis Island, Merryspring Nature Center, and Mount Megunticook hiking trails.
Fun annual events in Camden include the Jazz in June Festival and Windjammer Festival in the summer.
While the winter season brings Christmas by the Sea in December and the US National Toboggan Championships in February each year.
Camden is an outstanding year-round destination in Maine.
Where to Stay in Camden
Blackberry Inn offers a wonderful bed and breakfast experience in a historic Victorian era hotel close to downtown Camden for a relaxing stay with beautiful gardens and a sun terrace. Check rates and availability
5. Rockport
This picturesque seaside town is on the mid-coast of Maine and just south of Camden.
Rockport offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and kayaking.
Whether you are a fan of nature or artistry, Rockport has much to offer. In Rockport, you will find many art galleries and museums.
Enjoy the outdoors at Walker Park, along with other attractions nearby like Beech Hill Preserve, Samoset Resort, and Glen Cove Beach.
For a cool outdoor adventure, take a short drive south and walk the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse hike. You may see one of the tall sailing ships that offer sightseeing cruises along the Maine coast.
Where to Stay in Rockport
Rockport Harbor Hotel is new to Rockport in 2023 with a splendid downtown location at 20 Central Street you’ll be in the right spot to enjoy the best of Rockport.
6. Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is home to approximately 3,500 people. Incorporated in July 1653, this town was once a shipbuilding and fishing village.
Ever since the 19th century, it has been a popular seaside tourist destination in the warmer months.
Kennebunkport is famous for its art galleries, bed and breakfasts, schooner attractions, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Besides the Goat Island Lighthouse and Gooch’s Beach, other amazing places that are worth visiting in Kennebunkport are the Colony Beach, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church (by the sea), and Ocean Avenue.
Where to Stay in Kennebunkport
King’s Port Inn is right in the center of town but away from the crowds making it a cool and convenient place to stay for strolling around Kennebunkport. Enjoy this fabulous location and free breakfast with your stay. Check rates and availability
7. Ogunquit
One of the prettiest places in Maine, Ogunquit is also one of the best coastal towns in Maine for a romantic weekend getaway.
With a population of 927 people, this small town was founded in 1980, and the translation of its name (from Abenaki) is “beautiful place by the sea”.
Ogunquit Maine stands out with its spectacular rocky cliffs, beautiful architecture, cool art studios, and sandy beaches.
Some of the top sights that you can enjoy while in Ogunquit are Ogunquit Beach, Marginal Way Trail, Footbridge Beach, Moody Beach, and Wonder Mountain Fun Park.
Where to Stay in Ogunquit
Terrace By The Sea is the perfect place for a getaway with ocean views and also features free breakfast. Relax and enjoy a slower pace in the lovely small town of Ogunquit. Have a look at photos and check rates now
Final Thoughts
I hope you have fun exploring all these cool places to visit in Maine! If you have any suggestions for other great coastal towns in Maine, please leave a comment below.
Happy travels in Maine!
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Maine is one of the six states that make up New England. I was raised in Connecticut, my family spent two years in Massachusetts, I attended college in Providence, Rhode Island, and my family skied in Vermont. My favorite place though as a fishing Village in Georgetown called Five Islands. This was back when Boothbay Harbor was full of little shops selling handcrafted items sold as souvenirs. The guest house we stayed at had a beach and cove my sister walked down to, climbing up and down the rocky cliff where waves pounded, sending up sprays of water forming little pools that drew crustaceans and mollusks. She and I would venture to the piers where lobster boats would come to unload their catch for Tibbedeaux’s, a place we went for live lobsters and other ocean goodies. She and I were given the duty of dumping the daily garbage in bags off the pier which always attracted seagulls and their beautiful cries. It was a fabulous place and I will always be glad to have vacationed there.
Nancy, Thank you for your comment. You paint a beautiful picture with your memories of vacationing at Five Islands, thank you for sharing with us!
Cheers,
Susan
Maine is my home state and I love the scenery. I live in a small town/Reservation called Indian Township Reservation which also has part of the reservation called Peter Dana Point. We have some beautiful scenery here as well. Our surrounding/closest towns and city(Princeton, South Princeton, Baileyville/ Woodland, Waite,Talmage, Topsfield, and Calais) do also.But I believe they forgot a beautiful city of Eastport which is the most eastern part of Maine partially surrounded by the ocean. With great views, a pier, stores, and restaurants. It’s another place to check out, especially during summer and fall/ Autumn! Thanks for the read! Stay safe everyone!
Désirée, Thank you for taking the time to comment, this is great information! I was so close to this area in September 2022, I drove from Nova Scotia and stopped in St Andrews, New Brunswick then crossed the border into Maine at Calais. But I drove south to visit a friend near Belfast so I didn’t spend time exploring the region, it is absolutely gorgeous and I look forward to visiting and spending time there on a future road trip. Maine is so beautiful!
Cheers,
Susan
What about Wells, Maine –
Moody Beach ???
Mark, Thanks for commenting. Yes, I did overlook Wells and I wish I had visited while I was in the neighborhood in September. Wells ME looks like a great seaside town with several beaches nearby. I will investigate on my next trip to Maine. And it looks like one can walk all the way to Ogunquit Beach from Moody Beach, that sounds marvelous! I love long beach walks :)
Thank you for the suggestions!
Susan