Located at the furthest northeastern point of the country lies the great state of Maine. Known for its pristine wilderness, sleepy harbor towns, and incredible seafood, this state is an incredible destination.

To help you plan your next visit, this list has the 15 best places to visit in Maine. It has everything from major city centers to isolated escapes into the beauty of mother nature (and everything in between). All you have to do is check out the list, fill in your itinerary and you’ll be set for an epic adventure in Maine.

Now, let’s get into details about each one of these places to visit in Maine in spring, summer, and fall.

 

15 Best Places to Visit in Maine

1.    Acadia National Park

Leading the list of best places to visit in Maine is an absolute fav: Acadia National Park. Positioned along the Atlantic Coast it’s one of the most beautiful places in the country.

You can visit the park any time of year but May through October are just incredible. Acadia has it all from the finest fall foliage to the creme de la creme of blooming springtime.

You’ll love the drive up Cadillac Mountain to experience the views of the water and hiking any of its 150 miles of trails.

Spend some time in Acadia National Park and you’ll see why it’s one of the most beautiful parks on the East Coast.

 

2.    Bar Harbor

Next on the list of best places to visit in Maine is Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park.

This quaint town has so much to offer. You’ll love watching the boats in Frenchmen Bay, grabbing an ice cream and enjoying the freshest lobster.

Visiting the Great Harbor Maritime Museum is always a good idea.

To experience everything Bar Harbor has to offer it’s best to visit during the peak season, May through October.

Bar Harbor is a favorite East Coast summer vacation spot.

 

3.    Belfast

Belfast has so much history you’ll notice it right away. This quaint harbor town has historical buildings throughout.

Keep an eye out for plaques with historical points of interest. To learn more head to the Belfast Historical Society and Museum.

You’ll love strolling along the Passagassawakeag River on the Belfast Harbor Walk.

If you’re looking for something longer, head to the Belfast Rail Trail.

Kayaking is great out on Knights Pond or in Belfast Bay, which is also great for rowing and sailing.

Read our full travel guide to visiting Belfast Maine

 

4.    Portland

Hands-down one of the best places to visit in Maine has to be Portland. It’s one of the top vacation spots in New England.

You’ll love the historical buildings and cobblestone streets in Portland. Don’t miss visiting places like Victorian Mansion and Portland Head Lighthouse.

Check out the waterfront for great views of the harbor, shops, and restaurants. Or get out on the water with a boat tour! And yes, do buy yourself a lobster roll and enjoy the best Maine seafood.

For something fun (especially with the kids) check out Bug Light Park to view the small lighthouse, Portland skyline, harbor, and watch kite flying in the park.

Read more from our list of fun things to do in Portland

 

5.    Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a favorite destination especially in the summertime.

This lovely seaside town has so much personality. You’ll love strolling through town checking out all of the unique shops, art galleries, and places to eat.

Special to Kennebunkport, you’ll notice that many of the colorful buildings extend out over the water, giving it a uniquely nautical feel.

It’s easy to enjoy the water in Kennebunkport. Put your toes in the sand at Gooch’s Beach or get out on the water with a SUP or kayak.

Kennebunkport is an ideal weekend getaway in New England.

 

6.    Camden

Camden is yet another one of Maine’s incredible waterfront communities.

Set in Penobscot Bay, getting out on the water is one of the best things to do.

You’ll fall in love with Camden’s downtown. The shops, antique stores, and places to eat make it easy to stroll any time of day.

If you’re looking to get out into the beauty of the landscape consider a hike in Camden Hills State Park.

 

7.    Ogunquit

Known as the “Beautiful Place by the Sea” Ogunquit’s motto is more than just a nice saying.

It’s actually the translation of “Ogunquit” from the Algonquin Indigenous peoples. Today, the town is still living up to its name.

The lovely town has shops and restaurants that will entertain you any afternoon.

But the big draw to Ogunquit is the gorgeous beach.

It’s easy to spend an entire day enjoying the white sand and amazing views of the ocean.

8.    Rockland

Maine has done it again with Rockland. It’s hard to beat such a great little seaside town, that’s why it’s totally one of the best places to visit in Maine.

Known for great lobster fishing, you’re bound to enjoy the freshest seafood at the restaurants in town.

Check out the Farnsworth Art Center to see some of the best art in Maine.

Then head to the Maine Lighthouse Museum to do more than just look at these iconic structures.

For something different walk the Rockland Breakwater (almost 1-mile long) to the Breakwater Lighthouse.

 

9.    Augusta

The list of the best places to visit in Maine has to include the capital city.

Check out the Maine State House and take a stroll in the beautiful Capital Park.

A super interesting activity is visiting the Old Fort Western.

It’s an 18th century British fort. What makes it special is that it’s the oldest wooden fort in the US.

You’ll love the historic places in Augusta like the Old Post Office and Colburn House.

 

10.    Old Orchard Beach

Even by Maine standards, Old Orchard Beach stands out from the rest. So of course it’s one of the best places to visit in Maine.

With 7 miles of soft sandy beaches, its name is not ploy – it’s definitely a major feature of the town.

When it’s time to hop off the beach to enjoy a meal, drink, or nightlife head up to the Old Orchard Pier.

You’ll have everything there, including a gorgeous view of the water.

 

11.    Bangor

Bangor is a quintessential town with a lovely downtown and waterfront.

You’ll love strolling the Penobscot River Walkway and hiking the Bangor City Forest.

Bangor also has 2 major claims to fame.

The first is the classic American folklore hero Paul Bunyon.

A gotta-see, the 30+ foot statue of Paul symbolizes Bangor’s role as “Lumber Capital of the World” back in the 1800s.

Bangor is also home to the writer Stephen King, author of The Stand, It, The Shining, and Misery, to name a few of the author’s popular novels.

12.    Mooselookmeguntic Lake

If you’re interested in getting away from the hustle and bustle, escape to Mooselookmeguntic Lake.

Yes, it’s a mouthful (meaning “grazing place for moose”) but you’ll love spending time on the water and in the surrounding woods.

Located in the Rangeley Lakes region, it’s one of the best places to visit in Maine for tranquility.

You’ll love breathing in the fresh air and taking in the view out on the water or the shore.

 

13.    Eastport

If you’re looking to do something cool like stand in the easternmost city in the United States, then you need to head to Eastport.

At the most northeastern tip of the state, you’ll find yourself on the archipelago of Eastport.

With the deepest harbor on the US East Coast there’s lots to see.

Keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, and seals. The extraordinary depth creates a naturally occurring whirlpool, “The Old Sow” to the east of Moose Island.

14.    Baxter State Park

One of the most incredible state parks lies in north central Maine.

With over 200,000 acres of pristine wilderness, it’s seriously one of the best places to visit in Maine if you want to truly experience nature.

200+ miles of hiking trails means there’s plenty to explore in Baxter State Park including over 40 different peaks and tons of lakes and waterfalls.

A main draw is Katahdin, the tallest mountain in Maine.

 

15.    Sebago Lake

A favorite among Mainers, Sebago Lake is a perfect place to enjoy the state’s great natural landscape.

Sebago Lake State Park is a perfect destination if you’re looking for outdoor fun.

Located on the northeastern shore of the lake, you’ll find great beaches, trails, campsites, and boat launches.

Along the lake’s shore are delightful towns like Raymond and Naples where you’ll find lake access and other amenities including kayak rentals.

Summary

It’s plain to see that Maine has so much to explore with its adorable harbor towns, historical sites, and pristine wilderness. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, this list of the 15 best places to visit in Maine has it all. But if you only have time to visit one area of Maine I highly recommend driving along the coast.

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