Beautiful Places To Visit In Maine

Maine is a popular vacation destination and a perfect summer destination.

It has plenty of activities to keep you busy, and the weather is always warm.

There are many family-friendly activities in this amazing place, especially if you come with family.

You can visit its long sands beach, ride a rollercoaster, play games, and go on rides at the fair.

It is also the perfect place for hiking and fishing as this is commonly known for its fresh seafood.

Family Hype gives you the best locations to visit for a summer vacation in Maine.

Also, for a change of culture, you may also have a summer vacation in Japan. 

Summer Vacation In Maine: Best Places To Visit

Maine is a U.S. state in the New England area. To the west, it borders New Hampshire. To the southeast, it borders the Gulf of Maine. It is the most remote of the 50 U.S. states and has the 12th-smallest area. It has the 9th-fewest people and the 13th-fewest people per square mile.

Discover the charm of Maine, known as the Pine Tree State, with its quaint small towns and bustling main streets lined with chic boutiques and antique shops. Explore the great outdoors with rocky coastlines and scenic fall foliage. Visit popular attractions like Dock Square and the highest mountain peak. Keep an eye out for black bears and moose in the wilderness, especially during winter. Whether you’re in Brunswick or elsewhere, Maine offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. If you need more details about places fun to explore here, visitor centers are abundant and ready to assist you with travel and tourism information.

Bar Harbor: Acadia National Park Maine

Bar Harbor is a tourist hotspot and it’s easy to see why. Bar Harbor is a town located in Maine that is famous for its coastal town, Mount Desert Island, Frenchmen Bay, and the quaintness of Frenchmen Bay all within a few miles of one another, all in Bar Harbor.

Day trips to Acadia National Park are unquestionably the most popular activities in Bar Harbor. The Acadia National Park is a famous attraction during the autumn or fall season, but you can still appreciate the Acadia National Park even when it’s covered with blankets of snow. Located within the Acadia National Park is the Cadillac Mountain. The Cadillac mountain is considered to be the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. 

Sand Beach, a boat trip to Frenchmen Bay, and a stop at the Abbe Museum are all worthwhile excursions at Bar Harbor. Wild Acadia Fun Park & Water Slides in Trenton, Maine, is one of New England’s top waterparks and is just 20 minutes from Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is a go-to place if you’re planning to visit!

Kennebunk And Kennebunkport

A river separates the Kennebunks from one another!   This is yet another destination for a summer vacation, so make your reservations at a charming B&B as soon as possible. Mothers Beach, Colony Bay, or Gooch’s Beach are just a few of the nearby beaches where you can spend the day and eat dinner in the evening.

The pastel-colored buildings of Kennebunk’s Maine Art Hill are a must-see.

The local lighthouses may be seen while driving along Kennebunkport’s shoreline, but here is a selection of the region’s most spectacular structures. To begin your lighthouse tour, start at Cape Porpoise Pier, where you can see the Goat Island Lighthouse. 

Ogunquit, Maine

Ogunquit, whose Abenaki name translates to “beautiful location by the sea,” was founded in 1641 as a settlement inside Wells. The first mills were built in 1686, and shipyards flourished along the Ogunquit River, which was tidal at the time. Local shipwrights manufactured schooners, brigs, and dories.

Maine’s attractions like Ogunquit Beach, which has stunning vistas and a large sand area, are very popular in this area, but even in high season, it is possible to locate a quiet spot to unwind on your own. Ogunquit Beach has evolved from being a small fishing village around Perkins Cove into a popular tourist spot. Ogunquit Beach is the ideal place to visit if you happen to be around the vicinity of Perkins Cove since it is well-known for its vibrant art and theater scene, as well as its gorgeous sandy beaches. Visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and take in the stunning views of the ocean along the Marginal Way. While you’re there, consider supporting the local arts community.

Jasper Beach

Howard Cove, Machiasport’s Jasper Beach, is one of just two such beaches in the world, the other being in China. Visiting Jasper Beach is a must if you’re arranging a summer vacation.

This form of quartz, known as jasper, comes in various colors, including red, yellow, brown, and green. There is something magical about the way the waves swell and recede on this beach; imagine an entire beachfront of flawlessly polished stones bumping together in harmony.

One of the calmest and most lovely sensations you may have this summertime in Maine is sitting on the beach with these almost-dancing stones. While exploring this beach, many visitors report hearing the rocks “singing” in unison.

Augusta At Kennebec County

Located in Kennebec County, Maine, Augusta serves as both the state capital and Maine’s county seat.  With a population of 18,899 in 2020, it was the third-least populated state capital in the US, following Montpelier in Vermont and Pierre in South Dakota.

When in Augusta, don’t miss Old Fort Western, a historical outpost built by the British during colonial times. It’s right on the banks of the Kennebec. One attraction that you can find along the Kennebec River is the Maritime Museum. The Maritime Museum displays information about their marine history, culture, and contributions to local and international maritime activities. Vaughan Woods, the State House, the State Museum, and the Trailhead are among the other attractions in the area. The State Museum is the official government museum where you can discover tons of sculptures and art galleries. State Museum is located adjacent to the State House.  On the other hand, the Kennebec Arsenal is one national historic landmark that you should visit here in Augusta.

Great Cranberry Island, Maine

Maine’s Great Cranberry Island is a picturesque getaway. Cranberry Isles, Maine, has five islands, the largest of which is Cranberry Island. In length, it is approximately two miles (3.2 kilometers) wide.

Many people consider Great Cranberry Island to be a top vacation spot. Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor, both on Mount Desert Island, serve as ferry ports for access to the island. Mount Desert Island is the largest island off the coast of Maine. The Northeast Harbor is known for having summer residents. Many of the island’s residents who own boats use Spurling Cove as a mooring point.

Roughly 40 people are living on the island year-round, but the summer population soars to around 300. The year-round population consists primarily of fishers who hunt for lobster along the coast. 

The History Museum contains a public route to the beach, the General Store, Post Office, Crow Island, and Whale’s Rib Gift Shop.

Old Orchard Beach In York County

York County, Maine’s Old Orchard Beach is both a tourist destination and a census-designated place. According to the next census, the city’s population will be 8,960 people. The Old Orchard Beach is located in the Portland, Metropolitan Statistical Area, a suburb of Portland.

The village is situated on the Atlantic Ocean’s inner coast and is a popular seaside destination. Many tourist-oriented businesses, such as clam shacks and T-shirt shops, may be found in the downtown area of Old Orchard Beach. Other businesses, including souvenir shops, may be found on a wooden pier on the shore.

Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, and Saco are all within a seven-mile (11-kilometer) stretch of the beach, which is flanked by a variety of beach homes, condos, motels, and bed & breakfasts. Aside from the Old Orchard Beach, one attraction that you can also find in Portland is the Portland Museum. The Portland Museum is accessible to everyone who wants to see the exhibitions and programs that reflect their culture.

Stephen King House At Bangor

In the mid-19th century, the wood and shipyard industries developed Bangor as a modern city. Water-powered sawmills at Bangor made it possible for logs from the Northern Maine Woods to be floated down the Penobscot River and processed there before being hauled to the Atlantic Ocean 30 miles (48 kilometers) downstream and from there to any port on the globe. 

Visit the Stephen King House in Bangor, and you’ll have a great time. While the town’s past is evident in its Paul Bunyan Statue and the Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway, many other notable landmarks exist. The Bangor City Forest is an excellent place to go hiking. Fun fact: Bangor is still sometimes called as Queen City of the East due to how beautiful it is.

What do you think are the best places to visit for a summer vacation in Maine? Bookmark the Family Hype page for more vacation guides!

FAQs

What’s The Number 1 Attraction In Maine?

The top attraction here is the Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. The Acadia National Park is a rugged and beautiful stretch of coastline that also surrounds a large inland region of lakes, streams, and forests. The Acadia National Park offers a playground for locals and visitors who enjoy the outdoors and other recreational activities such as hiking trails. The Park Loop Road is one of three types of major road systems on the island.

The Park Loop Road is the primary avenue for transportation at Acadia. On the other hand, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is another top attraction. The Botanical Gardens consists of more than 300 acres, 17 of which are gardens with native plants and other plants suited to northern coastal conditions. It is the biggest botanical garden in New England.

Is Camden Hills State Park The Most Scenic?

Aside from the place mentioned above, one of the most scenic places in Maine that your family can go to is Camden Hills State Park. The Camden Hills State Park is a public recreation area overlooking Penobscot Bay in the town of Camden, Knox County. It is a home for hiking trails and other scenic locales. On the other hand, if you’re up for seeing sunrises in the morning, go to West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, it can be found at the eastern point of the United States, it is a stunning spot to see the rays of the sun in the morning.

If you’re an outdoor type of person, you might want to check out Baxter State Park. The Baxter State Park is a large wilderness area that has been permanently protected as a state park in Northeast Piscataquis, Piscataquis County, in central Maine, USA. The Baxter State Park is worth a shot if you want to hike, canoe, or hang out at the campgrounds.

What’s The Most Visited City In Here?

The most visited city is typically Portland. As the largest city in the state, Portland attracts a significant number of visitors each year. It offers a unique blend of historic charm, vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse dining options, and picturesque waterfront views.

The city’s attractions, such as the Old Port District, Portland Head Light, Casco Bay Islands, and a thriving food and craft beer scene, make it a popular destination for tourists exploring Maine.

What Is Its Nicest Location?

Even though the Portland Head Lighthouse doesn’t allow tourists to climb up in its lighthouse, surely it is still a nice place worth visiting. The Portland Head Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth. The lighthouse is situated on a headland at the entrance of Portland Harbor’s main shipping channel, which is located within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine.

The Portland Head Lighthouse is considered the oldest lighthouse. Aside from that, Perkins Cove is another nice place to visit. The cove is a lovely neighborhood with local independent stores, eateries, and gorgeous outlooks. It was formerly a tiny fishing hamlet and artists’ colony.

What Is Its Prettiest Town?

They are known for their picturesque towns, and while beauty is subjective, many consider York Village to be one of the prettiest towns in the state. York Village is located in York and offers a charming New England ambiance with its historic buildings, tree-lined streets, and quintessential coastal charm.

Here are a few reasons why York Village is often regarded as one of the prettiest towns in Maine:

1. Historic Architecture: The town is home to several well-preserved historic buildings that showcase classic New England architecture. Walking through the village, you’ll find beautiful examples of colonial-style houses, historic churches, and other architectural gems that add to its allure.
2. Scenic Beauty: York Village benefits from its proximity to the stunning Maine coastline. Visitors can enjoy views of the York River and nearby beaches, providing a picturesque backdrop to the town’s charm. The town’s location also offers easy access to other scenic spots along the coast, such as Cape Neddick and Nubble Light.
3. Quaint Village Center: The village center exudes a quaint and inviting atmosphere. You’ll find a variety of locally owned shops, boutiques, and eateries that add to the town’s charm. Strolling along the streets, exploring the shops, and enjoying a meal at one of the cozy restaurants is a delightful experience.
4. Historic Sites: York Harbor Village boasts several historic sites that offer a glimpse into Maine’s past. One notable landmark is the Old York Historical Society, which preserves and showcases the region’s history through its museums, exhibitions, and guided tours.
5. Natural Surroundings: In addition to its coastal beauty, York Village is surrounded by natural landscapes that enhance its appeal. The town is located near beautiful parks, forests, and nature reserves, offering opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and enjoying the serene beauty of the area.

While beauty is subjective and different towns have their unique charms, many visitors and residents appreciate the timeless beauty and coastal allure of York Village, making it a popular choice for those seeking the prettiest towns in the state.

What Is The Best Month To Visit Maine?

How Many Days Should I Spend In Maine?

It depends on your time and budget, but typically you need at least a week or two to visit the beautiful coast towns. If you’re not the type to visit coast towns and recreational areas, you may opt for museums and art galleries which Maine has a lot to offer as well. The first one that we can recommend is the Farnsworth Art Museum. The Farnsworth Art Museum which can be found in Rockland, Maine, offers a collection of works from many of America’s greatest artists; go here if you’re into American Art. If you’re into trolley cars,  rapid transit trains, Interurban cars, trolley buses, and motor buses, then Seashore Trolley Museum located at Kennebunkport, Maine is a must for you.

What Time Of Year Can You See The Northern Lights?

What’s The Rainiest Month Of Maine?

Is Maine Warm All Year Round?

What Are Its Interesting Places And Sights?

Maine is home to several interesting places and sights that capture its rich history and charm. Here are a few examples, including the mention of a historic house:

1. Historic Homes: The Victoria Mansion, located in Portland, is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture. This Italianate brownstone mansion features opulent interiors and is meticulously preserved to showcase the luxurious lifestyle of its former residents.
2. Portland Head Light: Situated in Cape Elizabeth, the Portland Head Light is one of the most iconic lighthouses in the United States. This historic landmark offers picturesque views of the rugged coastline and has guided ships since 1791.
3. Old Port: In the heart of downtown Portland, the Old Port is a vibrant district with cobblestone streets, quaint boutiques, and a lively atmosphere. This historic waterfront area is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries, offering a delightful blend of the old and the new.
4. Acadia National Park: Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park is a gem of natural beauty. It offers stunning landscapes, including granite peaks, rocky shores, and serene lakes. Visitors can enjoy scenic trails, enjoy panoramic views from Cadillac Mountain, and relax on the picturesque Sand Beach.
5. Fort Knox State Historic Site: Situated in Prospect, Fort Knox is a well-preserved military fortification dating back to the mid-19th century. Visitors can visit the fort’s underground tunnels, climb to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the Penobscot River, and learn about its fascinating history.
6. Farnsworth Art Museum: Located in Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum is dedicated to American art and features an impressive collection of works, including those by renowned artist Andrew Wyeth. The museum showcases a wide range of art styles, from traditional to contemporary, and is housed in several historic buildings.
7. Mount Katahdin: As the highest peak in Maine and the endpoint of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin attracts outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. Its rugged beauty and challenging trails provide a rewarding experience for those seeking adventure and breathtaking views.

These are just a few examples of the interesting places and sights that can be found in Maine. The state’s blend of natural wonders and rich history make it a captivating destination for travelers.

What Is Maine Most Popular For?

Maine is most popular for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and unique attractions. Here are some highlights of what Maine is known for:

1. Lobster Boat Tours: Maine’s lobster industry is renowned worldwide, and taking a lobster boat tour is a popular activity for visitors. These tours allow you to witness firsthand how lobsters are caught and learn about the lobstering industry.
2. Maine State Aquarium: Located in Boothbay Harbor, the Maine State Aquarium is a popular destination for marine enthusiasts. It features a variety of local marine species, including lobsters, sharks, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures.
3. Specialty Shops: Maine is home to numerous specialty shops that offer unique products and local craftsmanship. From artisanal goods and handmade crafts to specialty foods and Maine-made products, these shops provide a delightful shopping experience for visitors.
4. Two Lights State Park: Situated in Cape Elizabeth, Two Lights State Park offers breathtaking coastal views and stunning rocky cliffs. The park is named after its two historic lighthouses, which have become iconic landmarks in Maine.
5. Moosehead Lake: As the largest lake in the state, Moosehead Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting. The serene beauty of the lake and its surrounding mountains make it a must-visit location.
6. Asticou Azalea Garden: Located in Northeast Harbor, Asticou Azalea Garden is a beautiful Japanese-style garden that showcases a stunning array of azaleas, rhododendrons, and other flora. It is a tranquil spot where visitors can enjoy the serene ambiance and natural beauty.
7. Whale Watching Tours: Maine’s coastline is a prime destination for whale watching. Various tour operators offer exciting excursions to spot majestic marine mammals, such as humpback whales, finback whales, and minke whales. These tours provide a thrilling experience and a chance to observe these incredible creatures up close.

These attractions and activities represent just a fraction of what Maine has to offer. The state’s natural wonders, rich history, and friendly communities make it a favorite destination for travelers seeking memorable experiences.

What Are 3 Things Maine Is Famous For?

Certainly! Here are three things Maine is famous for, incorporating the mentioned words:

1. Walker’s Point: Walker’s Point is a prominent landmark located in Kennebunkport, Maine. It gained fame as the summer residence of the Bush family, including President George H.W. Bush and President George W. Bush. This picturesque coastal area has become synonymous with their presence and has drawn attention to the natural beauty of Maine’s coastline.
2. Fishing Villages: This place is renowned for its charming fishing villages that dot the coastline. These villages, such as Stonington, Port Clyde, and Boothbay Harbor, are known for their picturesque harbors, lobster boats, and fresh seafood. They offer an authentic glimpse into Maine’s maritime heritage and provide visitors with a chance to experience the local fishing culture.
3. Small Islands and Rocky Shoreline: Maine is home to numerous small islands that speckle its coastal waters. These islands, like Mount Desert Island (home to Acadia National Park) and Monhegan Island, offer unique natural landscapes, scenic trails, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Along with the islands, Maine’s rocky shoreline is another famous feature, attracting visitors with its dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and breathtaking views.

These notable elements contribute to the fame of this place and its attractions. The state’s connection to Walker’s Point, its picturesque fishing villages, and the allure of its small islands and rocky shoreline make this place a captivating destination for travelers.

What’s The Most Famous Maine Food?

What Are Two Important Landmarks At Maine?

1. Mount Katahdin: As the highest peak in Maine and the endpoint of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin holds significant importance in the state. It is located in Baxter State Park and stands at an elevation of 5,269 feet (1,606 meters). Mount Katahdin attracts hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, offering stunning vistas and challenging trails.
2. Portland Head Light: Situated in Cape Elizabeth near Portland, the Portland Head Light is one of the most iconic and photographed lighthouses in the United States. It was commissioned by George Washington in 1791 and has been guiding ships into Portland Harbor for centuries. With its picturesque setting on the rocky coastline and rich maritime history, the Portland Head Light has become a beloved symbol of the place.

Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Lisette Lao

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