Maine has a way of feeling like it’s tucked away from the rest of the country. From sunny beaches to frosted mountain hikes, the state’s landscapes never disappoint. And don’t even get me started on the seafood… I’m still dreaming about buttery lobster rolls eaten right on the harbor.
In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favorite destinations along with recommendations from travel experts who know the state inside and out. Whether you want to travel Maine like Stephen King or wander through postcard-worthy small towns, these are the best places to visit in Maine for a scenic escape you’ll never forget.
Camden
Camden, a charming town on Penobscot Bay in Maine’s MidCoast region, is the kind of place that feels like a postcard come to life. “There’s nothing quite like experiencing the Maine coast by water, and Camden is one of my favorite spots for this,” says Heather Assi Antonin, General Manager of Hotel Ursa in Orono. “I highly recommend taking a chartered sailboat ride out of Camden Harbor. It’s a quintessential Maine experience with stunning views of the coastline, lighthouses, and the Camden Hills.”
On land, explore trails in Camden Hills State Park, catch a show at the restored Camden Opera House, savor seafood at The Waterfront Restaurant, or enjoy a cozy brunch at Buttermilk Kitchen.
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is one of my favorite spots in Maine (and the place where I enjoyed that unforgettable lobster roll). Known as a popular summer retreat for celebrities and former U.S. presidents (the Bush family’s compound is here), it’s the perfect warm-weather escape.
Downtown’s Dock Square is the heart of it all, with charming gift shops, cozy restaurants, and top-rated stays like The Harbor Inn and the Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club. While it shines in summer, Kennebunkport also has gorgeous fall foliage, making it just as magical for an autumn getaway.
Gorham Mountain
Calling all hikers. Gorham Mountain Loop is a must for anyone looking to experience the best places to visit in Maine. This Acadia National Park trail delivers rocky coastline views, with Cadillac Mountain looming in the distance.
“Gorham Mountain is such a great Acadia hike,” says Caroline Meyer DeBruyckere, Corporate Director of Marketing for Atlantic Hospitality. “It’s a bit off the beaten path compared to Cadillac, so it’s quieter, but you still get those sweeping views that make the climb totally worth it.”
Bailey Island/Orr’s Island
Just off Brunswick, these connected islands offer a quiet, classic Maine charm and are easily accessible by road. There aren’t many hotels here, so most visitors rent a house or stay in nearby Brunswick.
“You can spend a perfect day hiking the Devil’s Back trail, walking over or kayaking under the unique Cribstone Bridge, and shopping at kitschy Lands End,” says Erica Christie, a Fora Advisor from Fora Travel. “Grab coffee and a blueberry muffin at Salt Cod, lobster rolls at Sundrenched, and enjoy lobsters fresh from the dock at Cook’s Lobster House.”
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is another one of my favorites, and is the gateway to Acadia National Park and the perfect base for exploring Mount Desert Island. The town itself is quite small, but there is plenty of fantastic nearby nature and several leisurely walks to enjoy. One of the most fun and easy walks is crossing from Bar Harbor to Bar Island at low tide, when the water recedes enough to stroll right across.
Start your day with breakfast at Cafe This Way, then treat yourself to a lobster dinner at Bar Harbor Lobster Pound. Add in a walk to Compass Harbor and a wander through Thuya Garden or the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden for a quintessential Maine experience.
Damariscotta
Oyster lovers may already know Damariscotta, but this quaint riverside town sometimes gets overlooked in favor of flashier best places to visit in Maine. Its charming Main Street is lined with local boutiques, art galleries, and an epic bookstore, Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop.
“Lunch at King Eider’s Pub is a must for the freshest oysters and I love to grab a drink on the river at Schooner’s Landing,” says Erica Christie. You can kayak, take an oyster farm tour (with a raw bar on board), or head just outside town to Glidden Point Oysters for beers and a lesson on how to shuck oysters yourself.
Downtown Biddeford
Once a bustling mill town, Biddeford has reinvented itself into one of Maine’s most exciting downtowns. With a median age of just 29, it’s the state’s youngest downtown area and is full of energy.
“Downtown Biddeford is one of the coolest hidden gems in Maine,” says Caroline Meyer DeBruyckere. “There’s such a good mix of creative energy, from great food, fun shops, and a growing arts scene that breathes new life into the city.” Explore the free Museum in the Streets walking tour or stroll the scenic RiverWalk to get a good picture of everything the area has to offer.
Ogunquit Beach
Just 11 miles south of Kennebunkport, Ogunquit Beach is a great way to explore Maine’s coast. Start your day with breakfast at Greenery Cafe, take a lobster cruise from Perkins Cove, enjoy dinner at That Place, and cap it off with live music at The Front Porch Piano Bar.
Although this destination is very beautiful, it can get busy during the summertime, so be ready for crowds. “Catch the sunrise and enjoy the beach before the crowds arrive,” says Caroline Meyer DeBruyckere. “And don’t miss walking the sandy dunes and exploring the tidal flats to search for sea treasures at low tide.”
