Maine Vacations & Places to Visit
Maine is a state of rugged coastlines, charming seaside towns, and endless natural beauty, making it one of the most captivating destinations in New England. I had the chance to explore it while living in NYC, and it quickly became one of my favorite escapes. From its iconic lighthouses and lobster shacks to its forests, lakes, and mountains, Maine offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
I’ve wandered along rocky shores, explored vibrant small towns filled with local character, and enjoyed peaceful escapes in nature. Whether you’re planning a summer coastal getaway, a fall foliage trip, or a winter retreat, Maine has no shortage of incredible places to visit and experiences to enjoy. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll love them too.
1. Portland’s Working Waterfront and Cozy Corners
We flew from Austin to Portland (about 4.5–5 hours with a layover, fares around $220–$350 round trip) and landed in Maine’s largest city, home to about 68,000 people.
When I first arrived in Portland, Maine, I felt like I had stumbled upon one of the coolest hidden gems in New England, tucked right along the spectacular Casco Bay coastline.
We wandered through the vibrant Old Port district, where cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, and the scent of fresh seafood created an atmosphere that was both romantic and exciting for a weekend getaway.
My favorite part was exploring the working waterfront, watching fishing boats and ferries glide by—it felt like the perfect mix of tradition and modern energy, and I couldn’t resist snapping photos of the view.
We found awesome little cafés and unique boutiques everywhere, each one offering something different, from local art to handmade goods that made perfect keepsakes of our trip.
One of the absolute best experiences was savoring Portland’s foodie scene—lobster rolls, craft beer, and farm-to-table dining that honestly ranked among the most exceptional meals I’ve ever had.
I thought Portland Head Light, located just a short drive in Cape Elizabeth, was one of the most magical and iconic lighthouses I had ever seen—it was breathtaking, especially at sunset.
We also made time to check out the underrated Eastern Promenade, where the sweeping bay views felt like a dream, and the trails were perfect for both a family walk or a romantic stroll.
What struck me most was how Portland combined big-city culture with small-town charm, making it not only affordable and welcoming but also one of my favorite New England destinations.
Whether you’re looking for a joyful weekend getaway, a romantic escape, or a family adventure, Portland, Maine, truly offers the best of everything in one unforgettable coastal city.
2. Bar Harbor: Between the Pines and the Sea
We drove about 3 hours northeast from Portland to Bar Harbor, a small town of roughly 5,500 on Mount Desert Island. Once a Gilded Age summer spot, Bar Harbor still has that old-resort feel with Victorian mansions and waterfront promenades.
When we visited Bar Harbor, Maine, we instantly knew it was going to be one of our favorite coastal getaways—the kind of place that feels both vibrant and peaceful at the same time.
We loved wandering along the waterfront, where the cool ocean breeze, lobster boats, and sailboats created such a spectacular scene that we kept stopping just to take it all in.
Our favorite hidden gem was the Shore Path, an easy trail that wrapped around the edge of town and gave us the most amazing views of Frenchman Bay—it felt like a dream to walk there at sunrise.
We also explored Acadia National Park, which is just minutes away, and it was honestly one of the most magical experiences of our trip—hiking, biking, and driving up Cadillac Mountain gave us breathtaking views we’ll never forget.
Downtown Bar Harbor was equally awesome, filled with unique shops, cool cafés, and some of the best seafood restaurants we’ve ever tried (the lobster rolls here were spectacular!).
We found that Bar Harbor was both romantic and family-friendly, making it such a versatile spot—whether we wanted a quiet evening by the water or an exciting day outdoors, it had it all.
Another highlight was hopping on a boat tour to see puffins and whales; it was an unusual and unique adventure that made our weekend feel truly exceptional.
Bar Harbor struck us as one of those places where every corner had something interesting, joyful, and unforgettable—it really is the absolute best Maine coastal town to visit.
3. Camden: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
When we made our way to Camden, Maine, we quickly realized why so many people call it the “Jewel of the Coast”—it felt like a dream come to life, with its mix of ocean views and mountain backdrops.
We strolled through the harbor, where sleek sailboats and colorful lobster boats bobbed along the docks, and it honestly struck us as one of the most romantic and joyful scenes we’d ever seen on a weekend getaway.
One of our favorite things was hiking up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park—the short climb rewarded us with the absolute best panoramic views of Penobscot Bay, the town, and even the islands scattered offshore.
We loved discovering the town itself, filled with hidden gems like cozy bookshops, vibrant art galleries, and unique boutiques that made browsing downtown so much fun.
The restaurants here were spectacular—we enjoyed fresh lobster, clam chowder, and even some unusual but delicious farm-to-table dishes that made Camden’s foodie scene feel like a cool and underrated treasure.
We found the waterfront boardwalk especially magical in the evening, when the lights reflected off the water and the whole harbor seemed to glow—it was the perfect way to end a romantic day.
Another highlight was taking a sailing tour; being out on the water gave us an exciting new perspective of Camden’s coastline and it felt like such a unique adventure.
For us, Camden was the perfect blend of small-town charm, outdoor excitement, and spectacular coastal beauty—it truly became one of our favorite Maine destinations.
4. Bangor's Quiet Pulse & Literary Shadows
We drove about 2 hours north from Portland to Bangor, a city of roughly 32,000 once known as the “Lumber Capital of the World.” We stayed at the Charles Inn, a boutique hotel right in the historic district.
When we visited Bangor, Maine, we were pleasantly surprised by how this underrated city blended cool history with a vibrant modern vibe—it felt like discovering a hidden gem that most travelers overlook.
We loved walking along the Kenduskeag Stream Trail, where the peaceful path wound through nature right in the heart of the city, giving us a joyful and refreshing escape without leaving town.
One of our favorite spots was the waterfront, where festivals, concerts, and the spectacular river views made every moment feel exciting and full of energy.
We couldn’t resist checking out some of Bangor’s unique landmarks, including the giant Paul Bunyan statue, which was quirky, fun, and definitely one of the coolest photo ops we found.
As book lovers, we were thrilled to see Stephen King’s iconic Victorian-style home—it was such an unusual and magical highlight that made Bangor feel even more interesting and unforgettable.
The restaurants in town were awesome, with everything from affordable comfort food to vibrant breweries and some of the best farm-to-table dining in the region—we kept finding new favorites every day.
We also discovered the Bangor City Forest, a spectacular network of trails that was perfect for a family walk or a romantic stroll, surrounded by Maine’s natural beauty.
For us, Bangor turned out to be one of the most exciting and surprising Maine destinations, a place that combined history, culture, and outdoor adventure in a way that felt truly special.
5. Georgetown: Wild Shores and Wooden Tables
We drove about 1 hour north from Portland to Georgetown, a rural island community of around 1,000 people connected to the mainland by bridge. Settled in the 1600s, the town has long relied on fishing and shipbuilding.
When we spent time in Georgetown, Maine, we felt like we had uncovered one of the most spectacular hidden gems on the coast—it was peaceful, beautiful, and full of unique charm.
We loved that this small town sat just south of Bath and close to Boothbay, yet it felt wonderfully off-the-beaten path, giving us the coolest mix of seclusion and easy access to nearby attractions.
Our favorite experience was visiting Reid State Park, where long stretches of sandy beach met dramatic rocky shoreline—it was honestly one of the absolute best coastal landscapes we had ever seen in Maine.
We spent hours walking the trails and watching the waves crash, and it was the perfect spot for both a romantic picnic and a joyful family outing.
We also discovered Five Islands Lobster Co., a simple dockside shack that served some of the most amazing and affordable lobster rolls and seafood we’ve ever tasted—it quickly became one of our favorite meals of the trip.
Exploring the harbor was magical, with working lobster boats, peaceful views, and a laid-back vibe that felt like stepping into a dream version of coastal New England.
We found the community to be vibrant yet quiet, full of cool local art, history, and friendly people who made our stay even more special.
For us, Georgetown was one of Maine’s most underrated destinations—a place where we could slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy an exceptional coastal getaway that we’ll never forget.
6. Art and Anchors in Rockland
We drove about 1 hour 45 minutes northeast from Portland to Rockland.
We stayed at the LimeRock Inn, a Victorian B&B with wraparound porches.
When we arrived in Rockland, Maine, we were instantly struck by how vibrant and welcoming this coastal town felt—it quickly became one of our favorite places to explore on the Midcoast.
We loved strolling through the lively downtown, where unique shops, art galleries, and cool cafés lined the streets, giving the whole area such an exciting and creative energy.
One of our absolute best experiences was visiting the Farnsworth Art Museum, which showcased both local and nationally renowned artists—it was a brilliant idea to spend a whole afternoon there, and we left feeling inspired.
We couldn’t get enough of the spectacular Rockland Harbor, where lobster boats and sailboats floated against a backdrop of islands—it felt like a dream, and we kept stopping to capture the views in photos.
Walking the mile-long Rockland Breakwater to the lighthouse was one of the coolest and most unusual adventures of our trip—it was both peaceful and thrilling at the same time.
We also discovered Rockland’s foodie side, from fresh lobster shacks to vibrant farm-to-table restaurants, and even some of the best craft breweries in Maine—it was an exceptional and joyful part of our visit.
Another highlight for us was timing our trip with the Maine Lobster Festival, which brought so much excitement, delicious food, and a true celebration of local culture.
For us, Rockland felt like one of the most underrated gems on the coast—an amazing blend of art, history, food, and spectacular ocean scenery that made it a place we’ll never forget.
7. Bath: Shipbuilding Spirit & River Quiet
We drove about 40 minutes northeast from Portland to Bath, a small city of around 8,400 with a big maritime past.
Known for shipbuilding since the 1740s, it’s home to Bath Iron Works, where naval destroyers are still built today.
When we visited Bath, Maine, we were amazed at how this small riverside city blended history, charm, and coastal beauty—it quickly became one of our favorite underrated gems in New England.
We loved walking through downtown Bath, where the brick-lined streets, cool boutiques, and vibrant cafés gave the whole town such a joyful and welcoming atmosphere.
One of our absolute best highlights was the Maine Maritime Museum, where we explored the rich shipbuilding history and even saw full-sized replicas—it was an exciting and unusual experience that felt both educational and fun.
We found the working waterfront especially magical, with fishing boats and the Kennebec River views creating a spectacular backdrop for photos and evening strolls.
Our favorite meal came from one of the local seafood spots—affordable, fresh lobster rolls and chowder that tasted like the essence of Maine itself.
We also loved discovering Bath’s hidden trails and parks, which made for a cool mix of outdoor adventure and relaxing family time in nature.
Another highlight for us was the town’s unique festivals and events, which added so much vibrancy to the community and gave us an even deeper appreciation of its culture.
For us, Bath was the perfect weekend getaway—romantic, family-friendly, and filled with spectacular history and scenery that made it one of the most interesting places we’ve visited in Maine.
8. Belfast: Artsy, Easygoing, and Tied to the Tide
We drove about 1 hour 45 minutes northeast from Portland to Belfast. Once a major shipbuilding and poultry-processing hub, today it blends history with a creative vibe. We stayed at the Belfast Bay Inn, a restored Federal-style boutique hotel downtown.
When we arrived in Belfast, Maine, we immediately felt the magic of this coastal town—it had the coolest mix of historic charm and vibrant energy, making it one of our favorite underrated gems.
We loved wandering through the walkable downtown, where unique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés created such a joyful and welcoming vibe that we wanted to linger all afternoon.
One of the absolute best parts of our trip was strolling along the Belfast Harbor Walk, where spectacular views of the boats and bay made every step feel like a dream.
We also discovered the Belfast Rail Trail, which was perfect for a family bike ride or a romantic walk, surrounded by peaceful nature and sweeping water views.
Our favorite foodie find was the affordable and delicious farm-to-table restaurants that made this town stand out—every meal felt fresh, local, and unforgettable.
We couldn’t resist checking out the vibrant arts scene, where local galleries and unusual public art installations gave Belfast such a unique and creative spirit.
Another highlight was the waterfront festivals that filled the town with music, food, and excitement, making our weekend getaway feel extra special and memorable.
For us, Belfast was an exceptional Maine destination—cool, welcoming, and filled with spectacular coastal beauty—it truly became one of the best small towns we’ve ever visited.
The Heartbeat of the Coast
We loved how each destination offered something different, from Portland’s vibrant foodie scene to Bar Harbor’s dreamy coastal trails, Camden’s breathtaking mountain views, and Rockland’s exciting arts and lobster festival energy.
We also found joy in the underrated charm of Bangor, the maritime history of Bath, the peaceful seclusion of Georgetown, and the creative, welcoming vibe of Belfast—each one added to the unforgettable tapestry of our journey.
What stood out most was how affordable, family-friendly, and romantic these towns could be at the same time, making Maine the absolute best place for a weekend getaway, an extended vacation, or even a spontaneous road trip.
For us, Maine wasn’t just a destination—it was a dream filled with vibrant culture, spectacular scenery, amazing food, and joyful memories that we’ll treasure forever.
If you’re searching for the coolest, most exciting, and truly exceptional coastal escapes, Maine is without a doubt one of the best choices you could ever make.
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Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
