35 Best Things to Do in Maine: Top Attractions, Towns & Coastal Adventures

Enveloped by pristine coastline, pine forests, and storied small towns, Maine offers travelers a blend of wild natural beauty and charming New England hospitality. From hiking forested mountains to sampling classic lobster rolls, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best attractions, sights, and experiences in Maine—whether you’re planning a weeklong vacation or a quick weekend escape.

1. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is Maine’s crown jewel and one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. With its diverse landscapes of granite peaks, forested valleys, rocky coastlines, and crystal-clear lakes, Acadia is paradise for hikers, bikers, and outdoor lovers.

• Summit Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the East Coast) for breathtaking sunrise views.
• Stroll the picturesque Carriage Roads, built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
• Hike the Beehive Trail or opt for gentle lakeside walks.
• Relax at scenic Sand Beach and explore Thunder Hole, a natural tidal formation.

2. Bar Harbor

The gateway to Acadia, Bar Harbor is a lively seaside town filled with quaint boutiques, friendly cafés, and harborside seafood restaurants. Don’t miss a whale watching cruise or puffin tour departing from the waterfront.

3. Portland

Maine’s largest city, Portland, is rich in history and has a thriving food and arts scene. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Port, sample award-winning craft beers, and visit the historic Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth—one of the most photographed lighthouses in the nation.

• Walk the Eastern Promenade for views of Casco Bay.
• Browse art galleries and museums in the Arts District.

4. Kittery

Kittery is famous for its extensive shopping outlets and welcoming its visitors with the first taste of Maine’s classic seafood shacks. Stop at the historic Bob’s Clam Hut for fried clams and lobster rolls, a local institution since 1956.

5. Ogunquit

With a name meaning “beautiful place by the sea”, Ogunquit features a stunning white sand beach and the scenic Marginal Way, a 1.5-mile cliffside trail offering ocean views all the way to Perkins Cove, a working fishing village lined with shops and galleries. Enjoy a show at the historic Ogunquit Playhouse.

6. Kennebunkport

Known for its stately homes and laid-back atmosphere, Kennebunkport is perfect for ocean adventures. Try:

• Kayaking along the Kennebunk River or nearby coves.
• Family-friendly fishing charters for striped bass.
• Sailing aboard a classic schooner, like the Eleanor.
• Spending a relaxing day at Goose Rocks Beach.

7. Camden and Camden Hills State Park

Camden is a picture-perfect harbor town known for its tall ship windjammers. Don’t miss:

• Climbing Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for panoramic Penobscot Bay views.
• Shopping and art browsing in the town center.

8. Rockland

Rockland is Maine’s art mecca, home to the Farnsworth Art Museum and the annual Maine Lobster Festival. Visit Owls Head Lighthouse and stroll the downtown galleries.

9. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)

Covering nearly 300 acres in Boothbay, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are the largest in New England, featuring stunning themed gardens, wooded walking trails, a tranquil meditation garden, and whimsical giant troll sculptures.

• Don’t miss the Native Butterfly House.
• Take kids on the forested Fairy House Trail and look for nature-inspired art.

10. LL Bean Flagship Store (Freeport)

The LL Bean Flagship Store in Freeport is a Maine shopping icon open 24/7, offering everything from outdoor gear to unique souvenirs. Be sure to see the impressive Riverbed Aquarium inside.

11. Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin

Located in northern Maine, Baxter State Park is a remote wilderness park famous for Mount Katahdin—the state’s tallest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. With 215 miles of hiking trails and the challenging Knife’s Edge route, it’s a paradise for true adventurers.

12. Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine, an unspoiled haven for boating, swimming, and wildlife watching—especially moose sightings. Visit Greenville for local shops and waterside meals.

13. Camden Hills State Park

This state park in midcoast Maine offers sweeping views and excellent hiking routes to both Mount Battie and Mount Megunticook, which is the highest mainland mountain along the Atlantic coast.

14. The Maine Coast Lighthouses

Maine is home to 65 historic lighthouses. Among the most iconic are:

• Portland Head Light (Cape Elizabeth, 1791) – Maine’s oldest lighthouse.
• Nubble Lighthouse (York, 1879) – one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses.
• Marshall Point Lighthouse (Port Clyde) – famous for its cameo in the film Forrest Gump.
• West Quoddy Head Light – marking the easternmost point in the United States.

Take the scenic Maine Coast Lighthouse Drive for a picturesque tour of these beautiful beacons.

15. Whale Watching & Puffin Cruises

Embark from Bar Harbor, Boothbay, or Portland for unforgettable encounters with humpback and finback whales, plus charming Atlantic puffins in summertime. Local guides share fascinating wildlife facts during these marine adventures.

16. Funtown Splashtown USA (Saco)

This family-friendly amusement and water park has classic rides, a giant wave pool, splash slides, and unique attractions like the Whispering Pines Haunted Hotel Dark Ride. You can bring your own food, and cleanliness is a point of pride.

17. Victoria Mansion (Portland)

An antebellum Italian villa-style mansion, Victoria Mansion is a marvel of historic architecture, with intricate interiors and period decor. Both guided and self-guided tours are available.

18. Maine Maritime Museum (Bath)

Set on a 20-acre site along the Kennebec River, the Maine Maritime Museum is dedicated to the state’s nautical legacy. Explore rotating and permanent exhibits on shipbuilding, seafaring, and maritime art.

• Tour the only surviving wooden shipyard in the country.
• Walk through a genuine Victorian shipbuilder’s home.

19. Palace Playland (Old Orchard Beach)

A beachfront amusement park, Palace Playland is perfect for families, with kid-friendly rides and a lively arcade just steps from the sand.

20. Old Orchard Beach

Famed for its wide stretch of sand and classic seaside amusements, Old Orchard Beach is a prime spot for sunbathing, beachfront concerts, and old-school fun at the pier.

21. Schoodic Peninsula

A quieter alternative to Acadia’s main hub, the Schoodic Peninsula features dramatic granite headlands, scenic bikeways, and peaceful forested trails. Birdwatchers and nature photographers will love its wild beauty.

22. Route 11: Fish River Scenic Byway

Drive State Route 11 for sweeping views of meadows and Mount Katahdin. This byway in northern Maine is a must for nature lovers with stops for hiking, picnics, and photography.

23. Boothbay Harbor

A classic seaside town, Boothbay Harbor boasts waterfront dining, boutiques, and access to whale watching tours. Visit in June for the Windjammer Days festival featuring giant sailing ships.

24. The Seashore Trolley Museum (Kennebunkport)

Take a nostalgic ride on restored streetcars at this unique museum, which celebrates over a century of trolley transit.

25. Augusta and the State Capitol

Maine’s capital, Augusta, is home to the beautiful State House and museums exploring the history and culture of Maine.

26. Maine Lobster Roll Trail

No trip to Maine is complete without indulging in the legendary lobster roll. Some of the best places to try this must-have treat include:

• Bob’s Clam Hut (Kittery)
• Red’s Eats (Wiscasset)
• Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf (New Harbor)

Whether from a rustic shack or a white-tablecloth restaurant, Maine’s lobster rolls are second to none.

27. York Wild Kingdom

This classic family attraction combines a zoo and amusement park — perfect for a day with kids. Highlights include animal feedings, rides, and a butterfly kingdom.

28. The Desert of Maine (Freeport)

Discover a quirky natural phenomenon: 40 acres of silt dunes and sand in the forests of Freeport. Guided tours explain how this micro-desert came to be.

29. Monhegan Island

Accessible by ferry, this artist’s haven is renowned for its wild cliffs, lighthouse, and walking trails. Day trips and overnight stays are both popular for those seeking off-the-grid serenity and inspiration.

30. Schoodic National Scenic Byway

Travel the 29-mile coastal byway for uninterrupted ocean vistas, dramatic headlands, and charming fishing villages untouched by crowds.

31. Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory

Experience panoramic views from the tallest public bridge observatory in the world, overlooking the Penobscot River and historic Fort Knox.

32. Rangeley Lakes Region

This western Maine area is a mecca for anglers and outdoor adventurers, with opportunities for world-class fishing, hiking, and paddling among stunning mountain scenery.

33. Maine’s Island Hopping

Did you know Maine has more than 4,600 coastal islands? Popular trips include:

• Peaks Island – accessible from Portland by ferry.
• Isle au Haut – part of Acadia, with hiking and bike trails.
• Vinalhaven – lobster fishing village in Penobscot Bay.

34. Maine’s Seafood and Dining Scene

Beyond lobster rolls, Maine’s coastline is dotted with everything from fine-dining seafood restaurants to casual shacks offering fried clams, oysters, and chowder. Notable mentions:

• Fore Street (Portland) – award-winning local fare.
• Eventide Oyster Co. (Portland) – beloved for inventive oyster dishes.
• Numerous waterfront clam shacks along Route 1 and the Midcoast.

35. Attend a Classic Maine Festival

• Maine Lobster Festival (Rockland, August) – the ultimate crustacean celebration.
• Windjammer Days (Boothbay Harbor, June) – tall ships, parades, and fireworks.
• Common Ground Country Fair (Unity, September) – agricultural fun for all ages.

Table: Top Attractions by Region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Maine?

A: Late spring through early fall (May–October) offers warm weather and access to most attractions. September brings stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds.

Q: Are Maine’s coastal towns open year-round?

A: Many attractions and towns are seasonal, closing or operating on reduced hours during winter. Portland, Freeport, and some coastal towns remain lively year-round.

Q: Can you see puffins in Maine?

A: Yes, several coastal tours from Bar Harbor and Boothbay offer puffin-watching excursions, typically from late spring through summer.

Q: Where can I find the best lobster roll in Maine?

A: Favorites include Bob’s Clam Hut (Kittery), Red’s Eats (Wiscasset), and countless shacks up and down the coast. Part of the fun is sampling as many as you can!

Q: What outdoor adventures does Maine offer beyond hiking?

A: Maine is a paradise for paddling, fishing, whale watching, sailing, swimming, and snow sports in the winter. There are options for every activity level and age.