Did you know that Maine is lovingly referred to as Vacationland here in the northeast? So, if you’re looking to explore this absolutely gorgeous state, and are looking for some guidance on the best places for go for a Maine vacation, I’m so glad you’re here!
I live locally in the northeast, and have been exploring the entire New England region for over 15 years now, and Maine is one of my most-frequently visited states. I’ve taken countless road trips along the coast, gone on more weekend getaways than I can keep track of, have explored the beautiful mountain areas, and I’ve also traveled through the state throughout each of the four seasons. All that to say, I’m awfully excited to share with you what I think are the most beautiful places to see in Maine on your vacation.
The first part of this post will begin with my top destinations, and later on, I’ll go into where to go in different seasons, and also share some insight into my vacation picks for different travel types. Be sure to stick around to the end 😉
But for now, let’s talk about where you should go in Maine on your vacation!
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Short on time? I’ve got you covered!
Here are my top Maine vacation & hotel picks:
✓ Hidden Pond Resort In Kennebunkport for a quintessential Maine vacation in a quaint coastal town
✓ Cliff House on Cape Neddick for a romantic resort stay on the water
✓ The Claremont by Acadia for a peaceful resort stay close to the park
I have so many more wonderful suggestions for you, so keeping reading for more ideas 😉
Best Places For An Incredible Maine Vacation
In this section, I’m going to list my all-time favorite places in Maine that I think are absolutely worth visiting, and they are not in any particular order. Almost all of these destinations are wonderful year-round, and will appeal to different travelers, including those with children, or those traveling as a couple. After this section, I’ll list out my top recommendations for specific travel needs and seasons, too.
1. Kennebunkport
One of the most popular places to see in southern Maine is the charming town of Kennebunkport, and for very good reason! Many places around towns are walkable, there’s so much New England character around every corner, and there’s also some great beaches to explore. It really ticks a lot of boxes, while also being accessible to quite a few other places in the region, including York, Ogunquit (which is next on the list!), and Wells.
While I love so many places in southern Maine, Kennebunkport continues to be a favorite of mine, even though I’ve been so many times. It has lovely boutiques and shops, fantastic restaurants, and one of the ways in which it stands out from other towns in the region is that it has so many amazing hotel options, ranging from resorts to cozy, historic inns.
Another great thing about Kennebunkport is that it’s truly wonderful year-round. While it’s most popular in the summer months, it gets gorgeous foliage in the fall season, and is even a fun destination to plan a winter getaway.
Where To Stay In Kennebunkport On Your Vacation:
✓ Tides Beach Club: Perfect beachfront hotel
✓ Hidden Pond: Amazing resort tucked into the woods for the quintessential Maine experience
✓ Captains Collections: Cozy and historic houses-turned-inns, walkable to Dock Square
✓ Cottages at Cabot Cove: Individual cottages in a storybook setting, right on a scenic cove
Awesome Things To Do In Kennebunkport:
→ Stroll around Dock Square, the heart of the town, and where you’ll find the shops and restaurants.
→ Take a lobster tour with Rugosa.
→ Visit the the local beaches, including Goose Rocks, Gooch’s, Middle, and Mother.
→ Take a drive out to Cape Porpoise, which is just a few minutes from Dock Square, and has lots of coastal scenery.
→ Walk the scenic Parson’s Way trail, which is out by Goose Rocks Beach.
→ Sip on craft cocktails at Batson River Brewing & Distillery
→ Take day trips and drives to Nubble Lighthouse, Ogunquit, York, and Wells (Wells has lots of great nature trails to enjoy for relaxing walks in nature!).
2. Ogunquit
Ogunquit is only about 30 minutes from Kennebunkport, but is another one of my favorite places to vacation in Maine, especially in the summer. Ogunquit is known for having one of Maine’s most stunning beaches, which is perfectly named Ogunquit Beach. The beach is walkable from downtown Ogunquit, and in fact, the entire town is very walkable, making it a great place to visit if you don’t want to rely on a car.
Ogunquit is also packed with lots of coastal charm, and has wonderful options for dining and shopping when you’re not at the beach. It’s also home to one of my favorite things to do in Maine, Marginal Way, but more on that in a sec 😉
Lastly, let’s talk about the beach! It stretches for about 3 miles, and the pristine, sandy shorelines is truly one of the best in Maine (in fact, it’s my personal favorite beach in Maine). You can opt to spend time at Ogunquit Beach, or drive down a bit further to Footbridge Beach, which shares the same shoreline, and is equally as beautiful.
Where To Stay In Ogunquit On Your Vacation:
✓ Anchorage By The Sea: My favorite place in town that’s right on Marginal Way, with ocean views
✓ Cliff House: 10 mins from Ogunquit, but work every second of the drive – it’s a top resort in Maine!
✓ Terrace By The Sea: A lovely option that’s more budget-friendly, but has ocean views from their deck
✓ Dunes On The Waterfront: A new all-cottage hotel on the water for the perfect Maine experience!
Awesome Things To Do In Ogunquit:
→ Walk Marginal Way, which is a paved pedestrian path that hugs the coastline, and connects Ogunquit’s downtown with Perkins Cove, a quaint village on the harbor that has its own restaurants and shops.
→ Stroll the charming downtown, which has great shops and eateries.
→ Explore the scenic nature trails at Beach Plum Farm.
→ Head out on a boat tour with Finestkind.
→ Take side trips to nearby areas, including Nubble Lighthouse, York, Wells, and Kennebunkport.
Psst! I have a detailed post on Ogunquit vs. Kennebunkport, if you need help deciding which is a better fit for your travel plans 😉
3. Camden
Camden often makes lists of the most beautiful towns in the U.S., and once you visit, it’s easy to see why. In fact, it was named as one of Travel + Leisure’s top 16 most beautiful coastal towns in the entire world. Yep – WORLD. And honestly, I think it lives up to that reputation.
Camden is a small town built around the harbor which feeds into West Penobscot Bay, and is surrounded on either side by that iconic coastal Maine scenery. Camden is also a very walkable town, and close by some other notable places to explore, meaning you’ll have easy access to some day trip options, including Rockland, Owls Head, and some of the best lighthouses in Maine.
Downtown in Camden, you’ll have some really nice hotels to choose from during your stay, and tons of charming scenery and shops to enjoy. Additionally, Camden is home to some wonderful dining options which make for a cozy date night out during your vacation. While small, Camden packs in a lot to see and do!
Where To Stay In Camden On Your Vacation:
✓ Camden Harbour Inn: Cozy and splurge-worthy, and home to Natalie’s, one of the top places to eat!
✓ Lord Camden Inn: Located right on Main Street in the heart of town.
✓ Camden Riverhouse: A cozy budget-conscious hotel that’s also walkable to town.
Awesome Things To Do In Camden:
→ Take a sailing tour, since this is one of the top spots in Maine for sailing! I recommend this day sail tour, and this sunset sail tour.
→ Book a multi-night tour on a historic schooner. I have an entire post all about my amazing 3-night tour windjamming aboard a historic schooner, which departed from Rockland, a few minutes from Camden.
→ Stroll around downtown to visit the shops. Main Street and Bayview are my favorite areas for shopping.
→ Drive to Camden Hills State Park, and either hike up, or drive the auto road to the top of Mount Battie for an amazing bird’s-eye view of the harbor. The auto road is only open seasonally, so plan accordingly.
→ Visit the Curtis Island Lighthouse lookout, which is a short walk or drive from town.
→ Take day trips and drives to nearby areas, including Owls Head to see the lighthouse, Rockland (which is later on my list!), and Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde.
4. Mount Desert Island & Acadia National Park
It goes without saying that Acadia National Park will be included on this list, right? Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia is New England’s only national park, and home to 47,000 acres of epic coastal views, mountain peaks, and stunning scenery to enjoy.
But even outside the park, Mount Desert Island is a treasure-trove of amazing things to see and experience, including charming towns, beautiful coastline, and scenic drives. If you’re looking for the most iconic Maine coastal scenery, this is where you want to go for your Maine getaway.
Where To Stay Near Acadia On Your Vacation:
✓ Bar Harbor Inn & Resort: The best place to stay in Bar Harbor, and it’s right on the water
✓ The Claremont: An amazing oceanfront resort in Southwest Harbor
✓ Bayview Hotel: A gorgeous waterfront hotel in Bar Harbor, just outside of the main town area
Awesome Things To Do In Acadia & Mount Desert Island:
→ Explore top attractions in the park, including Ocean Path, sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond House Restaurant, Sand Beach, and the many hiking trails.
→ Visit the charming towns around Acadia, including Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor.
→ Walk out to Bar Island at low tide, which is just off Shore Path, a coastal walkway in downtown Bar Harbor.
→ Head out on a whale watch tour or puffin tour.
→ Visit the Tidal Fall Preserve in Hancock, where starfish and other marine life are often visible at low tide.
→ Drive to Bass Harbor Lighthouse, which is an awesome sunset spot.
Psst! I have a few posts about Acadia that you may find helpful:
- My Acadia National Park Itinerary
- Where To Stay When Visiting Acadia National Park: Best Towns & Hotels
- Best Time Of Year To Visit Acadia National Park
- Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?
- Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park In The Winter
5. Boothbay Harbor
Whenever I’m traveling around Maine, I can’t help but spend some time in Boothbay Harbor. A small town right built around the harbor (as the name suggests 😉), it’s loaded with character, and offers incredible opportunities to explore the coastline by boat. I always suggest Boothbay Harbor if you’re looking to take some wildlife and lighthouse tours, and get to know a charming town along the coast.
Most of Boothbay Harbor is very walkable, and there are some excellent hotels to choose from, ranging from cozy inns to bigger resorts, making a great choice for most types of travelers. The town is also wonderfully situated along the Midcoast portion of Maine, so you have opportunities for day trips to other nearby areas that are absolutely gorgeous.
Where To Stay In Boothbay Harbor On Your Vacation:
✓ Spruce Point Inn: A lovely resort on the water with lots of amenities, and a secluded feel
✓ Harborage Inn: Waterfront hotel right in town, so it’s walkable to everything (room 8 is worth it!)
✓ Smugglers Cove Inn: Located in East Boothbay, it’s a great resort to get away from it all
Awesome Things To Do In Boothbay Harbor:
→ Explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which spans over 300 acres of stunning gardens, giant troll sculptures, and waterfront scenery.
→ Visit the cute shops downtown, including Sherman’s, Maine’s oldest bookstore!
→ Take a boat tour around the Midcoast. I love this Seals, Lobster Haul, and Lighthouses tour, and this sunset windjammer tour.
→ Book one of the most unique and memorable dining experiences in Maine: Cabbage Island Clambakes (open seasonally).
→ Take day trips to nearby areas, including Georgetown (Five Island Lobster has one of the best lobster rolls in Maine!), Popham Beach in Phippsburg, Bailey Island, and Pemaquid Lighthouse.
Psst! I have an entire guide on things to do in Boothbay Harbor, if you need more info 😉
6. Rockland
Only about 20 minutes from beautiful Camden, you’ll find the very lovely Rockland. In fact, more and more of my readers are emailing me to say that they enjoyed Rockland just as much as Camden, and I can’t say I’m surprised! It has a unique vibe that’s both coastal and urban New England, combined into a very cool small town.
Rockland doesn’t have as much of the quaint, New England charm as Camden, but it’s packed with lots of great waterfront scenery, its own lighthouse, an awesome Main Street filled with shops and eateries, and a nice waterfront walking trail/park to enjoy. If you’ve been to Camden before, or you’re looking to get more off-the-beaten-path, Rockland is for you!
Where To Stay In Rockland On Your Vacation:
✓ 250 Main Hotel: An amazing, modern hotel right on Main Street, and walkable to town
✓ Island View Inn: Perfectly cozy and spacious rooms, all of which have a water view!
✓ Samoset Resort: The best resort in the area, and overlooks the water and the lighthouse!
Awesome Things To Do In Rockland:
→ Head out to Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, which requires a walk for almost a mile on a rock jetty, which is a fun experience!
→ This is another great town to consider booking a windjamming tour along the day, which are multi-night adventures. Visit Maine Windjammer Association for options!
→ Visit all the museums, including the Farnsworth Art Museum, Project Puffin Visitor’s Center, Maine Lighthouse Museum, and more.
→ Take a day trip to Vinalhaven island – the ferry leaves right from Rockland!
→ Enjoy the Rockland Harbor Trails, which is a pedestrian path along the coast which offers a laid-back walk with awesome views.
→ Explore the shops and eateries on Main Street.
7. Lubec
One of my personal favorite places in all of Maine is Lubec, which is an amazing off-the-beaten-path destination that’s located in the northeastern-most corner of the U.S. It’s a bit out of the way for most people, however, it’s so worth the trip, and packed with secluded and unspoiled scenery, and authentic coastal New England charm.
Something to note about Lubec is that is may not be for everyone. The town is incredibly small, and doesn’t have a ton of lodging and dining options. However, the options that are available are wonderful, and such a treat to experience.
One of the best things about visiting Lubec is that you get to explore the Bold Coast, which is the section of Maine’s coastline between Cutler and Lubec, and it’s home to some pretty amazing hikes, dramatic coastal views, and an iconic lighthouse. It’s a great under-the-radar destination if you’re looking for a more peaceful getaway in Maine.
Where To Stay In Lubec On Your Vacation:
→ Inn On The Wharf: Rooms with options right on the water, including your own balcony. This is the only place I stay when I visit Lubec because I love it that much 😍
Awesome Things To Do In Lubec:
→ Explore some of the hiking trails, with my favorites being Boot Head and Hamilton Cove.
→ Visit West Quoddy Lighthouse, and the state park its situated on. Lots of great coastal views, photo opps, and trails here!
→ Pop into Monica’s Chocolates for artisanal chocolate creations.
→ Sip local craft brews at Lubec Brewery.
→ Take a day trip to Canada and visit Campobello Island, which is known for being the summer home of President FDR. It’s, quite literally, a 5-minute drive to the island from Lubec. Just be sure to have your passport handy because you’ll cross an international border.
→ If you have more than a day or two, consider spending a night at Little River Lighthouse before or after your trip to Lubec. You’ll get an entire island and lighthouse to yourself for a quintessential Maine experience!
→ Take day trips to nearby towns like Calais and Eastport.
Psst! I have an entire guide on visiting Lubec, Maine, which includes more things to do if you’d like extra info 😉
8. Lake Sebago
While Maine is known for its stunning coastline, it also has some absolutely beautiful lakes to explore, and Sebago Lake is one of the top ones I recommend. This destination is all about getting in touch with nature, being outdoors, and enjoying your peaceful surroundings. You’ll find less towns and actual attractions to enjoy compared to other places on this list, but that’s the appeal – you’ll slow down once you arrive to Lake Sebago.
As the second largest lake in Maine, you’ll find plenty of water activities to enjoy, including boating, kayaking, and cruise options, and there are also some wonderful nature trails to enjoy in the area, as well as great dining options.
Where To Stay Around Lake Sebago On Your Vacation:
✓ Migis Lodge: An all-inclusive resort on the lake that’s one of Maine’s best experiences!
✓ Point Sebago Resort: Fantastic resort option with a sandy beach and lots of activities.
✓ Wolf Cove Inn: Not technically on Lake Sebago, but it’s in the area, & one of the coziest lakefront inns!
Awesome Things To Do Around Lake Sebago:
→ Explore some of the beaches around the lake, including at Sebago Lake State Park, Tassel Top Beach, and Nason’s Beach.
→ Head out on the water for a scenic cruise on the Songo River Queen.
→ Rent kayaks or canoes to paddle around the lake, or take a guided tour with Sebago Trails Paddling Company.
→ Splurge on a seaplane tour around the lake with Naples Seaplane Adventure.
9. Rangeley
Much like Sebago Lake, Rangeley is all about that slower lake life in Maine, and since the Rangeley region is home to four large lakes (including the fourth largest in the state!), as well as tons of small lakes, you’ll have no trouble adjusting to lake time while here.
Rangeley is an excellent choice for a Maine vacation if you’re looking to get off-the-beaten path a bit, explore some of the mountain areas, and relax by the water. There’s a great mix of adventure, hiking, and lakeside fun here, which proves why Maine is referred to as Vacationland.
Where To Stay In Rangeley On Your Vacation:
✓ Rangeley Lakeside Resort: Cozy cabin rentals, with different options to choose from.
✓ Loon Lodge: Lakefront hotel with cozy cabin vibes.
Awesome Things To Do Around Rangeley:
→ Splurge on a Seaplane Tour around the lake (and it’s not as expensive as you may think! 😉)
→ Rent kayaks to paddle around the lake.
→ Since the Appalachian Trail runs through Rangeley, tackle one of the wonderful hiking trails, including Saddleback Mountains, which offers some of the best views in the area.
→ Drive to the Height of Land overlook, which offers incredible views for minimal effort.
→ Swim in the lake, and you can find sandy beaches at Rangeley Lake State Park and Lakeside Park.
10. Bethel
One of my favorite places for a fall or winter Maine vacation is Bethel, which is home to one of the state’s most popular ski resorts – Sunday River. While Bethel is fantastic year-round, the fall season brings gorgeous foliage color throughout town, and of course, the slopes at Sunday River make for the perfect winter getaway.
There’s more to Bethel than just foliage and skiing, though, and you’ll find a quaint downtown, a covered bridge, a brewery, and perfect examples of why Maine’s inland regions are not to be missed.
Where To Stay In Bethel On Your Vacation:
✓ Elizabeth Inn: A wonderful New England-style Inn with an incredible on-site restaurant!
✓ Jordan Hotel at Sunday River: Right at the ski resort, and steps from all kinds of activities.
✓ The Inn at The Rostay: A great budget-conscious motel option in town!
Awesome Things To Do Around Bethel:
→ Visit Sunday River Resort, which offers year-round activities, in addition to skiing in the winter, including scenic chair lift rides, golf, hiking, swimming holes, dining, a spa, and more.
→ Sip on craft brews at Steam Mill Brewing or Sunday River Brewing.
→ Snap photos with the local covered bridges, including Sunday River Covered Bridge, and Lovejoy Covered Bridge.
→ Drive out to Grafton Notch State Park for epic mountain views, and hike the Table Rock trail.
→ Head out on the water with a kayak or paddleboarding tour.
→ Explore the area’s nature and hiking trails. I especially like the Valentine Farm Trail for an easy, scenic nature walk.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the Best Things To Do In Bethel, Maine, if you need more info 😉
11. Moosehead Lake
If you’re looking for a memorable trip inland in Maine, Moosehead Lake is a fantastic destination to consider, and such a beautiful area of the state. Moosehead is Maine’s largest lake, and this entire region is more remote, and perfect for those looking to disconnect up in the state’s northern territory.
A vacation at Moosehead Lake is going to be all about spending time outdoors, hiking, and getting back in touch with nature. You won’t find a ton of official attractions, but you’ll find the terrain and landscapes to be an impressive attraction in and of itself.
This is also a top destination for spotting moose in Maine, so if this is something on your bucket list, there are quite a few tours you can take, or places you can go, to get the best chance of seeing these majestic animals.
Where To Stay Around Moosehead Lake On Your Vacation:
✓ The Lodge at Moosehead Lake: New England style inn with mountain views & excellent dining on-site
✓ Moose Mountain Inn: A cozy motel style hotel with a cabin/mountain vibe.
✓ Blair Hill Inn: A luxury inn experience with lake views.
Awesome Things To Do Around Moosehead Lake:
→ Rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake.
→ This is another region in Maine that includes the Appalachian Trail, so you’ll want to tackle one of the beautiful hiking trails. Mount Kineo State Park is one of the top places to explore.
→ Head to the beach at Lily Bay State Park to go for a swim, or jump into the swimming holes at Little Wilson Falls.
→ Get in a round of golf at Mount Kineo Golf Course.
→ Go on a moose watching tour with Young’s Guide Service.
→ Splurge on a seaplane tour around the lake, which also offers opportunities to see moose!
12. Portland
As Maine’s biggest city, Portland is such a fun place to explore if you’re looking for a more urban vibe for your Maine vacation. But what I love about Portland is that it’s filled with maritimes history and character, which you can see all over the Old Port district, and there’s also lots of opportunities to enjoy the waterfront scenery.
Portland is also home to Maine’s most popular lighthouse – Portland Head Light, which is one of the best places in Maine to visit. Additionally, you can spend your days visiting the fantastic restaurants, breweries, shops, and museums for the ultimate city escape in Maine.
Where To Stay In Portland On Your Vacation:
✓ The Press Hotel: The best hotel in Portland, in my opinion, and worth the splurge!
✓ Portland Harbor Hotel: Great location and updated, but cozy rooms.
✓ Canopy By Hilton Portland Waterfront: Also a great location that feels like a stylish boutique hotel.
Awesome Things To Do In Portland:
→ Drive to South Portland to see Portland Head Lighthouse, and walk the coastal path there. I also recommend visiting the two small lighthouses nearby: Spring Point Ledge Light, and Bug Light.
→ Explore Old Port, the most charming part the city.
→ If you love craft beer, Portland is an incredible city for that, and you’ll find over 60 to choose from. I have an entire guide on my favorite breweries in Portland, Maine, if you need some suggestions.
→ Take a food tour of the city since it has an incredible culinary scene. This culinary walking tour around Old Port is a great one to check out!
→ Head out onto the water, and this sunset windjammer cruise is a great option!
→ Tour the city’s museums, including the beautiful Victoria Mansion, the Portland Museum of Art, and the Children’s Museum.
→ Take a walk on the Eastern Promenade for lovely water views.
Psst! I have a full guide on the best things to do in Portland, Maine for first-timers, if you need more ideas 😉
13. Chebeague Island
There are some absolutely stunning islands of the coast of Maine, but one of the ones I tend to recommend the most is beautiful Chebeague Island (prononced shuh-big, no emphasis on either syllable).
One of the unique things about the island is that there’s only one place to stay: the Chebeague Island Inn, and that’s one of the perks of visiting the island. This gorgeous and historic waterfront property offers a huge wrap-around porch overlooking the water, and they don’t have TV’s in the rooms, so you’re forced to disconnect from the rest of the world, which is a rarity this day in age!
The island sits just off the coast between Portland and Freeport, so it’s easy to access if you’re visiting the southern region of the state. Ferries depart from Portland, and take only one hour to get to there. While small, the island offers so much unspoiled and idyllic coastal beauty, making it a memorable place for a Maine vacation.
Where To Stay On Chebeague Island On Your Vacation:
✓ Chebeague Island Inn: It’s the only place to stay on the island, but absolutely worth it!
Awesome Things To Do On Chebeague Island:
→ Spend the day at Hamilton Beach, which is walkable from the inn.
→ Head out on a scenic nature walk, including walking on the sand bar to Little Chebeague, which is a cool experience.
→ Rent a golf cart or bike to cruise around the island.
→ Have drinks delivered to your chair at the inn during sunset!
→ Get in a round of golf at Great Chebeague Golf Club.
→ Head out to Second Wind Farm to learn about the local agriculture, and pick up some fresh produce to take home.
→ End your days with dinner at the inn, which offers a fantastic dining experience!
Maine Vacations Seasonal Guide
What’s The Best Time Of Year Or Month To Plan A Maine Vacation?
The great thing about Maine (and really, all of the New England states), is that each season offers different things to do, so it really depends on what you’re looking for.
For a beach vacation, you’ll want to plan your trip late June through early September for the best weather.
For fall foliage, the entire month of October is great, and it will just depend on where in the state you go, as peak foliage happens at different times in each region.
For skiing, January and February are the best winter months to visit.
Best Maine Vacations For Fall Foliage
To see amazing fall foliage, I like to recommend you visit:
- Kennebunkport (late October)
- Bethel and Rangeley (early October)
- Acadia National Park (mid October)
- Camden (mid October)
- Moosehead Lake (late September or early October)
Best Maine Summer & Beach Vacations
The best places for a beach vacation are:
- Ogunquit, which is my top recommendation
- Kennebunkport
- Acadia, which has Sand Beach for swimming, plus all the other great activities
Psst! I have a detailed guide on the Best Time To Visit Maine, if you need more info 😉
Maine Vacations By Travel Style
Best Family Vacations In Maine
If you’re traveling with children, these are places I’d recommend for you:
- Kennebunkport, as the beaches have calmer water, and the kids would probably love the lobster tour with Rugosa! There’s also the Trolley Museum to check out, and a great candy shop and ice cream places in town.
- Acadia: While there are some challenging hikes and such, much of the terrain is beginner-friendly, and there are lots of fun things for kids to do like the tidal pools in Hancock, the easy nature trails, swimming at Echo Lake, mini golf in Southwest Harbor, etc.
- Ogunquit: While the main beach has bigger waves, there are some small tidal pools behind the parking areas of the main beach that are perfect for little ones. Marginal Way is an easy walk along the water for the entire family, and many of the shops in town will appeal to children.
Romantic Maine Vacations For Couples
If you’re planning a special getaway with your partner or spouse, here’s where I recommend:
- Camden – With some great fine dining options and sunset sails, it’s such a romantic town for a getaway!
- Kennebunkport – Even though it’s also great for families, some of the hotels and resorts are very romantic, including Hidden Pond, and the Cottages at Cabot Cove. Hidden Pond has a very romantic restaurant on-site called Earth, which I highly recommend.
- Cliff House – On Cape Neddick just south of Ogunquit, this oceanfront resort is incredibly romantic, and you’re within driving distance to many towns in southern Maine.
- The Claremont – I think this is the most romantic place to stay near Acadia.
Maine Vacations That Offer All-Inclusive Packages
The only place from this list that offers an all-inclusive experience is Migis Lodge on Lake Sebago. All dining and activities are included, with the exception of alcohol.
More Maine Vacation FAQs
What’s The Best & Prettiest Part Of Maine To Go To?
Honestly, the entire state is beautiful. However, I personally find the coastline to be the prettiest part. That said, this is all completely subjective, and I really just think the rugged coastal views in Maine is one of the most iconic and un-missable things to experience in the state. I also love all the charming towns situated along the coast.
However, if you’re more of a mountain person, Moosehead Lake and Bethel are really beautiful areas, too.
What Is The Top Attraction In Maine?
Acadia National Park is the most popular attraction in Maine, as well as Portland Head Lighthouse in the southern part of the state.
How Many Days Should I Plan For A Vacation In Maine?
The great thing about Maine is that you can easily spend just a couple of days there, or up to a month, and you’ll have such a memorable trip!
Ideally, a week in Maine is a great amount of time to see a few different places and get a feel for the atmosphere. However, this is entirely dependent on your schedule.
How Many Destinations Should I See In Maine During My Trip?
This is also dependent on your schedule, but I think it’s worth it to spend some time in southern Maine, and drive up the coast to Acadia. The drive from the southern Maine region (using Ogunquit as a general starting point) to Bar Harbor, is about 3h45m without stops. And there’s so much you can see on the drive that will make it worth your while.
For that reason, I recommend a road trip between these two regions because you can cover a lot of ground, and see the very best of Maine.
Tips For Planning Your Maine Vacation
→ Offline maps to your phone. You’ll lose cell service more than you’d probably think, especially close to the water and inside Acadia.
→ Book in advance for peak season (i.e. coastal destinations in the summer, and mountain destinations in the fall). Hotels fill up quickly during peaks seasons.
→ Plan Acadia National Park entry ahead of time, including Cadillac Mountain auto-road reservations and park passes. You’ll want to buy your park pass online before leaving to display it on your dashboard upon arrival. Click here to buy your park pass.
→ Pack accordingly, as New England weather can be moody. Check forecasts a few days before leaving to have a better idea of what to expect.
→ Plan to take day trips to nearby areas. Most of the best places to plan a Maine getaway are the smaller, more quaint towns, and while they offer a lot to do, they’re still, well … small. That’s perfect for those who don’t want to do a lot during your vacation, however, if you like to see a lot on your trips, you’ll want to plan a day to get out and explore nearby places, which I recommended in each section for you!
More of my Maine travel guides you may find helpful:
- A Guide To Summer In Maine – Where To Go & Things To Do
- My Bucket List Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Maine In The Spring
- Maine In October
- Maine In The Winter: Things To Do & Where To Go
- Best Stops To Make When Driving From Portland, Maine To Acadia
- Is Cape Cod Or Maine Better For Your Next Vacation?
That’s A Wrap On The Best Places For A Maine Vacation
And there you have it – all my recommendations on the absolute best places for a Maine vacation. Whether you’re looking to plan a coastal getaway to one of the top beach towns, head out on an adventurous hiking trip to Acadia National Park, or are hoping for a romantic escape to a high-end resort, all of that, and everything in between will make for one amazing trip to the Pine Tree State. Happy planning! 😊
