Maine, the northeasternmost U.S. state, is known for its rocky coastline, maritime history and nature areas like the granite and spruce islands of Acadia National Park. Moose are plentiful in Baxter State Park, home to Mt. Katahdin, endpoint of the Appalachian Trail. Lighthouses such as the candy-striped beacon at West Quoddy Head, dot the coast, as do lobster shacks and sandy beaches like Ogunquit and Old Orchard. ― Google
Late Spring to Early Fall (May–October) is ideal for visiting Maine.
June to August: Best weather, perfect for coastal visits and outdoor activities.
September to early October: Stunning fall foliage, fewer crowds, great for hiking and scenic drives.
Winter (December–February): Visit for skiing and snow sports, especially in places like Sugarloaf and Sunday River.
By Air:
Portland International Jetport (PWM): Maine’s largest airport, serves many major US cities.
Bangor International Airport (BGR): Serves northern and central Maine.
Smaller regional airports in Bar Harbor and Augusta serve local flights.
By Train:
Amtrak Downeaster runs from Boston to Portland, Brunswick, and Freeport.
By Car:
I-95 is the main highway into Maine from the south (Boston, NH).
Scenic coastal routes like US-1 are popular for leisurely drives.
By Bus:
Greyhound, Concord Coach Lines, and Megabus offer service from Boston and New York.
Acadia National Park: One of the most visited national parks; offers hiking, biking, and stunning coastal views.
Bar Harbor: A charming coastal town, gateway to Acadia.
Portland Head Light: Historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, perfect for photography.
Old Port (Portland): Cobblestone streets, boutiques, galleries, and seafood restaurants.
Kennebunkport: A quaint seaside town known for beaches, shopping, and the Bush family compound.
Moosehead Lake: Maine’s largest lake, ideal for kayaking, fishing, and moose spotting.
Baxter State Park & Mount Katahdin: End of the Appalachian Trail; great for serious hikers.
Camden Hills State Park: Panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and charming Camden town.
L.L. Bean Flagship Store (Freeport): Open 24/7, a Maine shopping institution.
Wells, Ogunquit & York Beaches: Scenic coastal towns with sandy beaches and summer activities.
Outdoor Adventures:
Hike Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park — catch the first sunrise in the U.S.
Kayaking & Canoeing along the coast or on Moosehead Lake.
Whale Watching Cruises from Bar Harbor or Boothbay Harbor (May to October).
Skiing & Snowboarding at Sugarloaf or Sunday River in winter.
Lighthouse Tours — explore iconic lighthouses like Portland Head Light and Pemaquid Point.
Nature & Wildlife:
Moose Safaris in the North Woods or Greenville area.
Birdwatching and wildlife photography in national parks and refuges.
Fall foliage drives through Route 1, Rangeley Lakes, or the Western Mountains.
Water & Coast:
Beach days at Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, and Popham Beach.
Sailing and boat tours around Casco Bay.
Fishing & Lobster Boat Tours with locals.
Cultural & Leisure:
Art walks in Portland or Rockland (home to the Farnsworth Art Museum).
Antiquing and shopping in Kennebunkport and Freeport.
Explore historic villages like Wiscasset, Camden, and Bath.
Luxury & Boutique:
White Barn Inn (Kennebunkport) – Elegant lodging and fine dining.
Camden Harbour Inn – Upscale with ocean views.
The Press Hotel (Portland) – Stylish and artsy, in a former newspaper building.
Mid-range & Family-Friendly:
Bar Harbor Inn – Ideal for Acadia access.
Inn by the Sea (Cape Elizabeth) – Beachside and pet-friendly.
Harraseeket Inn (Freeport) – Cozy and near shopping.
Budget & Cozy Options:
Motels and B&Bs in towns like Rockland, Ellsworth, and Brunswick.
Cabins and Lodges near lakes and in the woods.
Campgrounds in Acadia, Baxter State Park, and state parks.
Must-Try Foods:
Lobster (rolls, steamed, bisque)
Clam chowder
Blueberry pie (wild Maine blueberries)
Fried clams & scallops
Maple syrup products
Notable Restaurants:
Eventide Oyster Co. (Portland) – Famous for lobster rolls and oysters.
Fore Street (Portland) – Wood-fired and seasonal New England cuisine.
The Lost Kitchen (Freedom) – Exclusive and farm-to-table, reservations by postcard.
Primo (Rockland) – Award-winning and sustainability focused.
Bagaduce Lunch (Brooksville) – Quintessential seafood shack with river views.
Casual & Local Favorites:
Red’s Eats (Wiscasset) – Legendary lobster rolls.
Beal’s Lobster Pier (Southwest Harbor) – Classic experience right on the dock.
Rugged Individualism & Nature Respect: Maine people (“Mainers”) are known for being independent, resourceful, and deeply connected to the land and sea.
Lobstering & Fishing Heritage: Coastal towns revolve around these traditional industries; lobster traps and fishing boats are everywhere.
Acadian & French Canadian Influence: Especially in Northern Maine, with French dialects, music, and festivals.
Wabanaki Native American Tribes: The Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq peoples contribute to Maine’s heritage.
Art and Literature: Maine has inspired writers like Stephen King and painters like Winslow Homer. Art communities thrive in Portland, Rockland, and Monhegan Island.