Beaches in Maine
Maine’s Beaches As big as the other five New England states combined, Maine barely has the population of tiny Rhode…
Maine Visitors Guide 2024
The beautiful state of Maine is mostly rural and encompasses a great variety of landscapes. There are over 5,000 miles of gorgeous surf-crashing coastline, majestic mountains, cold rushing streams and rivers, crushed seashell beaches, and picturesque island-dotted glistening lakes. Maine offers some of the most memorable and unique natural sights on the East Coast. In addition to the sights, sporting enthusiasts find year-round recreation including fishing, large game hunting, swimming, kayaking, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, whitewater boating, and much more. Visitors enjoy some of the most romantic bed and breakfasts the country has to offer located in quaint villages lined with rustic antique shops, elegant resorts, and fabulous lobster restaurants.
In Maine, eat fresh shellfish on the shores of Boothbay Harbor as lobster boats and schooners pass by, or sea kayak the historic North Coastline, studded with lighthouses and old forts. The south coast cities of Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are known for their Victorian charm and elegant bed and breakfasts, while Portland’s arts community is rich with diversity and tradition. A hike up Bradbury Mountain is a sure way to find fresh air and picturesque scenery, just as cruising aboard a Maine windjammer will guarantee relaxation. In Augusta, the state’s capital, visitors can relive Maine’s past at the Maine State Museum or at the Old Fort Western, one of the oldest military forts in the United States. Visitors can also experience the beauty of a fall foliage tour, available at many points throughout the state. Maine’s mountains open the gate to skiing and mountain biking, while North Maine is a haven for fishing and hunting.
North Maine Visitors Guide
North Maine offers much for the traveler, as it is home to beautiful park areas, and several museums and also hosts fun-filled annual events. Hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, camping, and fishing are popular pastimes in North Maine’s parks, which include Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle. This recreational haven was Maine’s first state park and encompasses over 800 acres (324 ha). The town of Jackman is an ideal place to stay when embarking on a whitewater rafting adventure, as it offers several types of accommodation, including cabins, hotels, and campgrounds. The Northern Maine Museum of Science in Presque Isle and the Northern Timber Cruisers Antique Snowmobile Museum in Millinocket are great places to spend the day and learn about North Maine. At the end of July and the beginning of August, the nine-day Northern Maine Fair takes place in Presque Isle and offers live musical performances, a midway, agricultural exhibits, and horse pulls, among many other entertaining activities.
North Coast Maine Visitors Guide
Home to the Acadia region of Maine, the North Coast’s geographical diversity is something to be marveled at and explored. In Cobscook Bay State Park tides are dramatic and awe-inspiring. The hundreds of coves and harbors found in the area are easy to fall in love with, while the jagged cliffs that stretch from the sea to the sky capture the rugged beauty of Maine. Watch the eagles, osprey, and falcons soar overhead or journey to Canada on the ferry that operates between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Bar Harbor’s museums and galleries are to be appreciated, as they tell the tales of Maine’s event-filled past. Throughout the region are quaint bed and breakfasts, inviting guests to enjoy a majestic sunset on the Atlantic. Acadia National Park is perhaps the area’s largest attraction, offering a range of activities on its cliffs, mountains, and waters. Hike, bike, climb, paddle or simply take in the sights while visiting North Coast Maine.
Kennebunkport Visitors Guide
Filled with historic and fun-filled attractions, Kennebunkport is one of Maine’s most popular summer vacation destinations. Located in an area called the Kennebunks, the community shares its many amenities with neighboring towns including Kennebunk, Cape Porpoise, Arundel and Kennebunk Beach. Kennebunkport may be best known for Walker’s Point, the family retreat of the Bush presidential family.
Thousands of spectators are also drawn to the area’s natural wonders: Spouting Rock and Blowing Cave, which lie on the popular shore walk, Parson’s Way. Many people come to the area for the beaches, which are plentiful, easily accessible, and range in terrain and amenities. Located on South Coast Maine, Kennebunkport boasts numerous fishing trips, boat tours, and whale-watching expeditions, as the town is found beside the Kennebunk River which leads to the Atlantic Ocean. This port river also separates Kennebunkport’s Dock Square from Kennebunk’s Lower Village, both of which are filled with stores, restaurants, and historic sites.
Ogunquit Visitors Guide
Ogunquit is a quintessential New England town, providing some of the best vacation attractions that Maine has to offer. Some of the activities to be enjoyed in Ogunquit include boat tours, fishing excursions, and whale watching, all of which are conveniently located near area accommodations. There is no shortage of accommodation choices here, confirming the popularity of Ogunquit among travelers. While in town, visitors can enjoy live performing arts at the Booth Theatre and movies at the Leavitt Fine Arts Theatre, a historic building that features the original seats and sloping floor. For the treasure hunter, the Blacksmith’s Antique Mall on Main Street offers a variety of antique furniture, accessories, and collectibles, and is one of the premier places to shop in Ogunquit. To get around in Ogunquit, Beached Wheels offers scooter and bike rentals, both good ways to navigate this Maine Township. For entertainment, visit the 70-year-old Ogunquit Playhouse, featuring professional live theater, such as Broadway.
Portland, ME Visitors Guide
Portland is one of the top tourist attractions in Maine. This impressive city is filled with ornate mansions, incredible ocean views, and other beautiful attractions. Portland is the largest city in Maine and tourists can explore the city’s unique boutiques, art galleries, and shops. However, walking down the cobblestone streets of the revitalized Old Port District is a great and reassuring experience.
Situated along the South Coast of Maine, Portland is Maine’s largest city and industrial center. This charming and refined city has much to offer its visitors, and throughout the year many flock to Portland and take in its many sights and sounds. Once the center of Portland’s busy commercial activities, the Old Port Historic District is now an attractive area decorated with a Victorian flair. Delightful shops and restaurants replace the previous exchange merchants and old warehouse buildings in this newly restored area. Portland’s hearty cultural scene also makes it a stage for musicians, actors, and artists. Portland has plenty of scenery and visiting one of its picture-perfect lighthouses is a great way to spend some time in this city by the sea. Or. stop by the Portland Observatory, an 86-foot-high tower with unique architecture and history. For more activities and educational shows, visit the Southworth Planetarium, featuring shuttle launches, NASA space probes, and laser-light shows.
Augusta, ME Visitors Guide
A trip to Maine wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Augusta, the state’s capital city. History abounds in Augusta with Old Fort Western, a garrison that has been around for 250 years. Another historic site is the Blaine House, which today is used as the official Governor’s Residence. For the scholarly traveler, the Maine State Museum is perfect for a summary of the rich history and culture of Maine, while for the kids there is the Children’s Discovery Museum, a hands-on environment for youngsters aged three to 11. Take in a lighthouse tour through Maine Expressions, running numerous times a day. For the more adventurous type, Backcountry Heritage Outdoor Adventures offers group, family, and couple tours through the diverse means of backpacking, camping, canoeing, and wildlife watching. Check out Augusta’s 224-acre (91-ha) park, Pine Street Arboretum, which features over 200 different species of trees.
Top Attractions in Maine
Maine is well-known for its incredible scenery, featuring rocky coastlines, heavily forested interiors, picturesque waterways, and rolling mountains. However, this place is also known for its incredible cuisine, especially seafood cuisine, with clams and lobsters. Despite its maritime position, on the Atlantic coastline, Maine has a continental climate, even in coastal cities, like Portland. Maine has several attractions to offer, such as charming historic towns, national parks with boundless wildlife, and ski resorts. Here are a few places that you can visit in Maine:
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is well-known for its carnival-like atmosphere and sandy beaches. This beautiful place has much to offer, such as festivals, ample shops and several activities that you can practice. One of the main attractions in Old Orchard Beach is The Pier. This 150-meter wooden walkway extends out into the Atlantic Ocean and homes a high variety of food stands, souvenir shops, nightclubs, and restaurants. Another interesting attraction is the Palace Playland. This attraction is a beachfront amusement park and it is designated for young visitors, who will enjoy carnival games, roller coasters, and fireworks.
Camden Hills State Park
Camden Hills Park offers an array of activities for tourists of all tastes. Some of the most popular activities that you can experience here are hiking, scenic drives, and camping. Windjammer tours, sea kayak tours, ferry rides out to the nearby islands, and fishing charters are also considered a great way to explore these beautiful places. For a relaxing lunch, you can have a picnic and enjoy the Oceanside areas. Camden Hills State Park is open from mid-May through mid-October.