62 Top Things to Do in Maine: Bucket List + Places to Visit 2024

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Ah, Maine. Definitely an amazing destination, and in the whole of New England, it remains my second favorite state. (I’m a proud Vermonter!)

If you’re looking for what to do in Maine, you will find that there is no end to the activities, sites, and visual delights of this state. You’re in for fun from north to south and east to west, all across the 35, 285 square miles of Maine.

Yes, Maine is a nature lovers paradise, but there’s truly something for everyone in Vacationland, indoors and out!

As you put together your Maine bucket list, let this Maine travel guide help to inspire you. I’ve collected a list of the best things to do in Maine: the essential Maine things to do that a visitor to the Pine Tree State should not miss, plus the best places in Maine to go.

Table of Contents

When is the best time to visit Maine?

The best time to visit Maine is the summer months, between late June and early August! Truthfully, the weather during the summer in Maine just can’t be beaten.

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit any other time! I always have a good time in Maine whenever I visit, and recently enjoyed a winter trip to Kennebunkport. I just love Maine, period.

Plus, if you plan your trip to Maine in advance, you can definitely save some money versus booking last minute for accommodations.

In addition to the weather, summer is the best time to visit Maine because Maine’s state parks – like Acadia National Park – have lots of activities like hiking which are best enjoyed with warm weather. Because Maine is coastal, there tends to be a great breeze!

As far as temperatures go, expect it to be around 70°F most days. It can get as high as 100°F in the middle of July, so definitely prepare yourself for some warmer weather. Don’t worry, though: there’s always a lake or beach nearby where you can visit to cool off pretty quickly.

Best Things to Do in Maine: Bucket List Essentials

1. Go lighthouse hopping

Maine and lighthouses go together like peanut butter and jelly: they are made for one another!

White lighthouse next to lightkeeper\'s house at sunset
Pemaquid Point Light in Bristol, Maine is a picture perfect addition to any Maine coast travel guide.

When you picture Maine, it is no doubt its rocky, spectacular coast that comes to mind.

And with 3,478 miles worth of coastline (more than California, in fact) there’s a lot of coast to explore, and lighthouses are typically the best Maine coast attractions, hands down!

You’ll find 65 lighthouses on your things to do in coastal Maine list. While some are open to the public, others can only be viewed from the outside, or sometimes only from on the water itself.

Some of my favorites include Nubble Lighthouse and the iconic Portland Head Light.

A woman stands on a rocky ledge in front of the Nubble Light in Maine.
I love the Nubble Lighthouse!

Be sure to add a visit to a few of Maine’s most beautiful lighthouses to your travel itinerary, including these lighthouses near Portland.

2. Sip beer in Portland

New England is a haven for craft beer fans. And it turns out, a great many of these breweries are in Maine, particularly in the Portland area. Don’t miss visiting and drinking at the top breweries in Portland, but also don’t be afraid to venture further afield to find some incredibly unique breweries., (like Funky Bow Brewery in Lyman).

If you’re looking for Portland Maine indoor activities, sampling the flavors of the state is always a good time! You can even book a brewery tour like this First Round Draft Brewery Bus Tour if you want.

3. Join an American Ghost Walks Tour

Want to learn about Maine through the eyes of locals? American Ghost Walks are the biggest Maine ghost tour providers, and they have many rave reviews from past guests.

The company specializes in haunted history tours in Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, and Kennebunkport and offer a great way to learn more Maine haunted history and be guided through some of the top tourist attractions Maine has to offer.

4. See Stephen King’s Maine

There’s another thing Maine is well known for, and that’s for being the home of famed horror writer Stephen King. Not only does King reside here, but he has set a huge number of his books in Maine or New England.

King fans will LOVE a visit to Maine, particularly to Bangor, where King’s home is and which is associated with his fictional town of Derry.

Take a Stephen King tour for the real deal experience, or create a DIY tour of Stephen King’s Maine.

5. Experience Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport

My family and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Kennebunkport at Christmas time, and it was wonderful! Their annual Christmas Prelude event is in its 43rd year in 2023, and it’s a beautiful coastal Maine Christmas tradition.

Here I am with my son on a Christmas Prelude Trolley Ride. It was a hit with us all!

My son and I on the Christmas Prelude Trolley in Kennebunkport ME.

6. Shop at the LL Bean

Closeup of brown, lace-up waterproof giant boot
This giant boot is one of the top Maine sights to see. No, seriously!

Want to dress like a true Mainah’? You’ll need some gear from L.L.Bean. With its cozy flannel, excellent quality boots, and so much more, L.L.Bean is a staple in New England clothing and goods.

If you’re making a bucket list Maine things to do agenda, you’ve got to include visiting their flagship store located in Freeport (where there are lots of other fun outlet stoes as well) and check out at the famous giant Bean Boot. This one definitely qualifies as one of the more unusual things to do in Maine!

Visiting Maine at Christmas? There’s a great celebration here at the L.L.Bean store, among many others!

7. Attend the Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest

Do you enjoy big gourds? This is the event for you, my friend.

Fall in Maine is incomplete without a visit to the Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest, an annual tradition that hosts many events, the most popular of which is the Pumpkinboat Regatta. This is one of the unique things to do Damariscotta Maine is known for.

The flagstone event sees competitors paddle or pilot from inside 400-700 pound, hollowed-out pumpkins in the Damariscotta Harbor, and this is definitely one of the best things to do in Maine in October!

8. Drive State Route 27

A road going under a stone bridge with fall trees around it
One of Maine’s scenic drives, in Acadia National Park

A Maine road trip is never a bad idea, especially if you build your itinerary around some of Maine’s top destinations. A scenic drive in Maine might even be one of the top 5 things to do in Maine, especially when the fall colors are blazing on a scenic road like Route 27, also known as Maine High Peaks Scenic Byway.

This route starts off in the picturesque town of Kingfield and follows the Carrabassett River, offering impressive views of Mount Abraham and the Bigelow Range. As you head north, Route 27 will also take you through Cathedral Pines, which is the largest stand of old growth forest in the state.

9. Hop aboard a historic schooner cruise

Sailboat on the water at dusk
One of the coolest Maine experiences you can have is a ride aboard a historic schooner!

One of the best things I’ve ever done in Maine is to go sailing on a historic schooner. I’ve taken a Maine Windjammer cruise twice, sailing on the J&E Riggin for several nights. What an incredible adventure!

amy sitting in the front of a classic sail boat, maine coast

The experience of riding aboard a classic sailing vessel (and the opportunity to help with the sailing itself) is unforgettable. And the views of the Maine coast: well, it’s certainly something special; if you’re looking for unique outdoor adventures in Maine, definitely consider a Maine Windjammer cruise.

Whether you go for a brief cruise or an overnight trip, I highly recommend getting out on the water on your visit to Maine. Here’s a day sail option to consider!

10. Go whale watching

Whale watching is another popular Maine activity. Whale watching season in Maine runs from mid-April through October, as the whales make their way into these waters.

Seeing them in the ocean is awe-inspiring, and there may be no better Maine summer activity for those who love wildlife. If you’re visiting Maine in September, it’s an especially good time of year to head out on a whale watching tour.

11. Visit Maine’s ghost town

If the creepy and unusual appeals to you, you will want to pay a visit to Maine’s ghost town: Perkins Township, or Swan Island.

This town set on an island in the Kennebec River, has been abandoned since the 1940s. A few houses still stand on the island. The island is only open to visitors in the summer, and can only be accessed by boat, but it is a fascinating spot for the curious and anyone looking for somewhat obscure and weird things to do in Maine!

12. Pick blueberries and enjoy blueberry desserts

A little girl in a blueberry patch holds a bowl of blueberries while the little boy looks at them
Picking your own blueberries is a very Maine thing to do!

Maine in summer is synonymous with blueberry picking! If you are here during blueberry picking season, make your way to a farm and gather some of your own dark blue delights, This is also one of those cute date ideas in Maine that make for a very charming outing.

Otherwise, prepare to enjoy blueberry in many different desserts and foods during your visit to Maine. Blueberry pie, blueberry beers, and blueberry jam are just a few of the items you might sample.

13. Ride the Maine Brew Bus

The Maine Brews Cruise is known for its fun and memorable brewery tours in Portland, and there are a few to choose from!

Whichever tour you opt for, there’s no better means to sip your way around Maine.

14. Spot puffins

Oh those adorable puffins! I have yet to see these birds in Maine, but it’s 100% an item on my own personal Maine bucket list.

If you’re looking for cool things to see in Maine, puffins definitely fit the bill. Check out this helpful guide for where to find puffins in Maine!

Read Next: Where to See Puffins in Maine: 5 Best Puffin Tours in Maine

15. Explore Baxter State Park

One of the most beautiful state parks in Maine, Baxter State Park is a definite must visit for those in search of natural attractions and outdoor activities. You’ve got rock climbing, fishing, biking, and of course, sooooo much hiking.

This is, after all, where you can access the mighty Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine at 5,269 feet.

This is a gorgeous place to explore Maine natural beauty!

16. Go camping or glamping at a spot like Sandy Pines

A close-up of a campfire at night
Is roasting marshmallows over a campfire one of the best outdoor activities in Maine? I think so.

In New England, going camping is an essential activity and this is especially true in Maine with its glorious scenery and miles and miles of wilderness. This is especially one of the best things to do in Maine in the summer.

You could opt for “roughing it” type camping in many places around the state. But you could also be a bit more comfortable with a campground or even a glampground!

One of our favorite glamping spots is Sandy Pines Campground near Kennebunkport.

A quaint glamping cabin with yellow doors and a cozy porch
How cute is this glamping cabin?

This spot offers both traditional camping and glamping options, with a beautiful saltwater pool and plenty to do onsite. We LOVE this place!

amy peeking out the door of a glamping cabin in maine - a brown cabin with yellow doors and fairy lights on the eaves

Camping and glamping are both some of the most fun things to do in Maine with kids, too. I had a blast taking my son on a great glamping trip recently!

Check out my roundup of Maine campgrounds here!

17. Cozy up in a Maine Cabin

Is even glamping too rustic for you? No worries, because Maine also has plenty of cute and cozy cabins that are perfect for anyone looking to get those essential outdoor experiences in Maine without having to rough it too much!

18. Try white-water rafting on the Kennebec River

Tackle some rapids in this outdoor Maine activity: whitewater rafting.

According to tour provider North Country Rivers, “the Kennebec River is not a rocky, technical river. Instead, it’s a very deep, fast mover with big “fun” wave trains. This is why it’s the ideal rafting trip for beginners, youth groups, families, and experienced rafters alike.”

Sounds awesome, right? There are many outdoor adventures in Maine to choose from, but I always consider whitewater rafting to be up at the very tippy top of that list!

Not interested in being on the water? Go for a walk or ride on the Kennebec Rail Trail that starts in Augusta, instead.

19. Visit Victoria Mansion

This beautifully preserved mansion is a National Historic Landmark and I loved getting a peek during my last trip to Portland, Maine.

Over 90% of the original architectural details remain at Victoria Mansion. It’s a very cool way to get a glimpse of the intricate detail and workmanship of the past.

20. Take a floatplane ride over Moosehead Lake

A sunset over a body of water
An early autumn scene on the lake is a beautiful Maine sight to see

If you’re looking for Maine things to do that give you a birds eye view of Maine’s natural beauty, consider a seaplane ride.

Several companies offer floatplane and Maine seaplane scenic tours over beautiful Moosehead Lake in Greenville, ME. This is one of the most beautiful places in the Pine Tree State and would definitely be an item to cross off your Maine bucket list.

As for where to stay in Greenville, the Lodge at Moosehead Lake is absolutely gorgeous.

Click Here to Check Prices & Book!

21. Get lost in the Maine woods

Maine has a heckuva lot of woods. If wilderness appeals to you, you will absolutely love Maine’s abundance of it, because there are plenty of things to do outside in Maine. And if you’re not keen on the woods, no problem. As you can see from this list, there are an endless number of fun things to do in Maine for all visitors.

The Maine woods is a great place to explore: from camping, to hiking, to hunting. The woodsiest woods of Maine can be found here.

22. Hike Mt. Katahdin

A body of water with a mountain in the background
What’s Maine known for? Incredible sights like this.

Mt. Katahdin is Maine’s highest mountain, so tackling it is a worthwhile endeavor. No matter which trail you choose, it’s estimated to take between 8 and 12 hours to summit this 5269-foot peak.

If you’re looking for something a little less challenging, take a look at some other options: Best Hikes in Maine to Add to Your Bucket List. Even if you just drive to see Mt Katahdin, it’s one of those cool Maine points of interest that is definitely worth taking a look at!

23. Devour a whoopie pie

An outstretched hand holding a Maine whoopie pie
Def a bucket list Maine food to try!

It wouldn’t be a Maine vacation without eating one of the state’s best culinary delights: the whoopie pie.

These cake-like desserts are big, roughly the size of a hamburger, and they sort of resemble one too. Two chocolate buns sandwich fluffy white cream between them. The result is a delicious treat that Maine is famous for. Don’t leave without having one!

What do you do in Maine? Make whoopie, er, I mean devour a whoopie pie!

24. Visit Monhegan Island

Accessible via ferry rides from Boothbay, New Harbor, and Port Clyde, Monhegan Island is one of those Maine islands that is a definite bucket list experience.

You can walk the trails at Lobster Point, enjoy some craft brew at Monhegan Brewing Company, and enjoy some of the incredible fresh caught seafood available at local staples like the Monhegan Fish House!

25. Attend a lobster/clam bake

Closeup of a bucket of lobster
Must do Maine things? This!

Another must-try food while in Maine is, of course, seafood! Now, you can eat it in a variety of ways: at a restaurant, from a casual fish shack served in a lobster roll, and more, but the ideal way to experience Maine seafood is with an authentic lobster or clam bake.

Reserve your spot at this Cabbage Island Clambake for summer!

26. Go kayaking

With all of its spectacular coastline and its array of lakes, Maine is keen for kayaking. If you’re looking for what to do and see in Maine, rent a vessel at any number of coastal spots, or hop on a guided sea kayak tour. You won’t be disappointed.

27. Enjoy autumn magic

Fall in Maine is, in a word, spectacular! Expect peak foliage typically in late September or early October, so if you’re planning a trip and looking for what to do in Maine in September, the answer to that would be just look around!

There are fantastic fall festivals, tons of fun fall activities like corn mazes and spooky haunted houses, and the color show Mother Nature puts on is absolutely stunning.

28. Get in touch with nature in Deboullie Public Lands

Way up north in Maine (300 miles from Portland, in fact) is almost 29,000 acres of remote wilderness known as Deboullie Public Lands.

If you’re a true adventurer looking for activities in Maine that are unique, you will want to spend some time in this backcountry region, where you can truly get away from it all.

29. Play at Palace Playland

Palace Playland is the last beachfront amusement park in New England, and its location in Old Orchard Beach is fantastic for anyone looking for fun things to do in Maine.

Play in the arcade, ride the rides, then head to the gorgeous 7-mile stretch of beach before checking out the shopping, dining, and fantastic views on the pier. Old Orchard Beach is always a fun place to visit!

30. Eat popovers at Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park

A plate of food on a restaurant table
Jordan Pond House popovers are a must try while in Acadia! We love them!

During your visit to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (sooo gorgeous and worth several days of adventuring) you simply must stop at Jordan Pond House.

They’ve been making popovers here since the 1800s. You cannot miss them.

During a recent visit to Acadia, we arrived at Jordan’s at 11am to find a massive line already formed. Despite that, we got into the restaurant fairly quickly, and then dined on 4 glorious popovers.

These puffy, light pastries are beyond description. Best with butter and jam, they are similar to British Yorkshire puddings.

31. Enjoy the beaches

Maine may be known for its rocky coast, but tucked between these swaths of stone, there are many sandy beaches that are great for sunbathing, swimming, and more.

Beaches are some of the most fun places to go in Maine, and any summer in ME would be incomplete without spending some time on a beach.

32. See a moose

Closeup of a male moose in a field looking at the camera
Looking for must see things in Maine? How about a moose?

You’ll be seeing plenty of moose crossing signs in Maine, but what about the moose themselves?

If you’re lucky, you may see some in remote spots in the early morning or dusk hours, but if you want a (possible) guaranteed sighting, you should consider going on a moose tour!

Located in the mountains of Western Maine, Rangeley is one of the best places to see moose in Maine. One of several small towns nestled in the Rangeley Lakes Region, this popular Maine vacation destination is the perfect retreat into the wilderness of Maine. 

33. Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum

If you find yourself in the town of Rockland, stop by the Farnsworth Art Museum, which highlights and celebrates Maine’s role in American art.

There are over 15,000 works in the museum’s collection, including works by Andrew, N.C., and Jamie Wyeth. This is a good one if you’re looking for indoor activities in Maine!

34. Hike the end of the Appalachian Trail

Huge rock painted with a bear and the words \"Keep Maine beautiful\"
Maine North Woods

You likely know that the Appalachian Trail in the United States begins in Georgia and ends in Maine. The AT terminates on the peak of Mt. Katahdin, in fact, so if you’re tackling that mountain, you’ll be experiencing the end of the Appalachian Trail.

Of course, nothing compares to the thrill of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail.

35. Go apple picking

When fall is in the air, one of the best things to do in Maine for families (especially for families with kids) is to head to an orchard and pick your own apples.

September and early October are the prime months for doing this, and Maine is dotted with dozens of orchards offering DIY apple picking.

Need some guidance on where to find that appley goodness? Peep my top picks for apple picking in Maine.

36. Attend the lobster fest

Lobster shack
One of the best things about Maine is all that yummy fresh caught Maine lobster!

Lobster lobster lobster! Yes, Maine is well-known for its lobster, and so it’s totally natural that there would be a festival held to celebrate this glorious crustacean!

A large red fresh caught lobster in Maine pictured on a white plate

The Maine Lobster Festival has been around for a loooong time. Visitors flock from all around for the festival, which includes entertainment, rides, beer, arts and crafts, cooking competitions, parades, and of course, lots and lots of lobster.

Want to learn more? Check out the festival’s official website.

37. Tour the Wadsworth-Longfellow House

In Portland, you will find the Wadsworth-Longfellow House in which Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet and abolitionist, grew up. This historic house is interesting not just because of its former residents, but also because of its architectural and historical value.

A well-preserved 1780s home museum, nearly all of the household items and artifacts inside are original to the Wadsworth and Longfellow families; this is a good one to remember if you’re looking for Portland Maine indoor activities!

38. See the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain

When the sun rises each day in the east, one of the first places you can see it in the entire United States is atop Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Mountain. This is a wonderful way to greet the day, and also a transcendent natural experience on Mount Desert Island.

You’ll likely be joined by several other early risers at the top of the mountain (you can drive up) so plan to get there early to stake out a prime sunrise watching spot. This could be a romantic idea for things for couples to do in Maine.

Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is one of those hiking trails that should be on every Acadia visitors must visit list.

PS: Bring a blanket. This is Maine, after all.

39. Indulge in luxury at Cliff House

This is a good one especially if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Maine, because what could be more romantic than Cliff House?

This gorgeous hotel is one of the best hotels in New England, and with onsite gourmet dining, a full service spa, and spectacularly dramatic views visible from all around the hotel, including the pool, it’s the kind of place you go to when you can splurge!

40. See the sunset at Bass Harbor Head Light

Rocky coast at sunset
What are some Maine must sees? A glorious coastal sunset!

Not so much of a morning person? You might be more interested in spotting a fantastic Maine sunset, instead. And if you’re on Mt. Desert Island (where Acadia is located) you can’t do better than watching the sun set behind a famous Maine lighthouse.

Bass Harbor Head Light is an iconic Maine vision, set atop rocky cliffs. With the sunlight fading in the background, this is a photographer’s dream spot.

Again, plan to come early if you want to have the best possible view. It can get pretty crowded!

41. Catch a show Ogunquit Playhouse

Known for fantastic theatrical productions, the Ogunquit Playhouse is a summer regional theatre with a historic past.

According to Wikipedia, the playhouse “is one of the last remaining summer theatres from the Straw Hat Circuit, also referred to as Summer Stock, still producing live musical theatre. The theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.”

PS, this is also allegedly one of the most haunted places in Maine!

Read More13 Best Things to Do in Ogunquit Maine

42. Get your learning on at the Maine Maritime Museum

Seafaring is a huge part of Maine’s past. What better place to learn about it than here, at the Maine Maritime Museum?

The museum is one of the top things to do in Bath ME and has a “20-acre waterfront campus includes indoor galleries, the country’s only surviving historic wooden shipyard, a working boat shop, a newly restored 1906 schooner, and more!”

43. Tiptoe over the Wiggly Bridge

Take a (quick) walk over the world’s tiniest suspension bridge! The Wiggly Bridge is found off of Route 103 in York, Maine, where it separates the Barrell Mill Pond from the York River.

The 75-ft long bridge is cute but this is probably one of the more unusual things to do in Maine. As a bonus, go sip samples of Maine spirits afterward at the nearby Wiggly Bridge Distillery.

44. Take a selfie with the Paul Bunyan statue

This absolute giant is up in Bangor, Maine standing 31-feet tall. Paul Bunyan was born in Bangor in 1834, but checking out this massive statue is still en vogue and one of the top things to do with kids in Maine!

Tall statue of Paul Bunyan
Tourist sights in Maine like this Paul Bunyan statue and the L.L. Bean Boot both have something in common, what is it? Oh that’s right, they’re both GIGANTIC.

45. Visit the Arctic Museum

Do you have an interest in arctic exploration? You may wish to explore the Peary-Macmillan Arctic Museum located on the campus of Bowdoin College and one of the top things to do in Brunswick Maine.

46. Sample lobster ice cream

If your tastebuds are up for the challenge and looking for weird things to do in Maine ….you can indeed enjoy lobster ice cream in Maine.

47. Try to grab a reservation at this extremely in-demand Maine restaurant

Think it’s tough to get a dinner reservation in the big city? This rural Maine restaurant routinely sells out for months within hours.

It’s a hidden spot with a dining experience unlike any other. Will you make it there this year?

Body of water with fall trees in the distance
Looking for cool places in Maine? Here ya go.

48. Stay overnight in an awesome treehouse

Need we say more? You can find a few cool options on our list of the best Airbnbs in Maine.

49. Check out a possibly haunted lighthouse

It should come as no shock that New England is rife with haunted spots. So much history!

Maine is no stranger to weirdness (in no small part thanks to Stephen King) so if you’re in Vacationland and looking to get spooked, consider seeking out a haunted spot. Some options in Maine include Boon Island Lighthouse. 

50. Visit the Portland Museum of Art

Located in the Arts District of Portland, the Portland Museum of Art is is one of the most popular art museums in Maine.

51. Stroll downtown Kennebunkport

New England town buildings reflected in the water
Photo credit: PhotoItaliaStudio / Shutterstock.com

You can’t go wrong exploring Maine’s charming towns. Kennebunkport is one such place that just SCREAMS coastal Maine. You’ve got remarkable restaurants, attractions like the Seashore Trolley Museum, and so much more!

A girl stands in front of a store with flowers surrounding her with a blue and white awning.
I love Kennebunkport!

Go check it out and see for yourself all the cool things to do Maine coast style.

PS: While you’re there don’t miss all these other great things to do in Kennebunkport.

52. Praise the Lord for the Holy Donut

It’s hard to pick just one when you’re face to face with the case!

These Portland handmade donuts are made with potatoes, which allegedly makes the Holy Donut just a bit healthier than your average donut, but no less delicious!

I love this place!

53. Ferry to the Casco Islands

When visiting Portland, don’t miss the nearby islands. Accessible via ferry, the 8 Casco Islands each offer something distinct, and make for great day trips from Portland. The year-round Casco Bay Lines will get you there.

Do you have an interest in the paranormal? Then head to the southeastern side of Peaks Island to the Battery Steele Military Reserve.

Better bring a friend (and your courage) because people have reported some pretty intense paranormal activity while inside the tunnels.

54. Stand at the easternmost point in the USA

Red and white striped lighthouse next to lightkeepers house at the ocean\'s edge

West Quoddy Head is the easternmost point of the contiguous United States, making Quoddy Head Light the easternmost beacon! It’s fun to visit just to say you’ve been there, but it’s also a lovely spot and an iconic lighthouse.

In fact, it’s one of just two red-and-white-banded lighthouses still standing in the US, but definitely one of the most interesting Maine points of interest, and is located in the darling town of Lubec.

55. Wander through the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

For those who enjoy the beauty of nature, a visit to local botanical gardens is always a treat. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are no exception.

Spanning 295 acres in Boothbay, this is the largest botanical garden in all of New England. It’s especially popular due to its dramatic landscape.

In the winter, don’t miss Gardens Aglow, a holiday event that sees the gardens illuminated with thousands of Christmas lights.

56. See Maine’s movie star beach

Popham Beach is really nothing more than a beautiful Maine stretch of sand, but it’s become a bit more famous since it has appeared in films.

Most notably, 1999’s Message in a Bottle had a lot of its filming here; this is an easy one to add to your Maine summer vacation!

57. Explore Portland’s Old Port

People walking on the sidewalk in front of buildings on Wharf Street in Maine
So many cool places in Maine like this!

There are a great many things to do in Portland, Maine’s biggest city. But what visitors definitely will want to make time for is the Old Port. This area of town is super charming, with its cobblestone streets, array of unique shops, and collection of delicious restaurants.

Check out my ready made weekend itinerary for Portland here.

58. Explore Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park

Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park in Freeport is situated on 244 acres, offering access to both the Harraseeket River and Casco Bay.

Popular hiking trails include the 2-mile Harraseeket and White Pines Trail Loop and the Old Woods Road, Harraseeket and White Pines Trail Loop. These are fantastic ways to get out and explore the rugged beauty of the Pine Tree State.

59. Walk Marginal Way

One of the most beautiful coastal cliff walks in Maine, Marginal Way takes less than an hour to walk and it is oh, so worth it for those beautiful Ogunquit seaside views! Ogunquit is said to mean, “Beautiful Place by the Sea,” this walk will help show you why.

60. Go skiing

A classic New England pastime in the snowy months, skiing is great in Maine.

Not so into skiing? There are many other winter activities, like snow tubing and cross country skiing, but even simply playing in the snow is always a great way to spend a snowy day.

Bethel is a cute town that’s just up the road from Sunday River Ski Resort. Nestled in at the edge of the White Mountain National Forest, this is a great place to stay during your Maine skication!

61. Shop at Stonewall Kitchen

Do you like delicious samples? Adorable and high-quality kitchenware? You will fall head over heels for Stonewall Kitchen, a well-known producer of gourmet food products. (You may have had one of their Blueberry Jams!)

In York, Maine, you will find the store itself, with thousands of square feet of delights. Grab a meal at their onsite cafe or just shop for awhile. They have so many New England-inspired goods, you won’t be leaving empty-handed.

62. Visit Maine’s Capital

Have you been to the capital city of Maine yet? If not, add it to your list of Maine places to visit! Augusta is a town full of history, culture, and fun indoor and outdoor recreation.

Catch a show at the historic Colonial Theater, then stroll Capitol Park and admire views of the Maine State Capitol Building. Then it’s on to the Old Post Office!

Yes, that’s right… the Old Post Office. One of the last remaining Romanesque Revival style buildings in the state, it looks more like a castle than a post office!

Augusta is also home to Fort Western, the oldest wooden fort in the US and a National Historic Landmark. It’s one of the best places to visit in Maine on a family trip!

Final Thoughts: Best Places to Visit in Maine + Bucket List Ideas

There is so much to do and see in the Pine Tree State, it can feel daunting trying to fit it all in. I myself am still chipping away at my own personal bucket list for Maine!

That’s okay, start working on yours today and keep making plans to return… it is Vacationland, after all!


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