There are few states which can claim that they have some iconic places like Maine. But one cannot get anything more beautiful in the north of the United States than Maine. This place is the perfect place to have a New England experience. You will have tons of things to do in Maine.
Most people wish to stay in lands covered by pine trees. On the contrary, more than 90% of the forest land of Maine is covered with pine trees. It is a paradise for nature lovers. In addition to the pine trees, the weather in Maine is perfect for escaping from the hot climate of other towns and cities.
During summer, the temperature does not exceed 80 degrees, making it a haven for visitors. Also, if you come in winter, you will be greatly moved by the fall. It gives a fantastic look to the pine trees. Springtime is also considered to be a perfect time for visiting this place.
When you see this place, you will realize that there are plenty of reasons for calling Maine a paradise. Miles of backwoods are completely inhabited by moose, which holds their own mystique; fishing harbors with hundreds of colorful boats, tall pine trees, a lighthouse, big waves crashing against the rocks, and a rainbow, are some of the nature’s beauty that you will cross path when you visit Maine.
Things to Do in Maine
This place is mainly known for its long pine trees. But you will also see many other tourist attractions, making this place heaven. You can get to eat the famous lobsters, and most importantly, the people here in Maine are very friendly.
Your trip to Maine will be very welcoming and cozy, with a friendly community. Maine is the kind of place that you should definitely visit once in your life.
Other than the natural attractions, and beauty spots, there are plenty of things where you can engage yourself and get to know more about the neighborhood and history of this place. Maine is an excellent place that will offer you some top-notch restaurants where you can dig in for your meal.
Some restaurants’ interiors are handcrafted, and you will definitely love their cousins. Besides hiking, whale watching, and swimming, you can look at some art museums and national parks.
Let us see some places you should go while you stay in Maine and the things you must do here in Maine.
1. Acadia National Park
The most stunning aspect of this national park for vacationers and Maine residents is the beautiful natural sights. Acadia National Park is the country’s most visited national park. More than 3.5 million visitors come to this national park to see nature’s beauty hailed at Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park has rugged mountains, craggy coastal views along the Atlantic Ocean, dense forests, and Maine beaches.
If you love to go hiking, then this national park will offer you 160 miles of hiking trails. You will get chances to cover some of the most popular hiking trails on this hiking trail. The Beehive Loop, Jordan Pond Full Loop, and the Cadillac Mountain North and South Ridge Trails are some hiking trails you can cover.
Along with hiking, you can even engage yourself in kayaking, swimming, birdwatching, and stargazing in the park. This park also has a food place, where you can eat the eatery’s signature popover bread and tea. It has been their permanent menu item since the 1890s. So, you should not miss it.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is one of the main attractions of this park. The other highlight of this park is the Thunder Hole. You will find more hiking trails from the Schoodic Peninsula north of this park. You can also look for the views and enjoy kayaking in this place. Besides this, you can take a stroll in the large campground in the park and several other picnic areas.
2. Portland Head Lighthouse and The Old Port
If you arrive in the early hours at this dock, you can see the unloading of the fishing boats and how the local chefs here choose to fish for their menu.
To find all these commercial things, you must head towards Fore Street, which runs parallel to Commercial Street. Besides just watching the business at the dock, you can board a cruise of Casco Bay for yourself and visit the rest of the island.
The Portsmouth harbor, the landmark for Casco Bay, is the Portland Head Lighthouse. This lighthouse is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the entire district. You can check out the city and the famous Old Port from its promontory. All these things can be done by taking a ferry ride on a cruise.
If you wish to know about this lighthouse’s history, you must visit the museum in the former Keeper’s Quarters. They will explain to you how they have changed over the years with technology and how things used to be done back in the day.
3. Portland Museum of Art
Portland is the largest city in Maine and holds the widest culture. The culture of this place is the sole reason for being one of the greatest places in Maine. In this city, you will find every sort of institution which expertise in devotion to the arts.
If you are in Maine, visiting the Portland Museum of art is a must. It stands among the best places that you can visit in Maine. At last, who does not wants to see some of the fantastic art on display? The people of Maine have carried the art culture for a long time. The Portland Museum of art is responsible for such culture. It was officially opened in 1911. This place is a jewel of this Art District.
The meaning of art is very valuable among the people of this place. Not only this, but you can see various art styles from different eras and countries. Winslow Homer, Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, and Andrew Wyeth are some of the famous artists whose works are displayed in this museum.
The greatest art pieces are from great artists from different eras and different stories. Some resemble German wartime the art pieces resemble some great inspirational and phenomenon stories.
You can find the gravity of creativity and ambition displayed in your work. This can be the greatest opportunity for you and your family to witness the greatest art piece of all time. In this museum, admission for people under 21 years old is free. But for adults it is 18$, for seniors and students, it is 15$.
4. Marginal Way and Ogunquit Beach
On this beach, you can talk for a walk on the paved walking path, which starts from the shore of Ogunquit’s sandy beach to Perkins Cove. Walking down the path, you can witness the beautiful rocky coast and all the other crashing surfs. Between the rocky cliffs, you will also find a series of small sandy coves covering a more intimate beach than the Ogunquit beach.
In Maine, you will find many beaches. But Ogunquit beach is the best out of them. However, you can’t ride your cycle on this paved walking path. It is designed only for walkers. This path runs for a mile and a half.
On this beach, you can see a slender peninsula, which shelters a small bay and creates a safe place for small crafts. There are also many restaurants and small shops. You will also find many small fishing ports.
You can rest a while when you are tired; beaches are available on both sides of the path. If you sit in the resting places, you will also see a stunning sea view. To return to Marginal Way, you have to take back along the shady Shore Road, or you can take the trolly.
There is a gentle slope along Ogunquit Beach. The water here is comparatively warmer, and this fact makes it more popular. You can take your family to spend the evening time. Though the restaurants and the town shops are very busy during the summertime, the thriving art scenes bring more visitors to this place which is nationally known as the Ogunquit Playhouse and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art
5. Shop at The L.L Bean Store
In the charming town of Freeport, you must see what this Maine-made retailer is all about. If you are on a Maine vacation, then you should own the signature Bean Boots from L.L. Bean’s flagship location. This place is about 20 miles northeast of Portland.
It was first opened in 1917, and this multilevel venue successfully attracts more than three million visitors annually. You should take a quick snap standing before the 16.5-foot all-weather boot replica before you rush to the store’s other departments. This shop has outdoor departments ranging from apparel to camping and fishing supplies.
This flagship shop location also features a 3,500-gallon aquarium, a museum that exhibits throughout the store, free horse-drawn wagon rides, and a cafe. These are attractive to visitors who find a way to spend their time in Maine.
The best part of this store is that you can visit the L.L. Bean whenever you plan your schedule. It remains open for all days for all, 365 days a year.
6. Whale Watching Cruise
This place is a special place for animal lovers from mid-April to October. All the vacationers in Maine can have a great time by watching the humpback, pilot, finback, and minke whales migrating through the state’s coastal waters. The whale-watching hot spots are Bar Harbor, Casco Bay, Kennebunk Port, Boothbay Harbor, and Dock Square.
You can hop abroad with any professional boat tour company or whale-watching company. The Bar Harbor Whale Watching company or the Cap’n Fish’s Cruise are the best for a vantage point. While abroad, do not forget to bring your camera, sunscreen, extra layers of clothing, and binoculars. The temperature can suddenly dip as the boat takes you away from the mainland. Although taking a cruise at sunset is the best thing to do in Maine.
You should head towards the sea on a fine summer day to spot the gentle giants and whales. The lack of fog will make it clear to watch the whales playing. However, watching a whale on tour depends on your boat tour.
7. Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
This is the largest botanical garden in New England. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a must-visit place; you should add it to your Maine fun list.
All the vacationers in Boothbay, Maine, about 60 miles northeast of Portland, praise this place for its high-maintained gardens. On visiting this place, you will know how beautiful and enjoyable this place is. You can visit it with your family members of all ages. Besides this, visitors can explore more than 300 acres of colorful exhibits here.
It includes a dahlia garden, a bee habitat, a butterfly house, several lawns, a meditation garden, and lush forest grounds.
Booking tickets in advance is the best possible thing you can do. Also, if you are visiting this place, you can become a member of this place, which will give you a chance for free entrance. It also holds other perks.
8. Pemaquid Point Light
In Maine, the Pemaquid Light Point stands at the end of the long Pemaquid Point in Mid-Coast Maine. It is a landmark that was chosen for the image on the Maine quarter coin.
This lighthouse was built in 1835, and since then, the lighthouse, brick sound signal house, and keeper’s cottage have been preserved. The setting here is even more dramatic due to the unusual formations of all the striped metamorphic rocks on the ledges below.
9. Maine Maritime Museum
Maine is all famous because of its culture of arts. In Maine, one of the best things to do is to visit the Maine Maritime Museum. This place is rich with the country’s history by taking views of the Kennebec River. In this museum, you will understand how centuries of constant development have influenced a state.
The museum is located in Bath. This place is like stepping into a living Maine history book, with fine and decorative art on the wall.
10. Maine Lobster Festival
More than 30,000 visitors from around the globe visit Maine to witness the Maine Lobster Festival. This place is in Rockland, 85 miles southwest of Bar Harbor. This festival starts in August every year.
You will find more than 20,000 pounds of delicious local lobster. This festival also features some of the best seafood. If you visit this place in August, you can also participate in the seafood-cooking contest, music, arts, wine, and beer tasting, the 5K race, and many more attractive events. This festival should be included in your Maine bucket list.
11. Baxter State Park
You can also think of paying a visit to Baxter State Park. This bark covers almost 210,00 acres of land. Also, it is home to Maine’s tallest mountain, which is quite familiar with Mount Katahdin. This tower is almost 5,268 tall.
If you love challenges, you can take up the challenge of hiking to the top of this tower. Once you are there, you will see this park’s fabulous sights. The native Americans named this place Katahdin. This word means greatness. You should definitely see this great tall tower.
12. Asticou Azalea Garden
Spending time in this garden is one of the best things you can do in Maine. Asticou Azalea Garden can be found on Mount Desert Island. If you love nature place, then this place is for you. It was built in the year 1956.
This garden’s size may not be as big as others, but it is surely a beautiful garden. It also features a serious Japanese influence, and you will get to calm yourself. When you enter this garden, the staff of this place will suggest a $5 donation, which will be given to those who might need it.
However, you can also pay whatever amount you want to know. This is the best part of this garden.
13. Old Orchard Beach
This beach can give you a lot of memories. Old Orchard Beach is another famous tourist spot. The old word in its name may sound antique, but it never goes out of trend.
People who enjoy being on the sand or surfing should definitely come to Old Orchard Beach. One of the major parts of Old Orchard Beach is the onshore attraction. You can engage yourself in a rollercoaster, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round.
Besides this, you can also taste the delicious concoctions, including soft-serve ice cream. The community of this beach is very professional in keeping the beach clean and everything in pristine condition.
14. Take a Look at The Wadsworth-Longfellow House
The Maine Historical Society now manages this house, which is now a National Historic Landmark dating back to 1785.
This house has given shelter to three generations of Wadsworth and Longfellow family members. This family was one of the most known families. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was one of the most important fellows in this house. He was an important literary and cultural figure in 1800s American society.
Other Places Where You Can Visit
There are endless places where you can pay a visit and learn about the place. However, it will take a lot of time to look around for each and every corner. But you can definitely add these places to your checklist.
- Art Bowdoin College Museum
- Penobscot Bay
- Fort Williams Park
- Farnsworth Art Museum
- Orchard beach
- Seashore Trolley Museum
- Jordan Pond House
- Victoria Mansion
- Carousel Music Theater
- Boothbay Railway Village
- Maine State Aquarium
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are Some of Maine’s Must-See Sights?
Acadia National Park, the Portland Head Light, the Old Port in Portland, the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, as well as the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, are just a few of the must-see sights in Maine.
2. What Are Some Outdoor Activities Available in Maine?
There are many outdoor things to enjoy in Maine because of its stunning natural scenery. Popular activities include skiing, kayaking, camping, hiking, and fishing. You can also go on a lobster boat cruise or a whale-watching tour.
3. What Are Some of Maine’s Distinctive Cultural Experiences?
There are numerous unusual experiences to be obtained in Maine, which has a rich cultural history. The Wabanaki Native Reservations, a lobster festival, the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, and a tour of the Winslow Homer Studio near Prouts Neck are a few options.
4. When Is the Ideal Season to Visit Maine?
Your preferences will determine the ideal time of year to visit Maine. Summer and fall are fantastic times to explore the outdoors. Visit in the spring or winter if you want to avoid the throng. Make sure you pack appropriately because Maine may get pretty cold in the winter.
5. What Kinds of Food and Beverages Are Popular in Maine?
Maine is well-known for its seafood, especially lobster, which can be found at a variety of eateries all around the state. Clams, oysters, and mussels are some additional preferred seafood selections. Blueberries, which may be found throughout Maine and are utilized in a variety of cuisines and sweets, are another specialty.
Bottom-Line
Besides visiting this place, you can also engage yourself in seeing some of the historic sites, deep sea fishing, bird watching, or even walking in one of the country’s amusement parks. Walker’s point is the best place to take a stroll in the evening. If you want to take something as a memory from this country, you can also go to Maine shopping at some antique shops or gift shops.
You will get tons of things to do in Maine. The sandy beaches are also a great addition to your beach exploration idea in Maine beach. Maine attractions include the Maine lighthouses. Besides this, the art museum is also the main driving force for visitors.
We hope by now, you have some idea at which time of the year you should visit this country so that you can attend most of the events ongoing in this New England land, Maine.
Last Updated on March 13, 2023 by Steffy Michael
