Experience the best things to do in Maine
A trip to Maine, America’s most northern state of the lower 48, is like winning the vacation lottery. This beautiful state has magnificent scenery, delicious food. Quaint and welcoming towns, and plenty of attractions to fill an itinerary.
Maine is most well-known for its rugged coastline and countless islands. It also has a lush, forested interior with lakes, mountains, and abundant wildlife.
Visitors to Maine can try a wide variety of outdoor activities or spend time enjoying the state’s dramatic beauty. Popular attractions in Maine include national and state parks. Small coastal towns like Bar Harbor and Old Orchard Beach.
Acadia National Park
This national park covers much of Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine and known as the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River. The 47,000 acres that make up Acadia National Park. Include mountain, shoreline, lakes, and parts of several islands and the Schoodic Peninsula.
Visitors enjoy 33 miles of historic motor roads, 150 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads. The natural phenomenon known as ‘tides’ happens twice-a-day, every day. A variety of plants and animals become exposed on the rocky shores of Acadia in tidepools, which are depressions in the rocks that trap seawater when the tide recedes.
Old Orchard Beach & Pier
The small town of Old Orchard Beach is a tourist hot spot during the summer months. The downtown part of the small town oriented towards tourists with shops and clam shacks lining the streets. A popular stop in Old Orchard Beach is the seven-mile stretch of beach bordered. Check out Palace Playland, the beachside amusement park. Here, you ride on the big-kid rides, little-kid rides, play arcade games or watch the waves below as you sit atop the Ferris wheel.
The Old Orchard Pier with restaurants and bars. We’re certain that you’ll find what you’re looking for. Extending 600 feet over the ocean, The Old Orchard Beach Pier is Maine’s most spectacular destination. Serving the freshest local seafood, with the best views in Southern Maine.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a natural wonder on 300 acres of shorefront in mid-coast Maine. Strolling through spectacular ornamental gardens and traversing miles of waterfront and woodland trails. Delighted by the beautiful plantings, impressive stonework, waterfalls and fountains, and scenic views. It’s no wonder the Gardens have hailed as one of Maine’s top attractions.
Relax a moment in the Vayo Mediation Garden, or stroll through the Lerner Garden of Five Senses. Watch butterflies soar and pollinate in the Native Butterfly House. The many features and unique gardens throughout the property. The Gardens also have numerous art and sculpture exhibits throughout the year as well as many permanent pieces.
Victoria Mansion
Victoria Mansion is a much-loved Portland landmark, but its significance extends far beyond Maine. Distinguished for its architecture and its extraordinary original interiors, it is among the most important historic homes of the nineteenth century anywhere in the nation. In its collections, Victoria Mansion has over 90% of the objects that were in the house in 1860.
The brownstone exterior, elaborate interior design, opulent furnishings and early technological conveniences provide a detailed portrait of lavish living in nineteenth-century America. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971 for its architectural significance as a particularly well-preserved Italianate mansion.
Portland Museum of Art
With an extensive collection and nationally exhibitions, the Portland Museum of Art is the cultural heart of Portland, Maine. The PMA boasts significant holdings of American, European, and contemporary art.
Iconic works from Maine highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists. The museum brings it all to life with special events, family activities. PMA Films, curator talks, and tours of the Winslow Homer Studio.
Spend an afternoon making your way through the galleries, climbing window-lined staircases overlooking the manicured lawn and sculptures, or relaxing in the sculpture park itself.
Mount Battie
Camden Hills State Park signature location is the scenic vista atop Mt. Battie where sweeping views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands await. On a clear day, visitors can see Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park.
Mount Battie Trail is an incredible way to see the best that the park has to offer in one trip. Make your way over rolling hills and past towering pine trees as you gaze out over the shimmering surface of Camden Harbor. This 1.1-mile trail features 600 feet of elevation change and is perfect for both experienced and novice hikers.
Marginal Way
Marginal Way is a scenic 1.5-mile cliff walk that hugs the Atlantic Ocean, starting at Shore Road in Ogunquit and ending at Perkins Cove. As you stroll along this easy paved walk, you’ll get stunning views of the ocean, and pass by rocky cliffs, tide pools, shallow beaches.
Admire the little lighthouse overlooking Ogunquit Beach, enjoy watching sailboats pass by or step off the path to explore a beach or rocky cove. There are also plenty of stops along the way with 39 benches for unobstructed viewing.
Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is a 200,000-acre park in north central Maine made up of diverse terrain and habitats for a variety of animal life. In that vast landscape are streams, ponds and lakes, over 40 peaks and ridges besides Katahdin, more than 215 miles of hiking trails, 10 campgrounds and numerous backcountry camping sites.
There are several bodies of water within the park including three large lakes, ponds, and waterfalls. All of which attract visitors for fishing and sightseeing. Visitors stand a good chance of seeing many of the animals of Maine, including moose, black bear, white-tailed deer and lynx.
York’s Wild Kingdom
York’s Wild Kingdom a family-oriented zoo and amusement park located in York Beach, Maine. With a large number of beautifully landscaped animal exhibits. Rides for all ages food and ice cream stands, gift shops and so much more.
Families always enjoy a full day of fun here. The Butterfly Kingdom is a lush and beautiful 5,500 square foot exhibit with many species of South and Central American butterflies. This zoo and amusement park is the only one of its kind in all of New England, making it as special as it is fun.
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
The small town of Rockland is one of Maine’s top tourist destinations for its annual Maine Lobster Festival. A celebration held every August. Rockland’s primary export is lobster and visitors come from all around to sample Rockland’s lobster and enjoy the small town.
The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse sits at the end of a granite breakwater that stretches 4,346 feet into Rockland Harbor. The light station includes the keeper’s house and a fog signal building, from which the tower holding the light rises. These are mounted on a rectangular granite pad at the end of the breakwater. The keeper’s house is a frame structure with a gambrel roof and brick chimney.
Things to Do in Maine
Maine is often called “Vacationland” and with countless options to fill a vacation it lives up to its reputation. Thanks to its spectacular natural setting. Visitors to Maine can enjoy many outdoor activities.
The state is also well known for its quaint coastal towns. Whether you’re interested in hiking in the great outdoors or slipping on your walking shoes to stroll past shops and along boardwalks.