Build your perfect Maine itinerary—coast, mountains, and small towns.
Pick a vibe. We’ll point you to places, seasons, and booking options.
Hikes, lakes, peaks, and quiet trails.
Coastal routes and small-town stops.
Find new beautiful places to stay.
Lobster shacks to cozy bakeries.
This is where city life meets the ocean. Portland is famous for its incredible food scene and the historic Old Port with its cobblestone streets. You can shop, eat amazing seafood, and then hop on a ferry to explore the islands of Casco Bay just minutes away. It is lively, historic, and fun. Read more...
This region is full of those charming little harbors and lighthouses. It is a bit quieter than the southern beaches, which is nice. You can hop on a ferry to visit islands or just drive along the coast eating fresh lobster rolls at roadside shacks. It feels very authentic and salty here. Read more...
This is the dramatic coast everyone talks about. You have the stunning cliffs of Acadia National Park and the busy, fun streets of Bar Harbor nearby. It is famous for being the first place to see the sunrise in the US. The landscape is rocky and wild—exactly what you want for those classic Maine photos. Read more...
Aroostook County, Maine — fondly known as “The Crown of Maine” — is a four-season travel destination waiting to be explored. From vast scenic vistas and winding scenic byways to charming small towns, rich culture, abundant wildlife, and inviting shopping, this northern region offers something special for every traveler’s bucket list. Read more...
This is where you go for big adventures. It is home to Mount Katahdin and the huge Moosehead Lake, so the views are incredible. Whether you are into hiking challenging trails or just want to spot a moose in the wild, this region feels like the real, rugged Maine you picture. It is perfect for nature lovers. Read more...
This area follows the mighty Kennebec River right through the heart of the state. It is famous for some of the best white-water rafting you can find, but it is also great for quiet fishing trips. You will find cool history here too, including the state capital. It is a nice mix of excitement and relaxation. Read more...
If you love fresh air, this is your spot. In the winter, it is all about skiing at big resorts, and in summer, those mountains are perfect for hiking. The lakes are crystal clear and great for swimming or boating. It is a very laid-back region with amazing scenery around every corner. Read more...
If you are looking for soft sand and ocean waves, this is the place. It is perfect for families, with long stretches of beach for walking or swimming. You have famous spots like Old Orchard Beach with its pier and amusements, plus charming towns like Kennebunkport for shopping and relaxing by the sea. Read more...
If you are looking for soft sand and ocean waves, this is the place. It is perfect for families, with long stretches of beach for walking or swimming. You have famous spots like Old Orchard Beach with its pier and amusements, plus charming towns like Kennebunkport for shopping and relaxing by the sea. Read more...
Aroostook County, Maine — fondly known as “The Crown of Maine” — is a four-season travel destination waiting to be explored. From vast scenic vistas and winding scenic byways to charming small towns, rich culture, abundant wildlife, and inviting shopping, this northern region offers something special for every traveler’s bucket list. Read more...
This is where you go for big adventures. It is home to Mount Katahdin and the huge Moosehead Lake, so the views are incredible. Whether you are into hiking challenging trails or just want to spot a moose in the wild, this region feels like the real, rugged Maine you picture. It is perfect for nature lovers. Read more...
This area follows the mighty Kennebec River right through the heart of the state. It is famous for some of the best white-water rafting you can find, but it is also great for quiet fishing trips. You will find cool history here too, including the state capital. It is a nice mix of excitement and relaxation. Read more...
If you love fresh air, this is your spot. In the winter, it is all about skiing at big resorts, and in summer, those mountains are perfect for hiking. The lakes are crystal clear and great for swimming or boating. It is a very laid-back region with amazing scenery around every corner. Read more...
This is the dramatic coast everyone talks about. You have the stunning cliffs of Acadia National Park and the busy, fun streets of Bar Harbor nearby. It is famous for being the first place to see the sunrise in the US. The landscape is rocky and wild—exactly what you want for those classic Maine photos. Read more...
This region is full of those charming little harbors and lighthouses. It is a bit quieter than the southern beaches, which is nice. You can hop on a ferry to visit islands or just drive along the coast eating fresh lobster rolls at roadside shacks. It feels very authentic and salty here. Read more...
This is where city life meets the ocean. Portland is famous for its incredible food scene and the historic Old Port with its cobblestone streets. You can shop, eat amazing seafood, and then hop on a ferry to explore the islands of Casco Bay just minutes away. It is lively, historic, and fun. Read more...
This is probably the most famous spot in Maine, and for good reason. You get huge mountains right next to the ocean, which is really rare to see. You can drive up Cadillac Mountain to catch the sunrise or just walk along the carriage roads if you want something easier.
This is that classic lighthouse you always see in pictures. It sits right on the edge of these jagged rocks with waves crashing below, and it looks amazing in person. There is a big park next to it called Fort Williams where you can walk around, have a picnic by the water, or grab a bite from the food truck.
If you want to really get away from the crowds, this is where you go. Think of big lakes like Moosehead and endless pine forests. It is quiet and peaceful, perfect for renting a cabin, going fishing, or paddling a canoe. You might even see a moose if you get lucky! It’s not about fancy stuff here; it’s just about fresh air, trees, and relaxing in nature.
Portland is such a cool city to just wander around in. The Old Port area has these cobblestone streets that feel really old-school, but the shops are modern and fun. You can spend hours just popping into little boutiques, art galleries, or grabbing a coffee. The food scene is huge here too—seriously, you have to try the local seafood.
For the perfect balance of warm weather and fresh seafood, September is widely considered the best month. The summer crowds have thinned, the ocean is still warm enough for coastal activities, and the early foliage begins to appear. However, July and August are best if you want the liveliest atmosphere and hottest beach weather.
The peak season for Maine lobster is from late June to late December. This is when lobsters migrate closer to shore to shed their shells. Fall (September-October) is particularly special because you get “soft-shell” lobsters, which locals argue are sweeter and easier to crack than the hard-shell variety found in winter.
A classic “First-Timer’s Itinerary” should include the “Coast and Culture” route: start in Portland (for the food and Old Port), drive north to Camden (for the classic village look), and finish in Bar Harbor to explore Acadia National Park. This covers the three essential “moods” of Maine: the city, the village, and the wilderness.
It depends on your travel style:
Choose Portland if you want a city break with luxury hotels, breweries, and museums. Choose Bar Harbor if you want an outdoor adventure, hiking, and rugged coastal scenery. Many travelers split their trip, spending 2 days in Portland and 3-4 days in Bar Harbor.
While subjective, Acadia National Park (specifically the view from the top of Cadillac Mountain at sunrise) is often cited as the most beautiful spot. For towns, Wiscasset calls itself “The Prettiest Village in Maine,” but Camden—where the mountains meet the sea—is visually stunning.
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