10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in Maine to Visit This Year

Figuring out which coastal towns in Maine are worth visiting can be tricky. The state is packed with charming little spots along the shoreline, each offering something different.

From postcard-perfect harbor villages to laid-back beach towns, the coast is full of places that feel like they were made for weekend getaways, road trips, or slow afternoons by the water.

This list covers the prettiest small towns in Maine that you shouldn’t miss out on. Some are perfect in fall for lighthouse views and leaf-peeping, while others shine in the summer with boat tours, sandy beaches, and lobster rolls by the harbor.

If you’re planning a coastal Maine road trip or just want a few scenic stops to add to your itinerary, these towns are full of charm, character, and ocean views you won’t forget!

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Best Coastal Towns in Maine

1. Ogunquit

Ogunquit is one of the most popular beach towns in Maine, and for good reason. It has everything you’d want in a coastal escape: wide sandy beaches, cute boutiques, and a laid-back but lively atmosphere.

The main attraction here is the Marginal Way, a scenic coastal path that winds along rocky cliffs and overlooks the Atlantic. It’s an easy, beautiful walk and one of the best ways to take in the ocean views. At one end, you’ll find Perkins Cove, a small harbor filled with fishing boats, ice cream stands, and seafood restaurants.

Ogunquit’s downtown is full of art galleries, cafes, and shops, and there’s a strong creative vibe thanks to the long-running Ogunquit Playhouse. Summer is peak season, but it’s also a great shoulder-season stop in early fall when the crowds thin out and the weather is still nice.

This is one of the best coastal towns in Maine if you’re looking for beach time, walkability, and that classic New England seaside charm.

2. Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is one of the most iconic coastal towns in Maine, known for its upscale charm, scenic harbor views, and long-standing ties to the Bush family.

It’s the kind of place where you can wander through boutique shops in the morning, grab a lobster roll by the water for lunch, and catch sunset over the rocky coastline in the evening.

Dock Square is the heart of town, packed with galleries, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It’s busy in summer, but still walkable and fun to explore.

If you’re up for a little drive, head out along Ocean Avenue for a view of Walker’s Point and some of the prettiest coastal scenery in southern Maine.

There are a few small beaches nearby, plus plenty of charming inns and cozy cafes that make Kennebunkport a great year-round getaway spot. It’s especially popular during the holidays and in the fall, when the foliage adds even more color to the coastline.

This is an easy addition to any southern Maine itinerary, especially if you’re already visiting Portland or Ogunquit.

3. Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth feels more like a scenic detour than a traditional small town, but it’s home to some of the most iconic views on the Maine coast.

Just a short drive from Portland, Maine, it’s where you’ll find Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country.

Most people come here for the dramatic coastline and outdoor spaces. Fort Williams Park is a great spot to wander around, have a picnic, or just sit and take in the ocean views.

There’s also Two Lights State Park and Crescent Beach nearby if you want to stretch your legs or spend a little time by the water.

Cape Elizabeth doesn’t have a walkable downtown like some of the others on this list, but it makes up for that with rugged coastal beauty. It’s especially pretty in the fall when the trees start to turn and the crowds thin out.

If you’re staying in Portland, it’s an easy side trip and a must if you’re into lighthouses or scenic photography.

4. Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor is one of the most charming coastal towns in Maine, especially if you’re into boats, seafood, and laid-back seaside vibes. The harbor is always buzzing in summer with sailboats, lobster boats, and tour cruises heading out to nearby islands.

It’s a great place to hop on a puffin-watching tour or take a boat ride out to Monhegan Island. The waterfront downtown is packed with restaurants, fudge shops, and galleries, and there’s a small footbridge that connects both sides of the harbor.

One of the best things to do here is visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, especially in late spring and early summer when everything is in bloom. It’s just a short drive from town and well worth the stop.

Boothbay Harbor is a classic Maine seaside town that’s especially popular in the warmer months, but it still holds its charm well into fall.

5. Camden

Camden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Maine, with a perfect mix of coastal scenery, mountain views, and a walkable downtown full of charm. It’s one of those places that feels like it belongs on a postcard.

The harbor is lined with sailboats and schooners, and you can even take a sailing tour if you’re up for a little adventure on the water.

Right behind the town, you’ll see Camden Hills rising up. It’s an easy drive or hike to the top of Mount Battie, where you get sweeping views over the town and Penobscot Bay.

The downtown area has everything from local bookstores and coffee shops to upscale restaurants and cute boutiques. It’s a great stop on a Boston to Acadia road trip, especially in the fall when the hills behind town are covered in color.

Camden is one of the most scenic coastal Maine towns, and it has plenty to offer no matter the season.

6. Belfast

Belfast is one of the more underrated coastal towns in Maine, but it has a cool, artsy vibe and a downtown that’s fun to explore.

It sits on the edge of Penobscot Bay and has a nice mix of working harbor, walkable streets, and creative energy.

The waterfront area is perfect for a casual stroll. There’s a harbor walk that takes you over an old footbridge with great views, and you’ll find plenty of boats coming and going throughout the day. The downtown is full of local shops, bookstores, cafes, and even a small movie theater.

Belfast tends to be quieter than towns like Camden or Bar Harbor, which makes it a nice stop if you’re looking for something a little more laid-back.

It’s also a good pick in the fall, with colorful trees lining the harbor and fewer crowds.

7. Castine

Castine is one of the oldest towns in Maine, and it feels like stepping back in time. It’s full of historic homes, quiet streets, and a scenic harbor that’s usually dotted with sailboats.

Compared to some of the more touristy towns on the coast, Castine feels peaceful and low-key. You won’t find a big downtown here, but that’s part of the charm.

There are a few shops, cafes, and inns, along with some interesting historical landmarks. The town has deep colonial roots and was once occupied by four different nations, which makes it a fun stop if you’re into history.

Castine is also home to Dyce Head Lighthouse, which sits on a bluff just outside town. It’s not open to the public, but you can walk up and enjoy the view from the outside.

The town has a strong maritime feel thanks to Maine Maritime Academy, and the harbor is beautiful when the light hits it just right. It’s a great place to slow down and take a break from the busier coastal towns!

8. Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is one of the best-known coastal towns in Maine, and while it’s definitely busy in peak season, it still deserves a spot on this list.

It’s the main hub for exploring Acadia National Park, but the town itself is worth visiting even without the hikes.

The waterfront has a mix of shops, restaurants, and tour boats, plus access to the Shore Path, a scenic walking trail that hugs the coast. You’ll find everything from lobster shacks to fine dining, and the downtown has a fun, walkable energy.

In the fall, Bar Harbor becomes a popular spot for leaf-peeping, with colorful trees lining the streets and surrounding hills.

It’s also a great place to base yourself if you want to explore more of Mount Desert Island.

9. Southwest Harbor

If you like the idea of visiting Mount Desert Island but want to avoid the crowds in Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor is a great alternative. It’s quieter and more low-key, but still has plenty of charm and easy access to the park.

The town has a handful of shops, cafes, and restaurants, and the harbor itself is full of working boats and local character. It’s a good place to slow down and enjoy the views without feeling like you’re in the middle of a tourist zone.

From here, it’s easy to explore the western side of Acadia, including some lesser-known trails and scenic drives.

One of the best photo spots nearby is Bass Harbor Head Light, one of the most iconic lighthouses in Maine. It’s just a short drive from town and especially stunning at sunset!

Southwest Harbor is one of the best coastal towns in Maine if you’re looking for a peaceful base near Acadia with fewer crowds and a more local feel.

10. Stonington

Stonington is one of the most authentic coastal towns in Maine, with a rugged working harbor and a strong local fishing community.

It’s located on Deer Isle and feels much farther off the tourist trail than most places on the coast.

The main street runs right along the water, with lobster boats and buoys bobbing in the harbor. There are a few galleries, a couple of restaurants, and not much else, and that’s exactly the appeal!

This is a great place to experience the quieter, more remote side of the Maine coast.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can take a mail boat or ferry out to nearby Isle au Haut, which is partly managed by Acadia National Park and offers hiking and peaceful coastal views.

Stonington is one of the best coastal towns in Maine if you’re looking to escape the crowds and see what a real fishing village looks like. It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of character.