12 Best Places to Visit in Maine: Coast, Lakes & Mountains

Planning a trip to Maine and not sure where to go? With so many charming towns, scenic parks, and coastal views, choosing the best places to visit in Maine can be tough.

From lobster shacks by the sea to peaceful lakes and mountain towns, the state is full of variety. Whether you’re after a quiet nature escape or a walkable coastal village, there’s something here for every kind of trip.

This guide highlights the top places to go in Maine, including popular vacation spots and a few lesser-known gems to add to your Maine bucket list.

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Best Places to Visit in Maine

1. Portland

Portland is one of the most popular places to go in Maine, and it makes a great starting point for any trip. This small coastal city is packed with personality, from its working waterfront to its indie shops, breweries, and award-winning restaurants.

You can spend the morning wandering through the Old Port’s cobblestone streets, then hop over to a nearby lighthouse or take a ferry out into Casco Bay.

Portland Head Light in nearby Cape Elizabeth is an easy side trip and one of the most photographed spots in Maine.

The food scene alone makes Portland a must-visit place in Maine! Whether you’re into seafood, craft beer, or fresh donuts, there’s no shortage of great places to eat and drink.

If you’re planning your route, check out my Portland itinerary for ideas on how to make the most of a day in the city.

There are so many things to do in Portland, from coastal walks to vintage shopping, and it works just as well for a quick weekend as it does for the start of a longer Maine vacation.

2. Acadia National Park

Acadia is hands down one of the best places to visit in Maine and a must for anyone who loves the outdoors!

With rocky coastline, pine forests, and sweeping views from the mountaintops, it’s easily one of the most scenic spots in the state.

You’ll find hiking trails for all levels, from short coastal walks to more challenging climbs like the Beehive or Precipice.

Sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain is one of the most iconic things to do in Acadia, especially in fall when the foliage lights up the park.

Acadia isn’t just for hikers, though. You can drive the scenic Park Loop Road, bike along the carriage roads, or enjoy a slow afternoon by Jordan Pond with a popover and tea. There’s plenty to do, even if you’re just here to relax and take in the views.

This national park is one of the top Maine vacation spots for a reason, and it’s easy to build an entire trip around it. If you’re planning your visit, be sure to check my full Acadia itinerary for tips on where to go and what to skip!

3. Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is the main town on Mount Desert Island and one of the most popular places to go in Maine.

It’s the gateway to Acadia National Park, but the town itself is worth a visit even if you’re not planning a big hiking trip.

The downtown area is walkable and full of charm, with shops, cafes, ice cream stands, and seafood spots lining the streets.

You can walk the Shore Path along the water, take a boat tour around the island, or just relax and watch the tide roll in from the harbor.

Bar Harbor is especially popular in the fall, when the leaves turn and the whole area lights up with color. It can get busy, but it still feels cozy and relaxed, especially early in the morning or later in the evening.

If you’re looking for classic coastal Maine vibes with a little bit of everything like scenery, good food, and a laid-back atmosphere, Bar Harbor should definitely be on your Maine bucket list!

4. Ogunquit

Ogunquit is one of the most beloved coastal towns in Maine, and it’s easy to see why. With a long sandy beach, a charming village center, and a coastal trail that delivers nonstop ocean views, it has everything you’d want in a summer getaway.

The Marginal Way is one of the highlights here. This paved cliff walk stretches for over a mile between the main beach and Perkins Cove, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic the whole way. It’s an easy walk, but one of the most scenic in the state!

In town, you’ll find a mix of local boutiques, ice cream stands, seafood restaurants, and art galleries. The vibe is relaxed but never boring, especially during the warmer months when everything’s in full swing.

If you’re looking for beach towns in Maine with a great mix of walkability, views, and local charm, Ogunquit is an easy pick.

5. Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is one of the most iconic small towns in Maine, known for its upscale feel, historic homes, and scenic harbor. It has a polished charm but still feels welcoming and easy to explore on foot.

Dock Square is the heart of town, filled with galleries, boutiques, and places to grab a lobster roll or a local beer.

Just outside the center, Ocean Avenue offers beautiful coastal views and a chance to see Walker’s Point, the summer home of the Bush family.

Kennebunkport is a great stop on any coastal Maine road trip, especially if you’re coming up from the southern part of the state. It’s close to Portland and Ogunquit but has its own distinct personality.

Whether you’re visiting in the height of summer or catching the fall colors, this town has plenty of charm and great photo spots along the way.

6. Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor is a peaceful coastal town with a laid-back pace and beautiful waterfront views. It’s especially popular in summer, but still feels more relaxed than some of the busier towns farther south.

The harbor itself is full of boats, and it’s a great place to take a tour, whether you’re into puffin watching, sailing, or just getting out on the water for the afternoon. There’s also a little footbridge that connects both sides of the harbor, perfect for a short stroll with views.

Just outside town, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are a must-visit, especially in spring and early summer. The walking paths are beautiful, and the garden art installations make it feel fun and unique.

If you’re building out a Maine bucket list that includes smaller towns with great scenery and outdoor options, Boothbay Harbor is worth a spot.

7. Camden

Camden is one of the most picturesque towns on the Maine coast, where mountains meet the harbor and the views are straight out of a postcard. It’s a great place to stop if you want a mix of small-town charm and outdoor adventure.

The downtown area is walkable and packed with cute shops, bookstores, and restaurants.

You can stroll along the waterfront or take a short drive up to Camden Hills State Park. From the top of Mount Battie, you’ll get a sweeping view of the town and Penobscot Bay!

Camden is a popular stop on a Boston to Acadia road trip, especially if you’re looking to break up the drive with a night or two in a scenic spot. It’s also a great place to hop on a sailing tour or just relax with a coffee by the harbor.

Whether you’re hiking, shopping, or just enjoying the view, Camden is one of those classic New England towns that’s easy to love.

8. Lubec

Lubec is one of the most remote places to go in Maine, and that’s exactly what makes it special! Tucked up near the Canadian border, this tiny town feels wild and windswept, with dramatic coastline and very few crowds.

The main reason people visit is West Quoddy Head Light, easily one of the most iconic lighthouses in the state.

The red-and-white striped tower sits on the easternmost point of the US, and the cliffs and ocean views around it are absolutely worth the drive.

Lubec is quiet, even in summer, and the pace here is slow in the best way. It’s a great spot for coastal walks, photography, or just soaking in the landscape without tour buses or busy boardwalks.

If you’re building a Maine bucket list that includes more than just the usual stops, Lubec offers a completely different experience from the rest of the coast.

9. Rangeley Lakes

Rangeley Lakes is one of the best places to visit in Maine if you’re looking for peaceful views, wildlife, and classic North Woods vibes.

This area feels completely different from the coast, with mountain scenery, quiet lakes, and a slower pace.

The town of Rangeley itself is small and low-key, but the surrounding region is packed with outdoor things to do.

You can hike up to the Height of Land overlook, go kayaking, or just relax by the water and watch for loons and moose.

Fall is an especially great time to visit, when the hills light up with color and the air turns crisp. It’s also a great summer escape if you’re trying to beat the coastal crowds.

10. Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine and one of the best places to go if you want to truly unplug. It’s remote, peaceful, and surrounded by forested mountains that feel a world away from the coast.

The main town, Greenville, is small but has everything you need for a base. You’ll find local diners, lodges, and a few outfitters for hiking or paddling gear. This area is known for moose sightings, so keep your eyes peeled, especially early in the morning or around dusk.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to fill your days, from hiking and boating to scenic floatplane tours. If you’re visiting in fall, the foliage around the lake is absolutely stunning.

Moosehead Lake is one of those Maine vacation spots that feels rugged but still welcoming, and it’s ideal if you’re craving quiet time in nature.

11. Baxter State Park

Baxter State Park is one of the wildest and most remote places to visit in Maine. It’s best known as the home of Mount Katahdin, the state’s highest peak and the northern end of the Appalachian Trail.

This park is a dream for hikers and anyone who loves being deep in nature. There are no restaurants, shops, or gas stations inside the park, and cell service is basically nonexistent.

And that’s part of the appeal! It’s all about quiet trails, mountain views, and off-the-grid adventure.

If you’re not up for climbing Katahdin, there are still plenty of shorter hikes and scenic drives that show off the park’s beauty. It’s also a great spot for spotting wildlife like moose, loons, and even black bears.

12. Bethel

Bethel is a small mountain town in western Maine that’s worth visiting in any season. It’s surrounded by forests and ski slopes, with a cozy downtown that feels friendly and unpretentious.

In the winter, Bethel is best known as the home base for Sunday River, one of Maine’s top ski resorts. But there’s plenty to do here in the warmer months too, from hiking and kayaking to fall foliage drives that are some of the best in the state.

The town itself has a mix of historic buildings, local shops, and relaxed restaurants. It’s an easy place to spend a weekend if you’re looking for nature without having to go completely off the grid.

Whether you’re into snow sports, leaf-peeping, or just want a break from the coast, Bethel is one of the most underrated Maine vacation spots.