26 Best Issues to Do in Maine in 2023

The Pine Tree State is at the start a nature lover’s paradise. With regards to 90% of Maine is wooded area land, together with 32 state parks and Acadia Nationwide Park, its indeniable crown jewel. On peak of that, the elements hardly ever exceeds 85 levels in the summertime, making it a marvelous break out from spaces with warmer climates. Fall brings unbelievable foliage around the state, whilst iciness and spring are the very best instances to comfy up in a cabin and experience iciness sports activities or seasonal fairs.

Past mountain climbing, swimming and whale staring at, Maine additionally provides an excellent choice of top-notch eating places, a bustling artwork scene and lots of alternative family-friendly actions. Whether or not you are looking to ski down Sugarloaf Mountain, appreciate sculptures on the Farnsworth Artwork Museum or consume never-ending lobster rolls alongside the coast, a getaway to Maine guarantees a fun-packed go back and forth that you will not quickly fail to remember. Learn on for extra main points at the peak issues to do in Maine. Be aware: A few of these Maine points of interest shut for the iciness season, so you’ll want to take a look at opening hours earlier than making plans a go to for the chillier months.

Scenic Acadia Nationwide Park is a big draw for travelers and Maine citizens alike. One of the crucial 10 maximum visited nationwide parks within the nation, Acadia attracts 4 million guests yearly with its secluded seashores, rugged mountains, dense forests and craggy coastal perspectives alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can get their hearts pumping on with reference to 160 miles of mountain climbing trails, the preferred of which come with the Beehive Loop, the Cadillac Mountain North and South Ridge trails, and the Jordan Pond loop. Along with mountain climbing, guests can motorbike, kayak, swim, bird-watch and stargaze within the park. When starvation moves, head to Acadia’s sole eating venue: the Jordan Pond Area Eating place. In line with fresh vacationers, the eatery’s signature popover bread and tea – everlasting menu pieces because the Eighteen Nineties – don’t seem to be to be neglected.

Portland has all of the choices of a quintessential Maine vacation spot (lighthouses and lobster rolls abound), nevertheless it additionally boasts noteworthy artwork, meals and leisure scenes. Will have to-dos on a Portland holiday come with exploring the department stores and eating places that line the fascinating cobblestone streets of the Outdated Port district, walking alongside the Jap Prom waterfront park, perusing the Portland Museum of Artwork, and indulging in native beers on a brewery excursion. Traveler-approved inns come with the Portland Harbor Resort and The Press Resort, Autograph Assortment, and world-class eateries like Duckfat, Central Provisions and DiMillo’s at the Water (a floating eating place) are certain to provoke.

Whether or not you might have owned the signature Bean Boots all your existence or just wish to see what this Maine-made store is all about, a go to to L.L.Bean’s flagship location is a should in case you are within the fascinating city of Freeport (not up to 20 miles northeast of Portland). Opened in 1917, the multilevel venue draws 3 million guests yearly. Snap a photograph out entrance with the 16-foot all-weather boot copy earlier than perusing the shop’s many outdoorsy departments, from attire to tenting to fishing provides. The flagship location additionally includes a 3,500-gallon aquarium, a restaurant and ancient shows right through the shop, however what inspired earlier guests maximum is the massive choice of pieces. The most productive section? You’ll go to this L.L.Bean on every occasion your time table permits, as it’s open 24 hours an afternoon, three hundred and sixty five days a 12 months.

Thought to be the gateway to Acadia Nationwide Park, Bar Harbor is a wonderful position to unwind and reset. Nature fans will to find never-ending tactics to benefit from the open air on this Mount Barren region Island city, from coastal walks alongside Frenchman Bay (a traveler favourite) to bird-watching in a couple of parks and preserves. Foodies shall be happy right here, too: Recent seafood is the vacation spot’s strong point, however its artisan ice cream retail outlets, craft breweries and old fashioned breakfast cafes also are crowd pleasers. This house of Maine boasts top stipulations for wild blueberries, so prevent via a neighborhood farm or farmers marketplace between past due July and mid-September to pick out some up. When it is time to mattress down, keep on the idyllic Steadiness Rock Inn, the sumptuous Harborside Resort, Spa & Marina (a seasonal assets) or a neighborhood holiday condominium.

From mid-April via October, animal fans are in for a different deal with. Travelers can watch in marvel as majestic humpback, pilot, minke and finback whales migrate during the state’s coastal waters. Whale staring at sizzling spots come with Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Casco Bay and Kennebunkport. Hop aboard a ship excursion with an organization like Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. or Cap’n Fish’s Cruises for the most efficient vantage level – and do not fail to remember to deliver your digital camera, binoculars, sunscreen and layers of clothes, as temperatures can dip as you sail clear of the mainland. Fresh vacationers really useful taking a cruise at sundown for the most efficient perspectives, even though early morning excursions supply one of the crucial best possible herbal lights and calmest waters. Summer time’s transparent skies and loss of fog make it the best time of 12 months to identify those delicate giants, however the possibilities of seeing a whale on excursion are somewhat prime right through all the whale staring at season.

The old fashioned beach city of Cape Elizabeth is a must-visit spot for someone touring to the Portland house. Its postcard-worthy crown jewel is the Portland Head Mild – the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Situated in scenic Citadel Williams Park, the lighthouse dates again to the past due 1700s and stands 80 ft tall. If you end up completed photographing the construction, head into the adjoining keepers’ area museum to be told extra concerning the historical past of the world. Spend the remainder of the day in Cape Elizabeth at Crescent Seaside State Park or Two Lighting State Park earlier than heading again to Portland or bedding down at native lodging, reminiscent of traveler-loved Inn via the Sea.

Stretching simply over a mile alongside the rocky coast, the Marginal Means is likely one of the most lovely strolling paths New England has to supply. The well paved path within the old fashioned city of Ogunquit (about 10 miles south of Kennebunkport) connects Ogunquit Seaside to Perkins Cove, an enthralling fishing village with retail outlets and eating places. Fresh vacationers highlighted the lovely ocean perspectives and cliffside summer time wildflowers as one of the crucial best possible attractions in their go back and forth; they praised the straightforward, flat stroll and abundance of benches alongside the way in which (39, to be actual). On the finish of your walk, take hold of a lobster roll at Footbridge Lobster or take pleasure in American fare at That Position in Ogunquit.

There are many seaside locations to make a choice from in Maine, however Kennebunkport will have to be on the peak of your listing. Plan to spend all your holiday on (or a minimum of close to) the water, whether or not you are fishing, sunbathing or crusing. Traveler-approved spots come with Colony and Goose Rocks seashores, the small fishing village of Cape Porpoise, and Dock Sq.. Guests can take hold of contemporary seafood at The Clam Shack or dine on the White Barn Inn Eating place – a Forbes 5 Superstar- and AAA 5 Diamond-designated eatery. On the subject of accommodation, take your select of sumptuous homes like Nathaniel Lord Mansion, or e-book one of the vital house’s old fashioned motels and cottages.

Even supposing excursions inside the mythical horror novelist’s haunted place of abode are not to be had, vacationers nonetheless agree {that a} fast prevent at Stephen King’s home is a should when touring via Bangor, Maine. From the out of doors, guests can see (and take pictures of) the crimson Victorian mansion’s quirky options, from the spider- and dragon-adorned iron fence to the entrance backyard’s 15-foot-tall wooden sculpture, which used to be carved out of a lifeless tree and contours an array of mystical creatures surrounding a bookcase. Fresh guests say that the valuables is particularly eerie within the fall, and lots of counsel signing up for a kind of three-hour tour with SK Excursions to be told extra about places the place King has lived, labored and filmed a few of his maximum iconic films.

Previous vacationers agree that Monhegan Island – which is best out there via boat – is an exquisite position to spend an afternoon. Situated 10 miles off the coast and residential to only 70 year-round citizens, the unspoiled island options wildlands with 9 miles of cliffside mountain climbing trails, a small village with retail outlets and eating places, a lighthouse, and an artwork museum. A couple of motels and different accommodation choices dot the island, so you’ll keep in a single day if you want. Guests have a couple of other choices to achieve the island. One selection is an hourlong ferry experience from the mainland city of New Harbor between Would possibly and mid-October with Hardy Boat Cruises. Or, go away from Boothbay Harbor on a 90-minute crusing with Balmy Day Cruises, which is in carrier from June via September.

As the biggest botanical gardens in New England, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are a sight to behold. Travelers in Boothbay (about 60 miles northeast of Portland) had never-ending reward for the seasonally opened, well-maintained gardens, noting how stunning and relaxing the go to used to be for members of the family of every age. You’ll discover 300-plus acres of colourful reveals, together with a dahlia lawn, a butterfly area, a bee habitat, a meditation lawn, and a number of other lawns and plush wooded area grounds. Tickets will have to be bought on-line prematurely, and common guests can grow to be participants to realize unfastened admission and different perks.

For a seaside holiday within the Pine Tree State that tests all of the bins, head to Outdated Orchard Seaside. The coastal hotel city about 20 miles south of Portland boasts 7 miles of sand to stretch out on, in addition to a pier with eating places and retail outlets. Households particularly love the Palace Playland amusement park, which includes a Ferris wheel, journey rides and carnival video games. Fashionable accommodation choices on the town come with seaside area leases, hotels and motels at once at the water; check out the beachfront, family-owned Edgewater Motor Inn for perks like a heated pool and an electrical automotive charging station.

To include Maine’s beautiful herbal areas with out the crowds of Acadia Nationwide Park, pay a go to to Baxter State Park. The kind of 210,000-acre park sits within the middle of the state close to the city of Millinocket, positioned round 70 miles north of Bangor. It’s house to Maine’s tallest mountain, Mount Katahdin, which towers about 5,270 ft tall. The hike to the highest is strenuous (and no longer really useful for green climbers), however the fabulous perspectives are well worth the effort, consistent with previous guests. Nonetheless, vacationers of all ability ranges can include the outside via putting in a tent at considered one of 300-plus campsites and mountain climbing via your collection of 215 miles of trails. In case you are fortunate, you may even see flora and fauna like moose and deer as you adventure during the desert (simply stay an eye fixed out for bears, too).

Once a year at the first weekend in August, tens of 1000’s of attendees from close to and a ways swarm the city of Rockland (positioned about 85 miles southwest of Bar Harbor) for the once a year five-day Maine Lobster Pageant. Greater than 20,000 kilos of scrumptious native lobster is introduced in to feed the loads, and the competition options seafood cooking contests, reside tune, arts and crafts distributors, a parade, wine and beer tastings, a 5K race, and extra for purchasers of every age. Previous guests reported having quite a few amusing on the competition, they usually have been happy to search out overflow parking at close by faculties with commute carrier to the grounds. The 2023 competition is about to have unfastened admission. Vacationers can keep for the weekend (or all 5 days) at their select of inns and bed-and-breakfasts; favorites come with the LimeRock Inn and 250 Major Resort.

Past the Marginal Means, Ogunquit has all of the makings of a soothing getaway. Spend your days sunbathing and swimming on the kind of 3-mile-long Ogunquit Seaside or extra secluded Footbridge Seaside, or wander during the Ogunquit Museum of American Artwork (open seasonally) to peer greater than 3,000 works. Fresh vacationers really useful exploring the old fashioned city on the old school trolley, which in most cases runs between the summer time and early fall. A keep at sumptuous Cliff Area Maine simply south of city is certain to go away you feeling rejuvenated due to its 9,000-square-foot spa, whole with cliff perspectives, saunas, steam rooms and natural botanical therapies. Further facilities on the fashionable beach hotel come with indoor and outside swimming swimming pools, unfastened espresso and tea stations on every ground, gardens, and oceanfront nice eating venues.

Situated in Carrabassett Valley in western Maine, Sugarloaf Mountain is a year-round getaway for vacationers taking a look to get lively. Within the hotter months, travelers can hike, mountain motorbike, golfing, kayak and zip line. However guests say Sugarloaf really shines within the iciness with its chilly climate sports activities: It provides the one lift-serviced, above-treeline snowboarding within the japanese U.S. and is the biggest ski house east of the Rocky Mountains. Snow fans can take part in cross-country snowboarding on greater than 30 miles of trails, in addition to snowshoeing and ice skating. After a complete day of job, get some leisure on the on-site Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, or hire out a rental or personal house in case you are touring with a gaggle.

Never-ending amusing awaits at Funtown Splashtown USA. The accurately named leisure venue in Saco (not up to 20 miles south of Portland) is composed of 2 sections: a water park and an amusement park. Guests taking a look to get their hearts pumping can experience thrill rides like Maine’s best wood rollercoaster, the tallest log flume in New England or a drop tower that sends vacationers right into a 220-foot unfastened fall. More youthful buyers can have their select of tamer amusement park points of interest as effectively, together with a kiddie teach, bumper boats and a vintage carousel. In the meantime, at the wetter aspect of the park, vacationers can zoom down the Poseidon’s Plunge waterslide, splash within the lagoon and cargo the entire kinfolk onto a raft slide. Fresh vacationers stated their youngsters had a blast on the park, however they do warn that prices for food and drink can temporarily upload up. After a fun-packed day, retire to The Beachwood in close by Outdated Orchard Seaside, which has direct seaside get entry to and facilities like fish fry amenities.

Situated in Rockland, the Farnsworth Artwork Museum properties 15,000 items that spotlight Maine’s function within the historical past of American artwork. Opened in 1948, the 20,000-square-foot museum options rotating reveals highlighting artists like sculptor Louise Nevelson and fresh American realist painter Jamie Wyeth. Fresh vacationers praised the curated choice of works, noting that the museum used to be effectively well worth the go back and forth to Rockland. After traveling the museum, take hold of a meal at a old fashioned eating place close by, reminiscent of farm-to-table eatery Primo or family-owned informal joint Hill’s Seafood Co.

An idyllic Bar Harbor break out located simply 4 miles north of Acadia Nationwide Park, Terramor Outside Lodge opened in 2020 and provides a mix of nature and comfort, making it one of the vital peak glamping motels within the U.S. Spend your holiday mountain climbing, fishing, stargazing, playing a meal on the Resort, or soaking within the pool and sizzling bathtub. Every fashionable, glamping-style tent is geared up with electrical energy, ceiling lovers and warmers, Wi-Fi get entry to, and screened home windows and porches. Some have personal toilets and extra perks like fireplace pits. Previous visitors on the assets had lots of reward for the hotel, highlighting the cozy lodging, pretty perspectives and pleasant workforce.

Open seasonally from Would possibly 1 to Oct. 31 (and once more for the vacation season from the Friday after Thanksgiving during the Sunday after New Yr’s Day), Victoria Mansion used to be built between 1858 and 1860 as a non-public house. Additionally known as the Morse-Libby Area, the Portland place of abode first opened as a museum in 1941. It’s the best surviving U.S. construction adorned via inner fashion designer Gustave Herter, and it portrays one of the crucial maximum well-preserved Italian villa-style structure within the nation. Victoria Mansion provides each guided and self-guided excursions that exhibit shocking artifacts and one-of-a-kind decor. Fresh vacationers have been completely inspired via the valuables and located the excursions to be informative.

The Casco Bay Islands include an collection of coastal cities close to Portland providing quite a few amusing issues to do. The comfortable, small-town vibe supplies the best surroundings to unwind with motorbike rides, scenic walks and engaging seafood. Peaks Island is the preferred island as a result of its many facilities and proximity to Portland, however guests who would love a extra complete flavor of the world will have to believe the traveler-approved Mailboat Run day cruise. Operated via Casco Bay Strains, the kind of three-hour excursion visits 5 other islands – Little Diamond, Nice Diamond, Cliff Island, Lengthy Island and Chebeague Island – and offers just a little of historical past on every.

Controlled via the Maine Historic Society, the Wadsworth-Longfellow Home is a Nationwide Historical Landmark that dates again to 1785. It housed 3 generations of Wadsworth and Longfellow members of the family, probably the most widely recognized of whom used to be Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, crucial literary and cultural determine in 1800s American society. These days, guests can excursion the Portland area from June to October to peer many unique family artifacts, in addition to the luxurious Longfellow Lawn positioned in the back of the valuables. Fresh vacationers felt the house used to be effectively preserved and loved exploring at their recreational.

On the Maine Maritime Museum, travelers can be told all concerning the state’s nautical historical past whilst taking in perspectives of the Kennebec River. The 20-acre campus in Tub options each indoor reveals and a big outside shipyard for guests to discover. Traveler favorites come with the museum’s brief ancient motion pictures, an excellent choice of send equipment, and shows of maritime artifacts and art work. After traveling the premises, guests can end out the day with an hourlong river cruise to peer the shipyard and close by lighthouses (to be had seasonally).

Maine has no scarcity of lighthouses to make a choice from, however Nubble Mild is value a go to in case you are within the city of York. In-built 1879, the construction – which is at the Nationwide Sign up of Historical Puts – welcomes guests right through the 12 months to color, take pictures, fish or settle in for a picnic. Fresh vacationers reported the picturesque prevent used to be well worth the go back and forth for the perspectives by myself, noting the lighthouse and ocean vistas are stunning regardless of the season. When making plans your go to, understand that the reward store and restrooms are best open from early Would possibly via mid-October.

Situated in Portland, Allagash Brewing Corporate is an unbiased craft brewery that receives rave evaluations from vacationers and locals alike. Its signature Belgian-style wheat beer – Allagash White – is a must-taste, however on the subject of each palate will discover a bitter, barrel-aged, wild or spontaneously fermented beer that tickles their fancy. Guests can experience their brews within the family-friendly tasting room or acquire tickets for a extra curated, 1.5-hour tasting consultation of 5 beers in The Cellars. Previous buyers enjoyed the brewery’s comfortable environment each indoors and out of doors, in addition to the scrumptious beers and on-site meals truck, which serves up lobster rolls and different Maine specialties.

Affiliated with Bowdoin School in Brunswick, Maine – round 25 miles northeast of Portland – the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum is a singular enchantment showcasing all issues Arctic. Based in honor of Robert E. Peary and Donald B. MacMillan, graduates of the varsity from the past due 1800s who explored the Arctic area, the museum properties expedition apparatus, herbal historical past specimens and different items of hobby. Previous reveals have detailed the historical past of girls explorers within the Arctic, canine sledding right through historical past and the affect of worldwide warming at the area. Previous guests loved perusing the unfastened enchantment, highlighting the reveals with Arctic clothes, Inuit art work and extra.

Be aware: The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum used to be closed on the time of e-newsletter. It’s slated to reopen in past due spring in a brand-new house: the John and Lile Gibbons Middle for Arctic Research.

Nicola Wooden is a senior shuttle editor who has visited 26 nations (and counting). She researches locations around the U.S. and in another country each for her activity and her personal long term holidays. Maine is on her shuttle bucket listing, and he or she’s installed numerous hours scouring the web for the most efficient puts to stick, go to and devour – so that you shouldn’t have to.