Maine is the largest state in New England, and there are many reasons to fall in love with it. For one, the state produces over 90% of the country’s blueberries, toothpicks, and lobster. Billboards are banned, so no one is trying to get you to buy something while driving. Its rugged coastline, autumn colors, lighthouses, parks, and fresh seafood make it a popular tourist destination. Sit back as we travel through Maine and uncover 15 reasons to visit the Pine Tree State.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a beautiful stretch of preserved land off Maine’s coast. It features 158 miles of hiking trails that wind through rocky coastlines and mountain summits. Exposed granite domes, glacial erratics, U-shaped valleys, islands, and cobble beaches define the park’s diverse landscape. The region is also home to diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Visit the tallest mountain on the East Coast—Cadillac Mountain—and take in its stunning features.
Lighthouses
If you visit Maine, you must see some of its historic and iconic lighthouses. Many still guide ships through the night but have been converted into museums, like the Portland Head Light. Completed in 1791, the Portland Head Light is the oldest in the state. Every September, tourists can tour the many lighthouses that dot the coastline during “Open Lighthouse Day.” Snap some shots of the most scenic locations in the country.
Windjammer Cruises
Looking for something more intimate than a giant cruise? One of Maine’s windjammer cruises might be for you. Windjammers are classic, tall-masted schooners that boast a unique sailing experience. Meals, activities, and a relaxed atmosphere make the journey worthwhile as you sail through islands and along the coast of Penobscot Bay. Many of the cruises depart from Camden and Rockland. Relaxation and breathtaking views await!
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a 300-acre area with themed gardens, native plants, and art exhibits. A 3-mile trail takes visitors through the gardens and past five giant troll sculptures made of recycled wood. The gardens are located in Boothbay and open from May to October and from November to December. Designed with universal accessibility, everyone can enjoy the beautiful horticulture equally. After you visit the lighthouses, visit one of Maine’s biggest tourist attractions.
Beaches
Many people may be surprised to hear that Maine’s coastline, including its inlets and bays, is longer than California’s. Its beaches range from rocky to sandy shores. Old Orchard Beach, one of its most popular beaches, is a sandy beach with a bustling boardwalk and amusement park. Many tourists walk along the beaches searching for sea glass—tiny shards of glass smoothened by the water. Collect your sea glass in a jar and behold its colorful, shimmering beauty.
Islands
Maine is home to over 4,000 islands. Some are smaller and uninhabited, while others are large and populated with a tight-knit community. Mount Desert Island, part of Acadia National Park, is the largest island, with Bar Harbor being one of the most picturesque locations in the state. Other islands boast diverse activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and bird watching. It wouldn’t be a trip to Maine if you didn’t visit one of its many islands.
Camden Hills State Park
Camden Hills State Park is located north of Camden and has over 5,000 acres of campground, trails, and historical buildings. The park boasts two mountains: Mount Battie and Mount Megunticook. Visitors can bask in the region’s natural beauty and participate in horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Camden Hills State Park is a camper’s dream. Be sure to get an amazing panoramic view of the city.
Maine Maritime Museum
Established in 1962, the Maine Maritime Museum celebrates the state’s rich nautical history. The museum boasts a collection of over 20,000 items, including documents and manuscripts highlighting its global impact. Visitors can see a historic shipyard where sizeable wooden sailing vessels were constructed and walk through a restored Victorian-era home. The Mary E. Schooner, one of the oldest active sailing boats, offers educational tours along the Kennebec River.
Historic Towns
Visitors will fall in love with Maine’s historic towns. Bath, known as the “City of Ships,” is home to the Maine Maritime Museum. Wiscasset is often called the “Prettiest Village in Maine” for its charming historic district and beautiful 19th-century architecture. Portland is the largest city in the state, hosting one of the most photogenic lighthouses in the country: Portland Head Light. Kennebunkport and Augusta also attract tourists with old homes, museums, and picturesque waterfronts. Maine’s quaint villages are another reason to love the Lobster Capital.
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor has a rich maritime history and continues to be a key fishing port, especially for lobster. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful waterfront views—rugged coastal terrain, islands, and stunning coves—from their boats or kayaks. The area also has two famous lighthouses: Ram Island Light and Burnt Island Light. The charming village hosts festivals and events all year round, including the Boothbay Harbor Festival.
Damariscotta
Damariscotta is considered the “Oyster Capital of New England” for its native oysters in the Damariscotta River and annual Oyster Celebration. The town also has a rich history that dates back to the 1600s, playing a significant role in Maine’s colonial period. Downtown, the New England architecture, historic buildings, and small-town vibe make it a popular destination among tourists. Visit the Damariscotta River Association to learn about the town’s natural and cultural heritage.
Blue Hill
Blue Hill is a quaint coastal town on the Blue Hill Peninsula. Surrounded by forests, mountains, and charming waterfronts, it offers scenic vistas, especially from the top of Blue Hill Mountain. Other magnetic features include its artistic community, rich maritime history, and local farming and food. Tourists can also enjoy the historic buildings that capture Maine’s earlier period.
Rockport
Located near Camden, Rockport offers a respite from its neighbor’s bustling atmosphere. Rockport’s harbors boast spectacular waterfront views and many activities, including boating, sailing, and photography. The town also has a historic boatbuilding company and the Rockport Opera House, the area’s premier entertainment space. Rockport is a coastal town that offers both tranquility and culture, the best of both worlds.
Seafood
If you visit Maine and don’t enjoy the fresh seafood, you are truly missing out. The state is the leading producer of lobster, accounting for around 90% of the nation’s lobster. Foodies can also enjoy clams, oysters, scallops, mussels, and fish like haddock, cod, and pollock. Even if you don’t like seafood, it’s worth trying for its freshness. Most fisheries practice sustainability to protect sensitive ecosystems and ensure the longevity of fish stocks.
Local Breweries & Distilleries
Another reason to fall in love with Maine is for its local breweries and distilleries. The state has over 150 breweries, with the well-known ones being Allagash Brewing Company, Baxter Brewing Company, and Maine Beer Company. Popular distilleries that produce whiskey, rum, vodka, and gin include Bluebird Distilling, Sweetgrass Farm Winery and Distillery, and New England Distilling. Maine offers high-quality beverages for all types of alcohol drinkers.
