19 Greatest Locations to Go in Maine within the Summer season for Each Trip Sort

Summer season in Maine holds a singular allure. The times get longer, the oceans hotter, and a brand new life is delivered to the most important New England state. From picturesque rocky coastlines and iconic lobster rolls to infinite outside adventures and culturally wealthy historical past, this Pine Tree State serves as an ideal trip vacation spot, incomes its moniker of Vacationland. Deciding the place to go to will be overwhelming, so let’s break down the best possible locations to go in Maine in the summertime.

After vacationing in Maine for over 20 years with my household, I’ve skilled journeys match for all ages and pursuits. With the little ones, marine life is on the contact of their fingertips with the Maine State Aquarium and Divers Ed boat rides. The Southern Maine coastal cities of York, Wells, Ogunquit, and Outdated Orchard seashore provide miles of sandy seashores.

Pure wonders like Acadia Nationwide Park and Rangeley Lake are excellent for these in search of some journey. Portland has a vibrant meals and brewery scene excellent for a weekend getaway.

Searching for a selected kind of journey? Listed here are my high favourite locations:

Greatest locations to Go in Maine within the Summer season

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Kittery, ME

Being proper off the border with New Hampshire, Kittery makes for an awesome day journey from Boston. This quaint city is thought for its in depth outlet malls and historic websites. 

My household will make the day journey from Massachusetts simply to go to When Pigs Fly, a scrumptious Brick oven Pizzeria. Ensure that to take a look at When Pigs Fly Firm Retailer for his or her sun-dried tomato bread and heat lemon blueberry cookies. Bob’s Clam Hut is one other native favourite if you happen to don’t thoughts ready within the lengthy traces for his crispy fried clams or recent lobster rolls.

If you’re trying to journey again in time, make your method to Fort Foster State Park on Gerrish Island to discover outdated army forts. This dog-friendly website provides giant inexperienced areas to picnic, a relaxed rocky seashore, and a walkable pier providing lovely views of the mouth of the Piscataqua River. 

York, ME 

York is ideal for a weekend getaway with the entire household. This Southern Maine coastal seashore city is an ideal place for younger children with York’s Wild Kingdom, each a zoo and an amusement park.

Providing household rides, bouncy homes, mini golf, and petting zoos, this one-stop vacation spot is a full day occasion. Driving the kiddie dragon curler coaster and seeing the tigers up shut, was peak pleasure as a younger child.  

Lengthy Sands Seaside is extra your typical sandy seashore with respectable waves for boogie boarding and browsing. Quick Sands seashore is downtown York with an old style arcade, and bowling alley. Cease by The Goldenrod the place you’ll be able to watch up shut how salt water taffy is made, after which seize a bag your self!

The place to Keep: Cliff Home is in Cape Neddick and provides luxurious lodging with gorgeous views. York Harbor Inn is a luxurious Inn positioned on the oceanfront on York Harbor. 

Ogunquit, ME

This quintessential beachtown will want a bit greater than a weekend to discover. Situated simply north of York on the southern coast lies Ogunquit Seaside, one of many high 25 seashores within the U.S. in accordance with TripAdvisor’s Vacationers Alternative. 

Hop on the Trolly and experience right down to the Ogunquit Playhouse the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in theater performances. Then, head right down to the ocean and go to the outdated fishing village of Perkins Cove. 

Discover well-known eating places like Barnacle Billy’s identified for his or her luxurious lobster and scenic views. For dessert, stroll over to seize sea salt caramels from Perkins Cove Candies and stroll alongside the drawbridge. 

Some fast issues to remember about visiting Ogunquit: 

• Many lodging are waterfront on the Ogunquit tidal river as a substitute of Ogunquit seashore. At low tide it’s attainable to stroll on to the seashore, however put together to take the entry level by way of seashore avenue to seek out parking. 
• Ogunquit is likely one of the extra touristy places due to this fact it is very important plan round huge crowds and better costs for meals and parking. 

The place to remain: The Anchorage By the Sea is a pleasant oceanfront place for households. 

Wells, ME

One other gorgeous Southern Maine seashore city, Wells is nice for households. Wells consists of miles of sandy seashores the place you’ll be able to stroll, surf, or search round tide swimming pools. Some widespread ones embrace Wells Seaside, Moody Seaside, and Drakes Island Seaside. 

Are you a nature lover? The Rachel Carson Nationwide Wildlife Refuge protects salt marshes and native habitats, whereas providing an immersive and enjoyable expertise by way of miles of walkable trails.

You may’t go to Wells with out stopping by Congdon’s Doughnuts. These scrumptious doughnuts are one of many sole issues we nonetheless bear in mind right this moment from our household holidays. In line with latest opinions, the apple fritter is a should attempt. 

Belfast, ME 

Belfast, Maine is my household’s all-time favourite summer season trip vacation spot, staying right here for nearly a decade. This quaint, artsy, reasonably priced, mid-coastal seashore city is nestled into Penobscot bay. The coast right here consists of rocky cliffs, and sea glass littered seashores. The water is calm, shallow, and barely hotter because of the bay. 

Canine are greater than welcome with canine bowls showing exterior outlets downtown. Public artwork buildings observe themes downtown, altering yearly. Rollie’s Bar and Grill, Younger’s Lobster Pound, and Dockside Household Restaurant are high stops for recent seafood. 

As somebody with a robust candy tooth, I need to suggest Chocolate Drop Sweet Store which has a wall with each taste of jelly bean. Ice cream can be served right here in a Fifties dinner fashion. Perry’s Nut Home has divine fudge, a should cease for a candy deal with. 

Take a sundown sailboat experience round Penobscot bay, go to the Blue Alpaca Ranch & Retailer, or simply stroll alongside the footbridge having fun with the harbor views. Your coronary heart will fall for Belfast’s distinctive allure. 

The place to remain: Wonderview Cottages is a few ten-minute drive to downtown Belfast and provides you entry to a non-public seashore proper on Penobscot Bay. The environment is tranquil, the seashore is filled with rocks and seaglass, and most cottages are canine pleasant. 

Rangeley, ME 

Extra of a lake individual? Head Northwest to the attractive clear water of Rangeley Lake. Nature lovers will love the extra distant setting, excellent for mountain climbing, kayaking, and swimming. Downtown is small however hosts a few cute outlets like Traditional Provisions, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in sandwiches, pastries, and smoothies proper on the water.  

Quill Hill is a spectacular view level after a brief drive up a singular panorama. The drive again into city is closely populated with moose so drive very sluggish at nightfall and hold your eyes peeled! 

Rangeley Lake State park is an ideal spot for picnics and mountain climbing, and you’ll keep within the campsite the place you will have swimming entry to Rangeley Lake. Tenting right here is far nearer to nature, removed from glamping.

If you’re in search of a magical place to hike and swim, go to Cascade Gorge Stream Path. When you park, you hike for about half-hour till you come throughout a phenomenal pure waterfall and crystal clear water excellent for swimming. 

The place to Keep: Fashionable Rangeley Cabin is a comfy and spacious cabin positioned not too removed from downtown Rangeley.  

Bar Harbor, ME 

Situated on Mount Desert Island, the most important island in Maine, Bar Harbor is likely one of the hottest summer season locations. This coastal city is correct subsequent to Acadia Nationwide Park, additionally the homeland of the Wabanaki. With tenting websites, views of Frenchman Bay, and over 150 miles of trails, there are many issues to do round Acadia Nationwide Park. 

Drive 3.5 miles as much as the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the japanese seaboard of the U.S. (simply make sure to make a car reservation in case you are visiting from late Might by way of October). Thunder Gap is one other great place the place waves crash into the cliffs creating water sprays that attain as much as 40 ft! 

Discover the colourful marine lifetime of Frenchman Bay by reserving a visit with Diver Ed’s Dive-In-theater. Diver’s discover wildlife after which carry animals onto the boat in contact tanks the place you’ll be able to expertise lobsters, starfish and Sea Cucumbers up shut! Nevertheless a very good factor to notice, the boat has a Newfoundland canine on board so be sure everybody in your social gathering is comfy with huge canine. 

The Bar Harbor Whale Watch & Nature Cruise additionally provides you up shut views of seals and bald eagles.

Some issues to remember:

• Bar Harbor attracts giant crowds so plan forward to keep away from noon visitors 
• It is suggested to take the fare-free island explorer bus as a substitute of driving across the island

The place to Keep: Central Home has an historic allure and is rumored to be haunted if that’s your fashion.  Smuggler’s Den Campground is a superb spot for tenting about half-hour exterior of the Bar Harbor and Terramor is likely one of the greatest glamping resorts in New England.

BoothBay Harbor, ME

Welcome to the midcoast gem of Boothbay Harbor, a quintessential summer season vacation spot. This city is filled with life from Windjammer cruises, puffin and whale watching excursions, and Railway Village rides, to botanical gardens and vintage outlets. If you’re in search of a candy deal with, go to Downeast Ice Cream Manufacturing facility or attempt some salt water taffy from Orne’s Sweet Retailer. Each outlets have a pleasant historic contact. 

The Maine State Aquarium is a superb spot for younger children and animal lovers the place you’ll be able to contact sharks, maintain molluscs, and picnic. The area is smaller so not too overwhelming, and there’s a little present store to choose up some enjoyable knick knacks. 

See extra issues to do in Boothbay Harbor.

The place to Keep: Harborage Inn on the Oceanfront is a cute mattress and breakfast with water views that could be a very brief stroll to all of the downtown outlets and eating places.

Portland, ME 

The biggest metropolis in Maine, Portland, provides enjoyable for all ages. Outdated Port is the historic a part of town which has unmatched meals choices and boutiques for procuring. I often go to Portland on day journeys, however you’ll be able to simply replenish a weekend of actions.  

Flatbread Pizza is a longtime favourite identified for his or her brick oven pizza, my private advice being the cheese and herb or the do-it-yourself sausage pizza. Luke’s Lobster and the Portland Lobster Co. are my go-to spots for lobster rolls and recent seafood.

The brewery scene is vibrant with beer tasting at Allagash Brewing Firm. Museums just like the Portland Museum of Artwork are an awesome attraction as properly.   

Day journeys by way of ferry round Casco bay islands, like Peaks island or Diamond Cove, is a good way to discover. Lobster boat excursions are additionally accessible. The Portland Head Mild positioned on Cape Elizabeth, is a picturesque lighthouse and museum in Fort Williams Park that could be a should for any customer to Maine (and seize a scrumptious lobster roll from the Chew into Maine meals truck that units up within the park.) 

The place to Keep: Portland will be dear in the summertime, however fortunately there are new motels similar to Cambria Lodge Portland Downtown and the Longfellow Lodge to assist ease the lodging scarcity.

Rockland, ME 

Alongside the midcoast of Maine lies the artsy city of Rockland. You will discover your self misplaced on the street artwork and downtown procuring, or stroll alongside the Rockland Breakwater to see the historic lighthouse overlooking the harbor. One other nice lighthouse within the space is Owls Head Lighthouse which provides views of Penobscot Bay. 

The Farnsworth Artwork Museum focuses on American artwork, notably these with ties to Maine, whereas trendy artwork lovers ought to plan a go to to the Middle for Maine Up to date Artwork.

It’s good to remember that Route 1 is the principle method to get out and in of Rockland, and it could actually get fairly congested throughout peak summer season months. Additionally be sure to not miss the Maine Lobster Competition!

The place to Keep: 250 Maine Lodge has a contemporary contact and views of the water. 

Schoodic Peninsula/ Winter Harbor, ME

Need to go to Acadia Nationwide Park however skip the crowds? Schoodic Peninsula is positioned throughout from Mount Desert Island, however nonetheless nationwide park land.  

Winter Harbor is positioned on the northern finish of the peninsula and is just a few 45 minute drive to Bar Harbor and has a handful of eating places and outlets and you’ll board a small boat tour to see puffins.

The character right here is breathtaking, with the quintessential image of pine timber right down to the water. Each of those locations are far more secluded, a standard theme the additional you head downeast nearer you get to the Canadian border. 

The place to Keep: Mainstay Cottages & RV Park consists of oceanfront cottages on Henry’s Cove. 

Outdated Orchard Seaside, ME

In search of an thrilling, bustling surroundings, with enjoyable sights round each nook? Stroll the old-fashioned pier reaching out over the ocean the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in recent seafood and dwell music on the Pier Patio Pub. 

New England’s solely beachfront amusement park, Palace Playland, consists of thrill rides just like the Sea viper curler coaster, but additionally has rides for the little ones like Convey the place you experience a child-sized automotive. The old-fashioned environment brings a nostalgic contact. 

The seashore is huge with miles of flat sand match for sunbathing, swimming, or seashore sports activities, and has fireworks each Thursday beginning round 9:45 p.m. in the course of the summer season season. It is likely one of the widest, most conventional sand seashores within the state.

Sebago Lake, ME

Sebago Lake is a superb household pleasant spot with an ideal quantity of outside actions. In comparison with lakes like Rangely, Sebago Lake is positioned in Southern Maine subsequent to Lengthy Lake, making it extra accessible from the remainder of New England and a enjoyable day journey to Portland. 

When my household was youthful, we camped in Sebago Lake Household CampGround which supplied a cute neighborhood with good facilities. Enjoying on the playground, biking round, roasting marshmallows on the campfire, and swimming on the seashore had been key reminiscences. Sebago Lake water was clear, clear, and calm, and a bit hotter than Maine’s chillier oceans. 

In Naples Maine, we rented a pontoon boat which we took throughout Sebago Lake and Lengthy Lake. You may fish, leap off the boat, and swim round within the refreshing water. An ideal day on the lake. 

The place to Keep: Sebago Lake Household Campground

Fryeburg, ME

Heading west nearer to the White Mountains is Oxford County’s oldest city, Fryeburg. This city is nice for individuals who want lakes and mountains. Weston’s Seaside is a extremely beneficial spot to chill out on and swim within the calm Saco River. There are a number of water actions like tubing, kayaking, or paddle boarding in Saco River or Kezer Pond.

Bradley Memorial Park hosts concert events on Tuesdays, the place you may also take pleasure in picnicking. If you’re craving some scrumptious connoisseur meals, make a reservation on the Oxford Home Inn restaurant, one of many high 100 eating places in America in accordance with Opentable! The delicacies is up to date American types with mixes of Asian, United States Southwestern, and French. 

The place to Keep: Oxford Home Inn is greater finish and centrally positioned. 

Camden, ME

This midcoast magnificence is upscale and a preferred filming place for Hollywood motion pictures. A cute harbor stuffed with sailboats and a culturally wealthy downtown, makes for an ideal weekend getaway. 

Camden provides a number of festivals year-round, however in the summertime you can’t miss Camden’s Jazz In June music competition. If you’re trying to expertise the close by nature be sure to go to Camden Hills State Park. Hike Mt. Battie for lovely views of Penobscot Bay. It’s canine pleasant and has a small tower on the summit the place you’ll be able to eat lunch. 

The place to Keep: Lord Camden Inn  

MooseHead Lake/ Maine Highlands, ME

Escape the bustle of crowds and enterprise deep into Maine to Moosehead Lake. As the most important physique of water in Maine, Moosehead Lake stands as an oasis for wildlife and outside adventures. 

Lily Bay State Park is a well-liked spot with a positive pebble seashore for swimming, two campgrounds, a playground, and docks for boating. 

Inside the Maine Highlands, Baxter State Park is a phenomenal place to hike and revel in nature. Remember the fact that if you wish to climb Mt. Katahdin, that is no breezy climb. Spherical journeys on Mt. Katahdin ranges from 8 to 12 hours, so be sure to analysis and put together and ebook a parking allow upfront.

The place to Keep: The Lodge at Moosehead Lake is a phenomenal spot with positive eating and outside actions and Blair Hill Inn is one other good selection. For extra space, there are many cabin leases on this space as properly.

Scarborough, ME

Situated in between Outdated Orchard Seaside and Portland, this cute Southern Maine city is a superb household vacation spot near widespread sights. As a child, my household vacationed at Bayley’s Tenting Resort for 3 years. In true glamping trend, the campsite had three swimming pools, a movie show, and a camp retailer the place my siblings and I might observe our independence by utilizing walkie talkies to get sweet. Very protected, spacious, and personal. Plus, adults get a sizzling tub!

Funtown Splashtown USA is just a ten minute drive away in Saco. Journey Maine’s solely wood curler coaster Excalibur, after which race down the water slide Amphitrite’s Problem. Inside Scarborough you may also take pleasure in Scarborough Seaside State Park and Higgins Seaside. 

The place to Keep: Bayley’s Tenting Resort

Belgrade Lakes, ME

If you’re in search of a peaceable and enjoyable getaway, the Belgrade Lakes are for you. It’s conveniently positioned about 10 miles from the capital, Augusta. Made up of a complete of seven lakes, this space provides a number of water sports activities like boating, swimming, or fishing. 

After I visited, the dock exterior our cabin was an ideal spot to fish because the solar set, positioned on a river that led into Messalonskee Lake. If you’re a giant golf fan you’ll love the nationally ranked Belgrade Lakes Golf Membership, an immersive nature and golf expertise. 

The place to Keep: Maine Cabin on the Water  is a comfy and spacious cabin with a dock for kayaking and fishing.  

Monhegan Island, ME 

Hop on a ferry from Boothbay Harbor or New Harbor and make your method to this sq. mile piece of magic. Monhegan Island is an enthralling small island stuffed with rocky cliffs, and comfy cottages. Cathedral Woods consists of strolling trails that appeal to artists to the island. Many guests account for seeing fairy homes within the woods!

Go to the espresso store The Mooring Chain for espresso, tea, bagels, and pastries. The native house owners get recent bagels from the Trailing Yew each morning.

The place to Keep: Monhegan Home is a mattress & breakfast which provides the sound of ocean waves, scenic coastal views, and the chance to see artists. 

Discover the place that speaks to you and plan your dream Maine summer season trip!

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Lily O’Neill is a contract content material author set to graduate from the College of Massachusetts Amherst in spring 2024. She additionally blogs on her personal web site, Humanscrapbook, the place she focuses on way of life, wellness and journey content material. With a background in psychology and cultural anthropology, Lily combines social sciences and her personal travels to craft significant tales.

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