7 Cutest Small Towns In Maine To Visit In 2024
Not only is Maine the most north-easterly state in the USA, it’s undeniably one of the most scenic. Thrusting up into the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick to the north and New Hampshire to the west, its most dramatic scenery can be enjoyed along its 228 miles of rugged Atlantic coastline.
Maine also just so happens to be home to some of the most enchanting small towns in New England, a claim which, given the competition, is quite the compliment. Of these, standouts include historic Castine and coastal Camden, along with Kennebunkport and Rockport, each offering an authentic slice of Maine hospitality. Find out more with this list of the seven cutest small towns in Maine to visit in 2024.
Camden
Take a trip roughly halfway up Maine’s spectacular coastline and you’ll eventually end up in Camden, aka, the "Jewel of the Coast." This cute seaside town epitomizes that captivating New England charm with its picturesque harbor filled with sailing boats and surrounded by historic inns and that appealing New England architecture. Camden’s downtown area is fun to explore, too, and boasts a feast of quaint shops and galleries showcasing local art and crafts, while the best of its restaurants serve up fresh catch-of-the-day seafood dishes.
A major attraction is the Camden Hills State Park, offering over 30 miles of hiking trails including the popular Mount Battie Trail, which leads adventurers to a stone tower with panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and its islands. If planning a visit in 2024, try to have it coincide with the Camden Windjammer Festival at the end of August. This popular event celebrates Camden’s rich maritime history with a parade of sail, a maritime heritage fair, and fireworks.
Wiscasset
Handily located just off the I-295 connecting Boston with the province of New Brunswick in Canada, Wiscasset has also earned itself a great nickname. Referred to by those in the know as "The Prettiest Village in Maine," this charming small community boasts many well-preserved 18th and 19th-century homes, the best of which look out over Sheepscot River. One of the most famous is Nickels-Sortwell House, an 1807 Federal-style mansion turned museum offering tours that provide a glimpse into the life of merchant ship owners through its collection of period furnishings and elegant décor.
Those visiting in 2024 will also want to pop into the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum. This fascinating attraction allows visitors the chance to experience a bygone era with rides on restored narrow-gauge steam trains, including special programs this year that include WW1 re-enactments and live music.
Castine
Don’t let its small population of just over 900 souls deter you from visiting Castine. Though small, there’s no end of fun things to do in Castine thanks to its rich history and stunning scenic setting. Located on a peninsula in Penobscot Bay and with deep roots stretching back to the early 1600s, Castine is one of the oldest communities in North America and has been occupied continuously first by the French, Dutch, and British.
A visit to Fort Madison, located at the entrance of the harbor, will provide further insight. Originally built in 1811, the fort has walking paths with views of the bay, making it a great spot for a leisurely picnic. Nearby, Fort George, built by the British in 1779 and later captured by the Americans, stands as a state historic site that visitors can explore to learn more about Castine's strategic military importance.
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor is another great spot to visit in 2024 for those seeking a genuine New England travel experience. After exploring the harbor area make a beeline for the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. One of the largest botanical gardens in New England, this 300-acre site is home to an impressive display of native and exotic plants, scenic trails, and even a children's garden, along with a rich program of workshops and events for 2024.
Boothbay Railway Village Museum is another must-see. Highlights include vintage rail cars and a recreated historic village that offers a glimpse into Maine's past, with the star attraction being a working narrow-gauge steam train. Want to get to know Maine's maritime culture a little better? The 2024 season will see boat tours available from Boothbay Harbor for the chance to see creatures like seals and even whales in their natural habitat.
Rockport
While overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Camden, Rockport is a great spot to visit for those wanting to see an authentic Maine coastal village (a visit to both can easily be combined for a fun daytrip). Rockport Marine Park is a must-do and provides excellent views of the harbor and is home to the iconic Andre the Seal Statue, commemorating the seal who became a local celebrity in the 1970s.
Enjoy the arts? Head to the Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) with its cutting-edge exhibitions of contemporary works by Maine-based artists. Housed in a striking modern building, the CMCA serves as a cultural hub offering workshops, lectures, and events that engage the community and visitors alike. Several special programs are being offered for 2024 in conjunction with the Maine Media Workshops + College, a world-renowned school offering courses in photography, filmmaking, and writing.
Kennebunkport
Just a 90-minute drive from Boston, Kennebunkport is a charming coastal town renowned for its ocean views and historical significance. A key attraction in Kennebunkport is Dock Square, the town's bustling hub, filled with unique shops, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants serving fresh-caught seafood. Those here for the history will enjoy the Seashore Trolley Museum, the oldest (and largest museum) of its type in the world where visitors can ride restored trolleys.
Goose Rocks Beach is another must-visit and features three miles of soft sand ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking. Adventure seekers can take a scenic cruise from Kennebunkport's harbor where they might spot seals, seabirds, and even whales, depending on the season.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor certainly takes the prize for the most unique destination on this list of small towns to visit in 2024. This captivating tourist destination is located on Mount Desert Island amidst a spectacular area of outstanding natural beauty that’s crowned by Acadia National Park. This huge park draws millions of visitors each year and features over 47,000 acres of stunning scenery from rocky cliffs and dense woodland to peaceful lakes and, of course, that spectacular Atlantic Ocean shoreline.
In-town attractions include the Shore Path which starts at the town pier and follows the coastline with views of the Porcupine Islands. The Abbe Museum provides insightful exhibitions on the Native American heritage of Maine, focusing on the Wabanaki tribes, and has a variety of family-friendly programming lined up for visitors in 2024.
The Final Word
The best of Maine's small towns offer a quintessentially New England vibe, each with unique experiences that make them, well… special. From the vibrant arts scene in Camden to Kennebunkport's sandy shores and rich maritime history, each of these small communities showcases the very best (and often the most diverse) attractions that Maine has to offer. However you like to travel, these seven cutest small towns In Maine are ready to be visited in 2024.
