11 Stunning Small Towns In Maine

From rugged coastlines and snow-covered peaks to undulating woodlands, Maine's storybook natural scenery is one of the reasons travelers stream into this East Coast state for holidays. But there is much more to see and do in the Pine Tree State, including exploring its rich history, discovering its unique culture, and indulging in its sumptuous seafood scenery. Maine harbors a series of beautiful little towns, some as old as the state.

These adorable locations are the genuine custodians of its character and heritage. Scattered across the state, from the Atlantic Coast to the Appalachian Mountains region, they showcase exquisite diversity to deliver a novel tourist experience wherever the itinerary leads you. Between the sublime shoreline scenery in Cape Elizabeth and the spectacular mountain vistas in Bar Harbor, these are the most stunning small towns in Maine.

Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth is a stunning coastal community about 7 miles southeast of Portland, with unrivaled natural beauty and picturesque views at every turn. The town offers many reasons to embrace the great outdoors, spoiling vacationers with sandy getaways like Crescent Beach State Park. Boasting a mile-long stretch of pristine shoreline, the beach has a secluded atmosphere perfect for lazy strolls and undisturbed picnics. From the coast, you can't help but notice the majestic facade of the Portland Headlight. The 1791 landmark is not only a visual spectacle but also a stark reminder of the region's enduring maritime heritage.

Further inland, Cape Elizabeth takes guests on a journey through time at Goddard Mansion. This historic homestead, built in Italianate architectural design, dates back to the late 19th century.

Camden

Steeped in history and situated on Penobscot Bay, Camden charms visitors with its captivating past and soothing waterfront setting. It is home to the High Street Historic District, where over 200 years of heritage remains preserved in dozens of 1800s and 1900s buildings. The Camden Public Library is an excellent example. It was constructed in the 1920s and is listed on the National Register. Heading outdoors, the 5,700-acre Camden Hills State Park presents endless recreational opportunities. Its mountainous landscapes, traversed by rugged trails and decorated with terrific overlooks, set the stage for wild hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing excursions.

While in Camden, you can sample the famous seafood scene by popping into The Waterfront Restaurant. This quaint eatery promises to tantalize your taste buds with luscious clam chowder and lobster stew.

Kennebunk

Kennebunk is constantly ranked among the most popular small towns in Maine due to its winning mix of historical markers, fabulous beaches, and delectable dining culture. Vacationers are spoilt for choice when heading out to shore, with Mother's Beach and Gooch's Beach providing the ideal setting to stroll on powdery sands and soak in the spectacular sunset. The town's vintage landmarks are a hit with photographers, particularly the fantasy-like Wedding Cake House. This 19th-century home boasts ornate Carpenter Gothic architectural details that once made it the "most photographed house in Maine."

Furthermore, the Brick Store Museum provides a unique perspective into the community's history using a vast collection of old photographs, vintage textiles, shipbuilding equipment, and other interactive artifacts.

York

This southern Maine community on the Atlantic Coast is known for its sandy beaches, colonial cottages, and golf courses. Many tourists love to explore the open spaces, especially the tranquil shores of Long Sands Beach, which are perfect for lounging and nature viewing. But if you want to stretch your legs, consider an easygoing hike along Fisherman's Walk to enjoy the views. The Cape Neddick Light is the most visible sight from the coast and embodies Maine's nautical heritage since the 1870s.

Visitors can take advantage of the multiple courses in York to enjoy a round of golf with friends. Ledges Golf Club is the perfect getaway, offering 18 exciting holes that challenge newbies and veterans alike.

Ellsworth

Ellsworth presents an entry point to Acadia National Park, which sees many visitors passing through the town en route to experience the state's crowning jewel. The city balances its beautiful outdoors with a bustling Main Street, beckoning nature lovers to revel in the serenity of Ellsworth Harbor Park and Marina. It has multiple gazebos, picnic areas, and a food truck on-site with great views of passing boats. Meanwhile, the Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary invites guests for inspiring encounters with vulnerable bird species, including geese, ducks, owls, and hawks rescued from different situations.

Downtown Ellsworth is always fun to explore, housing a nice mix of boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants. If you collect souvenirs, consider passing by Old Creamery Antique Mall to sort through vintage furniture, mugs, kitchenware, glassware, and musical instruments to add to your haul.

Old Orchard Beach

This lively resort town in York County is the ultimate escape for holidaymakers along coastal Maine and draws crowds with its popular beaches, festivals, and historical monuments. A walk down the Old Orchard Pier exposes you to the best views in town and the soothing ocean breeze. Historians can expect an interesting encounter at the Old Orchard Beach Historical Museum, which provides a detailed account of the area's dynamic history. The venue stores diverse documents about its chronology since the 17th century when Thomas Rogers arrived.

The atmosphere is always upbeat in Old Orchard Beach, perfect for indulging in the thriving craft beer culture at Lone Pine Brewing Company. However, the best time to do this is during the Old Orchard Beerfest.

New Gloucester

New Gloucester is an agricultural community in Cumberland County known for its sprawling orchards and farms. It oozes quintessential rural charm and houses the 5,000-acre Pineland Farms. This popular escape for outdoor enthusiasts offers townsfolk various recreational opportunities and hosts the Trail Festival for a fun family day out.

Intervale Preserve presents an additional 328 acres of playground along the banks of the Royal River, which also serves as a habitat for migratory birds. The setting beckons hikers, bird-watchers, picnickers, and nature photographers to discover the great outdoors. New Gloucester's thriving farms provide the raw materials for the Norumbega Cidery, welcoming newcomers to sample its traditional dry hard ciders crafted from homegrown apples.

Bucksport

Bucksport lies on the banks of the Penobscot River and boasts a scenic waterfront, pleasant nature areas, and a lively downtown corridor. People love to walk along the Bucksport Waterfront Walkway to enjoy the town's exquisite scenery. This gentle route snakes along the Penobscot River bank for around 1.2 miles, passing waterfalls, fountains, and historic structures. You can also revel in the open spaces while playing at the Bucksport Golf Club. Its nine holes challenge all skill levels while rewarding players with stunning panoramas of the surroundings.

The walkable downtown in Bucksport has an inviting atmosphere that allows tourists to discover notable local gems. This includes the Alamo Theatre, a 1900s movie house where you can watch family-friendly flicks in an intimate venue.

Freeport

Rich in history, nature, and the arts, Freeport is an all-season destination, promising all visitors something to excite them. It encourages ardent outdoorsmen to immerse in the pristine wilderness of Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, with access to numerous isolated trails running throughout its 244-acre territory. Additionally, travelers can make the most of the campground at Winslow Memorial Park for the ultimate adventure of sleeping under the stars. The nature area also features a beach, playground, and walking trails to address your recreational needs.

If history is what tickles you fancy, you will find plenty of resources to browse at the Freeport Historical Society. Housed in a Nationally Registered building, the venue helps connect the present with the past through an impressive collection of archives and documents.

Sanford

This small and delightful town of Sanford on the banks of the Mousam River stands out for its lush nature areas and a decent arts scene. It is an excellent destination if you gravitate towards the open spaces, introducing first-timers to the lush and secluded environment of Gowen Park. The site is popular among families looking to enjoy a quiet picnic. Meanwhile, Goodall Park draws baseball enthusiasts across the region to catch exciting college games in a child-friendly atmosphere.

Sanford's arts community resides at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. This quaint facility serves as the cultural hub, treating residents to theater, dance, and live music performances throughout the year.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor's unprecedented beauty is framed by imposing mountains and rugged cliffs surrounding Acadia National Park. These uneven landscapes draw ardent adventurers who organize hiking expeditions to Thunder Hole for spell-binding panoramas of the Mount Desert Island shoreline. On the other hand, the Shore Path presents a less demanding hike along a historic pathway established in the 1880s. The refreshing sea breeze adds to the experience as you stretch your legs while soaking up lovely views of Frenchman Bay.

Bar Harbor hosts a series of historical landmarks preserving the area's captivating history. One of the best to look at is Egg Rock Lighthouse, an 1875 landmark with unique architecture towering above the water.

The Pine Tree State intrigues first-timers and returning tourists with its diverse natural landscapes, New England heritage, and thriving seafood scene in the United States. Away from the hustle and bustle of Portland, the best small towns in Maine present an ideal holiday destination where tourists enjoy a laid-back experience amidst rich natural settings. From sailing down Penobscot Bay in Camden to exploring the rugged Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, guests can look forward to an amazing time alone or with family.