12 Small Towns in Maine Were Ranked Among US Favorites

The great state of Maine has approximately 400 towns, not counting the 20-plus cities like Portland and Bangor. Each one of these towns offers a slightly different experience than its neighbor, whether it has access to the most rugged parts of the ocean or is closest to the majestic mountains. From Kennebunkport to Old Orchard Beach, these dozen small towns in the Pine Tree state were ranked among US favorites.

Kennebunkport

Known best through George HW Bush, who was a summer resident of the town for many years and located on the coast between Biddeford and Wells in York County, Kennebunkport is a beacon for fun and adventure for the whole family. Alisson’s Restaurant, Nunan’s Lobster Hut, and Earth at Hidden Pond are some of the many fine places to eat in downtown Kennebunkport. Several exciting places to visit are also part of the charm of this port town, like taking the family swimming at Kennebunk Beach for the day, kayaking with friends out on the ocean near Cape Porpoise, and taking a scenic drive along Ocean Avenue and watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.

Camden

The town of Camden, located in Knox County between the town of Rockport and Mount Megunticook, is one of those coastal towns that captivate your senses every time you turn around. From the many excellent resorts to stay in, like Lord Camden Inn and Camden Riverhouse Hotel, to the many fine restaurants, like the Waterfront Restaurant and Peter Ott’s On the Water, opportunities to sit back and relax in comfort are endless in Camden. There are also several fun, exhilarating things to do while visiting, including climbing Mount Battie with a group of friends, hiking through Camden Hills State Park with someone or by yourself, and swimming at Megunticook Lake with the family.

Boothbay Harbor

Known as the "Boating Capital of New England," Boothbay Harbor is famous for its succulent lobster and tasty seafood, its whale-watching, and the ability to relax while soaking up the sun. There are a multitude of places and establishments in Boothbay Harbor that accommodate these activities nicely. Several restaurants specialize in seafood, as it is on the coast of Maine, like the Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant, the Boothbay Lobster Wharf, and Shannon’s Unshelled. There are also several whale-watching tours scheduled regularly in Boothbay Harbor. As far as soaking up the sun, Barrett’s Park and Knickerbocker Lake are worthy of a visit; not to mention stopping by Pemaquid Beach and Pemaquid Beach Park, which are both right around the corner in Bristol.

Castine

The town of Castine, located in Hancock County, another favorite town along Maine’s coast, is home to several chances to commune with nature. There are some fine seafood restaurants , in downtown Castine that offer outdoor dining, like Dennett’s Wharf, as well as many natural attractions to see with the family, including checking out the Dice Head Lighthouse, hiking through Moose Point State Park in Searsport, fishing at Fort Point State Park in Stockton Springs, and enjoying the history of Fort George State Park, known previously as Fort Penobscot. There are even a few museums to check out while in town, like Wilson Museum in Castine and Penobscot Marine Museum in neighboring Searsport.

Rockland

Just north of Clark Island and Port Clyde and south of Rockport and Camden, the town of Rockland in Knox County is most famous for the "Lobster Lady," also known as 103-year-old Virginia "Ginny" Oliver, who still goes out on Lobster Boats regularly. There are also several seafood restaurants located in Rockland, including Claws and Rockland Café on Main Street, Archers on the Pier, and Landings Restaurant & Lounge on Commercial Street. And, before you think food is all Rockland offers, there are several places for reuniting with nature, like photographing Rockland’s Breakwater and Lighthouse and attending the Maine Lobster Festival, which takes place in downtown Rockland the first weekend of every August.

Cape Elizabeth

Named by Capt. John Smith to show honor to Princess Elizabeth in 1604, Cape Elizabeth is filled with fun activities that make people come back every year. Along with checking out several activities, like Fort Williams Park and Cresent Beach State Park, both located just outside of Cape Elizabeth, visitors can also enjoy spending time with friends and family dining at the C. Salt Gourmet Market, grabbing fresh, delectable seafood from the Lobster Shack at Two Lights or Bite Into Maine, or even stopping by one of the many historic and natural museums in the area, including the Victory Mansion and the Children’s Museum, both located in nearby Portland.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is the epitome of a back-home town with modern highlights. Located on the edge of Acadia National Park, on Mount Desert Island, several opportunities to enjoy nature abound in and around Bar Harbor, including checking out activities in and around Acadia, stopping by Frenchman Bay, checking out the Egg Rock Lighthouse, and stopping by the Village Green. Visitors can also hike many of the trails in the area, like Ocean Trail, Shore Path, and the Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail. Also, if you want fresh seafood, several restaurants in Bar Harbor offer a variety of ways to eat lobster, crab, and other tasty delicacies. West Street Café and Stewman’s Lobster Pound are both located on West Street, and 2 Cats Bar Harbor is on Cottage Street.

Presque Isle

Way up in Aroostook County, far away from any of the other towns on the list, Presque Isle enjoys a peace and tranquility not always available to those along the coastline. Yet this does not make this town of around 9,000 people any less exciting. Presque Isle has several natural attractions, like Aroostook State Park, the Double Eagle II Balloon Site, and the Arnold Brook Lake Recreation Area, along with several great places to grab a bite to eat, like Governor’s, Rodney’s at 436 Main, and Riverside Inn, all located on Main Street. There are even activities for the kids in Presque Isle, including the Maine Solar System Model, a great way to learn about history.

Damariscotta

Known as the oyster capital of New England because of the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site, the town of Damariscotta is also famous for Damariscotta River Cruises and the Oak Gables Bed and Breakfast. While the river cruises, some offering oyster and wine tasting, are around two hours of equal parts entertainment and education, Oak Gables, located on Pleasant Street in downtown Damariscotta offers gorgeous landscapes, excellent food, and a sense of comfort away from the hustle-and-bustle of back home. There are even several outdoor dining experiences to be had in Damariscotta, including Schooner’s Landing on Main Street, and King Eider’s Pub, just around the corner on Elm Street.

Bethel

The small town of Bethel is further away from the coast of Maine, located deep in the White Mountain National Forest. Along with Grafton Notch State Park and the Sunday River Ski Resort, Bethel is also home of the Sunday River Covered Bridge as well. This 100-foot-long covered bridge, which is technically located in the town of Newry, is one of the ten most scenic covered bridges in Maine and has been photographed and painted so often, it is referred to most as the "Artists" bridge. Another exhilarating outdoor activity that makes Bethel a popular destination is the Mount Will Walking Trail, which is excellent for walking, hiking, backpacking, taking photographs of scenic landscapes, and picnicking with friends or family.

Eastport

Home to several exciting festivals, like the Down East Spring Bird Festival and the Salmon Festival in Autumn, the town of Eastport on Moose Island is a safe haven for fun and excitement for everyone. There are several other great aspects that attract visitors all the way to this most eastern part of the United States. The Mermaid, a bronze statue created by Richard Klyver, and Shackford Head State Park are both located in Eastport. There are even several restaurants in downtown Eastport that are worth a visit, including The Happy Crab and Old Sow Grill, both located on Water Street.

Old Orchard Beach

Saving the best for last, with a population of approximately 9,000 regular residents and swelling to as many as 70,000 to 80,000 each summer, Old Orchard Beach is a plethora of fun and excitement for all ages. From all the activities that can be enjoyed along the beach, like sun-tanning, swimming, volleyball, and picnicking, visitors can also stop by Palace Playland and Seaside Pavilion. And, with a multitude of seafood restaurants close to the beach, like Joseph’s By the Sea, Tami Lyn’s Place, and Bell Buoy Restaurant, there is never a chance of anyone going hungry wherever you find yourself in Old Orchard Beach. Plus, the kids will love Cascade Falls Flume and playing mini golf at Pirate’s Cove.

So, whether it is just you, or you are visiting Maine with a few friends, or you are planning a vacation with the whole family, there are a plethora of awesome spots and locales in the great state of Maine that can accommodate your needs. From the tiny coastal town of Castine with a quaint harbor or the rugged mountain town of Presque Isle far from the Atlantic Ocean, Maine has a wide diversity of options and many fan favorites.