14 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Maine You Should Visit

If you have never set foot in Maine, prepare to be blown away by the state's incredible beauty. Nicknamed Pine Tree State, Maine is the perfect state for those who want to wander in the woods and inhale the fragrance of the scented pines. While coastal Maine gets a lot of hype, perhaps because of a spectacular shoreline studded with several historic lighthouses — as well as miles of pretty beaches —the other parts of the state are often criminally overlooked. If you want to explore the Pine Tree State meaningfully, read on to discover the 14 most beautiful small towns in Maine you should visit— and which can serve as perfect base camps.

Rangeley

Rangeley is an incredible slice of beauty that does not get the hype it deserves. This under-the-radar gem boasts a background setting that is sweet and dramatic — and can make you think you are somewhere in Switzerland. Encircled by beautiful, cascading mountains, pristine lakes, and hardwood forests whose autumn sparkle is sure to open the faucets of goosebumps, Rangeley is hands-down among the small towns in Maine you should visit. While the eponymous Lake defines the town's blue space, the area boasts up to 112 bodies of water. If you want to taste what Rangeley has to offer, consider booking a room at Loon Lodge Inn and Restaurant, a cozy little lodge on Rangeley Lake, before exploring the town's compact downtown area or wending your way to Quill Hill for some of the most heart-melting scenery.

Ellsworth

Incorrectly believing it does not offer much, many cruise past this Maine secret on their way to Acadia National Park. Yet Ellsworth, a small town of about 8,800 residents, boasts plenty of tourist attractions that may make one forget about his trip to Acadia National Park. For a time the fastest-growing city in the United States, Ellsworth is delightfully vivacious, features the classic brick buildings New England is known for, and boasts a tongue-tingling culinary landscape that will leave you impressed. Attractions within Ellsworth include the picturesque 180-acre Woodlawn, a beautiful old mansion located in downtown Ellsworth, Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary, a finely preserved piece of natural beauty on the way to Bar Harbor, and of course, The Grand, an arts center that has been a staple of the town since 1938.

Winter Harbor

Sandwiched between Mount Desert Island to the west and the Schoodic Peninsula to the east, Winter Harbor has all the natural elements that would make a town stunning. Because of its location — approximately a half-hour away from Bar Harbor by ferry — Winter Harbor has been called Bar Harbor's coastal cousin. Because of its small but cute array of locally-owned shops, casual and friendly vibe, and surreal background setting, Winter Harbor is like a poem. Within Winter Harbor, favorite attractions include Serendipity, a nice, little thrift store many consider to be the best clothing store for miles. If you are an art enthusiast, however, whopaints Gallery and Studio offers a feast for the eyes. Then again, set on the edge of the state's other Acadia National Park, Winter Harbor is full to the brim with heart-ravishing natural attractions.

Greenville

Boasting an appearance that will impress a seasoned movie director, Greenville sits on a spectacular spot on Moosehead Lake, Maine's largest lake where vacationers often seek rest and calm from the chaos of everyday life. Moosehead Lake, Greenville's focal point, is not just the largest lake in the state — but also the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States. Dazzled by its breathtaking beauty, American naturalist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau once called Moosehead Lake the "perfect lake of the woods." If you enjoy wildlife photography or just some solitude in the woods, a private moose safari is probably what your doctor will recommend. For even more outdoor fun, Lily Bay State Park, and its pretty beach, is just about 15 minutes away.

Lubec

Lubec may play host to a population of slightly more than 300, yet in other aspects, it is an adventure waiting to happen. This Maine treasure boasts an impressive 97 miles of heart-melting coastline and a downtown area that is small but incredibly cute. Then again, the fact Lubec is the easternmost town in the United States often makes it of much interest, even if just for bragging rights. Also, whether from a lobster boat or a wind jammer, Lubec visitors often get a blast watching whales at Passamaquoddy Bay, the largest animals to have ever lived on our planet. Lastly, you may want to join the thousands who love to photograph both West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, the easternmost beacon in the United States — and Head Harbour Lightstation — whose background setting is impossibly delicious.

Eastport

One of Eastport's claims to fame is the fact it boasts the deepest port on the East Coast. But wait for the most exciting part. Eastport sits right on the Bay of Fundy. This means you can get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to gasp at the highest tides in the world, and one of the greatest natural spectacles. For perspective, the tides at the Bay of Fundy can go as high as a heart-stirring 52 feet, approximately the height of a four-story building. Aside from the town's rippling tides, Eastport plays host to a gorgeous architectural landscape, including up to 29 buildings in the downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Finally, you will not want to miss out on Raye's Mustard Mil, the only remaining stone-ground mustard mill in the United States.

Swan's Island

You will love Swan's Island, a heavily wooded island that spans up to 7,000 acres — which is hemmed by an irregular, rocky coastline the state of Maine is often known for. If you are looking for a pictorial representation of Old Maine, you should place your bet on Swan's Island, a beautifully secluded expanse set amid shimmering waters. For vacationers craving a remote, far-away experience that also comes with spectacular scenery, Swan's Island should check every box. This is because the town features nearly zero amenities but boasts a number of historic points of interest, including Swan's Island Lobster and Marine Museum — where visitors can learn first-hand about the area's fascinating history and commercial fishing heritage. That said, Swan's Island is about 6 miles by ferry from Mount Desert Island.

Fort Kent

Fort Kent is known to envelop visitors in an ambiance of beauty and tranquility ideal for rest or relaxation. Home to about 2,400 residents, this northern Maine gem sits at the confluence of the Fish and Saint John Rivers on the border with New Brunswick, Canada. If you love rolling with a young crowd, you should be delighted to learn that Fort Kent plays host to the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the northernmost campus of the University of Maine System. Visitors to Fort often enjoy walking America's First Mile, where U.S. Route 1 begins its 2,369-mile journey to Key West, Florida. So you don't miss it, a granite monument marks the beginning of the longest north-south road in the country. Closely connected with this famous attraction is a scenic 1-mile trail that runs the length of downtown Fort Kent along the shimmering waters of St. John River.

Orono

Featuring a social scene that is enticingly familisque, Orono could just be the ultimate family destination. Lively and vibrant when students are around — while ravingly quiet and peaceful during summer when the student population leaves, Orono is easy to fall in love with. Orono plays host to the University of Maine, and red signage with the words "WELCOME TO ORONO, HOME OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE" is a conspicuous marker. A favorite restaurant within the town is Nest, a cozy eatery located in a sweet spot right by the campus. Orono's outdoor attractions include Stillwater River Trail, a waterfront trail known to blaze with color when the season is right, and Maine Bound Adventure Center at the university.

Belfast

Criminally underrated, Belfast exudes a serene, natural beauty that often stirs the hearts of first-time visitors. The town's quaint and beautifully restored downtown area features quiet streets lined on either side with a thoughtful mix of locally-owned shops, art galleries such as Parent Fine Art at the corner of High and Main streets, classy and inviting restaurants such as Rollie's Bar and Grill, and eclectic boutiques. While Colonial Theatre, an iconic facility that opened the same day the Titanic set sail, is currently closed and open for sale, there are many artsy attractions within Belfast that will pique the interest of cinephiles. These include quirky antique shops and modern art galleries, most of which are within smelling distance of the sea. Believe it or not, Belfast arguably boasts more art galleries than any city of the same size in Maine.

Damariscotta

Easily among the most gorgeous coastal towns in Maine, Damariscotta's waterfront vibes and spectacular scenery are often associated with ceaseless goosebumps. Damariscotta is reputed to be the oyster capital of New England. Therefore, if you want to pay tribute to the bivalve mollusks reputed to change gender multiple times throughout their lives, it is the go-to place. Then again, if you want to have a culinary encounter with oysters that will come close to a divine experience, Damariscotta River Grill should be on your itinerary. You can also enjoy an oyster farm tour while floating on the shimmering waters of the Damariscotta River. For some leg-burning adventure, however, amid scenes that will melt the heart, the trails of the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust should come in handy. For even more fun on the water, Damariscotta Lake and its wooded shoreline are about 11 miles away and are worth checking out.

Camden

A midcoast jewel whose vacation credentials are well established, Camden has captivated eyes for a long time. For starters, there are only two places on the Eastern Board where the mountains meet the sea — and Caden is one of them. Such a surreal storybook setting makes Camden one of the tastiest eye candies in New England. If you want to eat your way through town, this vacation gem brims with options, including Long Grain, an intimate downtown eatery that serves Thai fare, Natalie's Restaurant at Camden Harbor Inn, one of the state's most exclusive boutique hotels, and the appropriately-named Fresh and Co., a charming eatery serving some of the freshest shrimp in the area. For outdoor fun, however, Camden Hills State Park beckons.

Castine

Castine is perhaps best known as home to the Maine Maritime Academy, a well-recognized college focused on maritime training. Yet, offering heart-ravishing views and plenty of history, there is evidently more to Castine than one of six non-federal maritime training colleges in America. Home to just about 800 residents, Castine oozes the laid-back, slow-paced allure and bucolic charm — small-town enthusiasts often crave. Lodging opportunities within Castine include the historic Castine Inn, a staple of the town since 1898. Whether it is the serene views that encircle Penobscot Bay, the town's array of attractive Federal and Georgian homes, or its sprightly, elm-lined streets, Castine will leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. Then again, this town played host to the 1779 Penobscot Expedition, which, prior to Pearl Harbor, marked America's worst naval defeat.

Brunswick

With a population of about 16,500, Brunswick is a vibrant charmer whose stunning appearance and rich history often leave visitors enchanted. For starters, Brunswick is a designated Main Street Community, one of only ten in the Pine Tree State. That should tell you that its downtown area is gorgeous and dotted with an impressive array of historic buildings. Plus, since Brunswick hosts Bowdoin College, a Little Ivy that was founded in 1794, Brunswick is a vibrant college town featuring attractions and spots the young at heart will love. Whether you want to cycle on the Mere Point Bike Ride, a picturesque ride that spans 15 miles— or go browsing the old buildings of Fort Andross, a historic mill complex that defines the foot of Brunswick's downtown area, there is never a dull moment at Brunswick.

The Take-home

If you have never been to the Pine Tree State, you are missing out on some of the most heart-melting waterfront views in America and, needless to add, some of the most coveted lobsters on Earth. The first state in the country to see daylight, Maine's coastline features some of the deepest harbors in the world — and is dotted with historic lighthouses, beautiful seaside towns, and other attractions. While many stick to towns south of Portland, the best of Maine covers the whole state. From Front Kent at the northern end — to Brunswick way down, the most beautiful small towns in Maine cover the whole spectrum.