14 Most Scenic Towns in Maine
Maine is one of the most northern states in the U.S. on the east coast, touching Canada and situated west of Nova Scotia. It's a popular spot for anglers hoping to catch colossal salmon and tender Maine lobsters. Vacationers can rent cabins along the coastline and enjoy the pristine wilderness in a peaceful and welcoming environment. With four national parks, there's plenty for the wilderness explorer to see and experience in Maine. Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is famous, with stunning views of the surrounding island and ocean. However, Maine is also an excellent place for relaxation, with several historic inns offering a tranquil break from the world immersed in gardens and luxury.
Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a small town on the shores of the Atlantic in Southern Maine, which is also one of the most scenic towns on the Atlantic Coast. The name comes from the Abenaki Tribe, who lived in the area for a while before settlers arrived, which reportedly means "Beautiful place by the Sea." Its name is a fitting description of the gorgeous small town, with under 2,000 residents and lots of pristine coastline to explore.
Ogunquit Beach and Footbridge Beach sit on a small peninsula and are excellent locations for sunbathing and swimming. Kayaking and boating along the Ogunquit River is another popular pastime since the river stretches for some nine miles. Guests traveling in the winter months won't find the town disappointing either. The Ogunquit Playhouse has plenty of performances throughout the winter, including an upcoming holiday performance of the Sound of Music.
Camden
Camden is often referred to as a summer colony, meaning it is largely inhabited during the summer months by vacationers. The permanent residents in the region are affluent retirees seeking a relaxing and quiet place in nature. Although a coastal town like Ogunquit, Camden is also rather well known for plenty of inland areas worthy of exploration.
Barrett's Cove on Megunticook Lake is a stunning lake resort that offers fishing, boating, and other fun outdoor excursions. For those who prefer a quiet hike in the mountains over swimming in a lake, there are several mountains to choose from in Camden. However, the Bald Mountain Preserve is definitely one of the best places for hiking and cycling. It also affords spectacular views of fall foliage for those visiting in autumn.
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is yet another charming coastal town in Maine, located about a half-hour drive north of Ogunquit. The town traces its roots back to the 1620s when anglers came to the area and started setting up settlements in the region. Today, this town exudes natural charm and plenty of high-end indoor attractions.
The dining in the town is top-notch, with Earth at Hidden Pond being one of the most popular and breathtaking locations to eat. They serve fresh lobster alongside cocktails and other unique dishes in a rustic homestyle restaurant. Travelers should also check out the Goat Island Lighthouse, sitting just offshore from town and is an excellent example of the site's reliance on the sea. Finally, tourists visiting in the winter time should plan their trips between November 30th and December 10th of 2023. Every year, the town hosts its Christmas Prelude celebration, which is one of the most exciting events in town near the holidays.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a breathtaking small town on Mount Dessert Island, a small island nestled across the water from Nova Scotia, Canada. It's approximately three and half hour drive from Kennebunkport and just under two hours from Camden. At its beginning, Bar Harbor bore the name of Town of Eden until its name became Bar Harbor in 1918. The name of Eden reflects the early settlers' opinions of the landscape's stunning beauty, which several artists, including Fitz Hugh Lane and Thomas Birch, immortalized in their artwork.
Acadia National Park is one of the town's main attractions, being one of the ten most visited parks in the U.S. There are 158 miles of walking trails throughout the park, providing excellent sites of the surrounding woodlands and wildlife. There are also several spots along the shore, like Bar Harbor and Salisbury Cove, that are exceptional spots for sightseeing by the ocean. A couple of prime campgrounds in town give guests a more immersive time in nature. For anyone planning to stay in town for a few days, Mt Desert Narrows Campground is a great choice.
Bath
Bath sits nearly three hours southwest of Bar Harbor along Maine's Kennebec River. This small town has some of the best main streets, filled with historic charm and delicious restaurants. The Galley Restaurant is an excellent family location with an inclusive children's menu and homestyle, traditional American dishes, including burgers and fries. This site isn't far from the scenic Whiskeag Trailhead, a five-mile hiking and biking trail that takes travelers on an immersive trek of nature.
Bath also hosts several exciting events throughout the year that unite people and celebrate the local culture. These include events like the City of Ships Walking Tour and other historic and celebratory events. Tourists should check out the community's events calendar before leaving home.
Rangeley
Rangeley is one of Maine's most charming towns, previously known as the fisherman's paradise, thanks to its location along Rangeley Lake. Although, its reputation as an ideal fishing location hasn't faded with time. Rangeley Lake is still a rich lake and a favorite site for catching salmon and Brook Trout in a beautiful natural environment.
Just on the other side of the lake from the main center of town is Rangeley Lake State Park. This site has a little bit of everything, including birdwatching, canoeing, and hiking. Anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of Spring flowers or autumn foliage should plan their trips accordingly because this place is gorgeous in these seasons.
Rockland
Rockland is one of the prettiest towns in Maine, resting about two and a half hours southeast of Rangeley by the sea. Like Rangeley, Rockland is an excellent fishing spot, with Rockland Harbor and Chickawaukie Pond resting along the town's borders. Chickawaukie Pond is home to diverse fish species, including rainbow smelt, brown trout, and much more.
Anyone planning a trip in the winter will undoubtedly love Snow Marine Park for sledding and other winter fun. Finally, Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is an ideal spot to take photos, offering lovely sea views from the fantastic 1880 lighthouse.
York
York is a charming beach town about two and a half hours south of Rockland and only a few miles from New Hampshire's border. Often referred to as "The Yorks," the little community commonly gets broken down into four separate districts. These districts include York Beach, York Village, York Harbor, and Cape Neddick.
York's Beaches are ideal for families with children to spend the day shopping, swimming, and other fun beach activities. However, Cape Neddick Light Station (commonly shortened to Nubble Light) is the highlight of the coastline. The lighthouse traces its roots back to 1874 when Rutherford B. Hayes granted funds to build it, and the Navy maintained it for some time. Today, the lovely structure still stands proudly in the sea and is a must-see for anyone passing through.
Castine
Castine is one of the most restful places in Maine to chill out, located just over an hour northeast of Camden and Rockland. It's one of the oldest towns in the U.S., dating back to the early 1600s as Europeans set up various forts and trading centers in the area. It touches the Penobscot River and Penobscot Bay, with Wadsworth Beach being one of the finest coastlines for a day of rest and relaxation.
Starr and Virginia Lampson Preserve is a superb spot for hiking or sightseeing in the forest. Guests can also check out Wilson Museum on the tip of the peninsula to learn more about the site's fascinating history. It's not far from Witherle Woods, another superb outdoor location that allows visitors to relax and unwind in nature.
Blue Hill
Blue Hill is just a few miles west of Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor. The Mount Narrows waterway separates the island from the mainland. It's one of the best off-the-beaten-path towns in Maine, with woodlands and streams cascading through its landscape. The town is best known for providing the granite that helped create the Brooklyn Bridge. However, its European history goes back to 1762 when the first settlers came to the region from the Boston Colony in search of more land.
Kneisel Hall, a local treasure of classical music and concerts, is the place to go for live performances. Guests can check out past program pamphlets on the website to understand what to expect and when they'll hold their next event. Tourists can also visit the Blue Hill Bay Gallery, with beautiful displays of local artists, a month-featured painting display, and other 19th and 20th-century masterpieces.
North Berwick
North Berwick sits a few miles north of York and slightly northwest of Ogunquit. It's one of the lesser-known towns in Maine, but that isn't because it doesn't have plenty to offer visitors. Its history dates back to around 1630 when the town was part of the larger area of Berwick. The area of North Berwick gained its own identity in 1875 when they annexed the land of North Berwick from the larger area of Berwick.
One of the loveliest places to stay while visiting is The Lady Mary Inn at Hurd Manor. This stunning historical place goes back 130 years to the founding era of North Berwick. The location has many spacious bedrooms overlooking gardens, and the whole experience is luxurious. The manor isn't far from the Negutaquet Conservation Area, which is perfect for an afternoon stroll in the woods. Guests should also try to visit Bauneg Beg Pond and the Bruce Abbott Memorial Park or Grover-Herrick Preserve for a spectacular day exploring Maine's stunning wilderness.
Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth rests just under an hour's drive from North Berwich along Maine's shoreline. It's home to the Portland Head Light, one of the unique landmarks around the world. The lighthouse was integral in the Revolutionary War, with George Washington commissioning its construction in 1787. It first shone over the harbor in 1790 and continues to guide sailors safely to shore to this day.
Although the lighthouse is a stunning site, it's not the only thing this charming community offers. Near the lighthouse is Fort Williams Park. This park comprises 90 acres of open land, which touches Casco Bay and is an excellent spot for hiking, swimming, and other fun outdoor activities. Crescent Beach State Park is another favorite location for fun outdoors. Paddleboarding is a popular pastime, with Portland Paddle at Crescent Beach offering an incredible opportunity to get out on the water.
Bangor
Bangor is a gorgeous city located approximately two hours north of Cape Elizabeth and an hour north of Blue Hill. The Penobscot Native Tribe lived in the region before Europeans made contact in the 1500s and later set up the first mission in the region in 1609.
Bangor is the birthplace of the legend of Paul Bunyan, with the locals claiming this mighty man called this town home. Either way, the legend of the giant lumberjack with a blue ox significantly influences the community, with a massive fiberglass statue of the guy standing in town. Although, he's not the only attraction worth checking out. The Bangor Waterfront Trail is a one-mile trail along the Penobscot River. It's a stunning spot for a leisurely walk and takes travelers right past Darling's Waterfront Pavilion, a great spot for photos and relaxation.
Freeport
Freeport is only a half hour west of Bath, located near the southeastern parts of Maine. Known for its beautiful natural splendor, Freeport is one of Maine's most affordable sites for vacation. Thanks to the many parks and outdoor activities, these fun sites typically cost little to nothing to visit and enjoy.
The Desert of Maine is one of the main attractions in Freeport. This unique natural feature formed over a 10,000-year period as the North American Ice Sheet began to melt and grind rocks into pebbles and sand. However, it wasn't until the Civil War era that the lush land shifted to a sandy landscape until it became the landscape it is today. Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary is another gorgeous outdoor location that every bird lover will appreciate. Not only does it afford wonderful views of the local woodlands and wildlife, it is also nestled near the Harraseeket River.
Maine is free-spirited, with rugged lumberjacks and anglers making up a large part of their history. The home of the mythical Paul Bunyan, whom the state likes to celebrate. Travelers are sure to love Maine's rocky coastline and freshly caught lobster, which are world famous for their tenderness and deliciousness. Whether tourists hope to experience a rustic outdoor adventure or enjoy a luxurious, restful vacation, Maine will not disappoint. Climb the cliffs, explore the rivers, or sit down and dine comfortably at one of the state's high-end seafood restaurants and enjoy all Maine offers.
