7 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Maine
Otherwise known as vacationland, Maine attracts an enormous number of visitors in the summertime as New Englanders pack up their vehicles to escape the hustle of the city and road trip to this vast and rugged state. Maine is the largest state in New England and is the least populated state east of the Mississippi River. There’s endless serene beauty with 3500 miles of coastline dotted with adorable seaside towns and historic lighthouses people from afar come to photograph and see. While cruising US Route 1 along the Atlantic Coast, lobster shacks are a common sight, as friendly locals wait to fix you a plate. After all, the state produces 90 percent of the nation’s lobster. Inland, the Maine Highlands stretch across the sky and provide endless adventure such as fishing, hiking, and skiing in the winter. Discover 7 breathtaking towns in New England’s far northern state and consider stopping by on your next vacation!
Bar Harbor
With jagged ocean cliffs and rocky beaches, the seaside town of Bar Harbor sits on the northern side of the state. The quaint town has a small population of about 5,200 people. You could say life slows down here. Colorful wooden boutiques, restaurants, and galleries line the downtown area, which rests on a small sloped hill and has gorgeous views of the harbor. Lobstering is one of the main industries here, and on any given day visitors can watch boats return from sea. With that said, there are numerous spots to have a lobster feast served with plenty of dipping butter and a side of corn on the cob. A sign you found a good place to stop is the sight of large boiling pots of lobster out front.
Tourism also fuels the economy here, as first-time visitors often return to relax and bask in the natural beauty. Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the country. Referred to as a place where the mountains meet the sea, there are amazing scenic drives to take in the park and great hiking to try, too. You can trek up to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard. It offers magnificent views of the island landscape and is the first place in the country you can see the sunrise in the morning.
Rockport
Although Rockport is a small community, the mid-coast town is awfully mighty and full of life. With a population of 3640 people, Rockport is considered an art mecca, and creative professionals from around the world live here. In fact, the town owns and operates the Rockport Opera Center, which holds concerts and plays throughout the year. Further, the Center for Main Contemporary Art is only 7 miles away in Rockland and is considered one of the best art galleries in the country. And Maine Media College is located in town, attracting inspired photographers and filmmakers. With all that said, you can see why creatives are drawn here.
A popular spot for tourists is Rockport Marine Park, where you can see the Andre the Seal statue. You can learn about how the beloved seal pup was abandoned and found by a Rockport resident, and how his story is the inspiration behind two books and a film. Not too far away is the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, which rests on the end of a long breakwater. There’s a keeper’s house visitors can explore, or they can climb to the top of the lantern to watch historic schooners go by. In town, there’s an impressive selection of historic buildings with great shops and restaurants. And if you feel like a bit of farm life, you can tour Aldermere Farm, where there’s a collection of Belted Gollawy cattle, also known as “Oreo cows.”
Kittery
Kittery is considered the oldest town in Maine and is located on the southernmost tip of the state, resting right on the border of New Hampshire. Some of the earliest houses in the state can be found in seaside neighborhoods such as Kittery Point. A little over 10,000 people call this delightful place home and the picturesque historic town has transformed into a hipster paradise. That is easy to see with the trendy boutiques to shop at and chef-driven restaurants to indulge in, such as Warren’s Lobster House. And just a little way outside of town, there are unforgettable scenic vistas, lighthouses, and historic forts. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is the Navy’s oldest continuously running shipyard, and visitors can take tours in the afternoons. Another great stop is Fort McClary State Historic Site, which sits next to the pristine Piscataqua River. Visitors can learn about how the fort was active during five wars, including the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. And for those with a fascination for lighthouses, Whaleback Lighthouse is 5 miles away. It's a gorgeous sight, providing boaters direction at the mouth of the Piscataqua River.
Greenville
The inland towns of Maine offer just as much serenity as the seaside communities but are often left out. One place you don't want to miss is Greenville, which is located in the heart of the Maine Highlands. The area is a great escape from the city and attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its endless dense forests, tall mountains, and clear streams and rivers. It has a small living population just shy of 1430 people. The community borders Moosehead Lake, the largest coldwater lake in Maine, stretching 40 miles long and 20 miles wide. There's excellent brook trout and salmon fishing, and tourists can cruise around the lake at sunset on the Katahdin, the last remaining steamboat in Maine. Venturing away from the lake, tourists can hike to the top of Mount Kineo and scavenge for a light-colored volcanic rock called rhyolite. The area has the world’s largest masses of it here. And while adventuring in the backwoods, you might just spot a Moose. In the springtime, the sightings can be in the hundreds. For a real treat, tourists can hop on a moose safari to learn about them and view the wildlife.
It should be mentioned that the town is not just reserved for summer travel. For those who dare to venture here in the winter, you can enjoy the annual dog sled race, a one-of-a-kind experience. And in town on a cold day, one can explore the Moosehead Maritime Museum, which gives a nice storyline of the area.
Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth is a charming seaside town where one feels like everyone is family. The friendly town has gorgeous historic homes and a sprawling open green landscape that hugs the shore of Casco Bay. Located on the southern coast of Maine, the town has a population of 9,530 people and is only about 10 miles outside of Portland, which is the largest city in the state. With that said, Cape Elizabeth is home to the Portland Head Light, which is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. People can take tours or walk to the top of the lookout, and there’s a museum visitors can explore that is open during the day. The lighthouse is in Fort Williams Park, which spans 90 acres of rolling green lawn and recreational space. Given the open land in Cape Elizabeth, the quaint small town is often best explored by bicycle. And if you feel like city life for a day, you can hop in your vehicle and head to Portland where there are great shops and restaurants. A good place to stop is the Portland Observatory, a historic maritime signal tower that offers great views. It was built in 1807 to serve as a communication station for Portland Harbor.
Swan's Island
Swan’s Island is a darling little community that’s surrounded by picturesque countryside with a tiny population of 417 people, Despite its small size, the town draws thousands of tourists a year because of the surrounding attractions. It’s home to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory, which is referred to as the crown jewel of coastal Maine. The bridge towers higher than the Statue of Liberty and is the tallest bridge observatory in the world. When you get to the top, there are amazing views of the Penobscot River and distant mountains to the west. The bridge is conveniently located next to the historic Fort Knox, one of the best-preserved military forts on the New England coast. Visitors can learn how it was constructed in the 1800s to protect the Penobscot River Valley from possible British naval attack.
For lighthouse enthusiasts, the historic Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse is a unique place to visit during a day trip. It is located at the entrance of Burnt Coat Harbor and is a beacon for lobster boaters finding their way home. For a real treat, you can climb to the top of the tower and watch boats return from a day at sea. And if you feel like being active, there are hiking trails near the lighthouse, such as Long Point Beach Trail and Burying Point Trail. And after a long day of exploring the Harbor Watch Inn is a great place to kick up your feet and take in the hospitality. Keep in mind that the town is a “dry community,” so if you want to have a glass of wine during sunset, be sure to bring your own bottle. For essentials though, there’s a market center where you can get groceries and supplies.
York
Located on the Gulf of Maine, York is a darling resort town with a gilded-age vibe that tourists flock to. It is made up of four communities: York Village, York Harbor, York Beach, and Cape Neddick, and has a population of about 14,000 people. It used to be part of a seaside ski town and transformed into a sought-after summer destination for its beaches and outdoor recreation. The Nubble Lighthouse in Cape Neddick is a highly photographed landmark and features a keeper’s house with gingerbread trim. However, the lighthouse is on an island, so visitors are limited to viewing it from the mainland. With that in mind, Sohier Park is a popular spot you can see it from while having a nice picnic by the water too.
There’s also quite a bit of outdoor adventure here. You can hike up Mount Agamenticus, which offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains, and you can even see Boston’s skyline in the far distance. Also, the York River runs right through town and is a great place to go boating, canoeing, and kayaking. It flows out to the Atlantic at York Harbor and is partially tidal, meaning the water level rises and falls with the ocean. Visitors can cross the Wiggley Bridge, one of the smallest suspension bridges in the world.
Maine is a gorgeous state that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. From the gorgeous rocky coast to the Main Highlands inland, the scenery is spectacular here. And there’s no shortage of history. Whether you’re visiting a museum or taking in the historic buildings and homes, the small towns of Maine will steal your heart. Sites of the lobster industry are everywhere, and seafood restaurants gladly open their doors to visitors. On any given day, you can watch the lobster boats return to the harbor or hike to the nearby historic lighthouse. The towns of Maine have something for everyone. And they might just leave you wanting to stay a bit longer.
