7 Coolest Towns in Maine for a Summer Vacation in 2024

With over 60% of its residents living in rural areas, Maine stands out as one of the most rural states in the country. The reason for exchanging a bustling life in the city for a more relaxed life in the countryside becomes evident to those who visit: Lush forests, sweeping hills, and cool rivers and lakes await, with endless opportunities for exploration. Among these forests, lakes, and hills lie a plethora of small towns where some families have lived for generations. As summer approaches, these towns burst into life, drawing tourists from across the globe eager to experience their relaxed, laid-back lifestyle. By the end of this article, you, too, will be packing your bag to visit these seven cool towns after reading about all they have in store.

Greenville

Perched along Maine’s biggest lake, Moosehead Lake, Greenville is the perfect destination for fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking. In the middle of this colossal 40-by-20-mile-long lake, adventurous travelers can hike up Mount Kineo, a 763-foot cliff, and enjoy jaw-dropping 360-degree views from the summit. Lily Bay State Park, also on Moosehead Lake, has plenty of space to swim and even has a sandy beach for those looking to soak up the summer rays. Visitors will find the lake waters to be refreshingly cool and clear. Looking for a memorable day out? Reserve one of Moosehead Lake’s Moose Safaris to spot a massive moose in the wild. The best way to wrap up a summer evening in Greenville is by sipping a craft beer or wine at Stress-Free Moose Pub, a restaurant with live music, classic American dishes, and patio seating along the lake shores.

Bar Harbor

Often referred to as the “Gateway to Acadia National Park”, Bar Harbor draws in many tourists every year looking to take advantage of this small town’s beautiful surroundings. Setting an early alarm to watch the sunrise over Acadia’s stunning rocky coastline will be one of the most memorable mornings of your summer. Acadia’s 49,000-acre park, composed of islands, forests, and a peninsula, has numerous, gorgeous trails to hike and bike. After an eventful day outdoors, travelers can return to town and enjoy one of many delightful culinary options, such as Galyn’s Restaurant, a family-run restaurant in a historic building serving fresh seafood. From July through August, vacationers can also enjoy a movie under the stars in the Seaside Cinema, a weekly event that will take place every Wednesday. No need to bring snacks, there will be free popcorn!

Swan’s Island

Adventurers who enjoy traveling off the beaten path will love Swan’s Island, a 7,000-acre heavily forested island with picturesque, rocky shorelines that visitors can only reach by the Maine State Ferry Service. Visitors can learn about the island’s fascinating history by visiting Swan’s Island Lobster & Marine Museum, which contains historical artifacts from the fishing industry’s history on the island. The Swan’s Island Historical Society also has a variety of exhibits explaining the island’s past. Outdoor adventurers can explore the island’s 1.8-mile marked trails as well as visit the four public beaches, three of which are only accessible by hiking.

Damariscotta

Situated along the Damariscotta River, Damariscotta offers a wide variety of activities out on the water to combat the summer heat. Visitors interested in learning more about the town can partake in kayak tours, such as an oyster farm and seal-watching tour, as well as an oyster ecology tour. For those who prefer to kick up their legs and relax, Damariscotta River Cruises offers wine and sunset cruises. Hikers also will have their opportunity to explore the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, which features lush forests and more than 51 miles of trails. The town itself is filled with historic mansions, public buildings, and businesses. The Lincoln Theater, for example, built in 1875, has beautiful historic architecture worth visiting and still serves as a live theater where visitors can go to see shows. For food aficionados wanting to try the famous Damariscotta Oysters, King Eider's Pub and Restaurant is a great place to do so.

Rockland

Between summer festivals, island hopping, and water sports, activities are abundant in Rockland. Each July, Rockland’s North Atlantic Blues Festival draws in visitors from around the world as notable jazz musicians such as Jr. Wells and Koko Taylor perform. The festival also has delicious seafood available for purchase, making it a true Atlantic Coast festival. The majority of beaches around Rockland have scenic, rocky coastlines. However, for visitors looking for a sandy space to lay out a towel and swim, the nearby Barrett's Cove on Megunticook Lake is a great beach along a freshwater lake that surprisingly does not have much of a crowd, even in the summer months. For those looking to finish off an evening with an elegant dinner, the highly rated 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill features a variety of upscale, locally sourced seafood options that will not disappoint.

Camden

Neighboring Rockland and sitting along Penobscot Bay, Camden has a fresh and calm coastal vibe that visitors will love. The downtown area is filled with art galleries and local shops, ranging from bookstores to designer furniture stores. Explorers can take a ferry out to some of Camden’s nearby islands or go kayaking, sailing, canoeing, and swimming. Camden Power Boat Day Trips offers day trip cruises along Penobscot Bay, which is an excellent way to see the bay’s most important islands and harbor. Camden is a great place to go lighthouse hunting as well, as the surrounding area is home to 18, most being built during the 18th century. Art lovers can visit the nearby Farnsworth Art Museum, which is one of the best in the country and houses more than 15,000 works.

York

York is a charming, colonial-style town by the sea with lots of culture, history, and nature to explore. York Beach, a sector in York, is home to many eclectic restaurants and shops, many with interesting histories. The Goldenrod, for example, is a candy and ice cream shop that has been in business since 1896 and will remind its visitors of simpler times. York Beach also has wonderful sandy beaches, such as Long Sands Beach, where travelers can spend the day getting their vitamin D. Like Camden, York also has a beautiful lighthouse to visit, Nubble Light, which has been open since 1879 and sits perched on a tiny island. Just about 15 minutes outside of York, hikers can visit the Mt. Agamenticus Region, a 10,000-acre reserve with more than 40 miles of trails and beautiful views from the Mountain’s 692-foot summit.

Your Next Summer Escape Awaits in Maine's Idyllic Townsw

As the days get longer, temperatures climb, and the skies clear, Maine’s small towns and surrounding natural areas offer a tempting escape during the hot summer months. From the serene lakeside retreat of Greenville to the coastal charisma of Bar Harbor and Camden, each town has a unique identity and offers a memorable experience. Whether you seek historic explorations, hikes in nature, or simply a good meal, these charming destinations will reel you in. Just beware, as you may never want to leave!