7 Most Charming cities in Maine

It is not just because of the state’s insanely delicious fresh lobsters that one can savor from such first-class eateries as the Cliff House Maine, an award-winning resort that sprawls along the oceanside cliffs of Cape Neddick, or even the gorgeous mansions that dot the rugged shoreline of the state, there are innumerable reasons Maine will cast a spell upon a first-time visitor. Many, for instance, will adore the awe-inspiring scenery that marks the whole breadth of the Pine Tree State. From Acadia National Park, arguably the most stunning attraction in the Pine Tree State, to certain under-the-radar attractions such as Portland’s International Cryptozoology Museum — to beautiful cities that radiate gasp-inducing charm — Maine has it all. Concerning the latter, read on to discover the most charming cities in the 23rd state.

Augusta

Those who often bypass Augusta, and they are many, do themselves an irreparable injustice. One may think that other cities are better, and they probably are, but Maine’s capital is also a dazzling gem worth checking out. And this is not just some word on the street — or the perspective of a beholder. None less than U.S. News & World Report, for instance, ranks Augusta among the 10 Best Places To Visit In Maine. Even if Maine State Museum, one of the oldest state-funded museums is temporarily closed for renovations, Augusta boasts several other enticing attractions. One can visit the trail-laden and picturesque Viles Arboretum located right in the heart of town, lace up for the Bond Book Recreation Area, an urban wilderness area that spans 270 picturesque acres, or enjoy a picnic in Capital Park, Maine's earliest documented designed landscape.

Presque Isle

The largest town in Maine’s Aroostook County, the state’s northernmost county that also happens to be the largest county in any state east of the Mississippi, is one of Maine’s best-kept secrets. Boasting a population of about 8,700, Presque Isle is the 15th largest city in Maine. Nestled on the eastern edge of Maine’s great North Woods, a forested landscape which, at nearly 12 million acres, is almost twice the size of Massachusetts, Presque Isle provides access to numberless outdoor adventures — as it is encircled by unspoilt natural wilderness on every side. A trip to Presque Isle, for instance, should include exploring the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Aside from being one of America's preeminent canoe trips, Allagash Wilderness Waterway teems with sparkling lakes, many meandering rivers, and several species of wildlife.

Portland

Spending a July evening in Portland’s Willard Beach, East End Beach, or even further out in Cape Elizabeth, while watching the sun sink out of the horizon in a red-orange glow, is one of the reasons Portland remains one of Maine’s most charming cities. Sandwiched between forest-covered mountain scenery and a coast that is as rugged as it is spectacular, Portland boasts attractions that will see weeks end like a dream. From strolling the dated, cobblestoned streets of Old Port, admiring the Victorian-style mansions that dot Portlands West End, or saving delicious lobster rolls that might just be a lifetime best at the Highroller Lobster Co., Portland scores on all fronts. For outdoor lovers, Back Cove Trails will deserve looking for; for art lovers, however, Portland’s Art District is home to numerous eclectic art galleries. 

Bangor

Boasting a population of about 32,000, Bangor is the third-largest city in Maine. For a city its size, Bangor scores remarkably well in its outdoor offerings. Of course, the third-largest city in Maine also boasts big-city amenities, conveniences, and shopping options that will painlessly lighten a wallet or a purse. Nestled in east-central Maine’s Penobscot County and located where the 109-mile Penobscot River meanders through, Bangor will easily impress a first-time visitor. And since Bangor is home to Husson University, its youthful vibe makes it all the more charming. While there’s no mountain to hike within the precincts of the city, Acadia National Park, one of the country’s most beloved, is just about an hour’s drive away. Otherwise, the Bangor Waterfront is a gorgeous stretch that is conveniently located right in town. Many are also excited that the Cryptozoology Museum — which celebrates creatures thought to be extinct and those yet to be proven real— already has one foot in Bangor.

York

Tucked away in the southernmost tip of the Pine Tree State, just about 65 miles north of Boston, York is the oldest city in the state — after Kittery. It was incorporated in 1652, more than 180 years before Chicago would be incorporated as a city. For history buffs, the town’s dated past provides enough charm and allure to make it worth lacing up for. Moreover, York is noncommercial— or less commercial, and hence quaint, and invitingly rustic. Whether one will want to stroll the town’s pretty beaches, sink the ankles in some soft sand, and enjoy the spectacular, oceanside views that will stay in one’s memory for aeons, York easily makes the cut. Moreover, Mount Agamenticus and the surrounding region, which the Nature Conservancy describes as an “oasis of diversity,” is a 692 ft high monadnock that offers spectacular views that — on a clear day — can stretch south to Boston.

Lewiston

Nestled directly north of Portlands, and located midway between Portland and Augusta, Lewiston is the second-largest city in Maine. Boasting a population of about 36,300, Lewiston has a charm that will not fail to overawe a first-time visitor. For starters, there is the chance to set foot (and eyes) on the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the largest church in Maine — and the second-largest Catholic church in New England. This historical church also serves as an enduring monument to the town’s rich French-Canadian heritage. Moreover, for outdoor lovers; birders, hikers, or just viewers, Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary is a green-space gem worth checking out. Other attractions include the Auburn Riverwalk, a stunning 1.6-mile stretch that boasts some of the most amazing views in the state—and Bates College Museum of Art, located on the campus of Bates College.

Camden

Camden is a famous Maine beach town that hugs the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. This gorgeous seaside town, together with Bar Harbor, is the only Maine town that appeared in Conde Nast Traveler’s June 2022 list of the 26 Most Beautiful Towns in America. Though it spans a total area of only 26.65 square miles and boasts an estimated 2023 population of only 3,700, this beachfront town is full of charm. Yet Camden is not all about the shimmering of the Atlantic Ocean’s waters or the pretty beaches that fringe its curvaceous shoreline. Set in the backdrop of both Mount Battie and Bald Mountain, Camden is one of only two places on the Atlantic coast where the mountains meet the sea. If such a town will not prove charming, few will.

The Takeaway

Maine is home to several cities that exude charm and appeal and that will not fail to leave their mark on any vacationer’s mind. While cities in the Pine Tree State are not as populated as those, for instance in Texas, New York, or Florida, and not as glitzy or gaudy, their beauty lies in their spectacular natural backdrop. From Augusta, the state’s capital that is home to the trail-laden and picturesque Viles Arboretum, to Camden, one of only two places on the Atlantic coast where the mountains meet the sea, Maine’s cities are all about grace and charm.