9 Picture-Perfect Towns in Maine
Maine is a classic American getaway vacation for a reason. Its natural beauty, its historical significance, its charming people, none of which is outdone by the serenity of the rocky coastlines and the charm of the downtown boutiques and local restaurants within. This list is a culmination of all those factors that make Maine's small towns perfect for all travelers in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Here are nine picture-perfect towns in Maine whose beauty is beyond compare!
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the largest town on Mount Desert Island and a popular destination for travelers because of its scenic views, historical significance, and small-town charm. Most visitors will walk along the downtown shoreline and out to the expansive view of the gorgeous John B. Ells Pier, stop at Bar Beach, and even continue out across the Bar Island Land Bridge towards the Bar Island Nature Preserve. The town center is filled with local restaurants like the Side Street Cafe and event centers like the Reel Pizza Cinerama, and dotted with greenspaces and parks like the Village Green, where it is popular to picnic under the tall bordering trees. The beautiful trails and scenery of the Wild Gardens of Acadia are outside the downtown area, best explored on the popular Jesup Trail.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Founded in 1975, Cape Elizabeth is a historic seaside village on the farthest outcropping of land from the city of Portland. Rugged sea meets rocky shores in Cape Elizabeth, best experienced through the shoreline trails of Two Lights State Park, the unique rock formations of Kettle Cove, or from the view at the On the Rocks at Two Lights historical landmark. Those desiring a day of relaxing will find it at Crescent Beach State Park, primed for picnics, swimming, and shallow sea exploration, and those looking for a fun outdoor activity will find it picking fresh strawberries at Maxwell's Farms, or find a winding walking trail through the Robinson Woods Preserve.
Damariscotta, Maine
Damariscotta is defined by the natural beauty that the rushing water of Damariscotta River creates all along its borders. The beautiful harbor can be explored under and around the bridge that connects Damariscotta with Newcastle by taking a kayak tour with Midcoast Kayak; conversely, the riverside view can be enjoyed from above at the restaurants that line Main Street, like the Damariscotta River Grill, King Eider's Pub, or S. Fernald's Country Store. Walking further upstream brings travelers to the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site, which contains a massive oyster shell heap accumulated by centuries-old Native American inhabitants.
Freeport, Maine
Freeport is a spectacle of natural beauty on Maine's southern coastline. The central natural attraction is the Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, where small pockets of forested, rocky islands are accented by shallow blue and green water, perfect for kayak exploration. Closer to town is the Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary, where birdwatching opportunities and peaceful hiking trails are around every corner. Another state park is the Bradbury Mountain State Park, which is accessible to horseback riders, snowmobilers, and mountain bikers. The unique attraction of the town, however, is the Desert of Maine: a landmark expanse of sand accented with a barn museum built in 1783 and completed with an expansive set of nature trails: the definition of picture-perfect!
Blue Hill, Maine
Blue Hill is recognized principally for its iconic Blue Hill Mountain Trail, its majestic sunset experience at the top of the hike, and the thick greenery that covers the forest floor throughout. But travelers should not forget about the other amenities in this quaint town just outside of Mount Desert Island: the Jonathan Fischer house is a tale of the town's heritage, the Blue Hill Wine Shop offers an impressive array of local products, and The Activity Shop has all the essential equipment for any outdoor enthusiast's kayaking and canoeing needs. Most visitors will travel here in the summer months when the Blue Hill Fairgrounds are operational.
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit is the quintessential small Maine town. Whereas most other popular Maine towns are defined by their natural beauty and their state parks, Ogunquit is recognized for its picturesque buildings and quaint and colorful downtown streets. These are all best experienced through a walk down Perkins Cove Road, passing by the marinas of The Basin and the beautiful Perkins Cove Drawbridge. The Ogunquit Theatre is also renowned for its long history in musicals, and the Lobster Point Lighthouse provides the classic occasion for a beautiful shoreline sunset. Those looking to substitute the town's activities for some personal leisure will have no trouble finding secluded space on the long white sand of Ogunquit Beach.
Rockport, Maine
At the mouth of the Rockport Harbor is the signature statue, Andre the Seal. However, the town is more widely recognized for the expansive marine fleet of dories and sailors that fill the natural harbor, making a popular postcard picture that is best appreciated from Rockport Marine Park. However, the Harkness Preserve is more secluded and less busy, perfect for forest trekking over the flat terrain of the rocky harbor coastline. Across the bay is the popular Aldemere Farm, one of the premier breeders of Belted Galloway Cattle worldwide; the Aldemere Farm Ocean Trail, perfect for shallow sea exploration; and the secluded Vespers Hill Chapel immersed in dense green foliage and brightly colored flowers.
Wiscasset, Maine
Wiscasset is a gem buried deep within the channels of Sheepscot River. Inhabitants enjoying the river waters are welcomed by the unique Fort Edgecomb, a wooden octagonal blockhouse, and settle into the tranquility of the Wiscasset Yacht Club. Near the harbor is the signature Castle Tucker, a mansion that provides historical insight into a 19th-century sea captain, and travelers are provided with plenty of opportunity for quality dining at local restaurants like the Water Street Kitchen and Bar. There are also unique museums and galleries all around, including the Wiscasset Antiques Mall, the Wiscasset Bay Gallery, and the Maine Art Gallery.
Camden, Maine
Camden, Maine is a popular winter destination because of the Camden Snow Bowl ski resort on Ragged Mountain, but its authentic natural beauty pops in the summer and fall months. The Curtis Lighthouse Overlook, Camden City Park, and Laite Memorial Beach are all essential to visit and within walking distance of each other. Camden Hills State Park, however, is a more ambitious activity full of rolling hills within the tall trees of the forested coastline. The most popular outdoor activity is the Mount Battie Trailhead, which culminates in a majestic view from the Mount Battie Tower that overlooks the town harbor. Visitors seeking more seclusion and tranquility should stop at the less crowded Barrett's Cove Public Beach.
Prospective travelers should recognize that Maine's iconic charm and irresistible aura do not stop with this list. Maine is best explored in a roaming, road-tripping style, where trips to towns suggested here, such as Bar Harbor or Wiscasset, do not turn into planned itineraries and non-stop checklists but instead turn into the pure leisure that this state's countryside affords. Use this list as a blueprint for your next trip to Maine, but don't let it stunt the boundaries of your exploration in this picture-perfect state!
