The Most Beautiful Islands in Maine

Maine is the largest town in New England and is located in the northeastern part of the US. The town covers an inland water area of approximately 6,000 square km, whose bordering provinces include New Brunswick and Quebec to the northeast and the state of New Hampshire to the west.

Maine's coastline is known for its picturesque scenery and rugged beauty. Home to beautiful sandy beaches, iconic lighthouses, and rocky cliffs, this state offers visitors views of both man-made and natural wonders. Some of the popular activities to enjoy in Maine include lobster fishing, whale watching, and views of the magnificent forests and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean. Maine has some of the most beautiful islands, which are ideal for a weekend getaway or summer holiday. These are some of Maine's most beautiful islands to explore.

Chebeague Island, Casco Bay

Chebeague is considered to be one of the most stunning islands of Maine. With a 5-mile length and 1.5-mile width, the island has more than 360 residents all year round and over 16,00 summer residents. The island's name translates into the “isle of many springs. Some of Maine's most popular places to visit include The Great Chebeague Golf Club, Chebeague Island Community Church, Chebeague Island Historical Society, Chebeague Island Recreation Center, Chebeague Island Library, and the Slow Bell Cafe.

The Great Chebeague Golf Club has a circular route, offering exciting destinations. These include the Gray, a prestigious golf course from the 1920s. Foodies should catch a meal at The Slow Bell Cafe, which opens early in the morning and offers breakfast and coffee, salads and wraps, and a proper dinner menu between 5 pm and 8 pm.

Another gem from the 1920s on the island is The Chebeague Island Inn, which has been carefully restored to capture its evergreen beauty. It offers 21 beautiful rooms, each conceptualized by a Marine artist.

High Island

Another beautiful island in Maine worth visiting is High Island, located at the confluence of Long Cove and Tenants Harbor. The island features a freshwater quarry (open for swimming), ancient apple trees, stone foundations, and granite wharves scattered throughout. High Island’s Muscle Ridge Channel is perhaps a favorite among boaters who love the archipelago's untouched beauty and summer anchorages.

Several attractive classic homes dot these small islands. They serve as retreats for summer residents, offering both seclusion and privacy. There is no denying that Muscle Ridge Channel is a place of peace, easily accessible from the main beach. It is also a short distance from Rockland, Spruce Head, Thomaston, Tenants Harbor, and Owls Head.

Little Cranberry Island

Although there are five islands in The Cranberry Isles, the public can access only two of them—Little Cranberry Island and Greater Cranberry Island. But that’s no reason to feel let down—these islands have some spectacular sights and adventures to offer!

Little Cranberry, in particular, is popular for its Islesford Historical Museum, where every corner exhibits tools and objects narrating stories of the former island life. These include harpoon guns, store ledgers, weights, ship clocks, octants, and sextants. The Beal and Bunker Ferry offers all-year-round transportation to Little Cranberry Isles (from the Northeast Harbor). Among other things, visitors can visit artisan shops and local cafes and enjoy kayaking and pottery activities.

Cousins Island

Maine’s breathtaking landscape has a hidden gem called Cousins Island. Located in Yarmouth, a beautiful town in Maine, this small island is a sanctuary of natural beauty and tranquility. It has much to offer to its visitors, including unique attractions, stunning views, and rich history.

Cousins Island Chapel is among the most popular historic buildings on the island. This glorious church dates back to the 19th century and is often used as a venue for events like weddings. For those looking to explore nature and its wilderness, there are some beautiful parks and trails on the island. A renowned spot for bird watching and hiking is The Cousins Island Preserve. On the other hand, Sandy Point Beach offers the perfect setting for picnicking and swimming. Cousins Island is also a great spot to catch spectacular views of the neighboring islands and Casco Bay.

Vinalhaven Island

Located in the heart of Penobscot Bay are the beautiful islands of Vinalhaven and North Haven, known as the Fox Islands. Out of the two, Vinalhaven is the bigger island, both in terms of size and population.

Most of the island's activity can be found in Carver’s Harbor, a scenic port town located in the southern part of Vinalhaven. It is the arrival point for ferries coming in from Rockland. Visitors especially flock to the island in the summers to enjoy hiking the stunning trails or exploring the waterways on a kayak.

The Vinalhaven Historical Society is a good place to start exploring the island. It has exhibits and artifacts that narrate the island’s story—the early days of fishing and farming and the rise of the granite industry. Vinalhaven also has two quarry ponds that offer an exciting opportunity to swim. These are Booth's Quarry and Lawson’s Quarry.

Monhegan Island

Monhegan is a small island in Maine (covering an area of barely one mile) and has a rocky topography. It can mostly be covered on foot and is accessible via a boat only. The two main economies of the island are tourism and fishing, and one can find lobster traps lining the roads leading up to cliffs and the village that attract many explorers to this unique island.

Within the village, tourists can find gift shops, eateries, and lodging, among other things. The island of Monhegan has always been a popular destination among art lovers and artists, as it is home to several craft co-ops, artist studios, and the Monhegan Museum of Art & History.

From sandy beaches to national parks, Maine has no dearth of scenic spots. Even though the coastline is dominated by crashing waves and craggy cliffs, the beautiful Casco Bay islands offer a calmer counterpart with their high-reaching maple, oak, and pine trees. They are ideal destinations for a weekend getaway or short escape from the city and have something special to offer every kind of tourist.