I’ve spent lots and lots of time in Maine, especially Portland, where my sister lives. But we were visiting long before she moved there! Portland is such a charming city, and its amazing restaurants are a big part of what keeps us coming back.

Beyond Portland, some of my favorite things to do in Maine include sailing on a historic schooner in Camden and exploring the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. There’s plenty to fill a trip, whether you want to explore seaside towns, get out on the water, or spend time in Acadia National Park.

You don’t need to squeeze the entire state into one vacation. Here are some of the best things to do in Maine to help you choose what belongs on yours.

Visit Acadia National Park

 

Acadia National Park brings together some of Maine’s most spectacular scenery, with rocky coastline, wooded trails, and mountain views. You can hike, camp, or explore by car along Park Loop Road.

Cadillac Mountain is one of the park’s best-known stops, especially for sunrise. But this is something to plan ahead: driving Cadillac Summit Road requires a separate vehicle reservation during the designated season, in addition to your park entrance pass. Reservations are sold online through Recreation.gov, not at the park. Check the dates and availability before building your day around it.

You don’t need a Cadillac Mountain reservation to explore the rest of Acadia. Give yourself time to enjoy the coastline and choose walks or hikes that suit your family rather than trying to see everything in one day.

Nearby Bar Harbor makes a convenient base if you want to spend several days exploring the park.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming seaside town located on Mount Desert Island. Bar Harbor is the closest town to Acadia National Park and is the perfect place to stay for your Acadia adventure.

It’s known for its quaint shops, restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Various boat tours are also available, including whale watching and lobster fishing.

You can visit one of the many ice cream shops in town in the summer. Get a double scoop in a waffle cone and walk down by the water.

Explore Portland—and Come Hungry

We have spent lots and lots of time in Portland because my sister lives there, but we were visiting long before she moved. It is such a charming city, and the restaurants alone keep us coming back.

We love to window shop and eat our way around town. Gorgeous Gelato is a regular stop—it is our favorite gelato outside Italy! We also really like Eventide Oyster Co., and my kids always want to go to Mami.

For something sweet, we stop at The Holy Donut, known for its Maine potato donuts. I also love Tandem Coffee, which has delicious baked goods. Across the bridge in South Portland, Scratch Baking Co. is another favorite bakery worth making time for.

One of the most memorable things we have done in Portland is a lobstering excursion with Lucky Catch. You head out on Casco Bay and learn about lobstering, which adds something different to a day of shopping and eating around the waterfront. We also like getting lobster near where Lucky Catch departs.

My advice for Portland? Leave some room in your schedule—and your stomach. You can easily spend a day wandering, browsing shops, and stopping for something delicious along the way.

 

Spend a Beach Day in Ogunquit

Ogunquit has what I think is the most beautiful beach for swimming in Maine. The wide, sandy beach and beautiful setting make it a place where you want to stay for a while rather than just stop for a picture.

The town itself is charming, too, with lots of little souvenir shops to browse. For me, a beach day followed by wandering around town is a great way to spend time here.

Ogunquit gets busy in summer, so book your accommodations ahead if you want to stay overnight. I also love visiting in the fall, when there are fewer crowds, although swimming is more of a summer activity.

 

Visit the Maine State Capitol

The Maine State Capitol is located in Augusta, the state capital. It’s a beautiful building that houses the state legislature and governor’s office. You can tour the facility or admire it from the outside.

 

Go Sailing in Camden

Sailing on Penobscot Bay is one of my favorite things to do in Maine. We went out on the wooden schooner Olad in October, and the fall foliage from the water was breathtaking.

The boat itself was beautiful, with gleaming copper details and warm wood. The captain and mate happily answered our questions about sailing and the area, and my boys got to help hoist the sails and take a turn at the wheel. Those little opportunities made it especially memorable for them.

Back on land, leave time to explore Camden’s charming downtown. I love the independent shops and window shopping, and the Smiling Cow was a favorite for unusual souvenirs and housewares.

Camden is worth a weekend of its own, but it also makes a lovely stop on the way to Acadia. For more of our favorites, read my guide to things to do in Camden, Maine.

 

Visit a Maine Lighthouse

A lighthouse perched above Maine’s rocky coastline is worth making a stop for. Choose one that fits your route rather than driving hours out of your way to collect lighthouse photos.

Near Portland: Portland Head Light. Located in Cape Elizabeth at Fort Williams Park, this is an easy addition to a Portland visit. You can enjoy the lighthouse views, walk through the park, and bring a picnic. The tower is generally closed to visitors, so plan on exploring the grounds rather than climbing inside.

Along the Midcoast: Pemaquid Point Light. In Bristol, this lighthouse stands above dramatic ledges overlooking the ocean. It is a good option if you want the chance to climb a lighthouse tower, with seasonal tours run by volunteers. Check the opening schedule before making the detour.

Near Acadia: Bass Harbor Head Light. On the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island, this lighthouse fits naturally into an Acadia-area trip. Parking is limited, so allow some flexibility rather than squeezing it into a tightly scheduled day.

Access varies by lighthouse: being able to visit the grounds doesn’t necessarily mean you can enter the tower. Check the individual site’s visitor information before you go.

 

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is one of my favorite botanical gardens anywhere. We visited in early October, and there were still beautiful flowers blooming. It was wonderfully quiet during our visit, which made wandering around even more enjoyable.

My kids loved the Garden of the Five Senses, especially smelling everything in the sensory garden. The Children’s Garden was another highlight—even my older kids were enchanted and kept running ahead to discover something new. Give yourselves plenty of time here rather than assuming it is only for little ones.

My favorite spot was Slater Forest Pond, where there was something beautiful everywhere I looked. This is a place to slow down and enjoy being outside together.

For more photos and details from our visit, read my guide to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

This is one of my personal favorite things to do in Maine. If you are in the area, it is so worth the stop!

Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is a popular summer destination for tourists and locals alike. Its seven-mile-long sandy beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. There’s also a boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and amusements. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, you can go parasailing or take a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Kennebunkport

I have spent the most time in Kennebunkport during Christmas Prelude, when the shops around Dock Square put on their Christmas finery. Twinkling lights, decorated windows, and little shops to browse make it a lovely place to get into the holiday spirit.

On our visit, we rode a decorated trolley at the nearby Seashore Trolley Museum, complete with hot chocolate and homemade cookies. My youngest has always loved trains, so that was a particular hit. We also made our own Christmas hats for the hat parade, where the creations ranged from Santa hats to elaborate lobster-trap designs.

If you are planning a December visit, read my guide to Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport for more about our experience. Check the current event schedule before you go, and leave some flexibility for the weather—heavy rain disrupted several events during our trip.

Kennebunkport is worth visiting beyond Christmas, too. I have been glamping here, which was so much fun, and spent time at the beaches. They are beautiful, but the water has been very cold on my visits! Between the beaches, shops, and places to stay, you can easily make a weekend of it.

Go rafting on the Kennebeck River

There are some super white water rapids on the Kennebeck River. You can go rafting with a guide or on your own. It is an excellent river for beginners as the rapids are not too scary. Either way, it’s sure to be an adrenaline-pumping experience!

Visit the Maine Maritime Museum

The Maine Maritime Museum is located in Bath, Maine. It’s dedicated to the state’s maritime history and culture.
You’ll find exhibits on shipbuilding, lobstering, and the coastguard. There’s also a working shipyard where you can see ships heading out to lobster.
The museum is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the summer when the weather is warm and sunny.

Baxter State Park

Baxter State Park is a large state park located in northern Maine. It’s home to Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in the state. Hikers flock to the park to scale Katahdin and enjoy the beautiful forest.

There are plenty of hiking and camping opportunities and canoeing and fishing. In the winter, you can go snowshoeing in the park.

Sunday River Resort

Sunday River Resort is a popular ski resort located in Newry, Maine. With over 130 trails and 18 lifts, it’s one of the largest ski resorts in New England. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers ice skating, snowmobiling, and zip-lining.
You will find excellent swimming spots along the river and rock pools during the summer.

Shop at the LL Bean Flagship Store

The LL Bean flagship store is located in Freeport, Maine. This massive store spans over 300,000 square feet and sells everything from clothing to camping gear. You can also take a factory tour to see how the iconic Bean boots are made.

Visit Stonewall Kitchen

Stonewall Kitchen is a gourmet food company located in York, Maine. The company started as a small jam and jelly business but has since expanded to include a cooking school, cafe, and store. You can take a tour of the facility or simply browse the delicious selection of food items.
They have a delicious cafe where you can have lunch or an afternoon snack.

Eat some delicious Maine wild blueberries

 

Maine is known for its wild blueberries, and they make delicious snacks. You can find them fresh at farmers’ markets or baked goods at local cafes. They are tinier than a regular blueberry and so much brighter in taste. Make sure to try a blueberry pie from a roadside stand!

Get a lobster roll at Red’s Eats

Red’s Eats is a famous seafood shack in Wiscasset near Boothbay, Maine, and Maine lobster is known as the best in the US. This is considered the best lobster roll in New England, and while I’m not sure I agree, I can tell you, it’s a dang good one!

Red’s Eats is best known for its lobster rolls, made with fresh lobster meat and served on a buttered and grilled roll. You can also get clam chowder, fried clams, and lobster bisque.

Beware, the lines are very long during lunchtime. The wait can be over an hour long, but if you time it right by getting there at 11 am, you will have a much shorter wait.

Eat a Whoopie Pie

A whoopie pie is a dessert made with two rounds of cake filled with frosting. They are believed to have originated in Maine and are now famous all over the country. You can find them in various flavors, but a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting is the classic.
The very best whoopie pie is in Portland at Cape Whoopies!

Stroll through Portland’s Old Port

The Old Port is the historic district of Portland, Maine. Cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and Victorian architecture make a beautiful window shopping place.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, art galleries, and museums. Take a walk along the waterfront to enjoy views of the harbor and islands.

Visit the Portland Head Light

The Portland Head Light is a landmark lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It was built in 1791 and is the oldest lighthouse in the state. This is a 15-minute drive from Downtown Portland and a must-visit when you are in town. You can take a guided tour of the lighthouse or admire it from the outside. Either way, it’s sure to be a beautiful sight.

A large playground is located down by the waterfront, there are picnic benches throughout the property, and a great lobster roll truck called “Bite into Maine.”

Get your shopping on in Kittery

Kittery is home to Kittery Outlets, a large outlet mall with over 100 stores. You’ll find popular brands like J.Crew, Nike, and Gap. The prices are already discounted, but you can usually find even better deals during the sales.

Take a Scenic Drive along the Coastline

Maine has over 5,000 miles of coastline, so plenty of coastlines exist. Take a drive along Route 1 for stunning ocean views. Stop at some small towns to explore the shops and restaurants.

 

How to Fit These Maine Stops Into Your Trip

Maine is a place where it pays to choose an area and enjoy it rather than spending your entire vacation driving. A beach day in Ogunquit, lunch in Portland, and sunset in Acadia might sound lovely, but they don’t belong on the same day’s itinerary!

For a weekend: Pick one base. Portland is my choice if you want restaurants, shops, and a boat excursion. Ogunquit or Kennebunkport works well for a coastal getaway, while Camden deserves a weekend of sailing, exploring downtown, and enjoying the scenery.

For four or five days: Combine two nearby areas. You could split your time between Portland and the southern beach towns, or pair Boothbay and its botanical gardens with Camden. Give yourself time to enjoy the stops rather than packing each day with another hotel change.

For a week or longer: A coastal road trip lets you connect southern Maine, Portland, the Midcoast, and Acadia. Stay in more than one place so you aren’t driving back and forth over the same stretch of coast. If Acadia is a priority, reserve several nights nearby rather than trying to visit from Portland.

For a suggested route connecting many of these places, read my Boston-to-Acadia road trip guide.

I’m sure there are other things that I have missed. If you know of something that is one of the best things to do in Maine, please let me know in the comments!

Looking for more fun in New England? Check out these posts.

New England Road Trip

Day Trips from Boston

Boston to Acadia Road Trip

Best Things to Eat in Portland, Maine

A Weekend in Portsmouth, NH

What to do in Newport, RI