It’s easy to say that Maine has a ton of fantastic vacation spots given its namesake, Vacationland! Hence, we have spotted some of those nice scenes it has to give you a good list of the best places to stay in Maine for first time lovers.
This stunning state is well-known for its wild and rocky coastline, which is scattered with old lighthouses, as well as its extensive wildness, which has been meticulously protected and offers some of the East’s most picturesque drives and hikes.
Any visit to the Pine Tree State will be enjoyable, but you can use this list as a resource to find some of the best places to stay in Maine for first-time lovers!
Why You Should Visit Maine
In all honesty, Maine has a reputation for being a somewhat rural state, and that reputation is somewhat deserved. There are significant tracts of arid territory, and the majority of the actual cities are grouped in a few locations with considerable distance between them.
There’s no use disputing it since even if this might not sound like a positive advertisement, you’ll be able to see it once you’re on a road trip in the state.
Maine, however, boasts several fantastic cities in addition to breathtakingly beautiful national parks, despite not being the most lush or highly inhabited state in the US.
The entire state of Maine is rich in forests, mountains, national parks, breathtaking landscapes, lakes that are excellent for fishing, and many more natural treasures, in addition to the towns and their attractions.
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Maine is the place for you if you enjoy being outside and are a lover of nature. Reverting to the topic of cities for a while, we’ve listed the top five places to visit in Maine. Based on the type of entertainment they can offer, we’ve sorted them.
Remember that some cities will be much smaller than others and that some will be lively nighttime destinations with lots of clubs and cafes, while others will be rural towns with few attractions save outdoor ones.
What you want to see in Maine will determine where you stay, and by the time you’ve finished reading this article, you should know which city you want to go to.
What are the Best Places to Stay in Maine for First Time Lovers?
Maine has many cities, but the reason we have selected these places is because they feature the most intriguing locations that would attract most people.
1. Kennebunkport ME
2. Rangeley ME
3. Portland ME
4. Rockland ME
5. Freeport ME
6. Acadia National Park
7. Old Orchard Beach ME
8. Bangor ME
9. Boothbay Harbor ME
10. Greenville ME
11. Damariscotta ME
12. Bethel ME
13. York ME
14. Peaks Island ME
15. Augusta ME
1. Kennebunkport ME
Three things are well-known about Kennebunkport: the water, the seafood, and the Bush family. Their property in Kennebunkport has long been a family favorite and was dubbed the Summer White House while the elder Bush was president.
It continues to be a popular family holiday destination today, and given all the enjoyable things to do there, it is understandable why. There are various ways to enjoy Maine in the summer, including sailing, whale-watching, kayaking, lobster trips, swimming at the beaches, and much more!
You can browse the many charming stores and art galleries in Downtown Kennebunkport and purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs of Maine to remember your trip.
2. Rangeley ME
Rangeley, which lies in the Western Mountains of Maine, is all about the wonderful outdoors! This well-known vacation spot in Maine is one of several little communities tucked away in the Rangeley Lakes Region and is the ideal escape into the Maine woods.
There are so many activities around! In addition to kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, boating, and swimming, it’s one of the greatest spots in Maine to watch moose during the warm weather months.
Want to view everything from the air? Even a seaplane tour of the Rangeley Lakes region is an option!
The Rangeley Lakes Trail Center is nearby and offers cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing as the temperature drops.
3. Portland ME
Portland is everything that is hip, original, artistic, and creative. Granted, that’s not saying much. The view is also really amazing!
In Portland, there are so many wonderful things to do that they like to declare you’ll “never run out of things to do.” There are a ton of awesome ways to get outside and enjoy gorgeous Casco Bay, along with the Portland Museum of Art, and hip stores in Old Port and South Portland.
The following is further information about Portland: You will be in culinary ecstasy while indulging in farm-to-table goodness, inventive fusion food, and freshly caught seafood like lobster rolls.
4. Rockland ME
A must-see location in Maine is the lovely town of Rockland, one of those traditional seaside communities. An excursion on the sea is the best way to explore a coastal Maine town, and you can do just that by taking a Windjammer Cruise on a historic schooner. You’ll create memorable experiences that you’ll never forget.
If sailing isn’t your thing, there is also plenty to do on land. Visit the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, the Farnsworth Art Museum, or any of the downtown galleries.
Take a stroll to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse for amazing views. This charming lighthouse has been lovingly refurbished and makes a wonderful viewing location for the breathtaking ocean.
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5. Freeport ME
Even though it’s close to Portland, this adorable tiny town makes for a great getaway. It has a few unique claims to fame, with The Boot being the most well-known.
The Boot, indeed. The Boot, a gigantic 410 replica boot at the L.L. Bean Flagship Store is a must-see attraction while you’re in Freeport. Where else are you ever going to see a size 410 boot, after all? Just Freeport, Maine, please!
Wolfe’s Neck State Park offers a variety of fantastic outdoor activities, such as hiking and exploring, but this location also has a far more unusual outdoor feature.
6. Acadia National Park
A trip to Acadia National Park will be an action-packed getaway in Maine! Outdoor activities including fishing, biking, hiking, camping, and soaking in the breathtaking scenery Acadia National Park has to offer abound in the stunning park. It’s a must to see Thunder Hole!
Acadia is a stunning location at any time of year, but October is regarded as one of the greatest seasons to come since the park is ablaze with vibrant fall hues. One of the best spots to see Maine foliage is Mount Desert Island!
While visiting Acadia National Park, there are many wonderful places to stay. There are lodging options including hotels, cottages, and rental homes.
7. Old Orchard Beach ME
Old Orchard Beach, sometimes known as OOB, is incredibly cute and is regarded as one of Maine’s cutest tiny communities. The last remaining seaside amusement park in New England is located in this adorable tiny coastal town, which also boasts another fantastic claim to fame.
In addition to rides and other entertainment, Palace Playland features a 20,000-square-foot or more arcade with both classic and contemporary arcade games.
The seven kilometers of fine, sandy beach are also present, of course. OOB Beach, one of Maine’s top beaches, provides excellent beach-goer amenities. It’s simple to spend the day at the beach thanks to the readily available toilets, lifeguards, and close dining options.
8. Bangor ME
Bangor was once referred to as the “lumber capital of the world,” and the 31-foot-tall statue of Paul Bunyan guarding the city’s center honors that era in the town’s history.
The fact that Stephen King was born in this town, which rules over the Penobscot River as Maine’s Queen City, is another reason for its fame. One of the things on our Ultimate New England Bucket List is a trip to Bangor to take a Stephen King tour!
Stephen King and Paul Bunyan are just two of the many attractions in stunning Bangor. With a walkway that allows visitors to walk around the Orono Bog with dry feet, the Bangor City woodland is home to over 680 acres of woodland and wildlife habitat.
9. Boothbay Harbor ME
Anyone who wishes to enjoy Midcoast Maine should visit the lovely Boothbay Harbor. Explore the rugged shoreline of the little island it stands on and take a visit to the Burnt Island Lighthouse, which is only accessible by boat.
How about a sail during the dusk on the Schooner Applejack? This may be a lovely way to cap off a day spent touring Boothbay Harbor!
Make a reservation for a day at the Cabbage Island Clambake if you are traveling during the summer. With freshly caught lobster, Maine chowder, blueberry cake, and the star ingredient: clams, this special Maine vacation experience offers an opportunity to experience the clambake tradition.
You may also take a combined whale-watching and puffin cruise during May and October to see some of the coastal wildlife in Maine.
10. Greenville ME
Greenville, which is in the Moosehead Lake region, is the place to go in Maine for fun all year long! The lake offers summer activities including swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking, and in the winter, Big Squaw Mountain offers skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Beautiful Greenville offers many chances to venture outside and explore. When it’s time to rest and recharge, go to the Stress Free Moose. Hike Mount Kineo State Park, and pay your respects at the B52 accident site memorial. What’s not to love about drinks, pub fare, and live music?
Consider taking a seaplane tour to get an excellent view of this stunning region of the Maine Highlands. There is simply no other view that comes close.
11. Damariscotta ME
This charming little town in Midcoast Maine is normally a little less busy than some of the other popular tourist destinations, but it still has a lot to offer!
The Damariscotta Region, which connects the twin community of Newcastle to Damariscotta through a bridge over the Damariscotta River, hosts two oyster festivals annually to honor its thriving oyster industry.
The Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site is another location where you may witness a sizable midden or heap of oyster shells, that dates back hundreds of years.
You can also learn more about the booming oyster business in this region by giving them a try, of course!
12. Bethel ME
Bethel is a charming little village on one of Maine’s most beautiful driving routes, tucked away at the edge of the White Mountain National Forest.
This Maine town caters to guests of all ideologies with a blend of outdoor recreation and a tranquil mountain retreat. Looking for outdoor entertainment? This location offers year-round kayaking, hiking, and fishing. There is a ton to do in the snow here in the winter, particularly at Sunday River Ski Resort. Additionally, Grafton Notch State Park is close by and offers fantastic waterfall treks.
There are many alternatives for mountain village dining, housing, and shopping, and Bethel has a relaxed vibe.
13. York ME
The Southern Maine coastline is referred to as “The Yorks,” and comprises Cape Neddick, York Village, York Beach, York Harbor, and York, ME.
Everybody may find a little something to like in York. In search of history? Visit York Village to see well-preserved historical structures including the Old Gaol, which functioned as Maine’s first prison when it was constructed in 1656.
With silky sand and breathtaking views, York Beaches are some of the most stunning beaches on the coast. Great views may be seen in York Harbor along the breathtaking Cliff Walk, and Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse is one of the most well-known lighthouses on the East Coast.
14. Peaks Island ME
Peaks Island in Maine is a stunning island that is only a short boat trip from Portland and makes for a wonderful summer escape. No need for automobiles, the majority of islanders get around on foot, bikes, or golf carts.
Brad’s Bike Rental offers bicycle rentals, so you may peddle your way around this picture-perfect island while admiring the ocean vistas.
If you’d like to explore by water, join a trip with Maine Island Kayak Co. and discover everything there is to know about the area’s natural topography and man-made areas of interest.
Do you find the paranormal to be interesting? Then proceed to the Battery Steele Military Reserve on the island’s southeast, which is one of New England’s most eerie locations.
15. Augusta ME
Have you ever visited Maine’s capital? If not, put it on your list of sites to see in Maine! The town of Augusta is rich in culture, history, and enjoyable indoor and outdoor activities.
Visit the Colonial Theater for a performance, then explore Capitol Park to take in views of the Maine State Capitol. The Old Post Office is next on the agenda.
The Old Post Office, you read that correctly. It resembles a castle more than a post office and is one of the last structures in the state constructed in the Romanesque Revival style.
Fort Western, the oldest wooden fort in the US and a National Historic Landmark is also located in Augusta. If you’re traveling with your family, it’s a fantastic spot to go!
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Where Should You Stay in Maine?
If having a lively nightlife while on vacation is important to you, as we’ve previously indicated several times, Portland is the finest option.
Since the Acadia National Park offers unrivaled natural beauty and a range of outdoor activities, hiking routes, and fishing sites, Bar Harbor is the ideal location for nature lovers.
You may visit a lot of interesting places in Augusta, including some genuinely distinctive museums, making it a terrific option for your trip to Maine. Travel safely!
Frequently Asked Questions
Rockland. One of the most well-liked vacation destinations in Maine is Rockland, which is situated along the state’s scenic Midcoast. The town has tons of high-quality restaurants, a bustling downtown, and activities galore. In Rockland, there are two fantastic museums for art lovers.
The most well-known tourist site in Maine is Bar Harbor, which is situated on Mount Desert Island. You can take strolls along the beach, sample the local seafood, and visit one of the many tiny boutiques.
To see the most beautiful seaside villages in Maine, you’ll need one to two weeks. If you choose one or two of your favorite towns and take day trips from there, it is also possible to visit for a short period.
The towns and cities of Maine have a range of entertainment options to keep visitors occupied long after the sun goes down, including concerts, standup comedy, dance clubs, and bar trivia.
Conclusion
There is something for everyone on a vacation to Maine thanks to the Pine Tree State’s untamed beauty and the abundance of outdoor activities (even in the winter). We call it Vacationland for a reason, right?
You may also check out some pretty cool cabins, lovely hotels, and cool Airbnbs in Maine if you’re looking for unique locations to stay while visiting the state. You will undoubtedly have a great time in Maine wherever you decide to visit!
