What Are The Top Maine Tourism Attractions To Visit?

Maine Tourism Attractions offer an unforgettable experience with its stunning coastlines, delicious seafood, and vibrant culture. SIXT.VN is here to help you discover the best of Maine with ease and convenience, ensuring a memorable trip filled with breathtaking sights and seamless travel experiences. Explore Maine’s iconic landmarks, picturesque landscapes, and charming towns, all while enjoying top-notch services that make your journey stress-free.

1. Discover Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island

Acadia National Park, gracing the rugged Maine coastline, envelops a vast inland expanse of serene lakes, babbling streams, and verdant forests. It’s a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts, beckoning both locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in its natural splendor. According to the National Park Service, Acadia sees millions of visitors each year, drawn to its unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

The scenic Park Loop Road gracefully meanders through the park, unveiling its main attractions and providing an unparalleled driving experience. Alternatively, the convenient Island Explorer buses offer seamless connectivity to various points of interest, while cyclists and pedestrians can traverse the extensive network of unpaved carriage roads, spanning over 100 miles of hiking trails catering to all skill levels. These trails include paths that lead to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the park’s highest peak at 1,530 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding islands.

Acadia National Park shoreline

Other notable attractions within the park include the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, a beacon of maritime history and scenic beauty, and the dramatic chasm of Thunder Hole, where the ocean’s power is on full display. A lesser-known section of Acadia National Park lies further north on the Schoodic Peninsula, boasting additional hiking trails, captivating coastal vistas, and opportunities for kayaking adventures. Within the park, visitors can find two spacious campgrounds and several inviting picnic areas for relaxation and enjoyment.

Throughout Mount Desert Island, charming waterside villages overlook quaint harbors, each offering its own unique appeal. Garden enthusiasts will be particularly drawn to the Asticou Azalea Garden and the adjacent Thuya Garden, both nestled in Northeast Harbor. Asticou, a Japanese-inspired garden, reaches its zenith in spring, when azaleas burst into vibrant bloom around the tranquil pond. Thuya, on the other hand, flourishes in June and July, showcasing its perennial beds at their most spectacular.

2. Explore The Old Port and Portland Head Lighthouse

Tourists interested in Maine tourism attractions invariably flock to Portland’s harbor district, the Old Port, drawn by its maritime charm and bustling atmosphere. Here, amidst fishing boats, busy docks, and inviting seafood restaurants, visitors may catch sight of a cruise ship or the majestic masts of a sailing vessel, a testament to Portland’s enduring status as an active port. As highlighted by the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Old Port district is a cornerstone of the city’s tourism industry, attracting visitors year-round with its unique blend of history and contemporary attractions.

The narrow streets that ascend from the dockside Commercial Street are lined with historic brick and stone buildings, remnants of the era when Portland served as one of the East Coast’s busiest ports from colonial times through the 19th century. These streets are now home to a delightful array of shops, restaurants, and attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime past.

Visitors can immerse themselves in maritime history by browsing through ship chandleries, indulging in fresh seafood on the wharf, and, if arriving early enough, witnessing the bustling activity of fishing boats unloading their catch as local chefs select ingredients for the city’s acclaimed restaurants. Fore Street, which parallels Commercial Street, is home to many of these culinary establishments, offering a diverse range of dining options. At the docks, visitors can embark on a cruise of Casco Bay or board a ferry to explore its scenic islands, each offering its own unique attractions.

Tip for Exploring Casco Bay Islands

According to Casco Bay Lines, the island ferries that traverse Casco Bay offer the best value in town, providing access to individual islands or a scenic cruise of the entire bay. During peak season, knowledgeable tour guides often share insights into the islands, many of which boast historic fortifications.

A prominent landmark of Casco Bay is the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse, which marks the entrance to the harbor and stands as a symbol of maritime safety and navigation. Its strategic location offers stunning views of the city, the Old Port, and the constant flow of ships and boats passing through the bay.

The museum, housed in the former Keeper’s Quarters, showcases exhibits that delve into the history of lighthouses and their keepers, highlighting the evolution of maritime safety technologies over the years. Displays include historic photos, artifacts, and Fresnel lenses, illustrating the vital role these beacons played in guiding ships safely to port.

3. Walk Marginal Way and Relax on Ogunquit Beaches

The paved walking path known as Marginal Way, stretching along the shore from the heart of Ogunquit to Perkins Cove, offers a picturesque route to experience the rocky coastline and the captivating dance of crashing surf. The Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce emphasizes that Marginal Way is one of the most scenic coastal walks in Maine, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Nestled among the rugged cliffs are a series of small, sandy coves that provide a more secluded beach experience compared to Ogunquit Beach, renowned as one of Maine’s most popular stretches of sand. Marginal Way is exclusively for pedestrians, prohibiting bikes and dogs (from April to October), and extends for approximately one and a half miles from the village to the charming wharfs of Perkins Cove.

Perkins Cove, characterized by a slender peninsula sheltering a small bay, serves as a safe harbor for small watercraft. Originally a quaint fishing port, the harbor is now surrounded by restaurants and boutiques, while still maintaining its fishing boat presence.

Benches are strategically placed along Marginal Way, both on the path and at scenic overlooks, offering opportunities to pause and savor the coastal views. Visitors can return to town via the same path, stroll back along the shaded Shore Road, or opt for a trolley ride.

Ogunquit Beach, with its gentle slope into the sea and relatively warm waters, is a favorite destination for families seeking a relaxing beach experience. The town’s bustling shops and restaurants contribute to its lively summer atmosphere, complemented by a thriving arts scene anchored by the renowned Ogunquit Playhouse and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art.

Experience Ogunquit Museum of American Art

Adjacent to the museum, outdoor exhibits in a sculpture garden extend down to the rocky shore, offering visitors a chance to explore art in a natural setting. The gardens are open for leisurely strolls free of charge. Families will especially enjoy the whimsical animal sculptures by Maine artist Bernard Langlais, crafted from rough boards and scrap wood, including a giant lion, horse, and rhino that never fail to bring smiles.

4. See the Iconic Pemaquid Point Light

Pemaquid Point Light stands as one of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses, gracing the end of Pemaquid Point in Mid-Coast Maine. Its significance is so profound that it was chosen to represent Maine on the state’s quarter coin. The lighthouse, constructed in 1835, has been meticulously preserved, including the light tower, the keeper’s cottage, and the brick sound signal house. The dramatic setting is further enhanced by the unique formations of striped metamorphic rock adorning the ledges below.

The keeper’s cottage now houses the Fisherman’s Museum, dedicated to preserving the region’s rich fishing heritage. Inside, visitors can explore captains’ logs, models, dioramas, photos, and artifacts, including information on the shipwrecks that occurred off this point. The scenic point is also a popular spot for picnics.

To the north, in New Harbor, Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site safeguards the foundations of a colonial settlement and the reconstructed Fort William Henry. The museum and informative sign boards provide insights into the fort’s crucial role in the conflicts involving English and French settlers and the local Native American populations. The archaeological site holds the esteemed designation of a National Historic Landmark.

5. Enjoy Old-Fashioned Fun at Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach, an unabashedly old-fashioned beach resort, revels in the nostalgic atmosphere of its pier and the thrill rides at New England’s only remaining full-scale amusement park on a beach. Visitors are invited to kick off their shoes, step back into mid-century summer fun, and embrace a touch of nostalgia. According to the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce, the beach and its surrounding attractions draw significant numbers of tourists each summer, boosting the local economy.

Palace Playland boasts a range of classic amusement park rides, including a Ferris wheel towering over the waves, a roller coaster, an old-fashioned carousel, bumper cars, and various other kid-friendly attractions. Pier stands and street-side windows offer classic beach fare such as fries, soft ice cream, saltwater taffy, and fried dough.

The highlight of Old Orchard Beach is its expansive seven-mile stretch of golden sand beach with free public access. The sands are meticulously cleaned each night by volunteers, ensuring a pristine beach experience. A barrier of grassy dunes separates most of the beach from the line of low hotels and shops.

Old Orchard Beach is also the only Maine beach accessible directly by train, making it a popular weekend getaway destination from Boston. The Amtrak station is conveniently located opposite the pier and amusement park.

Stop at Pier French Fries

A visit to Old Orchard Beach is incomplete without a stop at Pier French Fries, a beloved tradition for locals and tourists since 1932. Indulging in these classic fries is an essential part of the Old Orchard Beach experience.

6. Stroll Through Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Wandering through the paths of this 270-acre garden, it’s hard to believe that the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens opened as recently as 2007. The gardens boast a profusion of blooms and meticulously manicured landscapes, creating the impression that they have been lovingly cared for over generations. According to the American Public Gardens Association, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is recognized for its commitment to conservation, education, and horticultural excellence.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay

The paths meander through various themed gardens, showcasing native and exotic plants thriving in woodland, water, and diverse environments. Highlights include a kitchen garden and a garden for the five senses, which features plants selected for their fragrances, flavors, and textures in raised beds accessible to wheelchairs. The spacious children’s garden is sure to enchant visitors of all ages, as will the woodland village of fairy houses.

Walking trails traverse the grounds, sloping down to the shore and encompassing diverse shore environments. Daily tours highlight significant features and explore themes such as rare and native plants. A substantial collection of original sculptures by regional artists accentuates the gardens, and art exhibitions are hosted in the visitor center throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

The Children’s Garden

The Children’s Garden is a major highlight of the extensive campus. Like the rest of the gardens, it is adorned with sculptures inspired by children’s books written by Maine authors. The lifelike bronze of Sal’s Bear by Nancy Schon, based on Robert McCloskey’s Blueberries for Sal, is a favorite among children.

Themed garden highlights include a cottage with a grass roof, an arbor tunnel to walk through, a maze lawn, a giant tree house, and a whimsical fairy house.

7. Admire Art at Farnsworth Art Museum

The Farnsworth Art Museum, located in the heart of downtown Rockland, is one of New England’s finest art institutions, housing an impressive collection of works by artists with connections to Maine. The museum’s Wyeth Center is one of only two in the country dedicated to the art of the three generations of Wyeths – N.C., Andrew, and James. According to the Farnsworth Art Museum, its collection is renowned for its breadth and depth of American art, particularly its representation of Maine’s artistic heritage.

Farnsworth Art Museum

The Farnsworth Art Museum’s collections feature prominent late 19th- and early 20th-century landscape painters. Visitors can view early works by Thomas Cole, as well as paintings by George Bellows, Rockwell Kent, John La Farge, George Inness, Childe Hassam, and maritime artist Fitz Henry Lane.

A separate building, a former church on Union Street, showcases works by James Wyeth and N.C. Wyeth. The Farnsworth also organizes tours of the Olson House, famously depicted in several works by Andrew Wyeth, including his iconic 1948 painting Christina’s World.

Visit The Olson House

Directions to the Olson House, a farmhouse made famous by Andrew Wyeth in Christina’s World, can be obtained at the museum. Visitors can view the exterior of the house, located on Hathorne Point Road in Cushing, Maine, or take a guided tour of the interior arranged through the museum.

8. Explore Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor, once a bustling shipping port, has evolved into a popular summer resort, boasting the largest boating harbor north of Boston. Schooner cruises, whale watching excursions, lighthouse tours, and island cruises depart from the harbor, which was once capable of sheltering hundreds of vessels during storms. According to the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, the harbor is a central hub for tourism and recreational boating, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty and maritime activities.

For the best views of the waterfront and boats, visitors can stroll across the 1,000-foot-long Boothbay Harbor Footbridge, a wooden walkway that has been a landmark since 1901. Kayaks can be rented near the footbridge to explore the harbor and shore, while Linekin Bay in East Boothbay is popular for kayaking.

The downtown area is filled with waterfront seafood restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries, reflecting the area’s vibrant arts scene. Over 200 artists and craftspeople live and summer in the area, contributing to its artistic appeal.

Boothbay Harbor has been a haven for the arts since the early 1800s. In addition to studios and galleries, the town features an Opera House and Carousel Music Theater, as well as a community band. The Boothbay Harbor Sculpture Trail showcases more than three dozen original sculptures decorating streets and public spaces.

Visitors can learn about marine wildlife at the Maine State Aquarium, or ride in a vintage coach behind a century-old steam locomotive at the Boothbay Railway Village.

9. Discover Rockland

Rockland, encircled by a large harbor protected by Owl’s Head and a long stone breakwater, boasts a historic downtown with well-maintained 19th-century brick mercantile buildings, reflecting its prosperous past. This was once a thriving port for limestone quarried in the surrounding hills. Until the 1950s, the harbor was lined with kilns processing stone for shipment to eastern cities for mortar and plaster. The Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce highlights Rockland’s blend of maritime history, arts, and cultural attractions as key drivers of its tourism appeal.

This old seaport town is worth a stop for several attractions, including Owl’s Head Light and the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum. Rockland is also one of the home ports for the Maine Windjammer Fleet, and visitors can often see these historic sailing ships moored here.

The town and nearby islands of Penobscot Bay have long attracted artists, whose works can be seen in Rockland’s numerous galleries and museums. Regular ferry departures from downtown Rockland provide access to Islesboro, where visitors can hike through a rare cedar swamp, or Vinalhaven, where they can explore nature reserves, rent kayaks, or swim in a former granite quarry.

10. Visit Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor, more than just a gateway to Acadia National Park, is a lively town with a rich history as an oceanside resort. Its streets are lined with impressive “summer cottages” built during the Gilded Age, now serving as elegant inns and B&Bs. According to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the town’s blend of natural beauty, upscale amenities, and proximity to Acadia National Park make it a premier tourist destination.

Visitors can stroll along Frenchman Bay, following the Shore Path from Agrimont Park for views of the bay and islands. At low tide, they can walk across the bar to Bar Island, but must return before the water covers the track.

The town offers classy boutiques, artisan galleries, ocean-fresh seafood restaurants, and whale-watching cruises. The excellent Abbe Museum features an exceptional collection of Native American arts, and St. Savior Episcopal Church displays stunning Tiffany stained-glass windows.

Bar Harbor has implemented limits on the number and size of cruise ships allowed to make port stops, reducing crowds and enhancing the visitor experience.

11. Explore Camden

Camden, located just north of Rockland, is another of Maine’s harbors for Windjammers, and visitors can often see these graceful tall ships in the harbor. Two-hour schooner cruises are available. Camden’s Main Street (Route 1) and Bay View Street offer shops and galleries featuring everything from fashionable resort wear and fine art to knitting yarns and vintage garden ornaments. The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce notes that Camden’s blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions makes it a popular year-round destination.

For harbor and island views, visitors can climb or drive to the top of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, where hikers will find more than 30 miles of trails. Merryspring Nature Center also offers trails and beautiful flowers.

The colorful Riverhouse Footbridge, a garden of flower boxes and leafy arbors suspended over the short Megunticook River, is a block from the intersection of Elm and High streets. The river ends in the dramatic Megunticook Falls as it enters the harbor.

Camden’s charms extend into winter, with the Camden Snow Bowl offering ocean views from its trails and a 400-foot toboggan chute.

12. Photograph Nubble Lighthouse (Cape Neddick Light)

Nubble Lighthouse, also known as Cape Neddick Light, is one of New England’s most photographed lighthouses and is easily accessible. The lighthouse sits on its own islet just off the rocky point of Cape Neddick, with surf often breaking against the rocks, creating picturesque scenes. According to the York Region Chamber of Commerce, Nubble Lighthouse is a beloved landmark and a major draw for tourists visiting the area.

Nubble Lighthouse (Cape Neddick Light)

In late November, the lighthouse and keeper’s cottage are outlined in lights for the holiday season, celebrated with music, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa. Cruises from Ogunquit offer views of the lighthouse from the water.

The point bounds one end of Long Sands, the largest of two beaches in York, with the southern end popular for surfing. The Old York Historical Society museum complex includes Jefferds Tavern and the 1745 York Corner Schoolhouse, one of the oldest surviving in New England.

13. Visit Maine Maritime Museum

The Maine Maritime Museum, located on the site of a 19th-century shipyard where large wooden sailing vessels were built and launched, preserves and interprets Maine’s seafaring, shipbuilding, and lobstering heritage. The museum’s extensive collection includes artifacts and exhibits on clipper ships, lighthouses, and maritime art. The 20-acre campus includes a blacksmith shop and a working shop for the restoration of wooden boats.

A highlight is a 36-foot section of the bow of the American clipper Snow Squall, built in Portland in 1851. Over 140 Maine-built or Maine-related boats in the collections include an antique birchbark canoe. The Mary E, the oldest fishing schooner built in Maine, is part of the floating collections, one of three in the museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to the Maine Maritime Museum, its mission is to connect people to the rich maritime history and culture of Maine through exhibits, educational programs, and preservation efforts.

14. Visit West Quoddy Head & Lighthouse

The dramatic red-and-white stripes of West Quoddy Head & Lighthouse and the thrill of standing at the easternmost point in the United States make it a popular destination on the northeast coast of Maine. The brick lighthouse, opened in 1858, replaced one built in 1808 by President Thomas Jefferson to guide ships through the Quoddy Narrows. The current lighthouse is 49 feet tall, and the lantern rises 83 feet above the sea.

The Quoddy Head State Park Visitor Center in the former Keeper’s Cottage provides information about the lighthouse and its history, with tours of the light tower on Saturday afternoons in July and August. The lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Five miles of hiking trails explore the point, a prime spot for viewing sea birds, especially during migrations. Humpback, minke, and finback whales can be spotted in the narrows, bounded by the red cliffs of Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick.

An easy one-mile trail leads to a coastal plateau bog, where subarctic and arctic plants can be seen. According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Quoddy Head State Park offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities.

15. Experience Portland Museum of Art & Winslow Homer Studio

The Portland Museum of Art’s collections extend beyond the works of artists who lived and painted in Maine, such as Winslow Homer, Rockwell Kent, and the Wyeths. The museum features over 18,000 pieces of fine and decorative art, dating from the 1700s onwards, including works by Monet, Degas, Picasso, Warhol, Sargent, Whistler, Mary Cassatt, Gilbert Stuart, Joshua Reynolds, Alexander Calder, George Bellows, and Edward Hopper. The Portland Museum of Art states that its mission is to enrich lives by bringing art and cultural experiences to all.

Portland Museum of Art

The museum hosts traveling and temporary exhibits throughout the year. A historic house attached to the museum, formerly home to a prominent Portland family, displays period furniture, art, and decorative details.

The studio of artist Winslow Homer, overlooking the sea on Prouts Neck in Scarborough, Maine, is accessible only by tours originating at the museum.

16. Cruise the Maine Coast

The craggy, irregular Maine coast and its rock-bound islands are best seen from the water, offering new perspectives on lighthouses and granite cliffs, as well as a chance to experience the busy harbor life of Maine’s seaport towns. Options include whale-watching tours from Bar Harbor, deep-sea fishing from Eastport, Puffin Tours to Machias Seal Island from Jonesport or Stonington, lobster boat tours from Portland, and seal cruises from Portland to Eagle Island. The Maine Office of Tourism promotes coastal cruising as an essential Maine experience, offering visitors a chance to connect with the state’s maritime heritage.

Victory Chimes, Windjammer Fleet

Boothbay Harbor offers deep-sea fishing, day sailing cruises, whale watching, and trips with local lobstermen. Ogunquit offers breakfast sightseeing tours and cruises to see York’s Nubble Lighthouse from the water.

Boat experiences range from the 15-mile ferry ride from Rockland to Vinalhaven to week-long cruises on a Maine Windjammer out of Rockland or Camden. Windjammer cruises are informal, with itineraries determined by winds and tides, and passengers can help with the lines and sails. Special theme cruises may feature lighthouses, music, star gazing, or boat races. Most windjammers are suitable for adults only, although some welcome those as young as 12. Couples seeking a romantic vacation can book full moon cruises.

17. Stroll Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport, located 12.5 miles south of Portland, is popular in summer. Stately homes of former ship captains and owners line its quiet streets, and visitors can learn about these on a self-guided walking tour or at the Historical Society’s First Families Kennebunkport Museum. The Kennebunkport Business Association highlights the town’s historic charm, upscale shopping, and dining as key attractions for visitors.

Kennebunkport

Shopping and gallery-hopping are favorite pastimes in the restored dockside buildings around Dock Square. Parsons Way, a scenic path, begins from the square and leads along the shore to Walker’s Point. A series of sandy beaches line the shore on the other side of the Kennebunk River.

Two miles east of Dock Square is the active fishing village of Cape Porpoise, with more shops, galleries, and lobster boats. The Seashore Trolley Museum is also of interest.

In nearby Kennebunk, visitors can see the Brick Store Museum and the Wedding Cake House on Summer Street, which is lined with elegant Victorian mansions.

18. Escape to Monhegan Island

Monhegan Island, located 10 miles off the coast of Maine, has achieved iconic status as an artists’ colony and a place of rugged beauty. There are no cars or paved roads on the island, and its 75 year-round residents are mainly engaged in fishing and lobstering. Day trips to the island are available from Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor, and Port Clyde, but visitors have only three or four hours ashore. According to the Monhegan Island Chamber of Commerce, the island’s natural beauty and artistic heritage make it a unique and cherished destination.

Monhegan Island

Monhegan’s combination of rugged granite cliffs, crashing waves, unique light, and untouched fishing village atmosphere has attracted artists since the mid-1800s. The island features numerous studios and galleries. The James Fitzgerald – Rockwell Kent Historic Artists’ Home and Studio, managed by the Monhegan Museum of Art & History, displays works by both artists and others who painted here.

Monhegan is also a favorite of birders for migrating Merlins, American Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons, and other species.

Hiking the Island

A trail map, available at Monhegan Associates near the ferry landing, guides visitors along the island trails to artists’ favorite viewpoints. Sturdy boots are recommended for the rough trails, and caution is advised along the shoreline rocks due to rogue waves and a fierce undertow.

19. Tour Victoria Mansion, Portland

Victoria Mansion in Portland is an Italian-style villa built in the mid-19th century. Its architecture and interior details are exquisite, making it one of the most lavishly decorated mid-Victorian homes in the country, with painted walls, ceilings, and ornately carved woodwork. The Victoria Mansion describes itself as an unparalleled example of Victorian art and culture.

Victoria Mansion, Portland

Most of the furnishings are original, offering a glimpse into how Portland’s wealthy lived during the pre-Civil War era. The mansion provides an exceptional example of Victorian art and culture.

20. Explore Desert of Maine

The Desert of Maine, a true desert with shifting dunes covering forests and buildings, is a geologic anomaly located inland, surrounded by pine forests. Large signboards explain how old farming practices stripped the topsoil from this sandpit left by glaciers. According to the Desert of Maine, the site is a unique natural attraction highlighting natural history, science, and local history.

The dunes shift constantly, and visitors can see the former spring house being dug out of the dune that swallowed it. Little pine trees growing out of the top of a dune are actually the tops of full-grown pines hidden beneath the sand. A photo-op with the colorful camel is a must.

Family-Friendly Activities

Kids can explore the Desert of Maine, find ancient bones in the Fossil Dig, discover artifacts in the Secret Sandbox, and dig for gems at Gemstone Village. A Maine-themed playground includes slides and climbing towers.

21. Visit Peaks Island

Peaks Island, technically part of Portland, offers a different world accessible by a ferry ride. The fare is inexpensive, and the ride provides a mini-cruise in Portland Harbor, past Fort Gorges and other small islands. The Peaks Island Chamber of Commerce promotes the island as a convenient and scenic getaway from Portland, offering a mix of history, nature, and local charm.

Peaks Island played a defensive role during World War II. Battery Steele, the largest of the island’s military structures, occupies 14 acres facing the Atlantic. Walking trails connect its three sections, and visitors can walk through the abandoned passages, with a flashlight.

Whaleback Ledge and Cairn Beach offer scenic spots for contemplation. The island also features art galleries and the quirky Umbrella Cover Museum, the world’s largest collection of umbrella sheaths.

Restaurants near the ferry offer views of the water and surrounding islands. Snacks are available at Milly’s Skillet Food Truck, and ice cream at Down Front.

Getting Around Peaks Island

Cars are more of a hindrance than a help due to limited parking. Most of the island’s attractions can be visited on foot in a day. Bicycles can be brought on the ferry or rented at Brad’s Island Bike Rentals & Repairs. Golf carts are available for rent from Peaks Island Golf Carts. It’s important to remember that although the ferry runs year-round for residents, most restaurants and shops are closed or reduce their hours between Labor Day and Memorial Day.

22. Visit Bowdoin College Museum of Art

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art, on the college campus in Brunswick, features a permanent collection of over 20,000 pieces, ranging from ancient Greek ceramics to 17th-century New England furniture. Multiple works by Winslow Homer, Rockwell Kent, Gilbert Stuart, John Singleton Copley, and Maurice Prendergast are featured, along with those of Bierstadt, Inness, Eakins, and Corot. The Bowdoin College Museum of Art states its mission is to advance learning and inspire discovery through direct engagement with art.

Bowdoin College Museum of Art

Rotating temporary exhibits, gallery talks, tours, and lectures make this an active cultural center.

23. Discover Wiscasset

Wiscasset, a tidy center on Route 1, is worth a stop to explore its historic houses, art galleries, and antique shops. The Nickels-Sortwell House, overlooking the main street, is one of the finest Federal homes in New England, with rooms furnished in antiques, art, and period decorative features. Castle Tucker was built in the late 19th century as the home of a sea captain.

The town wharf sits beside the long bridge that crosses the estuary of the Sheepscot River, offering seafood dining with waterfront views.

24. Explore Bangor

Bangor, often underrated, has a lively Main Street lined with shops and locally owned restaurants. Stephen King fans can take a tour with SK Tours of Maine. Bangor’s Main Street is a hub for shopping and dining, offering a mix of local and international flavors.

Downtown straddles the Kenduskeag Stream, featuring the University of Maine’s Zillman Art Museum and the Bangor Public Library.

The area offers museums, including the Maine Discovery Museum, the Cole Land Transportation Museum, the Maine Air Museum, and the Hose 5 Fire Museum.

Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the Orono Bog Walk, a handicap-accessible nature trail, and the Bangor City Forest. The Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonard’s Mills in Bradley offers a living history experience.

FAQ about Maine Tourism Attractions

What is the best time to visit Maine for good weather?

The best time to visit Maine for good weather is during the summer, particularly July and August, when temperatures are warm and rainfall is minimal.

What are the must-see attractions in Acadia National Park?

Must-see attractions in Acadia National Park include Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and Thunder Hole.

How can I explore the islands of Casco Bay?

You can explore the islands of Casco Bay by taking a ferry from Portland, which provides access to various islands with unique attractions and scenic views.

What activities are available in Boothbay Harbor?

Boothbay Harbor offers a variety of activities such as schooner cruises, whale watching, lighthouse viewing trips, kayaking, and exploring waterfront shops and restaurants.

What is special about Monhegan Island?

Monhegan Island is known for its rugged cliffs, untouched fishing village atmosphere, vibrant art scene, and status as a haven for birdwatchers.

What are some family-friendly attractions in Maine?

Family-friendly attractions in Maine include Old Orchard Beach, the Desert of Maine, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor.

Where can I see lighthouses in Maine?

You can see lighthouses in Maine at Pemaquid Point Light, Portland Head Lighthouse, Nubble Lighthouse, and West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.

What are the cultural attractions in Portland, Maine?

Cultural attractions in Portland include the Portland Museum of Art and Victoria Mansion, offering a glimpse into the city’s artistic and historical heritage.

How can I experience Maine’s maritime history?

You can experience Maine’s maritime history by visiting the Maine Maritime Museum, taking a Windjammer cruise, and exploring historic ports like Rockland and Boothbay Harbor.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Maine?

Maine offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking in Acadia National Park, walking Marginal Way, kayaking in Boothbay Harbor, and exploring the Orono Bog Walk in Bangor.

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