Maine Top 10 Attractions

1: Marginal Way

For those who love the outdoors and enjoy taking in natural beauty, Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine is not to be missed. This stunning scenic trail runs along the shoreline and enables those who venture along it to take in incredible surroundings as well as the beauty of the spectacular coastline.

Running for just over a mile, the pathway is very popular amongst tourists who want to take in the serene atmosphere as well as the natural beauty that they are surrounding by when they walk along Marginal Way.

2: Acadia National Park

While you may not have known its name, you’ve surely seen the magnificence of Acadia National Park. Its picturesque landscapes have made for some incredibly popular adventure and lifestyle magazine specials.

Picture a pristine boat rolling adrift in the calming harbor waters with towering, lush mountains framing the scene. That’s just one of many of the perfect shots available in Acadia.

Delve deep into the heart of nature and look skywards to the canopy of trees, or find your little oasis on the Atlantic coast. Acadia is the perfect place for every form of beauty to flourish!

Acadia National Park is easily accessible by the neighboring city of Bar Harbor, Maine. While the whole park is not open year round, there are two trails in the Park Loop Road that are available regardless of the season.

The Blackwoods Campground is open year-round, although starting in December and ending in March it is walk-in camping only. Otherwise late May to September/mid-October the Seawall and Duck harbor Campground are open to permit camping. For the most part the park opens at 8 a.m. and closes within 4:30-6 p.m. depending on the season.

3: Mount Desert Island

Bigger is better in Mount Desert Island, Maine! As the largest island off the coast of Maine, this location is corner to corner non-stop fun! It is often referred to as the “gem of New England” and other high praises for its lush natural preservation.

It includes the famous Acadia National Park, and stretches for miles of well-maintained beauty. In fact, Acadia takes up the largest portion of the island. That means there is no shortage of woodland paths to venture through, and charming, quaint little beaches at the end of it all.

As such a maritime pearl, it should come as no surprise that seafood is a dinner you just can’t miss. Every restaurant does it a little different but they are all similar in the affinity for fresh and fantastic deep sea dishes. There are mussels, scallops, lobster, clams, and so much more to taste that you’re going to want to come with a hearty appetite.

Since it is an island, it is a little bit more difficult than your average city to arrive to. However, book with Cape Air or rent a car and you should be there in no time! Mount Desert Island is well worth the journey!

4: Kennebunkport

The town of Kennebunkport in Maine is situated by the Kennebunk River and was once known as a fishing village. Today it has become a popular place to visit by those who are heading to Maine and offers a range of attractions including its attractive seaside location for those who are heading over to relax and take in beautiful natural surroundings.

This town is where you will find the summer home of former president George H W Bush and has been visited by world leaders from around the globe over the years. You will find a range of other attractions here including the art gallery and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge.

5: Baxter State Park

Hike, camp and explore at Baxter State Park. The self-funded park is a large wilderness area featuring over 40 peaks and ridges, including Maine’s highest peak Katahdin. The park was named in honor of Percival P. Baxter after he dedicated millions to protect Maine’s precious terrain.

In addition to picturesque views, Baxter State Park is home to a huge collection of hiking trails. There are over 200 miles of trails frequented by backpackers, campers, and mountain climbers. A trip to Baxter is sure to bring splendor no matter your mode of transportation.

6: Boothbay Harbor

A very popular destination amongst visitors looking for recreation, relaxation and adventure, Boothbay Harbor in Maine has plenty to offer. In addition to its attractive location this is a place that also boasts a rich history making it a fascinating place to explore.

Many people head here to enjoy the scenery and recreational activities such as yachting or hiking. You can also enjoy soaking up the culture at one of the galleries or theatres in the area as well as exploring the past with a visit to one of the town’s museums.

The Opera House, the Owls Head Transportation Museum and the Maria Boord Gallery are just a few of the places you can enjoy visiting.

7: Old Orchard Beach

Old and gold! The Old Orchard Beach in Maine is one of the most ethereal sites this side of the nation. During the summertime, tourists flocks to this location for all the sand between your toes, sun in the sky fun you can imagine.

It is incredibly popular for its easy breezy, welcoming community that embraces the rush of tourism while still making their city homey. Summertime brings about a lot of cold weather escapees, coming from Canada and all around the world! And with good reason too. The beaches here are truly something to dream about.

While winter, spring, and fall may night be high season, it is still well worth the visit year-round. The downtown area includes some of the best shops and eateries in the area. The Old Orchard Beach Pier is available for strolling any time of year, and there is even an Empire league baseball team named The Surge.

There is so much to explore in Old Orchard Beach that you’ll truly need a bucket list to see it all. Maybe think it over while you walk the beach, or sample a brew in one of the many bars.

8: Portland Museum of Art

The pride and joy of the Arts District of Portland, the Museum of Art is a can’t miss attraction in Maine. It was founded by the Portland Society of Art and dates all the way back to 1882. It is currently the oldest and biggest public art institution in Maine.

Visitors are treated to a variety of art from local and international inspirations. The building and space in itself is a work of art and makes for a full-fledged experience in the hands of expression. There is also food and drinks found downstairs to make this the all-day affair it deserves to be.

Current and upcoming exhibits include the Expansion of Cubism (1911-1920), N.C. Werth’s New Perspectives, and Ragnar Kjartansson’s Scenes from Western Culture. These are some of the most unique and interesting explorations of age’s modern and past.

The PMA does an incredible job of captivating viewers to explore what artist’s intentions and muses were at the point of creation. Be prepared to be inspired!

The Portland Museum of Art is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. excluding holidays. And every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. the PMA is free to the public!

9: Portland Head Light

For those who are interested in exploring history in Maine, it is well worth adding Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth to your itinerary. Located by Portland Harbor, this is a historic lighthouse that dates back to the late 1700s and is now the oldest in the state.

In addition to taking in the lighthouse itself, which was constructed under the direction of George Washington, you can also take in the historical exhibits and displays at the maritime museum that is now located in the former lighthouse keeper’s property.

10: Victoria Mansion

Situated in downtown Portland, Maine, the Victoria Mansion is an architecturally unique and stunning building that has become a very popular tourist attraction. You can take in the intricate exterior design as well as the grand interior design when you visit this building.

Now a National Historical Landmark, this provides a great insight into upmarket living in the area during the 19th century. Completion of the mansion dates back to the mid 1800s.