Maine hits you like a breath of fresh, salty ocean air…a feeling I know well. Growing up as a Bostonian, my family made the pilgrimage north every single summer. My childhood is mapped out in memories of sandy feet in Ogunquit, arcade games in York, and wandering the postcard-perfect streets of Kennebunkport.
Today, I still make the drive up at least three times a year. Whether I’m chasing the ultimate fall foliage in the wilds of Baxter and Rangeley, eating my weight in seafood with friends in Portland, or standing atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia to watch the country’s first sunrise, I fall a little harder for this corner of New England every time.
I’ve explored it all, from the moody skies and granite cliffs to that glorious moment at Red’s Eats in Wiscasset when warm butter drips down your fingers from a perfectly overstuffed lobster roll. After a lifetime of road-tripping up the coast and deep into the woods, this is my ultimate guide to the most beautiful places in Maine. Photos don’t do it justice, but let me show you the spots that still make my jaw drop.
Table of Contents
What’s New in 2026: Important Updates for Planning Your Maine Trip
Before you start planning your visit, here are a few key changes and updates you’ll want to know about for 2026. Refer to the Acadia section below for my info for international visitors.
New Direct Flights from Portland International Jetport
Big news for West Coast travelers! United Airlines will add new nonstop summer service from Portland International Jetport to Los Angeles and San Francisco beginning June 27, 2026. The seasonal flights will operate on Saturdays only, marking the first time the Portland Jetport has offered nonstop transcontinental service to California.
This is huge for anyone flying in from California. In the past, you’d have to connect through Newark, Chicago, or Washington, D.C. Tickets go on sale January 16, 2026.
Amtrak Downeaster Improvements
If you’re coming from Boston by train (which I highly recommend…it’s a scenic and stress-free ride), there are some upgrades happening:
- In 2026, they are adding more trains including one that arrives in Portland before 8 AM. A game changer if you want to maximize your day
- Track upgrades for smoother, faster travel are slated to be completed by the end of 2026
- A new station building in Wells is part of a $31.9 million improvement project (see GoNOMAD Travel)
- New Amtrak Airo trains with more spacious seating, USB-C ports, and panoramic windows will be rolling out between 2026 and 2031 on this route
The Downeaster runs from Boston’s North Station to Brunswick, with stops in Portland, Freeport, and other coastal towns.
Key 2026 Festival Dates to Plan Around
If you want to time your trip around Maine’s best festivals (or avoid the crowds), here are some dates to mark:
- Maine Maple Sunday Weekend: March 21-22, 2026
- Maine Restaurant Week: March 1-12, 2026
- Maine Seaweed Week: April 24-May 3, 2026
- Sugarloaf Reggae Fest: April 10-12, 2026
- Guster on the Ocean Festival: August 7-9, 2026 in Portland (starts with a Portland Symphony Orchestra show at Merrill Auditorium)
- Maine Lobster Festival: First weekend of August in Rockland
- Common Ground Country Fair: Mid-September in Unity
- Fryeburg Fair: Late September/early October
Spring Seasonal Openings to Note
If you’re visiting in spring, be aware that many attractions and restaurants have seasonal schedules. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art reopens in mid-April with a new lineup of 2026 exhibitions, and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay welcomes guests back on May 1.
Many beloved seasonal restaurants reopen in May, including Aragosta at Goose Cove and Bresca & the Honeybee ice cream shop.
How to Get to Maine (And Save Money Doing It!)
Unless you’re lucky enough to live in New England where a scenic road trip is just a few hours away, chances are your ideal Maine vacation is going to require a flight. The good news? Getting here is easier than you think, and the only thing better than a Maine vacation is a budget-friendly one!
If you’re driving or taking the train: For my fellow Bostonians and New Englanders, the drive up I-95 is a rite of passage. But if you want to skip the summer traffic, I highly recommend taking the Amtrak Downeaster. You can hop on at Boston’s North Station and take a gorgeous, stress-free ride all the way up the coast to Portland, Freeport, or Brunswick for as little as $30.
If you’re flying in: Maine has two major airports depending on your itinerary: Portland International Jetport (PWM) is perfect for southern coastal trips, while Bangor International Airport (BGR) is your gateway to Acadia National Park and the northern wilderness.
To secure the best airfare, my secret weapon is Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). For years, this service has sent me amazing flight deals on domestic and international travel, saving me hundreds of dollars. It’s 100% free to sign up…just enter your home airport, and you’ll get email alerts when prices drop.
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It’s January, so flight prices are climbing fast—but you don't have to pay them. I’m currently seeing roundtrips to Europe for under $300 (deals you won’t find on Google Flights).
Step 1: Join Going.com's Free Plan here. It takes 10 seconds and requires no credit card.
Step 2: If you're doing a big trip this year, grab the 14-day free trial of Premium. You can even use my code JON25 for 25% off.
Seriously, this is the single best money-saving tool I’ve used in 8+ years.
👉 Send me cheap 2026 flightsIf you’re a frequent flyer or want to upgrade your vacation, check out their Premium ($49/year) or Elite memberships for first dibs on the best economy and business-class seats. I’ve saved THOUSANDS of dollars on flights since I started using Going. For an even better deal, use my discount code Jon25 to save 25%!
My Favorite Must-See Places in Maine in 2026
Looking for the coolest things to do in Maine in 2026? Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Acadia National Park, wander through the charming streets of Portland, and experience the coastal beauty of Bar Harbor. Discover the picturesque town of Kennebunkport and enjoy the scenic harbor views in Camden. Whether you’re into nature, history, or seaside charm, here are the top attractions to visit in Maine.
1. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park costs $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days), with annual passes at $55. But honestly, it’s worth way more than that. I’ve watched the first light hit Cadillac Mountain from the summit countless times, and it never gets old. You need vehicle reservations for Cadillac Summit Road from sunrise to sunset, May through October – so plan ahead or you’ll be hiking up instead.
The Park Loop Road makes everything accessible, even if you’re not much of a hiker. Thunder Hole gets crowded, but when the waves hit just right, the sound is incredible. I actually prefer the quieter spots along Ocean Path where you can explore tide pools without fighting for photo space. The historic Jordan Pond House serves those famous popovers, and they’re actually as good as everyone says.
Eighty percent of entrance fees stay in the park for trail maintenance and improvements, so you’re literally investing in keeping this place amazing. The Carriage Roads are perfect for biking – they’re smooth, well-maintained, and give you that classic Maine forest experience without dealing with traffic. After dark, the stargazing here beats anything you’ll see near any major city.
New for 2026: Acadia National Park Fee Changes for International Visitors
This is the biggest news for 2026, and it’s something I need to flag for my international readers. Starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents visiting Acadia National Park will pay a $100 per-person surcharge on top of the standard $35 vehicle entrance fee. This means a family of four visiting on vacation will now pay $435 to drive through the entrance. So, if you’re coming from outside the U.S. and planning to visit multiple national parks, that $250 annual pass becomes the smarter buy.
2. Portland
Portland keeps getting better, and honestly, the food scene is unreal now. Travel & Leisure just called it “one of the best food cities in the U.S.” in 2025, highlighting spots like Bite Into Maine, Fore Street, and Tandem Coffee Roasters. The Old Port still has that cobblestone charm, but it’s packed with places that actually know what they’re doing.
I’ve tried lobster rolls all over Maine, and Portland consistently delivers the best ones. The Portland Food Map mentioned above shows new spots like Henny’s and Filipino restaurant Barkada opening – this city never stops evolving. Holy Donut makes donuts with Maine potatoes, which sounds weird but works incredibly well.
The craft beer scene is legendary – Allagash, Goodfire, and Battery Steele are all producing world-class stuff. You can brewery-hop in the Industrial Way area and hit multiple spots without driving. Portland Head Light in nearby Cape Elizabeth gives you that classic lighthouse shot everyone wants. The whole city is walkable, so you can close your laptop at 5 PM and be sipping local beer by 5:15.
What to Look out for in 2026: New Hotels Opening in Portland
Portland continues to expand its hotel offerings. A new 148-room Marriott property at Thompson’s Point is projected to open in 2026. The location is great…it’ll be walking distance to the Portland Transportation Center, Amtrak Downeaster, and Concord bus terminal, with amenities including a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and indoor pool.
Portland has added about 450 rooms since 2020 with properties like the Canopy Hotel, Aloft, Cambria Hotel, and Longfellow Hotel. The city’s occupancy rates remain above the national average even in the off-season, so booking ahead is still recommended for summer visits.
3. Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company runs tours daily with their large, stable catamarans – and trust me, you’ll want that stability when you’re heading 20+ miles offshore. The whale-watching here is actually pretty awesome, though you might end up in Canadian waters before you see anything. I’ve done the morning tours twice, and early departure definitely gives you better wildlife chances.
Bar Harbor itself is touristy but authentically so. The Shore Path walk gives you million-dollar mansion views without the mortgage payments. Atlantic Brewing Company has locations both in town and at their Town Hill facility where you can do daily tours – their Thunder Hole Ale is a local favorite that actually tastes good.
Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theater brings sea creatures right onto the boat, which sounds gimmicky but is honestly educational and fun. The town gets absolutely packed during cruise ship days, so check the schedule if you want to avoid crowds. I’ve had some of my best Maine ice cream experiences right on the Village Green during their summer concerts.
- Read next: My Ultimate New England Road Trip for 2026
4. Kennebunkport
Goose Rocks Beach requires parking passes ($40 daily, $200 weekly, $325 seasonal) from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8 AM to 5 PM – but it’s worth the cost for three miles of soft sand. The beach stays relatively uncrowded because of those parking restrictions, which is actually great for anyone wanting space to relax.
Dock Square has the classic New England fishing village vibe with boutiques and seafood spots housed in converted fish houses. The Clam Shack serves award-winning lobster rolls that justify whatever line you’ll inevitably wait in. Walker’s Point (the Bush compound) sits on a rocky point that’s genuinely photogenic, though you can’t get too close.
Timber Point and Timber Island were added to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge after a $2 million campaign – it’s become one of the best spots for wildlife viewing in the area. The Christmas Prelude in December transforms the whole town into a winter wonderland, and I’ve never seen a more picture-perfect holiday setup anywhere else.
5. Camden
Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park offers a 1.2-mile hike to panoramic views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay – or you can drive up the auto road if you’re not feeling ambitious. The 100-year-old stone tower at the summit gives you 360-degree views that honestly rival anything at Acadia.
Day sailing on the Appledore II schooner is the quintessential Camden experience – this 19th-century wooden vessel takes you past Curtis Island Light and into Penobscot Bay. You can help raise the sails or just sit back with a drink. The boat holds about 50 people, so it’s not too crowded.
Camden Harbor is exactly what you picture when you think of Maine – sailboats, working lobster boats, and historic architecture all in one perfect frame. The restaurants here serve some of the best farm-to-table food on the coast, and the Camden Opera House still hosts everything from town meetings to professional shows. The Camden Windjammer Festival during Labor Day weekend features treasure hunts, mini boat building, and majestic schooner fleets.
6. Ogunquit
Ogunquit Beach stretches for three miles of pristine sand, with the Marginal Way offering a paved 1.25-mile cliff walk that’s honestly one of the most spectacular coastal walks on the East Coast. I’ve never seen more dramatic ocean views packed into such a short distance.
Perkins Cove has that postcard-perfect drawbridge and waterfront restaurants serving fresh-caught everything. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art sits right against the ocean backdrop – you can view art and seascape simultaneously. The Ogunquit Playhouse brings Broadway-quality shows to this small coastal town, which is pretty remarkable.
Footbridge Beach provides a quieter alternative when the main beach gets summer-weekend crazy. The whole village is walkable, so you can easily bounce between beach time, art galleries, and seafood dinners. Morning beach walks here are particularly awesome – the light hits the cliffs perfectly, and you’ll often have stretches of sand mostly to yourself.
- Read Next: Amazing Places to Travel in October
7. Bath
Bath is known as the “City of Ships,” and you can actually watch modern Navy destroyers being built at Bath Iron Works – it’s pretty incredible to see active shipbuilding in 2026. The Maine Maritime Museum spans 20 acres of the former Percy & Small Shipyard where massive wooden schooners were once constructed.
Ships have been built here continuously for four centuries, which gives the whole place this authentic working waterfront feel. Washington Street features stunning Federal and Greek Revival buildings that haven’t been turned into touristy gift shops. The Bath Farmers Market (May through October) supplies perfect picnic provisions for eating by the Kennebec River.
This walkable city offers real maritime history rather than manufactured attractions. The Kennebec River provides opportunities for scenic cruises during summer months. I actually prefer Bath to some of the more famous coastal towns because it feels genuinely working-class Maine rather than vacation-destination Maine.
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8. Rockland
Rockland has transformed from fishing village to arts hotspot while keeping its working waterfront vibe completely intact. The Farnsworth Art Museum houses America’s largest Wyeth collection, and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art showcases cutting-edge contemporary works.
The Rockland Breakwater stretches nearly a mile into Penobscot Bay – walking its length feels like stepping into another world. Rockland Harbor serves as home base for Maine’s historic schooner fleet, so you can book traditional windjammer cruises for the ultimate Maine maritime experience.
The food scene here rivals Portland with award-winning restaurants serving just-caught seafood. Primo Restaurant showcases farm-to-table excellence using ingredients grown on their own property. Time your visit for the North Atlantic Blues Festival or Maine Lobster Festival for peak summer energy and authentic local culture.
9. Mount Desert Island
Mount Desert Island hosts both Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, making it the ultimate Maine coastal experience. The dramatic coastline and mountains meeting the sea create some of the most photographed scenery in New England.
Beyond the main attractions, don’t miss the low-tide walk to Bar Island across a natural sandbar – it’s like walking on water when timed right. Southwest Harbor and the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse offer authentic fishing village vibes away from Bar Harbor’s tourist crowds.
Jordan Pond provides some of the most perfect reflections I’ve ever photographed, especially in early morning light. The island’s network of carriage roads makes biking accessible for all skill levels. Wildlife viewing here includes everything from harbor seals to peregrine falcons, and the night sky is among the darkest on the East Coast.
10. Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor offers Instagram-perfect Maine without the crowds, with its harbor full of sailboats and working lobster vessels – the pedestrian bridge spanning the inner harbor provides prime sunset viewing spots. Day sailing excursions give you that quintessential Maine water experience.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens surprises visitors with 295 acres of stunning themed gardens and woodland trails – in December, their Gardens Aglow winter light display is absolutely magical. Monhegan Island, a car-free artist colony 12 miles offshore, makes for an incredible day trip where you might spot puffins and whales on the ferry ride.
The harbor activities, seafood restaurants, and unique shops pack authentic Maine charm into an easily walkable package. I’ve found Boothbay Harbor to be the perfect alternative when Bar Harbor feels too crowded – you get the same coastal beauty with a more relaxed vibe.
11. Freeport
Freeport combines shopping with authentic Maine coastal charm better than anywhere else. The L.L.Bean flagship store never closes (literally 24/7) and features an indoor trout pond where I’ve spent way more time than any adult should. Beyond Bean, over 150 outlet stores and local boutiques fill historic buildings throughout downtown.
Wolfe’s Neck State Park offers peaceful forest trails along dramatic rocky coastline when shopping fatigue hits. Watch for ospreys and harbor seals making appearances offshore. Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster serves lobster rolls with ocean views before you head back to retail therapy.
The town’s walkable center makes exploring easy without constant driving between locations. Freeport manages to be both a shopping destination and an authentic Maine coastal town – you can spend the morning hiking coastal trails and the afternoon browsing outlets without feeling like you’re in two different places.
12. Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake offers the best moose watching in Maine, with Lazy Tom Bog having “the highest concentration of moose in Maine according to biologists” – dawn and dusk provide the best sighting opportunities. The Lodge at Moosehead Lake offers guided Call of the Wild tours that include an 8-hour private guide experience with dinner cooked by your guide.
Mount Kineo rises 800 feet directly from the water, offering panoramic views for those who hike to its summit fire tower. Northwoods Outfitters provides equipment rentals and guided tours – they’ve been operating for 30 years and know exactly where to find wildlife.
The Katahdin steamboat offers scenic cruises on Maine’s largest lake from June through October – it’s a restored early 20th-century vessel with both indoor and outdoor seating. The region serves as your perfect escape from notifications and Zoom calls, where spotting a massive bull moose emerging from morning mist becomes a life-changing moment.
13. Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park offers true wilderness with 200,000+ acres, no paved roads, no electricity, and limited facilities – this is your digital detox that actually deserves vacation days. Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak at 5,269 feet, provides the ultimate summit via the knife-edge trail that makes office stress seem trivial.
Sandy Stream Pond offers gentler adventures where moose sightings happen regularly – I’ve counted five before breakfast on clear mornings. The challenging Katahdin climb rewards you with unparalleled views across Maine’s vast forests.
Plan months ahead for camping permits because this is true wilderness – no cell service, no stores, no rescue helicopters. Come prepared for complete self-sufficiency. The park forces you to disconnect completely, and after a few days here, you’ll remember why nature beats streaming services every time.
14. Old Orchard Beach
Palace Playland features 28 rides and Maine’s largest arcade on 5 acres of beachfront property – it’s “New England’s only beachfront amusement park” and has been entertaining people since 1902. New for 2026, check out the Nitro Speed and Wind Surfer rides.
The arcade spans 24,000 square feet with 200+ games, including vintage pieces from the 1950s – you can literally play the same games your grandparents did. Fireworks displays happen Thursday nights at 9:45 PM during peak season, with a bigger show on July 4th.
The iconic Old Orchard Beach Pier stretches 500 feet into the Atlantic, lined with shops and seafood spots. Seven miles of soft sand provides ample space for morning runs or sunset walks. When crowds feel overwhelming, escape to nearby Scarborough Marsh for peaceful kayaking through bird-filled wetlands.
15. Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain boasts the only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the East with 162 trails and glades – expert skiers should tackle the legendary narrow “snowfields” for serious bragging rights. Summer transforms the mountain into a biking paradise with over 80 miles of trails.
The Sugarloaf Golf Club consistently ranks among New England’s best courses with dramatic mountain backdrops. 45 North restaurant and the various pubs in Sugarloaf Village create a self-contained mountain getaway with solid après options.
Winter here means powder that’s actually worth your precious PTO days. The vertical drop and snow conditions rival much more expensive western resorts. Summer and fall offer incredible hiking and mountain biking, while the village atmosphere makes this feel like a complete destination rather than just a ski hill with lodging tacked on.
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
