Acadia National Park in Maine is a 47,000-acre area on Mount Desert Island that is home to granite peaks that have been carved by glaciers over thousands of years, as well as forest, rocky coastlines, and beaches. The United States' highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coast, as well as a variety of habitats and a rich cultural history, are all protected by Acadia National Park. Besides being one of the best day trips in Maine, it also ranks among the top 10 most visited national parks in the US, receiving 4 million visitors annually. 158 kilometers of hiking paths, 45 miles of carriage roads, and 27 miles of old motorways are all accessible to visitors.

The largest island off the coast of Maine, Mount Desert Island, is where Acadia National Park is primarily situated. The park covers nearly half of the island, with the east and west sides being roughly separated by Somes Sound. Especially, you can stargaze in Acadia. One element of our environment that is accessible to people everywhere is the night sky. It is a resource that people have used for navigation and as a spiritual world throughout history. Everyone gets the opportunity to stare up into what lays above our earth, even though the night sky in Acadia differs slightly from the night sky in the Southern Hemisphere. Stargazing is a fantastic way to observe nature, learn about science, and reflect on the past.

Location: Maine, United States

Best time to visit: mid-October

Rankings:

• #3 Best Places to Visit in October
• #3 Best Places to Visit in Maine
• #5 Best Maine Beaches
  

Bar Harbor, Maine, is well-known for being the entrance to Acadia National Park and has a long-standing reputation as a picturesque retreat that encapsulates all the state's best attributes. Its location along Frenchman Bay affords visitors a wealth of tranquil water vistas to their left and right, as well as rugged coasts that seem to have been plucked from a landscape painting.

Additionally, it serves as the ideal starting place for some of Maine's top whale-watching excursions. In addition, the community cultivates a unique charm that gives the impression that you have left reality and entered a storybook. However, the quantity of mouthwatering local lobster will undoubtedly bring you back to reality. This is the kind of location you go to refresh and rediscover the simple pleasures: taking a leisurely stroll, admiring the water as the day wears off, and indulging in delectable local cuisine. Bar Harbor is perfect for all of that. Keep reading to explore more best day trips in Maine.

Location: Mount Desert Island, Hancock County, Maine, United States

Best Times to Visit: June to August

Rankings:

• #1 Best Cheap Summer Vacations
• #1 Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
• #2 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
  

Visitors can enjoy exhilarating or peaceful outdoor activities all year long in Bethel, including skiing and snowshoeing in the winter and fishing, boating, and beaches in the summer. Bethel, a true New England village, with a walkable downtown with independently owned stores and eateries. Additionally, there are walking tours and two museums in the Broad Street Historic District that visitors can explore. Bethel is renowned for its minerals and gemstones. Several outdoor recreation businesses offer opportunities for gem mining, and the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum teaches visitors everything there is to know about gems. In Bethel, there are two excellent golf courses, a casino, and several events that take place all year round.

Most rural towns only have one industry. A unique fusion of forestry, wood products manufacture, education, and tourism may be found in Bethel, Maine. Active retirees and working professionals who prefer Bethel's small-town atmosphere to cities have settled there over the past ten years.

A group of neighborhood businesspeople established the Bethel Development Corporation in 1959. Their initial project, Sunday River Skiway, was financed by local shareholders and aimed to provide four-season enjoyment. Thanks to the popularity of Sunday River Ski Area, Bethel is now busier in the winter than in the summer more than forty years later.

Location: Oxford County, Maine, United States
Best time to visit: May 21st to September 9th

Ranking: n/a

In the middle of the 17th century, English farmers and fishermen settled in Boothbay Harbor. Scottish and Irish farmers moved into the area in 1729, and over time the harbor gained a reputation for both its exceptional fishing and shipbuilding, producing a number of Navy warships during both World Wars and the Korean War. Today, Boothbay Harbor is a well-liked place for retirees, vacationers, and summer residents. You can explore the seaside restaurants, shops, and art galleries in Boothbay Harbor. The waterfront is the site of numerous festivals and special events. In addition to sailing, other outdoor recreation options include exploring tidal pools, coves, hiking trails, and floral gardens. Another well-liked destination where guests can board a real steam engine is the Boothbay Railway Village.

Boothbay Harbor, located along its namesake waterfront, is a well-liked spot for kayaking, sailing, and yachting. It has small gift shops, specialty shops, breweries, tapas bars, and restaurants that emphasize fresh seafood. Regular exhibits and performances are presented at both the Pythian Opera House and the Lincoln Arts Festival.

Location: Boothbay Harbor, Maine, United States

Best time to visit: October

Ranking: n/a

A little community called Blue Hill is located between Blue Hill Mountain and Blue Hill Bay. When it was founded in the middle of the 18th century, the city was well renowned for its shipbuilding, sawmills, and granite mining industries. Blue Hill is currently renowned as a summer vacation spot with fantastic seafood, distinctive art galleries, and fantastic neighborhood stores and boutiques. The community hosts seasonal farmer's markets in the summer and winter, as well as concert series, parades, and other noteworthy events. Over Labor Day Weekend, there are merchants, exhibits, and fantastic entertainment at the Blue Hill Fair. Visitors come to the event from all around the east coast.

A trip to the coastal town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine is one of the best day trips in Maine and a perfect destination for a reprieve from the hustle of every day. Boothbay Harbor offers a variety of entertaining activities, including world-class boat trips, wonderful restaurants, charming local stores and boutiques, and a rich history.

Location: Blue Hill, Maine, United States

Best time to visit: n/a

Ranking:n/a

In Camden, Maine, there is no lack of things to do, particularly when it comes to outdoor leisure. The exquisite setting between the hills on Penobscot Bay and the stunning natural surroundings make this village the ideal spot for a stress-free day away from the city. A well-liked destination in Camden is Camden Hills State Park, which has 5,700 acres of parks along the coast, camping areas, and trails that go up Mount Battie. The open blue waters of the harbor and the ocean are popular places for boating, sailing, and fishing. A little distance away in Prospect is the Fort Knox Historic Site.

The town of Camden is the self-described Jewel of the Maine coast. Camden, Maine, is a haven for outdoor adventurers, foodies, and ocean lovers and is situated in the middle of the state's coast. Visitors and seasonal residents, many of whom live in stunning ocean view homes near the Harbor, cause the population to more than triple during the summer months.

Location: Penobscot Bay, Maine, United States
Best time to visit: April-June

Ranking: n/a

Carrabassett Valley only has 500 year-round residents, but during the winter, Sugarloaf Mountain draws a large number of skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts to the valley. Both Sugarloaf, a significant ski resort, and Carrabassett Valley Academy, a ski and snowboarding academy, are located in Carrabassett Valley. Skiers with kids can use the daycare facility at the lodge, which provides family-friendly snow and ski activities.

The Carrabassett Valley is home to a number of renowned eateries that are well worth visiting, including Widowmaker Lounge, Double Diamond Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Bag & Kettle, and Shipyard Brew Haus. While Sugarloaf Mountain is close to a number of hotels and bed & breakfasts, including the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, most visitors to the mountain or Carrabassett Valley rent summer homes. The Carrabassett Valley is not too far from the Appalachian Trail, and there are lots of other hiking and snowshoeing paths close by.

Location: Franklin County, Maine, United States

Best time to visit: June – August

Ranking: n/a

Cutler, a tiny fishing community on the east coast of Maine, is home to some of the region's most breathtaking mountain paths. The tranquil town's thousands of acres designated as a public area for recreation and wildlife have kept the land and water in immaculate shape. At Cutler, there are three natural preserves.

Travelers can also go to Machias Seal Island to see the lighthouse and the puffins that live along the rocky coast there. Seasonal open houses are held at the lighthouse, and on some dates, overnight stays are allowed. Also available are chartered expeditions by boat or kayak to the Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge. The nearest store is at the Cutler Naval Base.

The fishing boats, the port, and the hamlet can all be seen beautifully from the other side of the harbor, and there is also access to the Bold Coast and Western Head hiking paths.

Location: Washington County, Maine, United States

Best time to visit: July, August and June

Ranking: n/a

Damariscotta, Maine, is a community with a strong link to the ocean that is situated along the Damariscotta River. Visitors can explore the town and peruse the locally owned shops like Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop and Aboca Beads, watch a performance at the Lincoln County Community Theater, sign up for one of Red Cloak Trips' many tours, enjoy a delectable lunch at Damariscotta River Grill, and much more. The Damariscotta Oyster Celebration in the early summer and the Damariscotta Mills Alewife Festival are just two of the annual festivities held in Damariscotta.

Damariscotta's history dates back to the early 17th century, although the town didn't become a separate entity until 1848. With Newcastle, the little town forms a larger area recognized for shipbuilding, military and nautical history and culture, and the first automated lighthouse in Maine. The small town is only twelve square miles in size. The Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, Fort William Henry, Fort Frederick, Fort Edgecomb Historic High, and the Thompson Icehouse are a few noteworthy historic sites to check out in the Damariscotta Newcastle area. The region is well-known for its events, which include, among others, the yearly ice harvest, Harbor Fest, Oyster Festival, Pumpkin Fest, and Festival of Lights.

Location: Lincoln County, Maine, United States

Best time to visit: late June to early September

Ranking: n/a

Visitors looking for the best views in Maine should venture to Height of the Land just beside Route 17 overlooking Rangeley Lakes. The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway has some of the most spectacular views of the lakes in all of Maine, and there is plenty of parking for travelers who wish to pause and have a look. Visitors can take a little stroll or walk on conservation properties that are close to the viewing spot.

The Height of Land offers you a wide-ranging view of the huge Rangeley Lakes region and the mountains beyond its perch along Route 17 in western Maine. The Height is improved by expanded parking and viewing areas. People who wish to take in the vista no longer have to put themselves in danger by stopping at an inadequate pull-off.

In all seasons, this breathtaking place is stunning. It's the perfect spot to see spring's lupines, summer's lush vegetation, fall's foliage, and winter's enchanted snowscapes.

Best time to visit: between February and April or between August and October

Ranking: n/a