Portland, one of the Best Places to Visit in Maine, is much more than the peaceful coastal communities in Maine that come to mind when you think of rocky shores, boats in the wind, and tons of lobster. Although some may not consider Maine's largest city, which has a population of around 69,000, to be enormous, it boasts all the amenities of a thriving metropolis. Yes, Portland has classic Maine landscape and a bustling waterfront with a wide variety of mouthwatering seafood, but it has also distinguished itself in other ways.

Travelers are consistently impressed and surpassed by the city's exceptional commitment to the arts, renowned food scene, and extraordinary preservation and redevelopment of its historic Old Port. There are numerous museums, James Beard Award-winning chefs frequent the downtown area's restaurants, and independent stores coexist on the same streets as big-box stores.

The city stands out from the crowd for its distinctively Maine characteristics. You may easily access secluded beaches on island shorelines, century-old lighthouses that are wonderfully set on coastal bluffs, and delectable lobster rolls. The city was originally the biggest port in all of 17th-century New England, making it its primary function. Additionally, it serves as the ideal starting place for some of Maine's best whale watching. Whatever perspective you choose to have of Portland, its allure and easiness will undoubtedly heal the soul.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Weekend Getaways in New England
  
• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Maine
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in June
  
• #4 in Best Places to Visit in August

Location: Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine, is one of the Best Places to Visit in Maine and 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. All of that fits in perfectly with Bar Harbor.

The months of June through August are ideal for visiting Bar Harbor. Maine experiences chilly temperatures all year round as a result of its geographic location near the northernmost point of the United States. As a result, the warmest and sunniest days are the greatest times to explore the area around Bar Harbor. If you don't mind cooler weather, fall and spring are also good times to visit; these times of year will undoubtedly see significantly fewer visitors to Acadia National Park. Another choice is winter, but only if you enjoy the cold. During this time, not only will the temperature drop to the teens, but the area will also be covered with snow, making travel more challenging.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Cheap Summer Vacations
  
• #1 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
  
• #2 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
  
• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Maine
  
• #4 in Best Weekend Getaways in New England
  
• #5 in Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
  
• #7 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA
  
• #12 in Best Places to Visit in July
  
• #16 in Best Places to Visit in the USA
  
• #16 in Best Summer Vacations
  
• #19 in Best Family Vacations in the USA

Location: Maine

When you visit Acadia National Park, you become a pioneer: Each trail leads to untamed, rocky land that is begging to be photographed. Granite cliffs with sharp edges and jutting spruce trees on top are battered by cobalt seas. At the same time that peregrine falcons are screaming down at you from the sky, harbor seals are lounging on abandoned slabs of bedrock off the coast. The inland forests and ponds are surrounded by rocky pathways and old carriage tracks that demand to be explored. The park, which obviously caters to the usual outdoor lover, places a strong emphasis on action-packed pursuits like horseback riding, biking, hiking, and even rock climbing.

You get full access to Acadia's more than 47,000 acres, including all of its hiking routes and natural features, for a very reasonable charge. When you need a vacation from the vast outdoors, Mount Desert Island's northeastern corner holds the picturesque New England village of Bar Harbor, Maine.

Acadia National Park is best visited in September through early October, when the summer tourists have dispersed but the temperatures are still above freezing. Pack your waterproof gear because visiting in March, April, and May can be rainy (fog and rain are frequent). Even if the weather is pleasant in July and August, it is by far the busiest time of year to visit the park. Winter months don't see many tourists to the park, but for the adventurous traveler willing to withstand the bitter cold, it's the ideal time to go.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Maine
  
• #5 in Best Maine Beaches
  
• #7 in Best Weekend Getaways in New England
  
• #8 in Best Fall Vacations
  
• #9 in Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.
  
• #11 in Best Cheap Family Vacations

Location: Maine

Camden, which overlooks Penobscot Bay, is a small yet charming city. The harbor is always crowded with boats bringing fishermen to and from shore each day. Join a harbor cruise to see the top lighthouses and lobster habitats in the area. Then, dine at a seaside restaurant to sample some of Camden's local fresh seafood. Without hiking the trails in the nearby Camden Hills State Park, a trip would not be complete. The walkways in the park lead to overlooks with breathtaking views of the water and islands in the area.

You have a wide variety of attractions to select from when you visit Camden, Maine. Whether you wish to take in the surrounding natural beauty, visit a museum, or discover the specialized attractions and parks. There are many of lakes and rivers in the area, so you won't ever be bored. The area is best explored in a car. The posh downtown area of the city and Mount Battie State Park are among the most well-liked tourist destinations in the area.

If you're in Camden, Maine, you should climb Mount Battie to take in the breathtaking scenery. After a long day at work, you may unwind at this viewpoint that looks over Penobscot Bay. Camden offers a wide range of attractions in addition to a beautiful coastline. The city's many museums and historic structures are sure to delight every tourist. A visit to Camden will undoubtedly be rewarding and unforgettable.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Maine

Location:Maine

Ogunquit, which is lively and welcoming, is ideal for leisure travelers. Its gorgeous shoreline draws both artists and beachgoers. Consider Footbridge Beach for less crowded areas, Main Beach for a kid-friendly river, or Ogunquit Beach for water activities. Visit the eateries on Main Street after a day of sun and beach to sample everything from farm-to-table meals to lobster specialties. Ogunquit is a well-liked holiday spot for people in the LGBTQ community due to its tolerant environment and numerous gay-friendly bars.

Ogunqui, one of the Best Places to Visit in Maine, is the ideal location if you're looking for the ideal New England break! There are a ton of enjoyable activities in Ogunquit, Maine, including tourist attractions, beaches, possibilities for shopping, top-notch dining, and more.

The experience of visiting seaside towns is magical. A trip to a seaside town like Ogunquit, Maine, may be full of adventure, whether it's getting lost in the history of the area, discovering the ideal local eatery, taking a swim in the water, or just exploring.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Maine

Location:Maine

Your ideal peaceful coastal town is Rockland. Rockland, which is about 80 miles northeast of Portland, has lighthouses, lovely boats rocking in the harbor, and narrow streets dotted with classic brick and shingled homes. Visit inject some culture into your trip, go to the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art. Alternatively, if you want something more strenuous, climb through the blueberry fields of Beech Hill Preserve to Beech Nut for breathtaking views of the ocean. The short ascent to Owls Head Lighthouse is also worthwhile for the vista.

Rockland is a typical coastal town in Maine. The next time you are eating a delicious Maine lobster, just imagine it may have originated from Rockland, the lobster capital of the world, as it is also one of the largest shipping centers for lobster in the globe. According to Budget Travel, Rockland is the "Coolest Small Town in the US," National Geographic Travel named it the "Top Adventure Town in Maine," and Budget Travel listed it among the "Top 9 Small Foodie Towns" in Maine.

Rankings:

• #6 in Best Places to Visit in Maine

Location:Maine

Every member of the family can find enjoyment in York. Before having lunch with their children at a local restaurant, parents can unwind on the 2-mile stretch of Long Sands Beach while their kids play in the surf. In the downtown area, there are numerous ice cream stores, boutiques, and souvenir shops. Kids won't get bored because there are so many mini-golf courses, arcades, bowling alleys, and amusement park rides in this area. Additionally, guests will have a variety of housing choices, including inexpensive motels and charming cottages.

The small city of York, Maine's York County's southernmost municipality, has a population of 12,000 people. The Atlantic Ocean is to the east and it is located in the Gulf of Maine. The city boasts several gorgeous beaches and tourist attractions, and it contains the four communities of York Beach, York Harbor, York Village, and Cape Neddick. It was known as Agamenticus when Europeans first made it their home in 1624. This is the name for the York River in the Abenaki language. It is the second-oldest town in Maine and was first formed in 1652.

Rankings:

• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Maine

Location:Maine

The Bush family has been taking vacations in Kennebunkport for years, as any politician can confirm. Additionally, a paparazzi might nudge you to set up camp along Ocean Drive so you can take a hazy photo of the Obamas at their Walker's Point estate. But the town shouldn't even be recognized for housing politicians; that's not even what this southern coastal region of Maine does best.

A natural beach resort with miles of rocky beachfront filled with summer houses and yachts, Kennebunkport is a peaceful seaside paradise. Local fishermen and lobstermen bring the morning's catch to the town's outdoor eateries as local artists set up shop on Dock Square's wharves. Even the beaches are inconspicuous and serene, and you may access them from the road by unmarked footpaths. You may have really discovered the ideal location to unwind here.

Kennebunkport is at its warmest between June and October, making those months the ideal time to visit. The only drawback is that over this extended season, nightly prices will be at their highest. Visitation is less expensive and less busy from March to May, but following the significant cold snap from November to February, businesses take longer to open. You should bring plenty of thick clothes because temperatures can drop to the low teens.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Maine Beaches
  
• #4 in Best Relaxing Getaways in the USA
  
• #8 in Best Places to Visit in Maine
  
• #9 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
  
• #20 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

Location:Maine

As tourists travel to the state's beaches, Augusta, the capital of Maine, frequently goes unnoticed. However, Augusta has a wealth of things to do. Victorian homes, inviting bed-and-breakfasts, the Maine State House, the Maine State Museum, and Old Fort Western, a British garrison from the French and Indian War, may all be found downtown. Additionally, the Viles Arboretum, Bond Brook Trails, and Capitol Park all offer opportunities to appreciate nature. Eat some shellfish and chowder in one of the town's restaurants before you depart.

On the Kennebec River, Augusta, the state capital of Maine, started as a commercial station in the 18th century. Visitors can learn about the significance of the state's history to its population, which is barely around 20,000.

There are a lot of reminders that will teach visitors more about Maine's history as well as that of the capital, whether it is the State House, the museum, or the Old Western Fort. Maine, a tiny but heavily populated state, is located on the northeastern seaboard of the United States. It has a long marine history and an untamed nature, and it has a lot to offer tourists. Many visitors to Maine begin their journey in Augusta.

Rankings:

• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Maine

Location:Maine

Sugarloaf Mountain is the ideal setting for your next holiday regardless of the season. Skiers will adore Sugarloaf's various shred-worthy alternatives in the winter, which range from standard downhill skiing to more daring cat skiing on difficult terrain. Other well-liked wintertime hobbies include ice skating, fat biking, and dog sledding. Summertime is also the best season for activities like zip line, kayaking, hiking, and Segway excursions. You can experience the great outdoors without giving up the comforts of home because the mountain is surrounded by an array of eateries and shops.

Continue traveling along the pretty wide path until you reach the mountain's shoulder, at which point you'll turn left and move toward the summit at a height of about 300 meters. Take a little more care as you climb because, like the short stroll, the terrain becomes more rugged and the incline higher. In the winter, climbing down can be just as difficult as climbing up. The route of the quick hike can be followed on the way back, however you can turn east and go around the mountain instead of returning to the L1031.

Rankings:

• #10 in Best Places to Visit in Maine

Location:Maine