Portland 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 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. Plus, it's the perfect starting off place for some of the best whale watching cruises in Maine. In addition, the community cultivates a unique charm that gives the impression that you have left reality and entered a storybook.

Bar Harbor has so many options for those who love the outdoors. There are numerous boat cruises available, and Acadia National Park is about a mile away. Additionally, walking across the water, notably a sandbar connected to Bar Island, is among the most well-liked activities here. Between adventures, spend some time in Downtown Bar Harbor enjoying the local fare, which includes shellfish and blueberries, and learning about the people that live there, whether it be the indigenous people at the Abbe Museum or the animal population on land.

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.

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

One of the best sites to visit in Maine, USA, is Camden, which is also historically significant. Due to its outstanding beauty, this settlement, which was originally inhabited by Native Americans, attracts tourists today. It is one of the great places to visit in Maine since one may engage in a variety of adventure sports thanks to the area's untamed mountains and stunning lakes. Have a fantastic day visiting lovely Maine city while you're here with your family.

Camden, which overlooks Penobscot Bay, is a small yet charming city. Every day, boats transporting fisherman to and from the shore fill the harbor, which is constantly busy. 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.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Maine

Location: Maine

Due to its small size, the most gorgeous sandy beaches in the entire state, and breathtakingly craggy coastline, Ogunquit is a charming coastal town in Maine that is a well-liked beach destination for families, couples, friends' trips, and solo adventures. If you've been debating whether Ogunquit, Maine, is worthwhile stopping by on your upcoming trip to New England.

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.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Maine

Location: Maine

One of the nicest places to visit in Maine is unquestionably Rockland, where a variety of tourist activities keep visitors pleasantly entertained. About 78 miles north of Portland is where this city is situated. The town of Maine celebrates its main export, lobster, with a festival called the Maine Lobster Festival every year. In addition to the beautiful architecture found in the old houses and stores, this city is home to a number of well-known eateries that serve a wide range of cuisine, from international to regional seafood. Painting enthusiasts view this city as the ideal vacation destination to view the works of three generations of the Wyeth family.

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.

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 York is tucked by the Gulf of Maine and is situated close to Maine's southernmost point. It features four immaculate beaches and three 18-hole golf courses, making it the premier resort area in all of Maine. For the fullest experience, locals and visitors alike throng Mount Agamenticus and Cape Neddick. Tourists also have the opportunity to visit the local stores, eateries, galleries, and other tourist attractions. If you're seeking for unusual spots to visit in Maine, York is still the best choice and won't let you down.

Rankings:

• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Maine

Location: Maine

Augusta, the capital of Maine, is the ninth-largest city in the United States and a well-known urban center. This state's capital city, which located along the Kennebec River, is also home to a number of tourist attractions. Historic Blaine House, the Maine State Museum, the Lithgow Public Library, the Capitol Building, and more are just a few of the well-known tourist sites. Of course, the city's sweltering climate and weather also draw tourists. Due to its location, this establishment is unquestionably among the greatest locations to stay in 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.

Rankings:

• #9 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 unassuming and serene, and you can access them from the road via unmarked footpaths. You may have actually discovered the ideal location to unwind here.

Kennebunkport is a typical coastal New England town where boating and other water sports are highly popular. Spend some time by the water to try out some of the nearby water activities, such as sailing, fishing, and tanning. Alternately, head to Dock Square to try the local fish. When you've had your fill of the village, proceed along Ocean Drive to Walker's Point to find the Bush family. The family is also on vacation, so keep in mind to be kind and be aware of the secret service.

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

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.

Get a 360-degree perspective of the surrounding mountains, including Sugarloaf's snowfields on its eastern side, and nearby communities in the Carrabassett River Valley by hiking to the 3,600-foot Burnt Mountain top. The trailhead is accessible from Mountainside Road near the conclusion of Bigelow Mountain Road. Before reaching the vast top covered in dense alpine grass, the 3-mile trail goes through softwoods and hardwoods, including a sizable piece of white birch. The trail follows a streambed and has one moderately steep section.

Rankings:

• #10 in Best Places to Visit in Maine

Location: Maine