Nestled on the northeastern fringes of the USA, Maine is one beautiful state to go to. With its rugged shoreline, bayside cities and delightful nationwide parks, there’s somewhat slice of Maine that may enchantment to each customer. Truthfully, there are such a lot of of the perfect locations in Major to go to dotted all throughout the state. You simply have to seek out it!
And that is the place the tougher half is available in. It may be robust to whittle down a concise record of locations in Maine to go to on a visit. Particularly, if you wish to discover as a lot as attainable along with your time within the state.
So, that will help you see essentially the most attractive spots in Maine, I’m sharing some gems that I do know you received’t wish to miss. This fashion, you’ll be able to give attention to all of the scrumptious meals (belief me, the lobster is nice right here) and truly go to the state.
Have essentially the most superb time exploring Maine. It truly is an exquisite state.
1.) Acadia Nationwide Park
Perched on the Atlantic shoreline southwest of the town of Bangor, Acadia Nationwide Park is one place you received’t wish to miss in Maine. You see, it’s one of many greatest locations within the Northeast of america to discover the untouched rugged shoreline of the North Atlantic.
In truth, Acadia Nationwide Park is a 46,000-acre park with different mountains, cliffs, seashores, ponds, forests, and inlets that make this an ideal place to ramble, hike and discover the nice outside.
We completely cherished the Cadillac North Ridge Path, the place you’ll discover, you guessed it, Cadillac Mountain. A heads up: Make certain to pack waterproof sneakers with you, as the paths can get moist at sure instances of the yr. It’ll take you round three hours to hike, and also you’ll cowl simply over 4 miles. It’s an incredible route and excellent should you don’t need something tremendous intense.
Additionally, don’t overlook concerning the Wild Gardens of Acadia. It’s an incredible place to observe the paths and discover the beautiful nature across the Jesup Path. It’s stunning.
E-book this guided tour of Acadia Nationwide Park, which departs from close by Bar Harbor, to make your journey simpler. It’ll take you throughout to Sieur de Monts Spring, see Jordan Pond, and also you’ll also have a lobster roll thrown in. It’s so good.
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2.) Augusta
Round a 70-minute drive from Bangor, Augusta is the capital metropolis of Maine and a extremely pretty place to go to for a half-day journey while visiting Maine.
Augusta can be among the best locations in Maine to go to if you wish to discover extra of the state’s cultural historical past. As soon as right here, you’ll be able to go to Outdated Fort Western. It’s stated to be the oldest picket fort in all of New England and dates again to the 1700s. You’ll be capable of discover the historic Garrison constructing and be taught a lot extra about life in New England again within the 18th Century.
Additionally, should you fancy a stroll, head out on the Kennebec River Rail Path. This takes within the riverwalk alongside the Kennebec River. Plus, alongside the way in which, you’ll be able to cease off at Otto’s on the River for a chew to eat. Their lamb shank is so good.
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3.) Gulf Hagas
colloquially known as Maine’s very personal Grand Canyon, Gulf Hagas is an enormous canyon-like waterway that’s unbelievable to go to. It’s among the best locations in Maine to go to if you wish to hike and are heading into the state’s heartlands.
For some beautiful views, be a part of the Gulf Hagas Path, which can take you thru the attractive landscapes of central Maine. Simply bear in mind that, like a lot of the East Coast, it may get moist, so plan forward and take layers with you.
Additionally, you’ll be able to simply accomplice a visit across the Gulf Hagas area of Maine with its well-known lakes, too. Don’t overlook to go to Moosehead Lake, Rum Pond and Higher Wilson Pond.
Simply bear in mind that there’s little by way of providers round this space of Maine, so selections will be restricted by way of lodging and eating places. For a chew by the lake, cease by Stress Free Moose Pub & Cafe. It’s an unfussy spot in Greenville serving a tasty chilli canine.
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4.) Nubble Head Lighthouse
Perched on the headland across the coast of York is Nubble Head Lighthouse. It’s a stunning cease to make, particularly for a 30-minute break to stretch your legs earlier than carrying in your Maine street journey. For the perfect views, head to dawn (should you’re up) or sundown, the place the orange hues are stunning.
Should you’ve acquired extra time, keep an evening in York itself and stroll Brief Sands Seaside, and discover York’s small Historic District. Right here, you’ll get to see the Outdated Schoolhouse, York Townhall and cease by Fats Tomato Grill. Their home made soups and Thanksgiving sandwiches are so good.
Alternatively, head to Solar & Surf Restaurant, which is on the coast. They serve up some tasty bacon-wrapped scallops.
5.) Portland
Portland, to not be confused with the one in Oregon, is a reasonably nice metropolis in Maine to go to. It’s the proper stopping level while on a street journey exploring among the greatest locations in Maine whereas driving the coastal routes. You possibly can simply spend two nights in Portland, and it may act as a gateway metropolis to remain and discover the broader space.
As soon as in Portland, be sure to go to the yummy Farmer’s Market. Serving recent native meals, natural dairy, juicy fruits, meat and candy treats. Although it’s small, it’s a good way to have a style of the native space.
Additionally, don’t overlook to go to Luke’s Lobster at Portland Pier. They serve among the metropolis’s greatest lobster—all recent to order. Simply bear in mind that it may get busy on the weekends, so plan forward in case you’re brief on time.
Oh, and ensure to identify the Portland Observatory. It’s a historic sign tower—the one one left within the US made solely of wooden. It dates again to the 1800s and is an integral a part of the town’s lengthy historical past. Additionally they run guided excursions, each 30-minutes.
For somewhat afternoon journey from Portland, take the boat to Peaks Island simply off Portland itself. It’s a stunning little island for a stroll, and the boats go throughout it not less than each hour in the course of the day. As soon as on Peaks Island, you’ll be able to ramble to Battery Steele, stroll the coastal route from the Casco Bay Ferry cease and cease by the Cockeyed Gull for a chew to eat.
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6.) Moosehead Lake
I briefly touched on Moosehead Lake earlier, nevertheless it deserves its personal point out. It’s among the best locations in Maine to go to should you’re heading additional inland by way of the state.
Now, Moosehead Lake is big, so don’t count on you’re going to cowl all of it inside one journey. Select particular spots, like Mount Kineo State Park (should you love climbing) or Lily Bay State Park. These are each beautiful. Although, as I discussed earlier than, there’s not a lot by way of eating places round right here – so plan forward.
7.) Quoddy Head State Park
Perched proper on the worldwide border between Canada and america, Quoddy Head State Park is a good place to go to. You see, it’s the easternmost level of america and the entire space is beautiful.
Should you love climbing, then the Coastal Path is a aim that it is best to hit. Nevertheless, the fascinating characteristic that comes with this climbing problem is that you simply take pleasure in some superior ocean views. You will notice a lot of the shoreline across the Quoddy Channel to the cliffs of Nice Manan Island in New Brunswick Canada.
Oh, and don’t overlook to identify West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, too.
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8.) Port Clyde
Should you’re travelling down the coast in Maine, then be sure to make a cease off at Port Clyde on the St Geroge Peninsular and discover extra of Clark Island, too. It’s solely small, however that’s its allure, for my part.
When you’re within the space (and driving round by automobile), be sure to cease off at Marshall Level and go to the Marshall Level Lighthouse and museum that’s steeped in historical past from the 1800s. Additionally, there’s Drift Inn Seaside which is nice for ramble.
Oh, and should you’re heading additional north up the peninsular, be sure to seize lunch at McLoons Lobster Shack. Their lobster stew and steamed Maine lobster are so good.
9.) Cape Elizabeth and Portland Gentle
Simply on the outskirts of the town of Portland is Portland Head Gentle, one of the well-known lighthouses on the East Coast. It dates again to the 1700s and has been warning incoming ships of land for hundreds of years since.
It’s an absolute gem of a spot to go to and completely stunning to go to at dawn (should you’re up early sufficient).
Additionally, you’ll be able to simply embrace a go to to close by (by automobile) Kettle Cove and Crescent Seaside in Cape Elizabeth. Kettle Cove and crescent seashore are adjoining to one another and so pretty for somewhat stroll on a heat day.
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10.) Rockport
North of Manchester-by-the-Sea and close by Salem, that’s throughout the border in Massachusetts, Rockport is likely one of the greatest locations in Maine to go to when exploring the shoreline right here (and round Gloucester itself).
As soon as right here, it’s a must to head over to Roy Moore Lobster Firm that’s been serving lobster right here for over 100 years. They serve up among the freshest Maine lobster within the area. It’s a reasonably unfussy spot and the lobster is at all times unbelievable and completely recent.
Oh, and make sure you spot Motif #1. It’s a duplicate of the picket shack that when stood right here within the 1800s. It’s so cute.
11.) Allagash Wilderness Waterway
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is likely one of the greatest locations in Maine to go to if you’re exploring the northern stretches of the state. You see, it’s close to the Canadian border and is really easy to incorporate in your journey should you’re heading additional north.
Now, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway may be very distant and, by way of services, it’s missing. So, if that feels like a bore to you, then possibly give Allagash Wilderness Waterway a miss.
If it doesn’t, nice! Make certain to move out kayaking (with a professional information) or take within the views on Allagash Mountain Path. It’s such an untouched and completely unspoilt space.
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12.) Baxter State Park
Proper within the coronary heart of Maine, Baxter State Park is effectively price visiting as you meander the roads taking you from the coast and up in the direction of Canada. You see, it’s about midway up Maine and an ideal stopping level for a couple of days journey as you discover extra of the state.
As soon as right here, be sure to identify Mount Katahdin. Truthfully, it’s arduous to overlook – particularly because it’s Maine’s tallest peak. Katahdin rises from Baxter State Park.
As soon as right here, there are heaps of hikes to select from. You’ve acquired the Helon Taylor Path that’s accessible in the summertime months and yow will discover out extra info right here. Although that is for under essentially the most expert hikers – the hike will be excessive, and it’s not for anybody that’s not searching for a critical problem and critical elevation acquire.
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