Maine Attractions - Beaches, Lighthouses, and Lobster Feasts
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Travel Notes: North America - United States - Maine Travel Notes.
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Maine Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
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Explore Maine's coastal wonders and maritime heritage, where iconic lighthouses and lobster delights blend seamlessly along the picturesque shoreline. Share on Facebook
About Maine
Maine is a popular travel destination known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions.
Maine is also known as the Pine Tree State, recognising the white pine tree found in some of Maine's 17 million acres of forest.
Visitors to Maine can also enjoy exploring the state's coastal towns and lighthouses.
Maine is the most north-eastern state, neighbouring New Hampshire and Canada.
Mapping Maine
Map of Maine
Maine is bordered by New Hampshire to the west and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick to the north and east, respectively.
The state capital of Maine is Augusta.
Maine Overview
Maine is a state located in the New England region of the United States.
Maine is the largest of the six New England states. The others are: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
It is the northern-most state in the contiguous United States and is known for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque coastline, and charming small towns.
Capital and Largest City
Augusta is the capital city of Maine, while Portland is its largest city.
Portland is a vibrant coastal city known for its lively arts scene, historic architecture, and bustling waterfront.
Cultural Attractions
Maine has a vibrant cultural scene with a strong arts and crafts tradition.
The state is home to many talented artists, writers, and musicians.
Portland offers culture vultures numerous art galleries, museums, and theatres, while the city of Bangor was host to the annual American Folk Festival; from 2005 to 2019.
Friendly Communities
Mainers are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness.
The state has a strong sense of community, and its small towns often exude a welcoming and neighbourly atmosphere.
Geography and Climate
Maine has a diverse landscape that includes rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous lakes and rivers.
The north-eastern state experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers.
Lobster and Seafood
Maine is famous for its seafood, particularly lobster.
The state is the largest producer of lobster in the United States, and enjoying a fresh lobster meal is a popular culinary experience for visitors and locals alike.
Other seafood delicacies include clams, oysters, and mussels.
Maritime Heritage
Given its location along the Atlantic Ocean, Maine has a rich maritime heritage.
The state has a long history of shipbuilding, fishing, and seafaring. There are several maritime museums and historic sites where visitors can learn about Maine's maritime history and explore old lighthouses and fishing villages.
Natural Beauty
Maine is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty.
The state is often referred to as the 'Pine Tree State' due to its vast forests, including the famous Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park covers Mount Desert Island and several smaller islands off the coast and offers stunning views, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The coastline of Maine stretches over 3,500 miles (5,600 kilometres) and is dotted with picturesque lighthouses, rocky cliffs, and charming fishing villages.
Outdoor Activities
Maine offers a wide range of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities.
The state is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
In addition to Acadia National Park, there are numerous other state parks, forests, and wildlife reserves where visitors can go camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
Stephen King
Maine is closely associated with Stephen King, who has set many of his novels and stories in the state.
King's fictional town of Derry, featured in his novel It, is inspired by Bangor, where the famous author resides.
Winter Activities
Maine's winters offer opportunities for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
The state has several ski resorts and well-groomed trails for winter enthusiasts.
Maine Tourism - Maine Highlights
Maine is a destination that offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and a chance to immerse yourself in the charming coastal lifestyle.
Along with a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore, Maine is definitely the place for you if you want to eat lobster, sail on a windjammer, or hike Cadillac Mountain.
Acadia National Park
Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder.
It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky cliffs, and rugged mountains.
Hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives are popular activities in the park.
Bar Harbor
This charming town serves as a gateway to Acadia National Park.
Bar Harbor offers a delightful mix of boutique shops, cosy cafes, and seafood restaurants.
Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the quaint New England atmosphere.
Camden
This picturesque town is known for its beautiful harbour, charming downtown area, and scenic mountain views.
Take a sailboat cruise, hike up Mount Battie for panoramic vistas, or explore the boutique shops and art galleries.
Coastal Scenic Drives
Maine's coastline offers stunning scenic drives, including the picturesque US Route 1 and the scenic Schoodic Byway.
These routes showcase the beauty of Maine's rugged coastline, charming fishing villages, and panoramic ocean views.
Kennebunkport
A picturesque coastal town, Kennebunkport is famous for its sandy beaches, historic homes, and waterfront attractions.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Bush compound, the summer retreat of the Bush family.
Maine Lobster
Indulge in Maine's famous lobster while you're visiting the state.
You can enjoy a traditional lobster bake, feast on a lobster roll, or even go on a lobster boat tour to learn about the lobster fishing industry firsthand.
Moosehead Lake
Located in the heart of the Maine Highlands, Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in the state.
It offers opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing, particularly for spotting majestic moose.
Mount Katahdin
As the highest peak in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The mountain offers various trails for different skill levels, providing stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Portland
Maine's largest city, Portland, is a vibrant coastal town known for its historic Old Port district, picturesque waterfront, and excellent dining scene.
Explore the cobblestone streets, visit art galleries, enjoy fresh seafood, and take a scenic cruise around Casco Bay.
Portland Head Light
Located in Cape Elizabeth, just outside of Portland, the Portland Head Light is one of the most iconic lighthouses in the United States.
Visit this historic landmark, enjoy the coastal views, and learn about its maritime history.
Visit Maine
The Maine Office of Tourism
Start planning your next adventure with some of the Best Day Trips in Maine, curated by Mainers.
Main Street Shopping and Dining
From charming Main Street communities to Portland's historic neighborhoods, experience quintessentially Maine shopping, dining and lodging.
It's easy to shop locally and safely while enjoying the charm of Maine’s 10 Main Street Downtowns.
Augusta, Bath, Belfast, Biddeford, Brunswick, Gardiner, Rockland, Saco, Skowhegan, Westbrook.
Augusta
Map of Augusta
Members of the Plymouth Colony of Massachusetts founded the community here as a trading post in 1628.
Fort Western, the first permanent structure, was used as a supply base during the French and Indian War of the mid-18th century.
Sights include the State House, completed in 1832, and the University of Maine.
Most visitors to Maine would want to explore the natural wilderness. The White Mountains extend into New Hampshire and Vermont.
Where to Stay in Augusta, Maine
Portland
Portland was the capital of Maine until 1832, when it was replaced by Augusta.
A July 4th firework is said to have destroyed Portland's wooden buildings in 1866. The gutted area was rebuilt with brick and offers many restaurants and taverns around the port area.
Portland is a good base for discovering the rugged south Maine coastline and Casco Bay Islands.
Dowtown Portland
Portland's Downtown District offers visitors a lot of fun for a little city.
Downtown Portland is an historic seacoast town with a funky vibe, working waterfront, loads of galleries, hundreds of one-of-a-kind shops, and award-winning restaurants serving everything from classic lobster rolls to exotic nouvelle cuisine.
Explore the Arts District, Historic Old Port, fine dining, parks and distinctive neighborhoods.
Maine Experiences
Portland Head Light
Cape Elizabeth is the home of Portland Head Light.
Situated along the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park, at 1000 Shore Road, the popular landmark is owned and managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
The Portland Head Light is the most photographed lighthouse in America, and also the oldest in Maine.
The Museum at Portland Head Light is contained within the former Keepers' Quarters.
The award winning Museum contains a number of lighthouse lenses and interpretative displays.
Visit Portland
In Portland, Maine you'll find a hub with cobblestone streets, local shops, and scenic working waterfront views.
When visiting Maine, make Greater Portland your southern Maine destination for scenic beauty, splendid recreational opportunities and a wealth of historic and cultural offerings.
Never far away from your base in Portland are charming towns offering beaches, lighthouses, world-class arts and dining, outdoor adventures, and a range of shopping destinations just a short drive away.
Where to Stay in Portland, Maine
Hotels, motels, inns, bed & breakfasts, and accommodations that match your interests and needs are located all across the state of Maine, with plenty of deals are available throughout the year.
Visitors to Greater Portland often seek a Maine experience that means being immersed in the natural wonders and beauty of the region.
For visitors looking for Where to Stay in Maine, Greater Portland offers everything from familiar hotel chains to unique boutique establishments catering to every style, budget, and proximity to downtown Portland.
Kennebunkport
South of Portland is the summer home of former President George Bush, and the retreats of wealthy authors and artists.
A charming, historic seaside community, Kennebunkport offers travellers a classic Maine vacation experience.
Kennebunkport Visitors can choose from a wide variety of activities for the seafaring adventurer or a quiet romantic resort for those seeking that special New England escape.
Where to Stay in Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport Captains Collection
Kennebunkport Captains Collection: 6 Pleasant Street, Kennebunkport, Maine.
Having passed through generations of Kennebunkport’s seafaring families, this modern collection of four historic stately homes have been reunited as a luxury boutique experience.
Firmly rooted in the history and spirit of this iconic Maine seaport, the mansions of the Kennebunkport Captains Collection are among the oldest in Kennebunkport's historic district.
Acton Patterson House - James Fairfield House - Nathaniel Lord Mansion - William Jefferds House.
Kennebunkport Inn
Kennebunkport Inn: One Dock Square, Kennebunkport, Maine.
From the elegant style of the Federal and Mansion rooms to the charming ambience of the Riverhouse to the Maine beach cottage style of the Wharfside complete with water views, there is a room for every taste and need.
The Kennebunkport Inn offers a unique Maine lodging experience with 49 guest rooms located right in Dock Square; the heart of Kennebunkport's shopping, dining and attractions.
Around Maine
Mark Twain once said that if you don't like the weather in New England, then wait 15 minutes.
Maine's coastline is long, craggy and has many inlets.
What looks like 228 miles on a map, is 3478 miles of tidal coastline in reality; including the offshore islands.
The U.S. 1 follows the coastline and connects the main port towns of Maine. Unless you're camping in Maine, the accommodation is not always cheap.
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is easily accessible by the major highways in Maine. Exits 5 and 6 off the Maine Turnpike (I-95).
The wide seven mile stretch of sandy beach and low surf makes it an ideal destination for families with children.
Maine Travel Tips
Most visitor's to Maine's coastline miss out on the acres of forests, lakes, rivers and mountains that the upper north-western region of Maine offers.
The area is famous for its year round activities including snow mobiling, Nordic and cross-country skiing during the winter; as well as canoeing, kayaking and white-water rafting during the summer, not to mention the great fishing and hunting in the area year round.
Good launching points for activities include Augusta, Waterville, Skowhegan and Jackman. Take Route 201 north off of Interstate 95.
Northern Maine's fall colours are also nothing short of spectacular and worth a visit in itself.
Dead River
It might seem motionless upstream, but a 16 mile stretch in Maine makes it the longest, continuous white-water stretch in the eastern United States.
A 12 mile stretch on the Kennebec is also classed as difficult to extremely difficult, thanks to daily infusions from the nearby Harris Station Dam.
Whale Watching in Maine
Daily cruises leave from Boothbay Harbour for those interested in watching whales, puffins, and seals going about their daily business.
First US Sunrise
Cadillac Mountain, in Arcadia National Park, is the highest point along the eastern coastline.
If you drive up the Park Loop Road early, you can catch one of the first sunrises in the continental United States -- the American day is said to begin in Guam.
Maine Travel Guides
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