If you are going to Maine for the first time, this guide provides you with the best and most fun things to do during your stay in Maine.
Maine is a NorthEastern state in the United States of America. Its capital city is Augusta.
Maine has beaches, coastlines, and charming old fishing towns.
There are so many activities to keep you occupied during your stay in Maine and it doesn’t matter if you like the outdoors or the city, you will have the best experience of your life.
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Below is a thoroughly researched list of the best and fun things you can do during your stay in Maine.
Best and Fun Things to Do in Maine
1. Augusta
Augusta, the capital city of Maine, is located along the River Kennebec, it’s the ninth-largest in all of Maine and has been around since early 1600.
Some of the places to visit in this city include the Maine State Museum, the Blaine House, Capitol Building, Lithgow Public Library, The University of Maine, The Holocaust, and The Human Rights Centre of Maine.
Augusta city offers many interesting options for shopping, entertainment, lodging, and outdoor activities.
2. Bath
In Maine, Bath, “City of Ships” is one of the most beautiful cities you should visit, its located in Sagadahoc Country.
You can visit the ship industries, Marine Maritime Museum, Bath State Park, Chocolate Church Arts Centre, and the Main Eastern Railroad.
Bath also offers beautiful parks, recreation centers, and hiking trails such as Whiskeag Trail.
3. York
If you are looking for a place to enjoy golfing and beaches, then York is the resort destination for you.
York is located in the southern part of Maine, nestled by the Gulf of Maine.
You could visit interesting places like Cape Neddick, Mount Agamenticus, galleries, shops and restaurants.
Bath offers hotels, lodges, inns, motels, and vacation rentals in very nice traditional buildings.
4. Bay of Fundy
Bay of Fund has the highest tidal range in the world and it is shared between Canada and U.S.
This should be your first stop once you visit Maine.
There are beautiful islands, thick forests, large parks and the famous Hopewell rocks that you could visit in this area.
Fun activities you can do include kayaking, whale watching tours, and hiking.
5. Bangor
Bangor is the most populated city in Maine and it’s by the edge of the Penobscot River with over 150,000 locals.
Bangor is surrounded by thick woods, mountains, and very big waterways. They also have shipping, lumber, and the best pulp and paper companies in this area.
Bangor is a very lively city offering massive casinos with over 1,000 slot machines.
6. Rockland
Rockland is the perfect coastal town for you to go to in Maine and has the most delicious lobsters you may ever eat.
Some of the places you could visit in Rockland include restaurants and shops. Some of these restaurants are in buildings over 100 years old.
You can also go on tours to some of the islands in Rockland such as Vinalhaven, Matinicus, and North Haven.
7. Camden
Camden is the center of shipbuilding and manufacturing in Maine and contributes to its economical growth.
You could visit the large lakes, high mountains, fast-moving rivers, and the Atlantic Seaboard im Camden.
Camden is very quiet and peaceful, so you can come here to relax.
8. Portland
This is a city just by the south of Maine and has the best tourist attraction in Maine.
You can visit the Old Port district, Portland Head Lighthouse, Portland Botanical Garden, and other beaches in this area.
Portland offers beautiful trails, nature reserves, amusement parks, discovery centers, restaurants, shops, and museums.
9. Bar Habor
This is a small town with about 60,000 people and some wealthy Americans living here.
You can visit Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor.
You could participate in cruise ships or even the National Tier Bicycle Route with other cyclists.
10. Acadia National Park
This park has the most beautiful landscapes you may ever see in the world.
There are large bodies of water where you can swim during summer, granites peaks, and bike trails you can hike on or just enjoy the nature view.
You can participate in activities like horseback riding, birdwatching, hiking, climbing, picnicking, and other outdoor activities in Acadia Park.
You can also visit tourist attraction sites like Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, Isle au Haut, Bass Harbour Head Light, and the wild gardens of Acadia.
11. Mount Desert Island
During summer, come to Mount Desert Island and you might even see high-profile guests such as the Rockefeller Family and Martha Stewart.
You can visit Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Warren Island State Park, and the Holbrook Island Sanctuary on Mount Desert island.
Fun activities you can participate in include camping, hiking, swimming, shopping, eating, and visiting local attractions on the island.
12. Mount Battue
This is one of the best views in Maine because here, you get an incredible view of Maine.
You can see the Acadia National Park, Camden, Owl’s Head State Park, Warren Island State Park, Moose Point State Park, and Mount Megunticook.
If you go up the mountain, you will enjoy the beautiful natural scene and if you stay at the mountain till night comes, you’ll love the night skies from up there
13. Lewiston
Lewiston is home to textile industries in Maine which include malls, retail, and departmental stores.
You should visit the universities, museums, textile companies, and some of America’s largest companies.
Major event periods you could visit Lewiston include Emerge Film Festival, the Liberty Festival, and the Patrick Dempsey Challenge festival.
Visiting Lewiston should be one of your top places in Maine.
14. Ellsworth
Ellsworth is a small city in Hancock Country and has a population of fewer than 10,000 locals.
With the relaxing atmosphere, you will enjoy the beauty of Ellsworth and its well-preserved buildings.
You can visit the Wildlife Sanctuary, Birdsacre Homestead, Grand performing Arts Theatre, the Telephone Museum, and the Ellsworth Public Library.
You will have an unforgettable experience in these places.
15. Marginal way
Marginal Way is a beautiful walking pathway in the state of Maine.
This path is popular and close to the Atlantic Ocean. You should plan to visit here, you’ll really love the ocean view.
The Marginal Way is 1.25 miles in length and is as far as Shore Road.
You should visit there to see incredible views and there are benches and resting spots along this pathway.
16. Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit Beach is one of the popular beaches in the United States and should be on your list of things to do in Maine.
The beach has white sands for 3.5 miles, public restrooms, a picnic area, outdoor showers, parking lots, and a boat ramp.
Fun activities you can do on this beach include swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, running, walking, and surfing.
The beach also has experienced lifeguards on patrol to ensure the safety of everyone on the beach.
17. Bangor Farmers Market
Opened on Sunday afternoons, from May to November, the Bangor Farmers Market is an open-air market.
You can get local foodstuffs such as vegetables, fresh fruits, cheese, coffee, bread, and other baked goods.
During winter, the market moves from open-air to an indoor market from 11a.m to 2 p.m.
You can pay for the stuff you buy in the market by cash, or using your credit or debit card. Other SNAP options are also available.
18. Cole Land Transportation Museum
If you are interested in the history of Maine, you can visit the Cole Land Transportation Museum.
This museum preserves the vehicles and history of businessmen and early settlers of Maine.
Exhibits in the museum include fire engines, snow plies, trucks, cars, and trains. You will also see exhibits devoted to military servicemen and women.
The museum is free to enter and is open from May to November every year.
19. Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond is a body of clean and clear water found inside Acadia National park, a visit here should be of your top things to do in Maine during your visit.
Swimming is not allowed in Jordan pond but you can participate in activities like canoes, kayaking, hiking around the pond, riding on bike trails, and other water activities at the pond.
You should also go with a camera to take pictures of the rolling hill and field that surrounds Jordan Park.
Don’t forget to visit the Jordan Pond House, clubs, and taverns to eat the delicious meals they make here.
20. Wells Beach Area
If you are visiting with your family, then you should visit the Wells beach area in Maine.
In the Well beach area, there are four separate beaches which include Crescent Beach, Moody Beach, Well Beach, and Drake’s Island Beach.
Moody beach is the best to visit because it has a lot of access points for boats, canoes, and kayaks.
But if you prefer surfing, then you should go to Drake’s Island Beach due to its large waves.
Other fun activities to participate in with your family include free summer concerts, sailing trips and so many other family and friends events.
21. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is one of the engaging places for you and your family to visit in Maine.
This wildlife refuge covers 50 miles and the coastline of Cumberland and York Counties.
In this refuge, you’ll find a marsh area, thick forests, wooded uplands, migratory birds, and unique birds and plants.
You could also take time to hike through this wildlife refuge or you can stay somewhere you could do some birdwatching.
22. Paul Bunyan Statue
Paul Bunyan according to folklore is a hero who had a very very big blue ox, a double-sided ax, and a towering lumberjack with which he cleared a large area for farms and settlements.
Paul Bunyan statue is a place you should go to in Maine to take amazing pictures with the statue’s background.
The Paul Bunyan statue in Bangor is the tallest of all of these statues in Maine, made out of fiberglass weighing about 3700 pounds, and about 31 feet in height.
You should really come here with your camera to take amazing pictures of this statue.
The Paul Bunyan statue is at Bass Park in front of Bangor Civic Centre.
23. Baxter State Park
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then you should visit Baxter State Park because it was created for outdoor activities.
This park is a sanctuary for wildlife and in it, you can find the tallest mountain, Mount Katahdin, in the whole of Maine.
You could engage in basic outdoor recreation like hiking, trapping, hunting, fishing, camping, and some other outdoor recreation.
24. Maine Discovery Museum
The Maine Discovery Museum is one of the unique attractions in Maine to take your children to for visiting.
The museum was built as a place of creativity, learning, and wonder for children.
Exhibits found here include art, technology, the human body, plants, animals, nature, technology, and world culture.
The museum also has weekly programs and clubs dedicated to science, maths, arts, and fitness.
The museum tickets vary depending on the tours but it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9a.m to 5 p.m every week.
25. Fork and Spoon Downtown Eatery
Fork and Spoon Downtown Eatery is the attraction place for food lovers like us. It’s a great place to dine and chill with food-loving friends.
They offer fruit and vegetable smoothies, delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, vegetarian meals, and gluten-free options. The food served here is made from freshly produced meat, cheeses, and seasonings.
Their desserts including baked foods and ice cream are made by master chefs.
You can visit this eatery anytime during your visit to Maine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
26. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
In Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, you will see some of the best scenes in Maine so is better to come with your camera.
There are a lot of things to do in this park such as taking a walk through the Casco Bay Trail. You would love the view of Maine from this point.
27. Smalls Falls
The Small Falls rest area is a common rest stop and should be on your checklist for fun places to go to in Maine.
Small Falls rest area comprises large swimming holes, a steep waterfall, a beautiful gorge, and many other attraction spots.
You will love to take pictures of the multi-tiered waterfall that empties into a wide circular basin which is found in Small Falls. here.
In this basin, visitors and tourists can relax or swim during summer. So come with your bathing suits.
And you can have a picnic here with your family and friends on any of the colorful rocks sites around the waterfall.
28. Gulf Hagas
You should also take a hike to the Gulf Hagas just along the Appalachian Trail Corridor in Maines’s north wood area.
There are no restaurants, so come well equipped with food and drinks.
You can see attractive sites in this area including a well-preserved forest area, Hermitage, the Screw Auger Falls, and the tranquil waterfall which you will see on the trail.
This hike is really long and far from residential areas but the beauty of the environment is worth it.
29. University of Maine Museum of Art
If you love artwork then this place should be on your checklist of the things to do in Maine when you visit.
The works exhibited in this museum are prints and photographs works of contemporary artists mostly from the 20th century.
Some of the best exhibits you might see in this museum are works by Pablo Picasso, Andrew Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Diego Rivera, and Richard Estes.
You could also attend the workshop and traveling exhibits events hosted by the museum to educate people outside the classroom.
30. Collins Center for Arts
Collins Center for the Arts is a cultural hub located inside the campus of the University of Maine.
You can visit the Hutchins Concert Hall, The Boswell Lounge Area, and the Minsky Recital Hall in Collins Center.
Depending on the time of the visit, you could attend events like lectures, films, shows, and concerts.
There is also a cafe on the first floor, where you can refreshments and snacks to keep you entertained during the performance.
The tickets for this center are not expensive and can be purchased online with your phone or at the Collins center.
31. Hudson Museum
The Hudson Museum is located in the Collins Center for the Arts and is close to the campus of the University of Maine.
In the museum, you will see historical artifacts and items collected from several cultures in the world.
Exhibits include objects from the Maine Indians, over 2,000 pre-Columbian ceramics, Northwest coast art, and several ceramics gotten from many Native American cultures.
The museum also hosts traveling exhibits, lectures, and field trips events for students who are in elementary and high schools.
You can visit the museum from Monday to Saturday and the tickets are free.
32. Popham Beach State Park
Popham Beach state park is not common but it’s one of the fun places to be when you visit Maine.
You’ll have a good view of the Atlantic oceans and the rolling dunes.
You can engage in activities like surfing, sunbathing, collecting shells, and swimming.
Start Planning Your Trip to Maine
Although, some states in the United States are known for various things like work states, flexing states, hot states, and cold states.
Maine is a state known for its hard work yet fun-filled exciting places and adventures to be carried out.
There are a lot of things to do and places to explore during your visit to Maine. And you get to explore the best and most fun things to do in Maine.
