Maine is full of wildlife, scenery, and so much to do that it could be a challenge to fit it all into one trip. Consider making a Maine bucket list before you visit the state. Creating a list of things to do in Maine will help you get a clear idea of what is most important to you. It’ll also ensure you remember which things you want to see as you make your travel plans. If you have extra time, you can add an item from your Maine bucket list to your plans.
Acadia National Park
Acadia is one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the country. The park protects the highest rocky headlands across the Atlantic coastline. It has a number of different habitats and visitors can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument is another great place to see a variety of Maine habitats. Here you will witness the magnificent beauty of Mount Katahdin, explore rivers and streams, and learn about the native flora, fauna, and geology.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Campobello Island was once a favorite vacation spot for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He visited as a child and into adulthood, enjoying a number of amazing outdoor adventures. Today, the island is the home of Roosevelt Campobello International Park and serves as a memorial to the 32nd president. It’s also a symbol of the United States’ cooperation with Canada.
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
Saint Croix Island is where French presence in America first began. The beginning of the French expedition on American soil was a rough one. In 1604, the party of 79 men was iced in on Saint Croix Island, cut off from both food and water. 35 of the men died. The other 44 made it through the harsh winter, moving on to settle in this new land. Saint Croix Island International Historic Site commemorates that event and teaches more about this period in American history.
Explore Old Port in Portland
Considered the heart of Portland by many, Old Port is an amazing place to find shopping and dining in Maine’s oldest and biggest city. The historic buildings and cobblestone streets here are charming, and the hustle and bustle is energizing.
Ski at Sugarloaf Ski Resort
While most people choose to visit Maine in the mild summer months, those who brave cold Maine winters are rewarded with fantastic skiing at Sugarloaf Ski Resort. This is the largest ski resort east of the Mississippi and is great for skiers of all levels.
Admire Art in Ogunquit
An adorable little village, Ogunquit is the perfect escape from city life. Not only will you find all kinds of small-town charms, but you’ll also find art museums and galleries. This is an ideal stop for art lovers and artists looking for inspiration.
Hike in Camden Hills State Park
Maine is full of beautiful natural places. One of the most popular spots is Camden Hills State Park. We highly recommend hiking while in the park. There are also a variety of other activities available, including skiing, camping, scenic drives, and ferry rides.
Visit Dock Square in Kennebunkport
A beautiful historic port town, Kennebunkport is definitely worth visiting. While you’re there, be sure to make time for Dock Square. This is the heart of the town and is filled with art galleries, cafes, and adorable boutiques.
Have Lobster in Rockland
No trip to Maine is complete without at least one lobster meal, and Rockland is the place to get it. Rockland is known as the “Lobster Capital of the World.” The town’s economy is based entirely on lobsters, so you can be assured you’ll get fresh ones for your meal.
Take a Lobster Boat Tour
See how they catch those tasty lobsters with a lobster boat tour. The tour will allow you to don an orange apron and a pair of gloves and try your hand at the tricky art of lobster catching.
Discover the Grand Canyon of Maine
Often referred to as “The Grand Canyon of Maine,” Gulf Hagas is made up of three miles of rock walls that tower 500 feet above the river below. Although this gorge is not as large as the Grand Canyon, it is impressive, and the trails and waterfalls nearby make it a beautiful natural setting.
Ride a Ferry to Casco Bay Islands
The Casco Bay Islands are some of the most fun places to visit in all of Maine, and the ferry ride to get there is just as exciting. The ferry makes multiple stops, making it possible to explore any or all of the islands. Be sure to stop at Peaks Island, where you can rent a bike to go sightseeing before relaxing on the beach.
Pick Wild Blueberries
Maine is home to dozens of blueberry farms, and there’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked berries. Visit a farm to pick your own if you’re in Maine in August.
Kayak the Allagash Waterway
A 9-mile stretch of crystal clear waters, the Allagash Waterway was created by several interconnected rivers and lakes. It’s an ideal place to go kayaking. Marvel at the gorgeous scenery along the way and enjoy a day on the water.
Stroll the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden
The Coastal Maine Botanical Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. With 270 acres of property, there is no shortage of pathways or plants in this enormous garden. Take a garden tour and learn something new while you’re there!
Visit the Portland Observatory
The Portland Observatory is the country’s last standing maritime signal tower. It was built over 200 years ago to serve as a communication station to alert Portland ship owners when their ships were arriving. It now serves as an educational attraction and has outstanding views of the harbor.
Enjoy a Whoopie Pie
When you’re in Maine, it’s hard to avoid the whoopie pie. They’re sold in grocery stores, gas stations, and at bake sales. They’re a popular local treat that are beloved by tourists as well. The cake sandwiches come in a wide variety of flavors, so you can sample a few to find your favorite.
Seek Out Lighthouses
Lighthouses are synonymous with the state of Maine – not surprising considering the state is home to 65 of these beacons. Many of Maine’s lighthouses are now considered historic buildings, and all of them are photo-worthy. Try a scavenger hunt to see how many you can find.
Go on a Whale Watching Tour
From mid-April to October, whales can be spotted about 20 miles off the coast of Maine. Your trip to the Pine Tree State is your opportunity to see these ocean mammals in person. Whale-watching tours can be found up and down the entirety of the Maine coast.
Get Away on a Maine Windjammer Cruise
Penobscot Bay offers some of the most beautiful sailing waters in the world. See them for yourself on a Maine Windjammer Cruise. The boats used for these cruises are restored historic schooners, and they’ll take you out on a multi-day cruise, stopping at various islands along the way. You can experience firsthand what sailing one of these vessels would have been like while enjoying the coastal sights.
Spend a Day at the Beach
The Maine coast features some seriously beautiful beaches. You’ll find tide pools filled with sea creatures, views of the rocky coastline, and gorgeous glistening waters. Be sure to make time for relaxing on these beaches while in the state. Old Orchard Beach, Well Beaches, and Ogunquit Beach are especially popular with beachgoers.
See the Maine Maritime Museum
The Maine Maritime Museum is 20 acres of exhibits on the banks of the Kennebec River in Bath, Maine. Visit the country’s only surviving shipyard, check out the Victorian-era home of one of Bath’s shipbuilding families, and learn how to take care of a lighthouse.
Maine is a wonderful place to visit…but it could be hard to find a central place to stay while exploring the state. A Maine RV rental allows you to move around Maine, exploring different areas of the state while sleeping in the same bed each night.
