Nestled on the northeastern fringes of the USA, Maine is one beautiful state to go to. With its rugged shoreline, bayside cities and exquisite nationwide parks, there’s somewhat slice of Maine that can enchantment to every customer. Actually, there are such a lot of of the most effective locations in Essential to go to dotted all throughout the state. You simply have to search out it!
And that is the place the more durable 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 can assist you see probably the most attractive spots in Maine, I’m sharing some gems that I do know you gained’t wish to miss. This manner, you’ll be able to deal with all of the scrumptious meals (belief me, the lobster is nice right here) and really go to the state.
Have probably the most superb time exploring Maine. It truly is a good looking state.
1.) Acadia Nationwide Park
Perched on the Atlantic shoreline southwest of town of Bangor, Acadia Nationwide Park is one place you gained’t wish to miss in Maine. You see, it’s one of many finest locations within the Northeast of the USA to discover the untouched rugged shoreline of the North Atlantic.
Actually, 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: Be sure that to pack waterproof footwear 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 a terrific route and ideal if you happen to don’t need something tremendous intense.
Additionally, don’t overlook in regards to the Wild Gardens of Acadia. It’s a terrific place to comply with the paths and discover the beautiful nature across the Jesup Path. It’s stunning.
Guide 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 actually 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 very 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 Previous 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 study a lot extra about life in New England again within the 18th Century.
Additionally, if you happen to fancy a stroll, head out on the Kennebec River Rail Path. This takes within the riverwalk alongside the Kennebec River. Plus, alongside the best way, 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 part of the Gulf Hagas Path, which is able to 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 associate 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 when it comes to companies round this space of Maine, so selections may be restricted when it comes to 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 most effective views, head to dawn (if you happen to’re up) or sundown, the place the orange hues are stunning.
In case you’ve obtained 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 Previous Schoolhouse, York Townhall and cease by Fats Tomato Grill. Their selfmade 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 fairly nice metropolis in Maine to go to. It’s the right stopping level while on a street journey exploring among the finest locations in Maine whereas driving the coastal routes. You’ll be able to 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, ensure that 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 an effective 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 finest 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 completely of wooden. It dates again to the 1800s and is an integral a part of 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 through 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, but it surely deserves its personal point out. It’s among the best locations in Maine to go to if you happen to’re heading additional inland by means of the state.
Now, Moosehead Lake is large, so don’t count on you’re going to cowl all of it inside one journey. Select particular spots, like Mount Kineo State Park (if you happen to love climbing) or Lily Bay State Park. These are each beautiful. Although, as I discussed earlier than, there’s not a lot when it comes to eating places round right here – so plan forward.
7.) Quoddy Head State Park
Perched proper on the worldwide border between Canada and the USA, Quoddy Head State Park is a superb place to go to. You see, it’s the easternmost level of the USA and the entire space is beautiful.
In case you love climbing, then the Coastal Path is a purpose that you need to hit. Nevertheless, the fascinating function 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
In case you’re travelling down the coast in Maine, then ensure that 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 attraction, in my view.
When you’re within the space (and driving round by automotive), ensure that 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 if you happen to’re heading additional north up the peninsular, ensure that 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 town of Portland is Portland Head Gentle, probably the most 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 (if you happen to’re up early sufficient).
Additionally, you’ll be able to simply embody a go to to close by (by automotive) 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 among the finest 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 fairly unfussy spot and the lobster is all the time unbelievable and completely recent.
Oh, and you should definitely spot Motif #1. It’s a duplicate of the picket shack that after stood right here within the 1800s. It’s so cute.
11.) Allagash Wilderness Waterway
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is among the finest 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 if you happen to’re heading additional north.
Now, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway may be very distant and, when it comes to services, it’s missing. So, if that appears like a bore to you, then possibly give Allagash Wilderness Waterway a miss.
If it doesn’t, nice! Be sure that to move out kayaking (with a certified 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 direction of Canada. You see, it’s about midway up Maine and an ideal stopping level for a number of days journey as you discover extra of the state.
As soon as right here, ensure that to identify Mount Katahdin. Actually, it’s exhausting 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 obtained the Helon Taylor Path that’s accessible in the summertime months and yow will discover out extra info right here. Although that is for less than probably the most expert hikers – the hike may be excessive, and it’s not for anybody that’s not in search of a severe problem and severe elevation acquire.
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