Providing out-of-towners the essential New England experience, Maine lives up to its nickname of “Vacationland.”
Looking to explore the great outdoors and take some of the most beautiful snapshots you could ask for along the way? Check.
Want to hit the water and do some good old-fashioned boating? There’s no lack of options.
Or are you just interested in sampling some local fare like lobsters and clam cakes? Hey, you can do that, too.
And arguably the best way to see Maine is to explore the state’s gorgeous coast. In fact, there are tons of campgrounds which offer brilliant bayside views of the Atlantic. If you’re more of the road-tripping type, make use to look into services such as Outdoorsy which offer competitive RV rentals throughout the state.
Now the question remains: what are the coastal hotspots you should check out while you’re in town? We’ve broken down our list of the top five which offer someone for everyone, whether you’re traveling solo or are on the hunt for family fun in Maine.
Make Portland a Priority
Regarded as one of the best foodie cities in the United States and a prime example of a New England town, Portland represents the best of Maine crammed into one place. Some of the most-visited attractions in Portland which most definitely deserve your attention include…
- Old Port: in addition to its of slew of shops, restaurants and architecture to admire, you can easily find a dock or ferry tour to pass the time during your stay
- Portland Museum of Art: from Monet to Warhol, this gem of a museum has over 18,000 pieces to admire
- The Eastern Promenade: offering a beautiful waterside view and access to Portland’s only public beach, you can take a stroll and find some awesome photo ops around the Promenade’s two-mile trek
Check Out Cutler Coast Reserved Land
Maine is known for its natural beauty, but the views at Cutler Coast really take the cake. Often cited as the state’s number one place to snag a picture, this reserved land offers both an epic hike along the shore-side and through Maine’s serene woods. Not typically somewhere that attracts tons of crowds, this is a prime place to get lost in nature.
There are various stopping points throughout Cutler Coast to sit out and watch the water and admire the crags. That said, experienced hikers with time on their hands tackle miles upon miles of coast uninterrupted. While the hike is indeed a beautiful one, simply mind the terrain and pack appropriately for your trek.
Go Fishing in Brunswick
While you’d expect there to be plenty of fishing hotspots throughout Maine, Brunswick is notable for both its coastal and lake-side spots to cast your line. From the Atlantic coast to Kennebec River and beyond, anything from cod to haddock to fair game.
And if anyone in your party isn’t interested in fishing, you can instead opt for a canoe or kayak outing on one of Brunswick’s many marvelous rivers.
Fall in Love with Freeport
For those who are looking for a quieter Maine experience, Freeport has you covered.
Something as simple as the scenic drive on U.S. 1 is worthy of plenty of road-side stops and snapshots alike. Meanwhile, spots like Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park provide a one-of-a-kind view of the bay. In short, a perfect place for a picnic or if you’re just passing through
Oh, and don’t neglect what the quaint towns of New England have to offer for tourists. From Maine-specific fare and breweries to mom and pop shopping, small towns are perfect for an authentic, local experience.
Experience the Coast at Cape Elizabeth
Technically part of Portland, Cape Elizabeth is the place to go if you want the ultimate coastal experience. Lighthouses galore and parks aplenty, some key areas of interest include…
- Fort Williams Park: fresh lobsters, lighthouses and mansion tours are all available alongside this brilliant coast side park
- Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge: perfect for animal lovers, numerous breeds of birds are prime for watching in this marshy habitat
- Crescent Beach State Park: a simple state beach, Crescent Beach is ideal for families and those who just want to soak up some sun
There’s a reason why so many tourists year after year flock to Maine to get away from it all. No matter how you’re getting here, the state offers something for everyone looking to relax or have an adventurous trip. If you can’t make all of these coastal spots in one trip, don’t fret: it’s all the more reason to return again!
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