Discover the Best Things to Do in Maine
When you’ve got 3,500 miles of sand and granite shoreline, studded with fishing villages, forts, lighthouses, lobster shacks, islands, and Acadia National Park, you have to showcase it all, right? That’s how Maine hooks you in.
Its stunning natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities mean it features forested mountains for hiking, biking, alpine skiing, and riding. Clear lakes are perfect for boating and swimming, while rivers and streams beckon for rafting and fishing. Moreover, open stretches of highway are ideal for sweet road trips.
However, Maine isn’t just about outdoor adventures; there’s plenty of indoor fun and delectable food to be found as well. Here are nine top things to do in Maine.
1. Dine Out in Portland
From juicy mussels to whoopie pies, you could spend months savoring the culinary delights of Maine. Nevertheless, for the best grubs in a single location, head to Portland. Despite a population of fewer than 70,000, the city ranks as one of America’s best foodie destinations.
With farms bordering its boundaries and the ocean lapping its shores, it’s no surprise Portland receives accolades from culinary experts while producing many award-winning chefs. Sample delightful delicacies during a culinary walking tour or explore Greater Portland’s impressive beer scene.
2. Raft the Kennebec River
Wheeee! The Kennebec River tumbles 12 miles from the Harris Station dam to The Forks, where it flows into the Dead River. Each raft is guided by a Registered Maine Whitewater Guide, as you paddle through the Kennebec Gorge’s exhilarating whitewater experience. After enjoying a riverside lunch, you might even float in milder Class II ripples.
Consequently, a detour to hike to Moxie Falls, one of New England’s tallest waterfalls, is highly recommended. A gentle trail leads through woodlands and connects to a series of boardwalks with observation platforms overlooking several stunning plunges.
3. Trek Lodge to Lodge in Maine’s Famed 100-Mile Wilderness
Maine is home to a plethora of breathtaking hikes, including its 100-mile wilderness, regarded as one of the toughest segments of the Appalachian Trail. Fortunately, you can ease into it by staying at four rustic waterside lodges with guest cabins, each about a day’s hike, ski, or snowshoe apart. These lodges provide meals and hot showers, making your adventure more comfortable.
4. Sail Aboard a Maine Windjammer
The best way to explore Maine’s coastline and its picturesque beaches is aboard a sailboat. For a unique Maine experience, consider a multi-day sail aboard a Maine windjammer on Penobscot Bay, renowned as one of the world’s finest sailing locations. Expect superb views, delicious meals, and the chance to enjoy casual glamping accommodations.
5. Discover Maine’s Indigenous History at the Abbe Museum
Long before tourists flocked to Mount Desert Island for Acadia National Park, the area’s Indigenous People gathered here each summer. The Wabanaki, comprising the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Nations, trace their history here back 12,000 years. Their history and heritage are showcased at the Abbe Museum, Maine’s only Smithsonian affiliate.
6. Catch a Lobster at Casco Bay
Experiencing a working lobster boat is perhaps the quintessential Maine activity. Join a local tour operator and learn to bait, set, and haul lobster traps. You’ll gain insights into this tasty crustacean while exploring the scenic views of Casco Bay.
7. Tour Stephen King’s Derry
Fans of horror will love unearthing the inspirations behind Stephen King’s work on a 2.5- to 3-hour van tour of Bangor, also known as Derry, Maine. Highlights include filming locations, King’s personal residence, and sites that inspired his characters and plots.
8. Museum Hop Along the Maine Art Museum Trail
Exploring each of the nine museums on the Maine Art Museum Trail presents an opportunity to appreciate both regional and world-class art. Each museum provides unique snapshots of Maine’s artistic landscape, showcasing everything from fine craft to European and American Masters.
9. Attain Enlightenment at Maine’s Lighthouses
Maine’s coastline boasts 64 lighthouses, with the best concentrations being in the Greater Portland and Rockland regions. Enjoy stunning views from the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse and Spring Point Ledge Light. If you’re feeling adventurous, walk the granite breakwater to Rockland Breakwater Light and explore the surrounding area.
This article was first published on Dec 22, 2022, and updated on May 1, 2023.
