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 slightly slice of Maine that may attraction to every customer. Truthfully, there are such a lot of of one of the best locations in Major 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 powerful to whittle down a concise checklist of locations in Maine to go to on a visit. Particularly, if you wish to discover as a lot as doable along with your time within the state.
So, that can assist you see essentially the most beautiful spots in Maine, I’m sharing some gems that I do know you received’t wish to miss. This manner, you may concentrate on all of the scrumptious meals (belief me, the lobster is nice right here) and truly go to the state.
Have essentially the most wonderful time exploring Maine. It truly is a ravishing state.
1.) Acadia Nationwide Park
Perched on the Atlantic shoreline southwest of town of Bangor, Acadia Nationwide Park is one place you received’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.
In actual fact, 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 good open air.
We completely liked the Cadillac North Ridge Path, the place you’ll discover, you guessed it, Cadillac Mountain. A heads up: Ensure to pack waterproof sneakers with you, as the paths can get moist at sure instances of the 12 months. It’ll take you round three hours to hike, and also you’ll cowl simply over 4 miles. It’s an awesome route and ideal in case you don’t need something tremendous intense.
Additionally, don’t overlook concerning the Wild Gardens of Acadia. It’s an awesome place to comply with the paths and discover the beautiful nature across the Jesup Path. It’s stunning.
E book 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 also 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 extremely beautiful place to go to for a half-day journey while visiting Maine.
Augusta can be the most effective 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 may go to Outdated 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, in case you 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 may 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 the most effective locations in Maine to go to if you wish to hike and are heading into the state’s heartlands.
For some beautiful views, be a part of the Gulf Hagas Path, which is able to take you thru the beautiful landscapes of central Maine. Simply bear in mind that, like a lot of the East Coast, it will probably get moist, so plan forward and take layers with you.
Additionally, you may simply companion 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 by way of providers round this space of Maine, so selections will be restricted by way of 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 beautiful cease to make, particularly for a 30-minute break to stretch your legs earlier than carrying in your Maine highway journey. For one of the best views, head to dawn (in case you’re up) or sundown, the place the orange hues are stunning.
For those who’ve bought extra time, keep an evening in York itself and stroll Quick Sands Seaside, and discover York’s small Historic District. Right here, you’ll get to see the Outdated Schoolhouse, York Townhall and cease by Fats Tomato Grill. Their do-it-yourself 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 reasonably nice metropolis in Maine to go to. It’s the proper stopping level while on a highway 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 will probably act as a gateway metropolis to remain and discover the broader space.
As soon as in Portland, make sure that to go to the yummy Farmer’s Market. Serving contemporary 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 contemporary to order. Simply bear in mind that it will probably 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 solely of wooden. It dates again to the 1800s and is an integral a part of town’s lengthy historical past. In addition they run guided excursions, each 30-minutes.
For slightly afternoon journey from Portland, take the boat to Peaks Island simply off Portland itself. It’s a beautiful little island for a stroll, and the boats go throughout it a minimum of each hour throughout the day. As soon as on Peaks Island, you may 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, however it deserves its personal point out. It’s the most effective locations in Maine to go to in case you’re heading additional inland by way of the state.
Now, Moosehead Lake is big, so don’t anticipate you’re going to cowl all of it inside one journey. Select particular spots, like Mount Kineo State Park (in case you love mountaineering) or Lily Bay State Park. These are each beautiful. Although, as I discussed earlier than, there’s not a lot by way of 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.
For those who love mountaineering, then the Coastal Path is a objective that you must hit. Nevertheless, the fascinating function that comes with this mountaineering problem is that you simply get pleasure from some superior ocean views. You will note 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
For those who’re travelling down the coast in Maine, then make sure 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 allure, for my part.
When you’re within the space (and driving round by automotive), make sure 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 in case you’re heading additional north up the peninsular, make sure that to seize lunch at McLoons Lobster Shack. Their lobster stew and steamed Maine lobster are so good.
9.) Cape Elizabeth and Portland Mild
Simply on the outskirts of town of Portland is Portland Head Mild, 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 (in case you’re up early sufficient).
Additionally, you may 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 beautiful for slightly 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 likely one of 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 reasonably unfussy spot and the lobster is at all times unbelievable and completely contemporary.
Oh, and remember to spot Motif #1. It’s a reproduction 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 likely one of 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 in case you’re heading additional north.
Now, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway may be very distant and, by way of amenities, 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! Ensure 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 nicely value visiting as you meander the roads taking you from the coast and up in the 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, make sure that to identify Mount Katahdin. Truthfully, it’s onerous 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 bought the Helon Taylor Path that’s accessible in the summertime months and you could find out extra data right here. Although that is for under essentially the most expert hikers – the hike will 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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