The northeastern state of Maine is one of the most beautiful gems in North America.
Apart from its rich history and colonial architecture, it offers visitors much more. The exquisite lakes, lush green forests, scenic harbors, and magnificent lighthouses will take your breath away.
To enjoy the laidback lifestyle and explore the whole state, you must come with your camera ready to click away. These are the most beautiful places to visit in Maine.
Acadia National Park
The beautiful scenic sunsets behind the magnificent mountains will take your breath away in Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park is where every moment deserves to be captured, as the 50,000-acre park has a lot to offer.
The summers are the most bustling season here, as tourists throng towards the beautiful turquoise ocean to sail. Or when cyclists labor to finish the laps around the mountain. There is a separate carriage road for bicycles and those who choose to walk.
The breathtaking vegetation and habitats are perfect for hiking. Be mindful that a few treks require nerve and muscle, so choose wisely.
Acadia National Park is one of the few places that fulfill your heart and keeps calling you back, whether you hike at Cadillac Mountain, enjoy the shoreline at Thunder Hole, or explore the exquisite lighthouses on your own.
Bar Harbor Bay
The Bay is also called Frenchman Bay in honor of the first French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, who discovered Maine in 1604. Bar Harbor is a small part of the body of water surrounded by the northeastern shoreline of Mount Desert Island and the southern coast of Maine.
The Harbor is famous for its music festivals and the tranquility it exudes. At the enchanting harbor, you can see the masts of ships for miles. Shops, bars, restaurants, and souvenir kiosks line the shoreline, offering delicious food that can satisfy your taste buds.
The harbor also houses Bald Porcupines, Sheep Porcupines, and Long Porcupine islands. The Bay offers a range of activities like canoeing, kayaking, biking, hiking, etc. The captivating sights in the early morning or when the harbor lights up in the evening offer breathtaking scenery, which can make your time at Bar harbor bay worthwhile.
Baxter Peak
Baxter Peak offers a panoramic view of beautiful Maine and its several delights. The hike is steep and quite difficult, but all your woes will melt away when you reach the peak of Mount Katahdin.
The 5000 ft. mountain is the tallest region and offers captivating scenery. You can see the masts of the ships and yachts in the ocean, the never-ending vegetation, lighthouses, and the shoreline right from the top. You can take several routes to the peak, like Knives Edge or Baxter Peak.
Old Orchard Beach
If you are in Maine, then Old Orchard Beach pier is a must-visit. The pier is lined with amusement park rides, restaurants, and bars, making it a perfect place to enjoy a day with your family. You can also dip in the ocean or sunbathe on the beach.
The backdrop of the harbor on the pier makes it even more alluring. And don’t forget to wait until sunset to make your day most fulfilling.
The Old Orchard Beach pier is a complete picnic spot with attractive scenery, fun rides, and exquisite restaurants.
Monhegan Island
Monhegan Island’s enchanting scenes have compelled many artists to paint it. Rockwell Kent and Briggs Knowlton are two of several local American artists captivated by the secluded and pristine island and became famous for painting it on canvas.
The island is the center of attention for American artists, and rightly so. Its large flower fields, tall trees, and quiet atmosphere make it an ideal place to capture it on canvas.
A boat is the only vehicle to access the island from mainland Maine. It houses formidable cliffs sloping into the ocean and a lovely museum showcasing the art of local American Artists.
Casco Bay Islands
The Casco Bay Islands are one of the most spectacular islands in Maine. It is an inlet in the Gulf of Maine between the Cape of Elizabeth and Cape Small. Casco Bay offers various activities like kayaking, cycling, hiking, etc. The food is so exquisite; you will never forget its taste. The variety of food makes it difficult to choose between fresh seafood, ethnic cuisines, and continental dishes.
The Casco Bay Islands are best enjoyed during the summer when you can dip in the ocean and enjoy the long days on the beach.
Portland Lighthouse
Maine is world-famous for its lighthouses, and rightly so. Its worldly beauty makes it appear to be straight out of a postcard.
Situated right outside Portland, the lighthouse is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike. The HeadLight is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and is still operating. You will find a fascinating museum that keeps the old times alive with souvenirs and other ancient artifacts. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine.
Augusta
The beautiful, large city in the heart of Maine is also a worthy capital. Augusta boasts the last surviving wooden architecture from the 18th century. The Old Fort Western is one of Maine’s most exquisite and oldest architectural structures.
The city also offers the Maine State House, the State Museum, and several must-visit sights. Augusta also has an elaborate 224-acre pine tree park and Viles Arboretum botanical gardens that offer hiking in the vegetation, biking, and cross-country skiing trails the whole year.
Final Thoughts
There is so much to explore in Maine, and these are only a few of the many delights the state has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, sample the local cuisine, or just take in the sights, you’ll be sure to find something to love in Maine.
