From Acadia National Park to lighthouses tucked away on winding roads, Maine has so much to offer. For those of us “from away,” there are so many striking views and amazing sights, it’s hard to boil down all of them. I spent three years exploring the state and barely scratched the surface. This post includes some musts and some common tourist areas.
Kennebunk/Kennbunkport
Kennebunk beach includes several sections and some are sandier than others. There are people who live in this town year-round, but many of the beachfront homes belong to or are rented by out-of-staters. It’s common for the tourist season to last from before Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
Kennebunkport is most famously associated with Walker’s Point, the summer home of former President George H.W. Bush. It’s not uncommon to see the family around town. Kennebunkport’s vibrant downtown shops and restaurants are often packed during the summer. Winter is often a sleepier time when many of them are closed.
Make sure to head to the Clam Shack for some fried clams or steamers.
Popham Beach
The ride from Portland is well over an hour, but this is no ordinary beach. The mouths of two rivers meet the ocean, creating a swirl of water and waves crashing on all sides. The Atlantic may be chilly, but on a sunny day, the shallow waters of Popham Beach provide warm tide pools. At low tide, the beach is enormous. You can also walk out to a small island, where there’s a better view of the nearby Pond Island Lighthouse.
Boothbay Region
While not necessarily off-the-beaten-path, Boothbay is not as popular as Kennebunk or Portland. The area relies heavily on tourism and practically shuts down during the winter.
If there’s one must-see in this area of Maine, it’s the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Flowers cover the imperfectly-perfect landscape that includes a river view and waterfall. You can sample wild Maine blueberries growing along the paths in late summer or check out boatloads of pumpkins in the fall.
Some of Maine’s biggest newsmakers are located in the region. The strangest lobsters ever captured off the coast reside in the Maine State Aquarium. There’s also a shark touch tank. I was caught off guard when I visited by how small it is. Admission is cheap because there isn’t much to see.
Camden & Rockland
Old captain’s houses and boutiques line the streets of these cities. Both are known for their seafaring past and cozy, coastal ways in the modern age. Their charm makes the drive worthwhile.
Go to Camden Hills State Park for a view that extends all the way to Acadia National Park. The downtown area includes plenty of restaurants, offering seafood, deli and everything in between.
Rockland has a similar vibe, but features Primo, where you can dine on the food of a James Beard Award-winning chef. Owl’s Head Light is nearby. The lighthouse is easily recognizable with the stairs needed to reach the top.
Acadia National Park
The drive is more than three hours from Portland, but to say it’s worth it would be an understatement. Bar Harbor is the gateway to the region known as “Downeast.” Mountains tower over the ocean and glassy lakes are nestled in nearby valleys.
Acadia National Park is a treasure and to experience it properly, you have to stay at least three days. Hikes range from easy to death-defying. Cadillac Mountain is famous for its sunrise and sunset views. Make sure to go early to claim your spot!
Sand Beach lies between the pink cliffs that have inspired several generations of photographers. You can bring a bathing suit, but getting in the water is for the bravest at heart. There is also Bass Harbor Head Light, which is so iconic, it’s on the Maine state quarter.
One of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had was at 2 Cats. There are wild pancakes and outrageous omelettes to fill you up before a long day at the park. None of the dinners I had stood out, despite the number of options in Bar Harbor.
Lighthouses
The old saying “you can’t get there from here” really applies. It’s a lot of driving to see the lighthouses on the mainland and there’s no direct route to make the trip faster. Pemaquid Point, which sits atop an astounding rock formation, is manageable. The crash of the waves add to the dramatic scenery.
Marshall Point Lighthouse is in Port Clyde, which has a view of some of the many tiny islands off the coast. It’s in a tiny fishing village, which also includes a ferry route to the distant Monhegan Island.
Adventures of Alyssa 