10 Of The Friendliest Towns In Maine
Maine is calling, with salt in the air, pine under your boots, and a downtown full of people who actually smile back. It’s a place of rocky harbors and green mountains, where more than 17 million acres of forest and a famously jagged coastline set the tone for easy, small-town warmth. Best of all, that friendliness isn’t just a vibe; it’s something you feel in the moments everyone shares.
Maybe it’s schooners racing through Camden during the Windjammer Festival. Maybe it’s hot-air balloons lifting off over Lewiston while crowds look up together. Or maybe it’s a weekend in Biddeford spent eating, dancing, and celebrating French-Canadian pride at La Kermesse Franco-Américaine. However you spend your time, Maine has a way of pulling you in and making you feel like you belong.
Ready to meet Maine at its most welcoming? These ten towns serve up the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like a regular, even on your very first stop.
Saco
The family-friendly coastal town of Saco is known for its sandy beaches, amusement parks, and friendly atmosphere; in fact, its town slogan is "friendly by nature." During the warmer months, residents and visitors can often be found at Funtown Splashtown USA, an amusement park that combines two parks into one, with amusement rides, pools, slides, and kiddie rides. Another popular family-oriented place to visit is the Aquaboggan Water Park, featuring mini-golf, bumper boats, slides, and a wave pool. Enjoy the summer-long Music on Main, a popular seasonal event that takes place in the downtown area. This summer concert series consists of three evenings of delicious food and live music, where music and community come together. Also held in downtown Saco in June is the Annual Sidewalk Arts Festival, a juried arts event featuring local food, artists, and music.
Bar Harbor
On Mount Desert Island, the premier tourist destination of Bar Harbour is filled with plenty of outdoor adventures, as well as vibrant events and activities where locals and visitors come together in celebration. For expansive views, head up the 1,527-foot Cadillac Mountain, a spectacular showcase of the landscape, where visitors can walk up a marked trail with informative plaques leading the way. During the warmer months, individuals gather at Agamont Park, an active ocean-side area that offers trails, picnic spots, open spaces, and live events. The park offers beautiful views of Frenchman Bay and hosts weekly outdoor movies, known as Seaside Cinema, where friends and family gather under the stars. Summer visitors can enjoy the Bar Harbour Music Festival, a July event featuring numerous musical performances held at various venues throughout town.
Camden
Camden is a beautiful town described as the "Jewel of the Maine Coast," popular for its windjammer-filled harbor. Visitors from across the state come to Camden Harbor to enjoy the Windjammer Festival. The annual event takes place on Labor Day weekend, celebrating the town's maritime heritage with boat races, arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, and more. Visit the town's premier event spot, the Camden Opera House, a beautifully restored 1894 theatre that hosts conferences, concerts, lectures, films, and various other shows. Those wanting to spend time outdoors can head to the mountainous Camden Hills State Park, a place to set up camp and explore trails, surrounded by views of Penobscot Bay and Downtown Camden. Every year, the Camden Public Library hosts the long-standing Harbor Arts and Books Fair, providing the opportunity for the community to come together over its love of culture.
Lewiston
Lewiston is a town known for its multiple, diverse festivals, strong sense of community, and recreational activities. For outdoor adventure, visit Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, a nature preserve with meadows and woods, featuring hiking trails and a chance to see various species of birds. One of the most well-attended festivals held in town is the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival. Attracting visitors from all around the state and beyond, this multi-day festival features beautiful hot air balloons, carnival rides, vendor booths, and live entertainment. Held in the Lewiston-Auburn area is another popular festival, the Liberty Festival. Taking place on July 4th, the event brings members of the community together in celebration of this U.S. Federal Holiday with family activities, food, live music, and ending in an extravagant display of fireworks over the Androscoggin River.
Rockport
The historic coastal town of Rockport, Maine, is a popular tourist destination, known for its charming community and picturesque harbor. Walk around nature trails at the Beech Hill Preserve and explore 295 acres of forested area and the Beech Hill summit. This heavily visited location is perfect for birding and provides stunning views of the St. George peninsula, Camden hills, and Penobscot Bay. Attend a community event held at Aldermere Farm, a preserve of Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Individuals are provided with a chance to learn about making maple syrup with the Sap-to-Syrup workshop, or gather together for the Beltie Holiday gathering, with ugly sweaters, free hot cocoa, and a bake sale. Those looking for something sweet can attend the annual Rockport Donut Festival, a two-day event that features food, fun, and music.
Bridgton
Bridgton is known for its ski area and multiple lakes, offering a relaxed, yet vibrant atmosphere. Pleasant Mount Ski Area is more than just a winter experience; in the summer, it also features scenic lift rides, on-site cabin lodging, and hiking trails. For plenty of outdoor fun, attend the Pleasant Mountain Fall Festival, featuring local brews, food, and fun games for kids, such as pumpkin painting and bouncy houses. In Downtown Bridgton, vibrant community events await, such as the Music on Main concert series held from May through October, where residents gather to connect and share in the fun with free live music and food trucks. Relax at Highland Lake Beach, a perfect place to bring friends and family for a day of swimming and enjoying the sun.
Wells
Wells, the third-oldest town in Maine, is a popular summer destination with scenic views, beaches, and miles of coastline. The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a beautiful conservation center with historic farm buildings and trails through wetlands. The reserve also hosts seasonal events that attract thousands of visitors, such as the Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival, featuring over 140 exhibitors, music, and food. Walk along the expansive Drakes Island Beach, a popular local spot where individuals come to enjoy sunset views, low-tide exploring, swimming, and engaging in water activities. Pick a wide range of fruits and vegetables at Spiller Farm, open almost every day during harvest season. Guests can also participate in a number of farm activities, such as animal viewing, picnicking during apple/pumpkin season, and wagon rides through the land.
Biddeford
Home to the University of New England, the historic college town of Biddeford is known for its coastal beauty. A particularly large event held in the area is the annual La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival, where community members and guests gather together in celebration of French-Canadian culture. This four-day celebration in June is held at St. Louis Field and includes music, food, rides, and a parade. Those who enjoy swimming, surf kayaking, skimboarding, and surfing can participate in these seaside activities and more at the 2-mile expanse of Fortunes Rocks Beach. The beach is also an excellent place for jogging, walking, and taking in the gorgeous ocean views. At Mechanics Park, visitors can join in the fun with Music in the Park, a free event that features food vendors, a maker’s market, and local music.
Bangor
Another popular, friendly town on the Penobscot River is Bangor, Maine. With its giant 31-foot-tall Paul Bunyan lumberjack statue, this former timber hub is the perfect place for entertainment and adventure. Walk around the beautiful Bangor City Forest, a 650-acre outdoor recreation area and boardwalk for cross-country skiing and hiking. The Penobscot Theatre Company, a performing arts theater, is a venue for shows and events where community members share their passions. Attend a public reading of scary stories with PTC Haunting Hour, or commune quietly with fellow book lovers at Silent Book Club. In downtown Bangor, shop for unique items and chat with locals at Summer and Fall Sidewalk Art Festivals. These events are held on first Saturdays in July and October, with each festival featuring artisan crafters and artists from across the state.
South Portland
Named the "Most Popular Seaside Town" by Zillow in 2023, South Portland, Maine, is a vibrant community located on the picturesque Casco Bay. Spend the day at Bug Light Park, an almost 9-acre green space with beautiful views of the skyline and harbor, as well as a 1875 lighthouse. The park holds numerous community events and Fourth of July fireworks. Attend the popular spring Bug Light Kite Festival, a great event for families to gather, featuring food, kite flying, and entertainment. Additionally, the park hosts Summer Movie Night Series, with games, food trucks, and movies. Explore nearby Fort Williams Park, situated on a rocky shoreline. This area contains big playing fields, an iconic lighthouse, and old military bunkers, providing a perfect place to make lasting memories with friends and family.
Every Day Is a Celebration in Maine
With nearly 6,000 ponds and lakes, rugged bays, and entertaining activities, Maine provides endless opportunities for making new connections and exploring new places. Throughout the year, the towns of Maine come together to celebrate history and culture, with both members of the community and visitors sharing in the experience. Surrounded by approachable people and welcoming communities, visitors can enjoy the many celebrations and adventures that await in these ten friendliest towns in Maine. Recognized as one of the most interesting, scenic, and healthful states in the nation, Maine offers a strong sense of community that continues to make it a must-visit destination.
