6 Idyllic Small Towns In Maine To Visit In 2025
With so many phenomenal attractions and destinations across Maine, it’s no wonder that this New England state has earned the nickname of “Vacationland.” Not only does Maine have one of the United States’ most beloved national parks with the East Coast’s tallest coastal mountain, but it also has an international park shared with Canada on a charming island offshore. And while Maine has plenty more to offer on the coast, it also has some great places worth exploring inland, including one of New England’s best mountains for skiing.
Whether you prefer an exhilarating day up the mountain or a calm and pleasant time at the beach, Maine is where you can make it happen. For some more ideas on where to go and what to do on your next trip, take a closer look at these six idyllic small towns in Maine to visit in 2025.
Lubec
Lubec may be a small town by the Gulf of Maine, yet it connects to a park so great it’s an international treasure. Yes, really, it’s possible to cross the bridge to Roosevelt Campobello International Park to tour Franklin D. Roosevelt’s and Eleanor Roosevelt’s summer home, wander the nature trails outside, and stroll the shore at Raccoon Beach. (Just remember to have your passport on hand, as this park officially sits on the Canadian side of the border.) Meanwhile, on the United States side of Quoddy Channel, you can head out to Quoddy Head State Park to hike trails leading to pristine coastal forest, black cliffs that date back to the Silurian Age, the red and white striped West Quoddy Head Light (lighthouse), and the easternmost point of the continental U.S.
Even closer to town, you will find the Mowry Beach Preserve with a lovely 1.2 mile-long beach, leafy woodlands, and well-preserved coastal wetlands. From there, it’s just a few blocks to reach Peacock House Bed & Breakfast, a historic home built by a seafaring captain in 1860 that’s now a welcoming inn that keeps you close to nearly everything.
Greenville
Situated on the shores of the state’s largest lake, about 73 miles northwest of Bangor, Greenville makes a great base camp for all sorts of outdoor adventures in the Maine Highlands. If you’re down to experience the magic of Moosehead Lake, try Lily Bay State Park for waterfront camping, a sandy swimming beach, and a prime stretch of the lake for fishing and paddling. It’s also worth the trek to Mount Kineo to hike to the summit and discover panoramic views of the lake and the mountains.
Even in winter, Greenville has plenty to offer travelers, including the Big Moose Mountain Ski Area for affordable and accessible skiing and snowboarding. Whenever you’re in Greenville, treat yourself to a legendary stay at The Lodge at Moosehead Lake, a boutique luxury hotel with recently renovated guest rooms and a great location right by the lake.
Bar Harbor
Nestled on the enchanting shores of Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is bar none the picture-perfect town to experience one of the nation’s most beloved national parks. Speaking of Acadia National Park, make sure to visit Sand Beach for a spectacularly gorgeous ocean-facing beach, Echo Lake for a pleasant freshwater beach, and Cadillac Mountain to hike the highest mountain on the Eastern Seaboard. And if you’re curious to learn more about the history and the ecology of this region, stop at the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History on the College of the Atlantic campus for a fascinating and interactive deep dive into Maine’s natural environment.
Even when you’re not feeling like doing any more driving, it’s possible to reach a special corner of the national park by simply taking the Bar Island Land Bridge to experience the remarkable tidal flows (of up to 12 feet!) and the otherwise tranquil shores of Bar Island. If you’re aiming to stay in town a little longer, check into The Maples Inn for a lovely bed-and-breakfast housed in a beautifully restored 1903 cottage.
Camden
Perched on the western shores of Penobscot Bay, Camden is a working harbor town that really lets you experience the vibrant heart and soul of Maine. When you’re itching to get out to sea, book an excursion with Schooner Appledore for day trips, sunset cruises, and private charter sails on an authentic wooden schooner. Or, if you prefer staying on land, Laite Memorial Beach is a nice, compact stretch of sand for leisurely beachcombing.
For another perspective on Camden and its natural environment, head out to Camden Hills State Park for scenic hiking and birdwatching during the warmer months, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in winter. Then, return to town and retreat to the cozy yet classy Grand Harbor Inn, a waterfront boutique hotel with well-appointed rooms and suites, and breakfast served to your room every morning.
Kingfield
About 59 miles north of Augusta, you can ascend to new heights in the sporty mountain town of Kingfield. For an abundance of rugged wilderness to explore, drive north to the Bigelow Preserve, a 10,540-acre park with some 23 miles of trails reaching thick spruce-fir forests, high alpine regions (some of which exceed 4,000 feet above sea level), and the famed Appalachian Trail that stretches all the way down the Appalachian Mountains to Springer Mountain in Georgia. And at the nearby Sugarloaf Mountain, you can enjoy all sorts of activities year-round, from golfing and mountain biking during the warmer months to skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, and ice skating in winter.
After a long day traversing the mountains, take a well-deserved break and enjoy some fine local cuisine at the chef-owned Longfellow’s Restaurant in town. Then, check into Santosha at Hillholm Estate, a historic inn that’s been transformed into a comprehensive wellness sanctuary offering yoga classes, massage therapy, mindfulness workshops, and lovely guest rooms.
Kennebunkport
Just about 30 miles south of Portland, Kennebunkport is a stately seaside village with a uniquely presidential pedigree. The Bush family have used their Kennebunkport estate as a summer retreat since the early 20th century, and Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush used the estate for official events during their respective terms in office. Though the Bush family estate is closed to visitors, you can stop at the nearby Blowing Cave Park to find a memorial to the 41st President and a great place to watch the sea spray during high tide. For some more quality time at the Atlantic Ocean, try Goose Rocks Beach for a beautiful white sand beach that must be seen to be believed.
For another perspective on Kennebunkport, check out the art galleries in the historic district, including Landmark Gallery for a great selection of one-of-a-kind original works by local and regional artists. From there, pop over to the Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club and enjoy this chic waterfront hotel with everything you need to feel right at home.
Try These Towns for the Idyllic Vacationland Getaway
The Pine Tree State of Maine has so much to offer travelers, and these six idyllic towns may be your best bets to enjoy the very best of this state. Head to Lubec to explore the incredible international park at Campobello Island, and try Greenville for an ideal escape to Moosehead Lake. Ascend to the rugged heights of Kingfield for all sorts of adrenaline-pumping Appalachian adventures, and make your way down to Kennebunkport for one of New England’s finest beach towns. Whatever you’re hoping to do during your vacation, the state with the official moniker of Vacationland probably has the perfect place for your next trip.
