8 Coolest Maine Towns For A Summer Vacation In 2025
Perched at the northernmost corner of New England, the Pine Tree State of Maine is a perennially popular spot for summer trips. With a wide variety of beach towns along its Atlantic coast, it’s no surprise this state is also called “Vacationland.” But beyond the ocean beaches, Maine offers even more opportunities to cool off in its rugged mountains and freshwater lakes. Near the center of the state lies one of the United States’ most popular and beloved national parks.
From adventurous surfing at the ocean waves to easy paddling at the lake, and from great hikes in the White Mountains to easy strolls in quaint villages, Maine really is a great state to spend the summer. So, let’s take a closer look at eight of the coolest Maine towns for a summer vacation in 2025.
Millinocket
Near the foot of Maine’s tallest mountain sits Millinocket, a former paper mill town that’s managed to write a new chapter for itself as an outdoor recreation wonderland. For a fascinating glimpse into this town’s past, check out the Millinocket Historical Society’s museum for a treasure trove of historic artifacts and records. If you want an even deeper dive into local history, do a scenic boat ride to the Ambajejus Boomhouse to tour the island where Great Northern Paper built worker housing in 1907.
On the other side of Millinocket Lake from the Boomhouse, the New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) is a one-stop shop to help you embark on epic whitewater rafting, wildlife watching, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking tours. Speaking of hiking, Baxter State Park may be one of New England’s best places to do so, with 215 miles of trails, including some reaching the upper levels of New England’s tallest mountain at Mount Katahdin (at 5,269 feet above sea level). Back at Millinocket Lake, NEOC also has comfortable, eco-conscious cabins available to book and stay in.
Lubec
Lubec is not only the easternmost town in the continental United States, but it’s also the ideal launchpad to explore a truly international island and protected park. Just across the Lubec Narrows from town is Roosevelt Campobello International Park, a special park jointly managed by Canadian and U.S. authorities that includes the Roosevelt Cottage where President Franklin D. Roosevelt often spent the summer. In addition, the park has natural landmarks like Raccoon Beach and the cliffs of Liberty Point that are worth exploring. (If you choose to visit this park, make sure to have your valid passport on hand.)
Back on the U.S. side of the Bay of Fundy, there’s even more to see and do. Hike the trail at Hamilton Cove for even more spectacular coastal views, and discover one of the nation’s easternmost sandy beaches and riparian habitats at Mowry Beach Preserve. After a long day exploring the coast, check into a truly historic stay at the Peacock House Bed & Breakfast, a home built by a local captain in 1860 that’s now a cozy inn in the heart of Lubec.
Bar Harbor
The coastal town of Bar Harbor is not only the gateway to Acadia National Park, but it’s also picture-perfect for a summer vacation. At the park, take your pick of cool beaches to relax, such as the oceanfront Sand Beach and the freshwater Echo Lake Beach (that’s also best for swimming). If you’re looking to get more active, hike to Mount Desert Island’s highest point at Cadillac Mountain, and wander around the craggy cobblestone beach at Little Hunters Beach.
Even in town, there’s more to see and do. Walk the land bridge to Bar Island to walk its rocky beach and explore the tidepools, try some fishing at the John B. Ells Pier, and walk around the historic downtown to check out Bar Harbor’s cozy boutiques and bistros. Staying in town, the West Street Hotel is a posh boutique hotel that’s perfect for relaxing and recharging after a long day traipsing around the island.
Wiscasset
About 24 miles south of the state capital of Augusta, you will find the charming waterfront village of Wiscasset. Long hailed as one of Maine’s most beautiful villages, it’s easy to go around town and discover historic treasures like the Castle Tucker manor, which was first built in 1807 and continues to showcase its mid-19th-century Victorian decor. Another charming historic landmark in town is the Nickels-Sortwell House, which was also built in 1807 and is chock-full of classic New England furnishings.
Though Wiscasset abounds in historic landmarks, this town also has plenty of contemporary creativity. Stop at the Maine Art Gallery and Wiscasset Bay Gallery to catch original works by various local artists. Go to Red’s Eats to grab some of Maine’s tastiest lobster rolls and many more seafood treats. And for easy access to all that and more, stay at Wiscasset Woods Lodge, which also provides cottage-style accommodations and free breakfast.
Carrabassett Valley
Right along the Appalachian Trail and surrounded by multiple mountain peaks, Carrabassett Valley might be Maine’s most ruggedly beautiful highland wonderland. In winter, the population swells as skiers hit the powder at Sugarloaf. Yet during the summer season, Sugarloaf invites guests to come up and play some rounds of golf, try some axe throwing, and do some skateboarding and climbing (and other gym activities) at the Anti-Gravity Complex. Beyond the ski area, you can also hit the Appalachian Trail on the west end of town and find two of Maine’s 4,000-foot peaks in the Crocker Mountains.
Just to the north of town, the Bigelow Preserve has plenty more hiking trails in the mountains alongside rustic campsites, as well as access to Flagstaff Lake for kayaking and paddling. And back at Sugarloaf, the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel makes for a comfortable Carrabassett Valley “base camp” with classic lodge-style rooms and suites.
Newry
Newry may be another town that attracts adventurous skiers and snowboarders every winter, don’t sleep on its mighty mountains during the summer season. Though Sunday River is closed for winter sports, it’s open every summer for golfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, mountain biking, and pampering at its on-site Jordan Spa. For more ungroomed and untamed wilderness excursions, head up to Grafton Notch State Park and the Mahoosuc Public Reserved Lands to hike some of Maine’s most challenging mountain terrain. And for even more mountain-style fun, White Mountain National Forest is a short drive south.
When you can use a convenient and comfortable place to stay in Newry, give The Jordan Hotel a try. It’s located at Sunday River Resort, so all of the ski area’s amenities are within very easy reach, plus it’s close to the Mahoosuc Lands.
Old Orchard Beach
Around 20 miles south of Portland, Old Orchard Beach is one of Maine’s most famous and beloved Atlantic coast towns. While here, the beach itself is an absolute must-do with seven miles of white-sand shores that are ideal for swimming, surfing, strolling, and sunbathing. For more seaside splendor, head south to Ferry Beach State Park to discover a naturally gorgeous beach area for swimming, surfing, paddling, and ocean fishing. This park also has some great wetland trails worth hiking.
While the beaches are clearly Old Orchard Beach’s top attractions, there’s even more to experience a little ways inland. Book an easy-going tee time at Dunegrass Golf Club, and stop at Beach Lobster & Farmstand for some freshly caught seafood and other edible goodies. Once you’re ready to call it a day, enjoy your night at The Beachwood and soak up the vintage vibes at this seaside lodge that’s been welcoming guests since 1876.
York
Near Maine’s southernmost tip, York is the ideal town to do the quintessential Maine beach vacation. Right by the Piscataqua River (and the New Hampshire state line) lies Cutts Island, which has the ruggedly beautiful yet swimmable and walkable Seapoint Beach. Around town, you can explore even more inviting beaches, like the family-friendly York Harbor Beach with gentle Atlantic Ocean waves, and the popular Short Sands Beach that’s close to York’s central village.
After spending the day beach-hopping around York, feel free to take a break and enjoy some adult refreshments at York Beach Beer Company, and go to Lobster Cove to feast on authentic New England seafood (including lobster!). Also, check into the Stage Neck Inn for a charming boutique hotel with incredible coastal views that’s mere steps away from the beach.
From the Mountains to the Coast, Maine Always Keeps It Cool for the Summer
Whether you prefer hiking and biking high in the mountains or playing in the water at sea, Maine offers many incredible options for keeping your summer vacation cool and refreshing. Ascend to new heights in mountain towns like Carrabassett Valley and Newry, where the ski slopes give way to summertime activities like golfing, hiking, and biking. Or, take a dip into the cool ocean water at beach towns like Bar Harbor and York that sport some of New England’s most beautiful beaches. In these and more of Maine’s welcoming towns, it’s easy to see why this state proudly proclaims itself as “Vacationland.”
