9 Cutest Small Towns In Maine

Out of all the New England states, Maine is the largest. Bordering the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick in the northwest and northeast, this state is riddled with craggy Atlantic & Bayshore coastlines, snow-covered mountain peaks, thick coniferous forests, and scenic waterways. Maine has a lot to offer, but while a lot of people think most of it is in big cities like Portland, you would be mistaken. Among all that landscape are several of the cutest towns that provide a great escape for those willing to seek it out. Below is just a sampling of the cutest small towns in Maine.

Camden

From a new home to a quiet escape or thrilling adventure, Camden has it all. It's tucked between both mountains and the sea, making it a quaint, cute, and charming community to visit any season of the year. The downtown district has plenty of restaurants that offer the perfect spot to dine, like The Waterfront, which gives you the best view of the harbor in Camden. For those seeking out an adventure, you can always climb up Mount Battie, which has a convenient trail that leads to an overlook spot to gaze at the entire town.

Or if you want to get a taste of the town's history, you can always check out the Village Green. When a fire broke out in the area, which burned the summer hotel, a group of people came together to design a village green. Today, the area has served such historical significance to the community that it's now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunk and its close neighbor, Kennebunkport, have every feel of a cosmopolitan town packed into small-town charm. Historic streets, some of the best dining in Maine, and charming shops make this place easily one of the best spots to visit.

Being a port town, the summer is the best, with Kayak Excursions giving you an opportunity to explore the waters of beaches and rivers. The Maine Foodie Tours is another great consideration, as the menu is seasonal, letting you experience the locally made foods and beverages all year round and giving you a new experience every visit. You can also explore outside the port town with the nearby Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, home to many kinds of wildlife and migratory birds, which is perfect for birdwatching. Or you can explore the various shops and ships in the Dock Square area, where you can find antique shops, souvenir shops, art galleries, boutiques, and, of course, schooners.

Castine

One of the oldest New England towns, Castine is one of the only towns that has been occupied by the French, the Dutch, and the English. As a result, the town is rich with history and has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks in part to the over 100 historical markers scattered around the seaside town, Dyce's Head Lighthouse being one of the many among them. This, alongside the iconic T/S State of Maine, a 500-foot naval research ship. For more local history, you can visit the Wilson Museum. Formerly the summer home of geologist Dr. J. Howard Wilson, you can find things like a 460-million-year-old trilobite, a Neanderthal stone axe, as well as indigenous cultures. The Witherle Woods Preserve is another great consideration with a mixture of military history and gorgeous views of Penobscot Bay. This includes 4.3 miles of trails to hike and cross-country ski.

Cape Elizabeth

Only ten miles from Portland, towns like Cape Elizabeth are great examples of cute towns being not far away from bigger towns if you're willing to go out of your way. Covering roughly 15 square miles, or 9,337 acres, Cape Elizabeth has lush landscapes and is far enough from Portland that you can slow down and take in the sights.

Overall, Cape Elizabeth is perfect for the outdoor explorer, with a handful of parks that leave broad open spaces and beautiful sights. One such park is the Crescent Beach State Park, which features flowering dunes and a beautiful coastline. Wander around the town long enough and you'll no doubt spot the Portland Head Light, a historical lighthouse that was first lit in 1791. The attached museum has several lighthouse lenses as well as informative displays. You might also be able to find its lesser-known lighthouse too, Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse, during your travels.

Ellsworth

Sitting along the Union River and about 40 minutes from Bangor, the picturesque city of Ellsworth is a visual treat and a cute town to experience. The appeal of the town kicks off with the 90-minute Downeast Scenic Railroad ride, which transports you back to the region as it was two centuries ago, as it takes you through the countryside.

In town, Main Street, otherwise called the Heart of Ellsworth, is lined with shops and cafes in classic New England brick buildings. Grab yourself a cup of coffee that's roasted on site at the Rooster Brothers. Shopping can also be amusing, with places like the Big Chicken Barn selling antiques and books, based on the name, an old chicken barn. Or for a real blast to the past, you can always take your kids to the Telephone Museum and show them how old telephones worked.

Rangeley

Nicknamed the Jewel of the Maine Mountains, Rangeley is another outdoor adventurer's dream with plenty to explore all year round. Whether you want to participate in those activities is up to you, of course, as the landscape as a whole can also provide wonderful sights to slow down, sit back, and enjoy, too.

One of the more popular outdoor activities is hiking, with miles of world-class trails that you can pick from that suit your needs. A good trail to consider is hiking to Piazza Rock, where you'll be greeted with interesting rock formations. Or for a tougher challenge, you can summit Saddleback Mountain, where the peak will treat you to views of the Rangeley Lakes as well as other high peaks in the area.

Speaking of Rangeley Lakes, there are of course Rangeley, Mooselookmeguntic, and the Richardsons lakes that you can boat across to your heart's content. But if you want to slow down further and take in the sights, the Mingo Springs Golf Course could be perfect. The course itself gives you a look at the unspoiled nature of the area, as the course still experiences the occasional residential deer, fox, or moose crossing the fairways.

Rockland

Resting along Penobscot Bay's western shores, Rockland serves as the gateway to that area and is iconic for its craggy shorelines, scenic inlets, and working harbor. One of the staunchest protectors of the Rockland Harbor is the Rockland Breakwater, a lighthouse that sits at the end of a granite pathway that stretches out 4,346 feet into the aforementioned harbor.

Looking through town, you'll most likely find the Farnsworth Art Museum, which offers a nationally recognized collection of work from several great American artists. With over 15,000 works in this collection, there is always something new to see and enjoy there. To get a closer view of the harbor, it's worth walking through the Rockland Harbor Trail. It sits right next to the redeveloped waterfront and historic downtown area, displaying the region's cultural and arts community work in the process, too. But for the full experience, nothing beats the boating tours from The Maine Windjammer Association, allowing you to experience boat life like never before. During your trip, you'll dine, sleep, and even help steer the ship as you explore the Maine coast.

Damariscotta

Also known as "The Oyster Capital of New England," Damariscotta is close to the Damariscotta River. A vacation destination to many, you'll find no shortage of fresh Pemaquid oysters as well as a distinct small-town charm underneath it all. The downtown area shows off that charm with places like the Skidompha Bookshop tucked away, and offers unique experiences. In this case, Skidompha Bookshop offers rare and hard-to-find titles that are perfect for book lovers. For some of the local foods, Riverside Butcher Co. is one of Maine's leading independent butchers, which offers premium meats, custom cuts, fresh sausages, cheeses, and more. Alternatively, Simmons' Seafood Market covers the seafood side of things with fresh options of tuna, haddock, lobster, crab, and, of course, oysters. But if you still need more of that small-town charm, the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site is perfect. Wander down to the shore, and you'll find yourself in a historic apple orchard and learning the story of the huge ancient shell heap that once lined the shore.

Greenville

Resting on Moosehead Lake, the state's largest lake, Greenville is one of the cutest towns on a lake you can find. With it being right on Moosehead Lake, you can easily enjoy the 40-mile-long and 20-mile-wide lake for boating or fishing. In the middle of the lake rests Mount Kineo, which you can appreciate as well as hike up. Along that climb, you'll find one of the world's largest masses of rhyolite, a light-colored volcanic rock that is located in specific spots throughout Maine. If you don't want to bring your own boat, that's fine as well, since Maine's last remaining steamboat, The Katahdin, will gladly give you a leisurely cruise around the lake. And for more Moosehead Lake appreciation, you can visit the Moosehead Marine Museum, which honors the history of this lake. And after everything is said and done, dine out at the low-key and cozy Stress Free Moose Pub & Cafe. Nothing but good food, a full line of spirits, diverse selections of wines, and the occasional live music.

From the historical streets of Camden and the historical landmarks of Ellsworth to the coastal feelings of Greenville and Rockland, Maine has plenty of small-town charms and experiences that are just waiting to be explored. Whether you're planning for several days or just for a few hours, these quaint towns can leave behind great experiences that'll make you want to swing by again when you're in the area. That's the small-town charm for you.