The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In Maine
As one of the least-populated states in the United States, there’s a quiet magic about the Pine Tree State. Much of its landscape is shaped by uninhabited pine forests and long stretches of rocky coastline along the Atlantic. Scattered throughout its vast countryside are small towns that feel cozy and lived-in. The locals are always happy to see a new face, the scenery is spectacular, and there’s always something unique to discover in these can’t-miss communities. The next time you’re exploring Maine, here are some of the towns you have to see for yourself!
Bar Harbor
On the isolated shores of Mount Desert Island, along Frenchman Bay, is the cozy community of Bar Harbor. The air is fresh with a mix of sea air and pine trees, and the colorful New England streets are full of surprises. Walking down Main Street, you can take a tour of the Abbe Museum, which displays artifacts of the native Wabanaki people. Then, you can walk a block over to Mount Desert Island Ice Cream for a sweet treat.
While you could spend an entire weekend exploring central Bar Harbor, it’s also a hub for outdoor adventure along the Atlantic coastline. The Bar Harbor Shore Path is a fantastic way to tour the area. The paved pathway traces the shoreline and offers views of the distant islands. Bar Harbor is also close to Acadia National Park. It’s a great place to hike the trails to earn stunning views, or bike the old carriage roads that were gifted to the park by the Rockefeller family.
Wiscasset
Often called the Prettiest Village in Maine, Wiscasset is a must-see when traveling in the Pine Tree State. From stately castles, unique historical sites, and a friendly downtown, there are so many reasons to pay them a visit. Castle Tucker captures the vibes of Wiscasset with its Victorian-style architecture built in 1807 by a sea captain. It offers stunning views of the water, and the inside is perfectly preserved to reflect the early life of residents of Wiscasset.
Or, on Davis Island, be sure to visit Fort Edgecomb, a beautiful waterside retreat, where you can walk the historic grounds and explore the remains of the old blockhouse, a structure designed to protect the bustling port during the Civil War. After exploring the historic grounds, nothing tastes better than a lobster roll at Red’s Eats! The lobster rolls are so good that many travelers flock to Wiscasset simply to dine at Red’s Eats!
Hallowell
Traveling inland away from the coast, you’ll find the lovely town of Hallowell. While not situated on the shores of the Atlantic, it still offers breathtaking views of the winding Kennebec River. Strolling through this historical downtown feels like a New England movie set. Think white church steeple piercing the skyline, and lovely brick storefronts nestled along the river. There’s nothing better than touring the area with a cup of coffee in hand from Wrapped Up Coffee House and stopping in charming storefronts like the Hallowell Antique Mall.
Hallowell may be known for its man-made beauty, but it also has amazing natural landscapes. Granite City Park delivers the ultimate New England experience. It's a small city park with views of the Kennebec River and downtown Hallowell, with Adirondack chairs on a wooden boardwalk, offering the best (and most comfortable) views in the area. When you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots, Vaughan Woods feels like stepping into a storybook.
Ogunquit
Of all the coastal towns on Maine’s shoreline, Ogunquit is often the most overlooked. Not much has changed in Ogunquit since its early days; it’s free of high-rise oceanside hotels and kitschy tourist attractions. Central Ogunquit is small and compact, with inviting storefronts like Sweet Pea's Ice Cream. One of the biggest draws to Ogunquit is Ogunquit Beach Lobster House, a charming seaside restaurant where you can dine on their colossal lobster rolls on the outdoor patio right on the water.
When you’re ready to set up a beach towel and relax by the water, you won’t have to fight the crowds in Ogunquit. Ogunquit Beach is the ideal place to sit by the water and go for a swim. The 3.5-mile stretch of white sandy shores is one of the best spots in Maine to breathe in that salty ocean air. The best way to experience the area, however, is walking along Marginal Way. This paved walkway winds along the coastline, up rocky cliffs, and delivers the fantastic views of Ogunquit.
Rockland
Rockland is one of those New England jewels that blends lazy beach days with unique attractions. Life is never boring in Rockland! If it’s sun and surf that you’re after, South End Beach is a great place to set up a beach umbrella for the afternoon. The beaches are flat and sandy, and offer amazing views of ships coming into port. If you prefer to take in the scenery on foot, head south to Owls Head State Park. A very short hike leads to the bluffs of Owls Head Lighthouse. After climbing the stairs, you earn the most amazing views of Penobscot Bay and Rockland Harbor atop the bluff.
If you love history, there are a few unique stops worth checking out in central Rockland to fill a full weekend’s itinerary. The Sail Power and Steam Museum offers a unique look into Rockland's shipbuilding roots, with both indoor and outdoor exhibits right on the water. It’s also where you’ll find the Maine Lighthouse Museum, a seaside museum with interactive displays and exhibits.
Greenville
The coastlines of Maine often get all the hype, but there are inland towns that are just as beautiful. While Greenville is located far from the ocean in central Maine, the waterside views are just as spectacular. Nestled on the southern shores of Moosehead Lake, time feels like it stands still in Greenville. Red Cross Beach is the best place to take in the beauty of Moosehead Lake, offering a small beach for swimming and plenty of opportunities to launch a canoe or paddleboard out onto the water.
The best way to soak in the sights in Greenville is to visit the Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum. This floating museum takes you along Moosehead Lake in a guided tour, learning more about the area through narrated stories on the esteemed Steamboat Katahdin. After a cruise, you can recharge at a cozy watering hole like Woody's Bar or grab a bite to eat on an outdoor patio at Kelly's Landing. Downtown Greenville is rather sparse, but it’s part of its isolated and rustic charm!
Searsport
The hidden gem of Searsport on Maine’s Atlantic coastline makes for a memorable trip. It seamlessly blends historical sites, calm beaches, and pine-shaded forests in one complete package. To learn more about this community built by old-timey sea captains, there’s no better spot than the Penobscot Marine Museum, Maine’s oldest maritime museum. While you’re in town, be sure to stop by the Homeport Tavern for the best oyster po'boys you’ve ever had in a casual, relaxed setting by the water.
Downtown Searsport is quaint, but the real adventure starts when you head slightly outside of town. Sears Island is an uninhabited 940-acre island, a slice of beachy paradise. There are no cars allowed on the island, so you’ll have to drive to the causeway and then walk to the island. It’s the kind of place where the only sounds are seagulls overhead and the wind rustling through pine trees. You can hike along the rocky stretch of coastlines or along one of the trails shaded by thick blankets of pine trees.
Boothbay Harbor
Time seems to move a little slower in Boothbay Harbor. It’s a modest town on Maine’s Atlantic coast that strikes the perfect balance between idyllic and exciting. Exploring downtown offers a myriad of unique stops, like the historical Opera House at Boothbay Harbor or the quaint Maine State Aquarium. While you could spend an entire weekend eating and exploring downtown, there are more adventures waiting just outside its city limits.
One of the best attractions in Boothbay Harbor isn’t its beaches (although they are fantastic), but the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Situated on almost 300 acres, it took nearly 16 years to complete. Today, it's one of Maine's biggest attractions with themed gardens, a native butterfly and moth house, and almost a mile of fragrant tidewater shoreline. And after a day of exploring the vibrant gardens, you can end your stay with a tasty meal at the Café at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Can’t-Miss Towns That Define Maine’s Magic
From the serene shores of Sears Island in Searsport to the dreamy botanical gardens in Boothbay Harbor, these charming communities are Maine at its very finest. Each city offers a different slice of Maine’s charm. Whether it’s castles in Wiscasset, island pine trees in Searsport, or Ogunquit’s breezy ocean walks, each community has its unique personality. Maybe you’re just chasing the perfect lobster roll, or a beach where you can let your worries melt away. Whatever brings you to the Pine Tree State, these communities will make you feel right at home.
