Maine holidays
The largest state in New England lives up to its nickname, ‘Vacationland’. With lakes and salt marshes, windswept headlands and a stunner of a national park, you won’t lack opportunities for recreation. But holidays to Maine aren’t just for the outdoorsy. Feast on fresh fish in colourful seaside towns, hunt for antiques or sip wine at a gallery opening.
Top destinations in Maine
Bar Harbor
A favourite getaway spot for celebrities, Bar Harbor offers the full New England experience, with whale watching, lobster boils and epic coastal hikes.
Portland
From its quaint lighthouses and craggy cliffs to cobbled streets lined with seafood restaurants, Maine’s largest city brims with New England charm.
Bangor
Whether you’re sampling local lobster, exploring 19th-century historical sites or visiting Stephen King’s former home, Bangor is an eclectic mashup of food, culture and history.
Maine: fast facts
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
Portland - UTC−5 (EST) and UTC−4 (EDT)
High season
June – October
Low season
December – March
Maine holiday highlights
Sail the coast
From birch bark canoes to ironclad ships for the US Navy, boatbuilding has always been part of Maine’s history. Learn about the traditions at museums like the Maine Maritime Museum. Ready to bring that history to life? Sailing the coast on an old wooden schooner or windjammer is one of the best things to do in Maine.
Hunt for antiques
Whether you’re a connoisseur of Federalist furniture, a collector of baseball memorabilia or a one-of-a-kind souvenir shopper, there’s sure to be a find waiting for you in Maine. Look for repurposed barns and jumble sales stuffed with collectables along scenic Coastal Highway Route 1, or seek out auctions and estate sales for more high-end pieces.
See iconic art
The Wyeths — NC, Andrew and Jamie — are a dynasty of 20th-century American visual artists. Explore the Midcoast Maine landscapes that informed their work, including the Olson House in Cushing that inspired Andrew to paint ‘Christina’s World’, perhaps his most celebrated painting. The house and grounds are maintained by the Farnsworth Museum, which holds a large collection of the Wyeths’ work.
Things to do in Maine
Top attractions
Rugged and beautiful, Acadia National Park is ripe for exploration, from its teeming tidepools to the highest peak on the East Coast. Climb to the top of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are bursting with native plants and wildlife, plus walking paths guarded by whimsical troll sculptures.
Beaches
From Kittery, near the New Hampshire border, to Old Orchard, the Maine Beaches Region has everything you could want from a classic seaside holiday. You’ll find long stretches of soft, white sand, plus piers and boardwalks with plenty of food and attractions. The beaches further north tend to be chillier, but they offer gorgeous windswept scenery and wildlife galore.
Nature
Maine’s rugged landscape has been inspiring adventure seekers for centuries. Hike over 350 kilometres of trails in Baxter State Park, where Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine, marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast, Acadia National Park offers year-round recreation, from camping and birdwatching to snowmobiling.
Cuisine
Simply dressed with mayonnaise and served on a split-top hotdog bun, the lobster roll is the undisputed king of Maine delicacies. Find the best versions, along with other grilled and fried seafood, at shacks and coastal cafes across the state. But restaurants in Maine offer more than just lobster and blueberry pie. Many elevate locally farmed and foraged produce into elegant, innovative dishes.
Culture and museums
The state’s landscape attracts artists of all stripes. You’ll find galleries all along the coast from Kennebunk to Bar Harbor. Museums in Maine, like the Farnsworth Art Museum and Portland Museum of Art, celebrate local talents. Author Stephen King has made Maine a character in his novels. Visit his former home, as well as the locations that inspired his most famous works.
Nightlife
Portland is the heart of nightlife in Maine, with plenty of classy cocktail lounges and cool dive bars where you can catch live music. But you’ll find great craft breweries and beer gardens all over the state. Go for retro fun with a night at one of Maine’s handful of drive-in movie theatres or at a candlepin bowling arcade.
Find the best time to visit Maine
Weather in Maine through the year
March – May: Early spring in Maine can often be cold, muddy and grey. But by May, sunshine and the flowering lupins welcome oncoming summer warmth.
June – August: Days are often hot, and the ocean is warm enough for a swim, but temperatures usually cool off comfortably overnight. Highs can reach over 32°C inland, though temperatures tend to drop dramatically by the coast. Expect crowds at the beaches.
September – November: The weather stays warm throughout the beginning of September, which is when autumn foliage peaks. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so pack layers.
December – February: Winters are cold, with temps usually below freezing. Strong ‘Nor’easter’ storms can bring plenty of wind, rain and snow to the state.
Events in Maine
Ice Festival (February): Talented carvers transform blocks of ice into works of art along the streets of Belfast as they compete for the Maine Ice Carving Championship. Watch live carving demonstrations, or grab a drink at one of the ice bars downtown.
Maine Lobster Festival (July to August): The iconic Maine lobster is the star of this multi-day culinary festival featuring cooking contests and live entertainment. Don’t miss a chance to race across Rockland Harbor on floating lobster crates.
Common Ground Country Fair (September): Celebrate sustainable living at this beloved country fair in Unity. Learn to spin at a crafts demonstration, join a folk dance, and grab a tasty souvenir from the farmers market.
Know before you go
Getting around Maine
Public transport
Buses: Concord Coach operates a daily bus from Boston’s Logan International Airport through Midcoast Maine as far north as Bangor, plus an inland route.
Trains: Amtrak’s Downeaster route also runs along the coast between Boston and Brunswick, stopping at scenic seaside towns like Saco and Old Orchard Beach. Trains run five times a day, and round-trip tickets within the state are usually affordable.
Boats: Ferries to Maine’s coastal islands can be a great way to see the sights and spot wildlife like puffins and harbour seals. Some routes allow both walk-on passengers and cars. Reserve a berth for your car in advance to make sure there’s room.
Domestic flights
Portland International Jetport is Maine’s largest airport, with connections in the US and internationally. Other airports, including Bangor International Airport and Knox County Regional Airport, offer limited domestic connections along the East Coast. Flying into Boston Logan may offer better deals and more options, especially if you’re hiring a car.
Driving and car hire
Coastal Route 1 is the main artery through Midcoast Maine’s charming seaside towns, but it’s also lined with antique malls, museums and other attractions. Summer traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly.
