These are the best places to travel this summer

Maine

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Prominently sited on a rocky point of land, Marshall Point Lighthouse is located near the fishing village of Port Clyde, Maine. Marshall Point Lighthouse was established in 1832

Getty Images

Plan your trip with Guide, an AI travel planner!

Create a personalized trip itinerary in seconds using artificial intelligence.

Create a trip

Overview

Maine offers numerous adventures, from summiting jagged peaks to kayaking cliff-lined shores. With vast forests, seaside villages and island getaways, the state invites seemingly limitless wandering.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • BATH, ME - MARCH 18: A flyer for a past event is seen Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Maine Maritime Museum boat shop in Bath, Maine. (Photo by Joel Page/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

    Maine Maritime Museum

    Midcoast Maine

    There's a palpable mix of reflective nostalgia and horizon-scanning adventure at this wonderful museum, which preserves the Kennebec's long shipbuilding…

  • A view of the sun rise at Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Maine

    Cadillac Mountain

    Acadia National Park

    Don't leave the park without driving – or hiking – to the 1530ft summit of Cadillac Mountain. For panoramic views of Frenchman Bay, walk the paved 0.5…

  • Gordon Chibroski, Staff Photographer. Friday, June 14,  2013. .Visitors to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay are surrounded by a multitude of fauna and flora.

    Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

    Midcoast Maine

    These magnificent gardens are one of the state's most popular attractions. The verdant waterfront kingdom has 270 acres, with groomed trails winding…

  • Portland Museum of Art

    Portland Museum of Art

    Portland

    Founded in 1882, this well-respected museum houses an outstanding collection of American artists. Maine artists, including Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper,…

  • Rockland Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse

    Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

    Midcoast Maine

    Tackle the rugged stone breakwater that stretches almost 1 mile into Rockland Harbor from Jameson Point at the harbor's northern shore. Made of granite…

  • Cliff rocks by trail by Portland Head Lighthouse in Fort Williams park in Cape, Elizabeth Maine during summer day

    Fort Williams Park

    Portland

    Four miles southeast of Portland on Cape Elizabeth, 90-acre Fort Williams Park is worth visiting simply for the panoramas and picnic possibilities. Stroll…

  • Portland Head Light

    Portland Head Light

    Portland

    Fort Williams Park, on Cape Elizabeth, has rolling lawns dotted with bunkers and gun emplacements. Within the park stands the beloved, and much…

  • ROCKLAND, MAINE, UNITED STATES - 2012/10/12: Farnsworth Art museum. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)

    Farnsworth Art Museum

    Midcoast Maine

    One of the country's best small regional museums, the Farnsworth houses a collection spanning 200 years of American art. Artists who have lived or worked…

Advertisement

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

With its 100-mile wilderness and wind-flapping windjammers, Maine has tons of things to do. But these are the best.

Read article

Best Places to Visit

Come for the lobster and lighthouses, stay for the granite peaks and tranquil woodlands. These are our favorite places to visit in Maine.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

Whether you crave fresh seafood, great skiing or a quiet escape from the crowds, this guide will help you pick the best time to visit Maine.

Read article

Things to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Maine, you’re in good company — one of the state’s nicknames is Vacationland. Here's what you should know before you go.

Read article

Transportation

Public transport may not be plentiful in Maine, but its buses and trains offer incredible views. Here's everything you need to know about getting around.

Read article

Money and Costs

Maine is incredibly popular and that brings high prices. But there are ways to visit on a budget and we've got all the insider info you need to do it.

Read article

Traveling with Kids

Here’s what to know when traveling to Maine with babies, kids and teenagers, including insider tips and top family-friendly attractions.

Read article

Best Road Trips

There's no better way to explore the wildly beautiful landscapes of Maine than on a road trip. Here are five of our favorites.

Read article

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Maine

Advertisement