Where to Go in Maine: 4 Must-See Places & Activities

Are you looking for the perfect vacation with beautiful views and scenery, great learning, and awesome activities for the whole family? If so, you should try visiting the relaxing countryside and the historic state of Maine.  

Maine is known for its rugged and rocky coastline, abundant marine life, and northern highlands, perfect for those looking for a fantastic natural getaway. That’s why many tourists visit Maine every year for a vacation like no other. Hence, the nickname is the Vacation State or Vacationland.  

Also, Maine is the largest distributor of lobster in the entire United States. Visiting Vacation State will not be complete without stopping by their restaurants serving their fresh local seafood. It’s also a great travel destination for people who want to witness the diverse culture, traditions, and entertainment. 

Speaking of entertainment, Maine is the house of the best musicians, artists, reputable actors, and outstanding artisans, making it one of America’s most visited and best places to explore. With that said, here are the must-see places and activities in Maine:

Sail, Bike, And Stargaze In Acadia National Park

The Acadia National Park may not be as famous as the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park. However, it’s still one of America’s best places and most visited tourist destinations.

Also, it has great attractions perfect for family vacations, especially the Bar Harbor Inn’s kid-friendly amenities and activities. If you want to discover more about it, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Acadia National Park with kids:

Watersports Activities

Since the location is surrounded by pristine and crystal-clear water, it makes sense that there are many watersport activities in the area. So, if you’re not doing these fun-filled activities, you’re missing a lot of your trip to Acadia. 

One of the best activities you can enjoy in Acadia is boat sailing in the afternoon. It’s an accessible activity for both children and the elderly, perfect for the whole family to enjoy the great view of the northern sea. 

Biking Activities

Another great way to enjoy Acadia is to explore its gravel roads with road bikes or mountain bikes, perfect for families who want to play along with their kids. However, some parts of the road may be pretty steep for kids, so you might want to check out the roads around the Witch Hole and Hulls Cove. These are known to be much better for children.  

Also, if you don’t have bikes, you may consider renting them at the Bay Harbor Bicycle Shop, a famous bike shop in the area with great reviews from many tourists.  

Stargazing At Night

Stargazing is an excellent way to let your children discover the vast and great scheme of the universe. The awe on the children’s faces as they gaze upon the starry night sky is truly a sight to behold. Luckily, Acadia has perfect stargazing spots to offer, such as the Ocean Path just a couple of minutes away from Bar Harbor.  

When stargazing, make sure to prepare for essential things you might need, such as light sources (headlamps and flashlights), soft cushions, and camping chairs for a more comfortable stargazing experience.

Explore The Cool Vibes Of Portland

Portland is the largest city in Maine, with a population of 65,000 residents and a lot of great things that will make you busy during your trip. Here, you can spend your precious family time at the observatory, children’s museum and theater, and Maine’s railroad museum to give your children a blast from the past. 

Also, Portland is known for its delicious seafood selections, particularly lobsters and other shellfish. You can take a visit to Harbor Fish Market for fresh seafood or Two Fat Cats Bakery for their famous whoopie pies. 

Furthermore, you may try exploring the popular microbreweries and cruises in case you want to spot some dolphins and whales in the sea. Also, don’t forget to visit the famous Portland Head Lighthouse, Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, and state parks while you’re in Portland. 

Hike At The Baxter State Park

Baxter State Park is considered one of the great places to explore in the northernmost part of Maine. In addition, it’s popular among hikers, skiers, and fisherfolks. If you’re interested in hiking, you may visit the highest mountain of Maine, Mount Katahdin. 

However, it’s important to know that the mountain peak is challenging, especially for beginners. That being said, you might want to try 40 other trails around the area for easier hiking. If you’re traveling with kids, you may try exploring the Daicey Pond for a kid-friendly hiking experience.

Furthermore, the best way to enjoy hiking is by setting up a camp and taking an overnight sleep with nature. But if you don’t want to camp, you may try booking accommodation as early as possible to avoid peak seasons, particularly in summer. You can book a small family-size cabin or a bunkhouse around the park.

Enjoy The Summer Bliss At The Kennebunks

The Kennebunks consist of great summer spots, including Kennebunkport, Goose Rock Beach, and Cape Porpoise. This place became popular because it is where former president George W. Bush spent his summer with this family. 

Moreover, this coastal area is famous for its warm and cozy hotels, gorgeous shops, great boats, pristine beaches, and biking. Also, don’t miss visiting the museum of the first families, Dock Square, Seashore Trolley Museum, Brick Store Museum, and the monastery built by the Franciscan Order. 

While you’re in the area, make sure to check in at the famous Captain Lord Mansion Hotel. However, it’s not the hotel you’ve dreamed of since it lacks typical amenities, such as swimming pools and fitness gyms. But who needs those if your main purpose is to visit the area, right? 

On the other hand, the hotel keeps its guests comfortable with a fireplace, especially when the months of winter and fall start. 

Final Words

Maine is a wonderful destination for people who want to spend a great vacation with nature together with their families. It has everything you need to have a once-in-a-lifetime perfect getaway, from scrumptious seafood selections to family-friendly places.  

While you’re in Maine, make sure to visit Acadia National Park, where you can sail on the crystal-clear waters with your kids, bike along the gravel roads, and stargaze at night. You may also take a tour around Portland, where you can taste the freshest lobster in Maine, or hike at Baxter State Park for a more adventurous and family-friendly activity.