Top Things to Do in Maine
Hit the Beach - Maine is home to some of the world's prettiest beaches, and no trip is complete without a visit to one of these stretches of beautiful sand. Sandy beaches along the Southern Maine Coast are great for family fun in the sun, while State Parks further up the coast are more secluded but often the most scenic.
View a complete guide to Maine Beaches
Explore Maine Lighthouses - Often referred to as "The Lighthouse State," Maine is home to 65 still standing historical lighthouses. Having once acted as beacons of light and safety for sailors, today they have become a part of Maine's history and are popular tourist attractions.
View a list of all Maine Lighthouses
Hit the Slopes - Due to its northern location, skiing in Maine is ideal in the wintertime. Maine is also home to some World Class ski destinations such as Sugarloaf, Sunday River, and Saddleback. Many Maine ski resorts offer full service amenities in addition to great trails, from lodging and ski schools, to shopping, apres ski and dining - enough to keep you entertained on and off the slopes!
View list of Maine Ski Areas
Visit Acadia National Park - Acadia National Park is a gem of a Park offering so much to see and do. A visit to Acadia National Park is not complete without a visit to Sand Beach, a hike or bike around the park trails and a drive up Cadillac Mountain for fantastic sunrise or sunset views.
View more fun things to do in Acadia National Park
Eat a Maine Lobster - When you think of Maine, the image of a fresh red lobster comes to mind. Lobster comes fresh in Maine, straight out of the traps in the harbor all the way to the lobster pot and your plate. Although lobster is a staple dish on almost all Maine restaurant menus, if it is your first time you are best to go to an authentic lobster pound or lobster bake - how real Mainers eat lobster! Or if you'd prefer to cook your own lobster, a local pound or fish market will pack Lobsters to go. Also try some Maine blueberry pie and starwberry shortcake.
Take a Boat Excursion - Maine offers the best fishing in New England, with over 5,000 miles of coastline. Visitors can take advantage of Maine's lakes and rivers or deep sea fishing charters, which can take a few hours or a whole day. Whale-watching boats bring visitors out to some of the premier whale spotting in New England. Lobster tours give insight to the life of a lobsterman, from hauling traps to baiting and measuring the daily lobster catch.
Go on a Moose Safari - Many visitors come to Maine expecting to spot a moose, the official Maine state animal. Although Maine has one of the healthiest moose populations, with an estimated 29,000, they are harder to spot than you may think. Moose safaris, tours led by skilled guides, take you to the right place at the right time. Professional moose tours are typically offered in the Northern regions of Maine, in the early morning or evening.
Climb Mt. Katahdin - Located in Baxter State Park of Maine's Highlands, Mt. Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine at 5,268 feet. Katahdin means "the Greatest Mountain" in the language of the Penobscot Indians. Katahdin has become a popular destination for hikers, backpackers, and campers - with a strict camping season between May and October. Visitors can choose from a variety of easy to moderate trails, while experienced hikers may choose a more thrilling route to the summit.
Go Camping - Camping is a unique way to discover the natural beauty of Maine. Whether you are planning to go deep in the woods or have oceanviews, Maine campgrounds provide all your camping needs. Maine has over 542,000 acres of national and state parks and nearly 5,000 miles of coastline - ideal settings for camping. Many campgrounds offer swimming, fishing, hiking and activities on-site.
Visit Maine's Outlet Malls - Most towns in Maine offer unique shopping with homemade crafts, handcrafted jewelry and local treasures. But for the bargain hunter, a trip to the Maine outlets is certainly worth your time. Kittery is home to the popular Kittery Trading Post, specializing in adventure clothing and equipment. It is also home to high-end outlet stores including Nike, Ralph Lauren, Gap, J. Crew and more! Further up north, Freeport also offers many of these brand name outlets and more. But no trip to Freeport is complete without a visit to the famous L.L. Bean store, open 24/7/365 for all your outdoor needs.
Experience White Water Rafting - Whitewater rafting has become a very popular sport in Maine, with many whitewater outfitters offering trips on the Kennebec, Penobscot and Dead Rivers. Maine is the only state in the Northeast that can guarantee water levels even during dry summers due to daily hydropower dam releases. Rafting trips can range from day to overnight trips, with visitors staying at local campgrounds, lodges or cabins by the river.
Go Snowmobiling - Maine's northern most location makes it an ideal place for winter sports, often with the most natural snow in New England. Maine is also home to the most terrain and snowmobile trails in the Northeast. Many lodges in Maine offer snowmobile rentals and tours for your convenience.
View list of Snowmobile Friendly Lodges
Canoe the Allagash Waterway - Allagash Waterway is a beautiful 92-mile long watershed great for flat-water paddlers and fishing, Class II whitewater paddling, or simply viewing and photographing Maine wildlife - which may even include a Maine moose! Outfitters offer canoe rentals and camping equipment for easy access. There are many campsites along the Allagash for rowers looking for a few days or even a week canoe trip.
Sail on a Windjammer or Schooner - One of the best ways to see all that Maine has to offer is by sea. Sailing on a Maine windjammer or schooner surrounded by blue Atlantic waters is truly unforgettable. Schooner and windjammer tours explore Maine's rocky coastline from a day trip to week long adventures. Charter one of these boats to your favorite Maine island or celebrate a special event on board as you sail along the coast.
Kayak Maine's Rivers and Coastline - Kayaking is another great way to explore Maine in a fun and beautiful outdoor setting. With so many rivers, lakes, streams and coastline, there is an adventure for any kayaker. Take it slow along an inlet or tidal river or try your hand at whitewater kayaking. Coastal Maine towns offer kayak rentals, scenic guided tours and day-long or overnight kayak camping trips.
Explore the Hidden Gems of the Lakes Region - Maine's lakes and mountains region is not to be missed, as it is one of the most unspoiled and peaceful areas in the state. Paddle a canoe on a lake or river, hike the Appalachian Trail, explore historic buildings and stay at a charming countryside Bed and Breakfast. Every season is beautiful from spring wildflowers to stunning fall colors - definitely worth the visit.