Planning a trip to Maine? This list is your ultimate cheat sheet for making the most of this state. From rugged coastlines and charming small towns to lobster rolls that might just change your life. Whether you're chasing lighthouses, hiking through ...
Sections
3
Things to Do
Places to Eat
Ways to Get There
Things to Do
An absolute must if you're in the area. Even if you're not, this was the most gorgeous area and a wonderful spot for photography.
Portland Head Light | Portland, ME
Whether you're looking for something to do or something to eat, this is the spot to be. There's a really good Chinese restaurant here.
Explore Downtown | Portland, ME
A great spot for the kids to go swimming or for people watching, whatever your vibe is.
East End Beach | Portland, ME
This area is quiet with wonderful views of the water the entire walk. If you're lucky, you'll even see some wildlife.
Eastern Promenade | Portland, ME
Located in Portland, Maine, you can take a kayak tour over to this historic landmark. Once you get there, you can walk around inside.
Fort Gorges | Portland, ME
It might only be two streets, but it's packed full of things you don't want to miss.
Explore Downtown | Bar Harbor, ME
There's a boardwalk trail that goes around the entire pond. It's peaceful with pretty views.
Jordan Pond | Acadia National Park
There's a slim window during the day where this is accessible. It's fun to look for tide pools or skip rocks.
Bar Island Trail | Acadia National Park
They say if you go at high tide, the waves sound like thunder.
Thunder Hole | Acadia National Park
The views here are breathtaking and it's just a short distance from Thunder Hole.
Otter Cliff | Acadia National Park
This is located a bit further from the main “hot spots” of Acadia, but worth a trip if you have time. Parking is extremely limited.
Beech Mountain Trail | Acadia National Park
Just another trail in the quieter part of Acadia.
Ship Harbor Trail | Acadia National Park
You have to reserve a time to come up here, but there's nowhere else in Maine with better views. You can overlook all of Bar Harbor and see several islands in the distance.
Cadillac Mountain | Acadia National Park
Places to Eat
If you're looking for a food recommendation: Bang Bang Shrimp.
The Porthole | Portland, ME
I will forever be thinking about their lobster rangoons.
Empire Chinese Kitchen | Portland, ME
This was a part of the hotel we stayed at which was super convenient, and the food was great too.
Stacks Pancake Co. | Portland, ME
You can order a flight of lobster rolls. This was perfect for us because we wanted to try a few different ones.
Bite Into Maine | Portland, ME
We sat on the patio which was tucked in the back away from all the noise. Plus the food was great.
Thirsty Whale Tavern | Bar Harbor, ME
A great stop for a quick bite after hiking through Acadia.
Downeast Deli | Bar Harbor, ME
This place not only SMELLS wonderful, but their treats TASTE wonderful too.
Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium | Bar Harbor
You'll smell the wonderful scent of pizza before you see it AND I promise it tastes better than it smells.
Rosalie's Pizza | Bar Harbor, ME
If you're hiking in Acadia, be sure to stop here for a bite to eat before you head back out. It gets busy, so make sure to have reservations or be prepared to wait.
Jordan Pond House Restaurant | Bar Harbor, ME
Ways to Get There
#ad We flew Southwest and didn't have any issues. In fact, they bumped us up to an earlier flight so we could get to our destination sooner.
Southwest Airlines
For an easy and cheap way to get from point A (Boston) to point B (Portland). The Amtrak has other routes, too.
Amtrak
#ad We rented a car with Enterprise and this allowed us to have complete control and flexibility over our vacation plans. AND they gave us a free upgrade.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
This was by far the easiest way to get through Acadia. It was easy to use, free, and took us to all the spots we wanted to go to.