Visit Maine: A guide to travel, tourism, vacations, hotels, food, and attractions

A Maine vacation encompasses all of the outdoor beauty and cultural pleasures of New England. People all over the world are drawn to the rocky coast and stunning vistas of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The South Coast beach towns offer sun, sand, surf, family fun, and outlet shopping. Portland offers plenty of urban pleasures, art and fine dining. Inland, the state is loved for its majestic, unspoiled lakes and mountains, outdoor sports, and distinctive towns.
Maine Map

Maine regions and highlights:

		Acadia/Bar Harbor Region The Down East region of Maine, including Acadia and the town of Bar Harbor, is home to the magnificent rocky shores, cliffs, and bluffs that characterize the beauty of coastal Maine. The region's jewel is Acadia National Park, where people hike the granite peaks and bicycle on Victoria carriage roads. Bar Harbor has many family activities, along with fine shopping and dining.

		Aroostook Region Located at the northernmost tip of Maine, next to Quebec and New Brunswick in Canada, Aroostook County is a place of wild beauty. It is the home to 2,000 bodies of water, including the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The region is ideal for people who want to hunt, fish, hike, paddle, cross-country ski, or snowmobile in untouched settings. The largest town is Presque Isle.

		Augusta/ Kennebec Region The highlights of this pristine region of inland Maine are outdoor recreation, especially whitewater rafting and snowmobiling, and the capital city of Augusta, with antique shops and excellent restaurants. The Forks – where the Dead and Kennebec rivers join -- is a hot spot for whitewater rafting. Jackman is the entryway to the Northeast Snowmobile Trail.

		Greater Portland Region Portland is a delight for vacationers who love urban fun. The Old Port neighborhood of Federal architecture and cobbled streets is packed with restaurants, stores, and galleries. Cape Elizabeth's Portland Head Light a beautiful, classic lighthouse. Two Lights State Park offers great views of Casco Bay. The city of Freeport, 20 miles north of Portland, is home to the famous L.L. Bean outdoor store and many outlets.

		Maine Highlands Region This central region of Maine is a place of forested wilderness. It is a four-season vacationland, offering hunting and fishing; rafting, canoeing, and kayaking on the Penobscot and Kennebec rivers, and winter sports. Highlights are Mount Katahdin, Moosehead Lake, and Baxter State Park. Bangor attracts visitors to its restaurants and shopping in the West Market Square Historic District.

		Mid-Coast Region The Mid-Coast is an idyllic region of rocky inlets, lighthouses, fishing ports, and rugged islands. Famous towns include Boothbay Harbor, Monhegan Island, Vinalhaven, Rockland, Camden, and Bath. Boothbay Harbor is a busy fishing village where visitors can watch the boats come and go. Ferries depart from here to wild Monhegan Island. Rockland offers art galleries, restaurants, and fun shops. Camden and Rockport are other thriving arts communities. Final tip: eat lobster!

		South Coast Region The South Coast region is Maine's summer dreamland. Famous towns of the area are York, Wells, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, and Old Orchard Beach. Visitors love to play on the beaches, explore lighthouses; shop at boutiques and outlets; and dine on lobster. Old Orchard Beach is an old-fashioned beach with a boardwalk and amusement park. The outlets of Kittery are a huge draw for bargain-hunters. Go explore the art galleries of lovely Ogunquit.

		Western Lakes & Mountains Region This region, an extension of the White Mountains, is a place of great scenic beauty and outdoor sports in every season of the year, from cycling, hiking, golfing, and camping to leaf-peaking, skiing, and snowmobiling. Rangeley Lake State Park is famous for landlocked salmon and trout fishing. Another prime spot for outdoor people is Grafton Notch State Park.