52 Best Things To Do in Maine | Ultimate Maine Bucket List
Looking for the absolute best things to do in Maine? There’s something on this Maine bucket list for everyone!
You’re in luck if you’re planning a trip to Maine! There are so many to do and see in the state, so it’s quite literally impossible to list them all. But in this article, we’ll detail the region’s top attractions that you must include in your bucket list.
Although there is no shortage of attractions, people often disregard Maine as a top vacation spot. However, the state’s 3,478 miles of coastline (exceeding 5,000 miles if you include all its islands), which is more than California’s 3,427, might say otherwise.
The excellent Pine Tree State is a haven for those who appreciate the outdoors. Almost the whole state of Maine is of forests, and the state’s crown treasure, Acadia National Park, is one of the state’s 32 state parks.
Plus, Maine is a great place to escape the city’s heat in the summer because summer temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees. In the fall, the state sees beautiful foliage, and in the winter and spring, visitors can enjoy winter sports and seasonal celebrations from the comfort of a cabin.
Apart from its natural attractions, Maine is home to a thriving art scene, numerous kid-friendly attractions, and excellent dining options.
A vacation in Maine is sure to be one you’ll never forget, whether your goals are to ski down Sugarloaf Mountain, peruse the works at the Farnsworth Art Museum, or gorge on lobster rolls all along the shore.
Let’s delve further into the 52+ best things to do in Maine on your next trip!
52. Enjoy the Finest of Comforts at Cliff House
If you’re looking for romantic places in Maine, you can’t do much better than Cliff House, so this is a great option.
This luxurious hotel is among the finest in all of New England. It features a variety of luxurious amenities, including a spa, a restaurant, and a pool with breathtaking vistas.
51. Tour the Islands on a Kayak
Granite was in high demand in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and Merchant Row, a group of much more than 50 islands, benefited from this. Approximately 66 percent of such islands are now safe in some fashion.
It is a sea kayaker’s paradise, as many islands are accessible to the general public.
The island has several public launches where experienced paddlers can put in and begin their island-hopping journey. Beginners can go on a guided tour with one of the island’s many outfitters. If you do this, you can even reach the far edges of Acadia National Park.
50. Visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Maine has many picturesque lighthouses, but this one is incredibly iconic.
This lighthouse was constructed in 1858 and rose 56 feet above the water’s surface. A lighthouse keeper’s house is almost as it was when it was first built (except for a 10-foot expansion added in 1900).
You can access the viewing board at the top of this Maine lighthouse by taking the path on its right side. Alternatively, the lighthouse may be seen from a great vantage point if you descend the stairs at the end of the trail on the left. If you choose to explore the area below the rocks, you can do it but with extreme caution.
Mount Desert Island, where Acadia National Park resides, is also home to the Bass Harbor Head lighthouse.
Visiting a lighthouse is definitely one of the best things to do in Maine, the state with some of the top lighthouses in the country!
49. Go Shopping at Stonewall Kitchen
Do some tasty samples tempt you? Cute and top-notch cookware? You’ll discover just what you are searching for at the following location. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Maine for shoppers!
Stonewall Kitchen is a household name in gourmet food; their wares will completely smite you. (One of their blueberry preserves may have already graced your taste buds.) You can find the actual store, which is thousands of square feet in size and located in York, Maine.
Stop into the cafe for a nibble or browse the store for a while. You can’t leave without picking something New England-themed because they have so much to offer.
48. Enjoy a Cold One in Portland
If you want beer instead, you can’t go wrong with the ones in Portland. Brewery-hopping is one of the top things to do in Maine for a reason!
Beer enthusiasts will find paradise in New England. Many of these breweries are in the state of Maine, specifically in the Portland neighborhood.
Don’t miss out on Portland’s best brewers, but don’t be afraid to travel outside the city to discover some genuinely exceptional brewpubs (like Funky Bow Brewery in Lyman).
Indoor activities in Portland, Maine, can include trying local cuisine.
47. Explore Portland
Speaking of Portland, a trip to Maine isn’t complete without seeing this beautiful city.
The city of Portland, Maine, offers all one would expect from a classic vacation spot in the Pine Tree State (including plenty of lighthouses and lobster rolls) and thriving cultural, culinary, and entertainment communities.
The Portland Museum of Art, a stroll along the Eastern Promenade riverfront, sampling local beers during a brewery tour, and shopping and dining along the Old Port’s picturesque cobblestone streets are all must-dos on any visit to Portland.
Some of the best places to stop in Portland are the Portland Harbor Hotel, The Press Hotel, and Autograph Collection. At the same time, the best places to eat are Duckfat, Central Provisions, and DiMillo’s on the Water, a floating restaurant.
If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Maine and you’re a city lover, you should definitely head to Portland.
46. Take a Dip at the Top of Tumbledown Mountain
During a summer in Maine, nothing compares to a trek followed by a dip in a cool pond.
Hiking up Tumbledown Mountain in western Maine is not just scenic because of its proximity to Mount Blue State Park but also because of the alpine pond that sits between the mountain’s three summits and provides a welcome respite from the heat of July.
It is a popular destination with increased foot traffic in recent years; plan your visit for a less busy period.
45. Experience Sugarloaf Ski Resort
Visiting Sugarloaf, the biggest ski resort east of the Mississippi, is an absolute must if you find yourself in Maine.
The resort provides sections and facilities that fit every skier, irrespective of their experience.
The most accessible runs are located on the Timberline Quad near Sugarloaf’s peak, while the SuperQuad is more suited to advanced skiers.
44. Participate in Red Cloak Tour
Are you looking to get an insider’s view of Maine? Reviews from satisfied customers consistently rank Red Cloak Tours as the best Maine tour company.
Boothbay Harbor, Bar Harbor, Bath, Damariscotta, Camden, Hallowell, Rockland, and Wiscasset, Maine, are the forte of the company’s historical tours. These tours are a fantastic way to study more about Maine’s past.
Plus, you will access some of the state’s most popular tourist destinations on these tours.
43. Climb to the Highest Peaks
Maine’s interior may not have mountains that can compete with the Rockies, but it does have some hidden gems for mountaineers.
Try your hand at the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit, stroll through a rare evergreen forest at Borestone Mountain, or climb one of Maine’s many 4,000-foot peaks throughout the Maine High Peaks region. Plus, you can hike up Katahdin, Maine’s tallest peak.
If you schedule your visit to the northern end of the Appalachian Trail correctly, you can see walkers cross the finish line after completing the entire 2,100-mile trail.
Click here to check out our favorite 15+ hikes in Maine for stunning views.
42. Try Shopping at L.L.Bean Store
Looking for the best things to do in Maine as a shopper? Whether you’ve had a pair of the iconic Bean Boots your whole life or are curious about this Maine-based company, a trip to L.L.Bean’s flagship store in Freeport is a must.
The multi-story building first opened in 1917 and saw three million annual guests.
Take a picture in front of the 16.5-foot replica of an all-weather boot before browsing the store’s various sections dedicated to camping, hiking, and fishing.
The flagship facility also has a 3,500-gallon aquarium, a cafe, gallery exhibitions inside the store, plus free horse-drawn cart rides outside, all of which thrilled past visitors.
The best part? You can go to L.L.Bean anytime your schedule permits because it is open 24 a day, 365 days a year. This is one of the most popular Maine activities for a reason so don’t miss it!
41. Unwind at Old Orchard Beach
If you want to feel the west coast in Maine, this next one is a great stop. The Old Orchard Beach manages to channel the spirit of a west coast carnival despite its distance from the coast.
The vast stretches of sandy beach are a significant draw for visitors, as are the many businesses, festivals, and other attractions that line it.
This 500-foot-long pier stretches into the ocean and features tourist shops, restaurants, food booths, and nightclubs, among the most popular attractions. This should definitely be on your Maine bucket list in the summer!
40. Visit Stephen King’s Maine
Stephen King, the acclaimed horror novelist, was born and raised in Maine, adding another famous figure to the state’s lore.
Not only does King make Maine or New England the setting for several of his novels, but he also makes his home here.
Bangor, Maine, the author’s hometown and the inspiration for his fictional city of Derry, is a must-see for King fans traveling throughout the state.
For the whole Stephen King experience, book a tour or plan your journey to Stephen King’s beloved Maine.
39. Stop at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
The grandest botanical gardens in all of New England reside here.
Boothbay, Maine, is home to 300 acres of gardens & natural spaces, enough to keep you occupied for numerous hours, if not a whole day.
There is a dahlia garden, a five senses orchard, an outdoor classroom, a butterfly house, and more on the grounds. Also, there are several miles of hiking trails and fantastic art displays to enjoy.
It’s a great spot to take the kids, with the rainbow-hued flowers in the children’s garden and the fairy hometown modeled after stories from classic Maine tales.
38. Check Out Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a great spot to relax and recharge, and it’s also known as the entry point to Acadia National Park.
From strolls across Frenchman Bay (a popular spot for visitors) to bird-watching in several parks and preserves, this hamlet on Mount Desert Island has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts.
While fresh fish is the main draw, visitors will also enjoy the area’s artisan ice cream parlors, craft brewers, and cozy breakfast eateries.
If you’re in Maine between the end of July and the middle of September, you can take advantage of the region’s ideal circumstances for wild blueberries by spending some time at a pick-your-own farm like Hog Bay Blueberries.
You can choose from the peaceful Balance Rock Inn, the lavish Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, or a local vacation rental when it’s time to turn in for the night.
37. View Artworks in Ogunquit
This little town was known chiefly as a fishing outpost in its early days. Ogunquit is a unique mix of fun and art, with its three miles of beachfront and several museums and galleries.
While in town, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art is a must-see. The museum’s permanent collection has around three thousand objects. Apart from its various events and programs, it also acquires and displays examples of modern and contemporary art from the United States.
The town’s size makes it ideal for exploring on foot or by trolley.
36. Go to the Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest
Do you enjoy giant gourds? If so, this next one is the perfect occasion.
The Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest is an annual event that features a variety of activities, the most well-known of which is the Pumpkinboat Regatta, a fun twist on the traditional boat race.
One of the most fantastic things to do in Maine in October is the Damariscotta Harbor Pumpkin Race, a water-based competition in which racers paddle or pilot from within 400-700 pound, hollowed-out pumpkins.
Experience these and many more if you plan your Maine trip right!
35. Hear Some Tales From a Lobsterman
A lobsterman will have a long beard and many sea stories.
In remote areas of Maine, you’re more likely to run into regular people whose lives and livelihoods depend on the sea, such as lobster fishermen.
However, if you don’t happen to run into a lobsterman (or lobsterwoman!) by chance, you may take a trip on a lobster boat from several coastal villages (like Lulu Lobster Boat or Lucky Catch Cruises).
It’s among the most incredible things to do in Maine, and you can only do it there, thanks to the beautiful coastline and fascinating stories.
34. Enjoy a Whale-watching Trip at Sea
From about the middle of April through the middle of October, those who adore animals will be able to enjoy a rare treat.
Tourists can marvel at the annual migration of whales such as humpbacks, pilots, minkes, and finbacks along the state’s coast. Whale viewing prime places includes Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor, and Casco Bay.
Hop onboard a boat trip with a firm like Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. and Cap’n Fish’s Cruises for the best vantage point.
And don’t forget to pack your camera, telescope, sunscreen, and layers of clothes, as temperatures can plummet as you sail far from the mainland.
Recent visitors vouched for the sunset cruise as an adequate time to see the sights. Summer’s clear sky and lack of mist make it the most fantastic time to identify these amazing creatures, but the odds of spotting a whale on tour are outstanding throughout the whale gazing season.
33. Savor the Picturesque State Park in Camden Hills
Camden Hills State Park is among the most popular destinations in Maine, and for a good reason.
Skiing, hiking, and camping are among the activities available to guests, and you can also take picturesque drives or perhaps a cruise to the surrounding islets.
Several trips are also available for booking, such as sailing excursions, kayaking adventures, and fishing expeditions.
32. Take a Scenic Drive at Route 27
A road trip across Maine is always a good idea, particularly if you plan your route to take in some of the state’s most beautiful scenery.
One of the best times to take a beautiful drive in Maine is during the fall, when the foliage along Route 27, also known as the Maine High Peaks Scenic Byway, is at its peak.
Beginning in the lovely town of Kingfield, this path then crosses the Carrabassett River, providing stunning vistas of Mount Abraham or the Bigelow Range.
If you’re driving north on Route 27, you’ll also pass through Cathedral Pines, the largest remaining old-growth woodland in the state.
31. Find Derelict Trains in the North Maine Forest
There are abandoned train cars from the 1920s tucked away in the woods. They are accessible by traveling over the river, through forests, and down dusty logging paths.
Ghost train tours through the North Maine Woods are one of the state’s most thrilling excursions.
But not every driver can make it to the locomotives. You’ll need a canoe or a high-quality vehicle with adequate ground clearance and around two extra tires to get to this place.
If you don’t mind a long, dusty drive through the countryside on logging roads, it’s worth it. This attraction should be on any history lover’s Maine bucket list.
30. Visit Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is a charming coastal community that all Portland area visitors should make time to see. It’s one of the most popular Maine activities in the entire state!
The Portland Head Light, the state’s oldest lighthouse, is the town’s most photogenic landmark. Built-in the late 1700s, the 80-foot-tall lighthouse in Fort Williams Park is a popular tourist destination.
After taking pictures, visit the nearby keeper’s residence museum to learn more about the buildings and the region’s history.
Visit Crescent Beach State Park and Two Lights State Park at Cape Elizabeth for the rest of the day before traveling back to Portland or checking into a local establishment like the Inn by the Sea, a favorite among visitors.
29. Take a Trip to Kennebunkport
Strolling to Kennebunkport is worth a while.
Kennebunkport, in the southern section of Maine, is well-known for its many attractions and 18th-century architecture.
Dock Square, the hub of this sleepy seaside town, is where all the activity happens, thanks to its abundance of trendy cafes, shops, and art galleries.
28. Reserve a Spot on a Schooner Cruise
Sailing on a classic schooner is a must when visiting Maine.
A trip on a traditional sailing ship, especially if you get to pitch in with the sail handling, is something you won’t soon forget. And the Maine coast scenery is truly breathtaking.
If you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience in Maine, a voyage on a Maine Windjammer should be on your list.
We urge you to use some time on the water during your stay in Maine, whether for a short cruise or an extended excursion.
27. Visit the Bangor Waterfront for a Summer Music
This venue has hosted performances by everyone from Pentatonix and Train to unnamed country music superstars.
People in more populated areas may not give this kind of venue much of a second thought, but it is a significant event in a rural state like this one.
A significant highlight in a Maine journey!
26. Enjoy a Stroll Along the Picturesque Marginal Way
The Marginal Way is a stunning trail stretching just over a mile along the rocky coast.
The well-paved path in Ogunquit (approximately 10 miles south of Kennebunkport) starts near Ogunquit Beach and terminates at Perkins Cove, a lovely fishing area with stores and restaurants.
Visitors laud the sweeping coastal vistas and summer wildflowers along the cliffs as highlights of their trip, as well as the flat, straightforward route and plenty of seats (39, to be exact).
Stop at the end of your stride at the Lobster Shack for some clam stew or a lobster roll. Or head to That Place for some American food.
25. Travel to Rockland
If you’re a lobster fan, you will adore this next one.
Rockland, Maine, is famous as the “Lobster Capital of the World,” so it’s the perfect place to indulge in this delicacy.
Tourism worldwide is vital to the town’s economy, and the Maine Lobster Festival & North Atlantic Blue Festival are two main events that bring people here.
24. Check Out Maine’s Lone Ghost Town
Perkins Township, sometimes known as Swan Island, is a ghost town in Maine that you should go to if you like the macabre and bizarre.
The population of this island community throughout the Kennebec River has been zero since the 1940s. However, there are still few homes on the island.
The isle is only accessible by boat during the summer, but it is well worth the trip for the wondering and those seeking unusual activities in Maine.
23. Go Clamming
This next thing is among the very entertaining activity to do in Maine.
Whenever the tide is low, it’s time to hit the flats and dig for meals.
Getting a permit from the city hall and being careful not to cut your hands are only two of the many additional considerations, but clamming is a great family activity in Maine.
So select a day when the weather is nice, the tide works with your vacation plans, and you’ll feel like getting the stuff done.
22. Tour Monhegan Island
Accessible exclusively by boat, Monhegan Island is a beautiful day trip destination in Maine.
Wildlands featuring 9 miles of hillside hiking paths, a tiny town with restaurants and shops, a lighthouse, and an art museum are all on this unspoiled island.
It is barely 10 miles from the coast and inhabited by only 70 people. A few hotels and motels are around the island where you can spend the night.
There are several ways for tourists to get to the island. From the mainland village of New Harbor, you can take a ferry to the island through Hardy Boat Cruises in just 50 minutes between May and mid-October.
Alternatively, you can go on a 90-minute cruise from Boothbay Harbor with Balmy Day Cruises, which operates from June to late or early October.
21. Explore the Grand Canyon of the East
The Gulf Hagas Gorge is a mountainous area in the northern Maine woods commonly referred to as Maine’s Grand Canyon.
For three miles, the West Branch of Pleasant River slashes through the earth, forming a slate gorge with sheer walls and numerous waterfalls.
Hikers can see the falls and the canyon’s geology from a path that traces the edges of the canyon. The river falls 370 feet over three miles, while the gorge’s walls rise an impressive 130 feet on either side.
To add to all this, Gulf Hagas is one of Maine’s fourteen National Natural Landmarks and can be visited by paying customers during the summer months.
If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery, this spot in Maine should be at the top of your list.
20. Gather Blueberries and Indulge in Blueberry Treats
Picking blueberries in Maine in the summer is a summertime tradition.
Visit a farm during the summer months to pick your royal blue beauties; this is also among the romantic things to do in Maine.
Otherwise, you can look forward to blueberry in a wide variety of sweets and savory dishes. You can try all kinds of blueberry-based treats, such as blueberry pie, beer, and blueberry jam.
19. Learn Wabanaki Culture and History
The term “Wabanaki” refers to the four indigenous communities that once inhabited the area now known as Maine. The Wabanaki people relied heavily on the accessibility of waters like the Penobscot & Kennebec rivers, both of which retain their original Wabanaki names.
Canoeing with a native Penobscot guide from Mahoosuc Guide Service and learning about the Wabanaki people’s rich history and culture is called “Ways of the Wabanaki.”
You will learn about various topics, including Penobscot place names, medicinal plants, and basket weaving.
18. Embrace the outdoors at Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is the place to be if you want to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Maine without dealing with the crowds in Acadia National Park.
Approximately 210,000 acres make up the park, located in central Maine, not far from the town of Millinocket (about 80 miles north of Bangor).
Mount Katahdin, at 5,268 feet, is the state’s tallest peak, and you can find it here. Although the ascent is challenging (and not suggested for novice mountaineers), the rewarding vistas at the mountain make it worthwhile.
To that end, there are 337 campsites available for campers of all experience levels and 215 miles of hiking trails to explore. Wild animals like moose and deer can appear on your travels through the forest. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for bears too.
17. Travel to the Islands of Casco Bay by Boat
One of the most enjoyable activities in Maine is a trip toward the Casco Bay Islands via ferry.
Unlike other ferry services, this one stops at numerous smaller islands.
Peaks Island is one of the most excellent stops twenty minutes from the coast. You can rent bicycles, cruise the island, or hang out on the beach.
16. Have Some Holy Donuts
Holy Donut is the perfect moniker for this shop because the doughnuts there are out of this world.
Daily, the donuts use only natural ingredients like actual Maine potatoes and wheat flour.
They have three locations: Park Avenue, Exchange Street, and Scarborough, so you can get your doughnut fix wherever you are. There’s constantly a line waiting to get in, so get there early for the finest selection.
Dark Chocolate featuring Sea Salt, Maple Bacon, Fresh Lemon, and Toasted Coconut are some of the most popular options among the 18 available flavors.
15. Ride on the Maine Brew Bus
The Maine Brew Bus is an experience unlike any other when visiting the state.
Brewery tours on the Maine Brew Bus are some of the most popular things to do in Portland, and their Old Port Walk, Talk, and Taste Tour are among the finest.
Choose any of these tours, and you won’t find a better way to sample Maine’s bounty.
14. Spot Some Puffins
The only areas in the United States where the Atlantic Puffin can nest are on the maritime islands of Maine.
Located barely six miles from the coast, Eastern Egg Rock is among Maine’s most easily accessible islands and a prime location for puffin watching. Seals and bald eagles are two of the more recognizable wildlife species that are visible here.
Sadly, only four months each year are ideal for viewing puffins in their natural habitat in Maine.
Trips to see usually happen between May and August, with June and July offering the most incredible views.
13. Attend the Maine Lobster Festival
On the first weekend of August, Rockland, Maine, hosts tens of thousands of people worldwide for the five-day long Maine Lobster Festival.
The event has seafood-cooking competitions, musical performances, arts and crafts exhibitors, a parade, beer and wine tastings, a 5K race, and over 20,000 pounds of excellent local lobster to feed the masses.
Conveniently, there’s a school offering parking for festival-goers; even better, shuttles will take you to the festival grounds.
Admission tickets are available at the gates of the festival. Popular places to stay are LimeRock Inn and the 250 Main Hotel, although there are plenty of other options for those visiting for the weekend (or the entire week).
12. Paddle a Kayak Along the Allagash Waterway
A 92-mile stretch of pristine water called the Allagash Waterway is with a series of rivers and lakes that flow into one another.
You can pitch a tent on the riverbanks and spend the night after a day of kayaking.
Also, people seeking spiritual renewal or a chance to reconnect with modern life and nature will find what they’re searching for at this retreat.
11. See the Historic Victoria Mansion
This beautiful summer house in 1860 has now become a museum.
Balconies and verandas adorn the building’s outside, and the interior is with gilded rooms, wall paintings, a stained-glass skylight, luxurious drapes, and exquisite furnishings.
Learn its history from its time as a vacation home for hotel owner Ruggles Sylvester Morse to the present day, when it was purchased by a Maine resident and turned into a museum.
Both cold and hot running water and a central heating system were relatively modern conveniences in the grand home for their era.
10. Set a Camp
Camping is among the most excellent options to do in Maine during the summer, and it’s among the most incredible things to enjoy in New England in general, thanks to the state’s beautiful landscape and vast undeveloped areas.
Many locations across the state are suitable for “roughing it” style camping. However, you could always stay at a campground for a little more luxury and ease.
It’s worth your time to check out Sandy Pines Campground, located not far from Kennebunkport.
The stunning seawater pool and abundance of activities at this campground make it an excellent choice for either regular camping or glamping.
9. Stride Into Icy Caverns in the Heat of Summer
If you want to feel chill during the summer months literally, this next one is your best bet.
The Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area, located close to Mount Katahdin, is home to ice caves frozen throughout the year.
This unique thing provides “nature’s air conditioning” during the warmer months.
Native Americans also used caves as cold storage for food and clothing.
8. Be a Kid Again at Funtown Splashtown USA
The entertainment options in Funtown Splashtown USA are practically limitless.
Located less than twenty miles south of Portland, this fittingly titled entertainment complex in Saco, Maine, features a water park and a variety of rides and attractions.
Visitors wishing to get their adrenaline flowing can go on the highest log ride in New England, Maine’s only timber rollercoaster, or a drop tower that drops them from 220 feet.
There will also be milder activities like a tiny train, bumper boats, and a traditional carousel for the younger visitors.
On the other hand, visitors to the park may enjoy water rides like Poseidon’s Plunge, a relaxing lagoon, and a raft slide with the whole family.
7. Retreat to Cobscook Bay State Park
When Acadia National Park and nearby Bar Harbor are too busy, head to Cobscook Bay State Park instead.
The trip here is one of the most beautiful you’ll ever take, through endless blueberry bushes and towering trees.
Due to its lack of popularity, this bay is often home to seals and eagles during the off-season.
6. Travel to Maine’s Eastern Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery isn’t something you’d typically do on vacation, but Eastern Cemetery has a fascinating history that makes it worth seeing.
The thousands of tombs in this cemetery, which date back to 1668, tell the stories of countless people, from Portland’s pioneers and warriors to its prominent citizens.
The burials are scattered across the landscape, providing a look into the stratification of early society.
Between June and October, the nonprofit Spirits Alive offers guided tours of the area, or you can explore it independently.
5. Explore the Kennebec River’s Whitewater Rapids
Whitewater rafting in Maine is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while facing some rapids.
North Country Rivers, a tour company, claims that the Kennebec is “not a rough, tricky river.” On the contrary, it’s a deep, fast-moving wave with numerous large, “fun” wave trains.
It’s perfect for first-timers, youth organizations, families, and seasoned rafters.
While there is no shortage of exciting outdoor activities in Maine, whitewater rafting is at the top of the list.
4. Hike Maine Huts & Trails
This relatively new 80-mile trail network in western Maine features many eco-lodges disconnected from conventional utilities.
Maine Huts & Trails aims to boost the western Maine economy by attracting tourists to the area and fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural beauty.
Two sustainability aspects are its highlights: protecting the local environment and fostering growth in an often-overlooked part of Maine’s economy.
3. Take in Some Art at the Farnsworth Museum
The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland is home to fifteen thousand works demonstrating Maine’s significance to the development of American art.
The 20,000-square-foot museum opened its doors in 1948 and showcased rotating exhibits spotlighting artists such as sculptor Louise Nevelson and modern American realism painter Jamie Wyeth.
Visitors enjoy the museum’s carefully selected collection of artwork. If you’re hungry after a day at the museum, try one of the local favorites like farm-to-table Primo or family-owned laidback Hill’s Seafood Co.
2. Embrace the Enchantment of Fall
Maine’s autumn is nothing short of stunning.
Foliage in Maine is at its most beautiful in late September and early October, so if you’re wondering what you can do in Maine in September, the solution is simple: look around!
Mother Nature throws on a breathtaking color show, there are fantastic fall festivals, and the season is full of exciting pastimes like corn labyrinth and scary haunted homes.
1. Explore Acadia National Park
If you are in Maine, heading to Acadia National Park is the right choice. This is by far one of our favorite Maine activities!
The beautiful Acadia National Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals.
Acadia, with its isolated beaches, steep mountains, dense forests, and rocky coastal views along the Atlantic Ocean is one of the top 10 most popular national parks in the United States, with an average of 3.5 million visitors yearly.
Nearly 160 miles of hiking trails are available for visitors to get their blood flowing, with some of the most popular being the Beehive Loop, the Cadillac Mountain South and North Ridge routes, and the Jordan Pond Full Loop.
Visitors can also swim, kayak, stargaze, and watch birds in the park. When your stomach starts growling, the only option for food in Acadia is the Jordan Pond House Restaurant. Visitors have vouched for the restaurant’s popover toast and tea staples since the 1890s.
In Closing
That wraps up everything on this Maine bucket list.
As you can see, it’s jam-packed with all the top activities and sights. Both on land and sea, the hub in Maine offers a wide variety of exciting pursuits.
So, if you’re sight is in this state, bring this list of the 52 best things to do in Maine. An unforgettable adventure awaits you there!
