Maine’s cities and towns are as varied as the state itself — from the world-famous resort town of Bar Harbor on the edge of Acadia National Park to the quiet fishing villages of Downeast Maine, from the sophisticated food scene of Portland to the wilderness gateway of Millinocket at the foot of Mount Katahdin. This guide covers Maine’s most compelling destinations with detailed information on things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there.
Southern Maine Cities
Portland is Maine’s largest city and one of America’s best food destinations — a compact, walkable peninsula with the Old Port district, James Beard Award-winning restaurants, a thriving craft beer scene, and the stunning Portland Head Light at nearby Cape Elizabeth. Kennebunk & Kennebunkport offer classic New England elegance with beautiful beaches, the famous Dock Square, and some of the finest inns on the East Coast. Ogunquit has three miles of white sand beach, the Marginal Way cliff walk, and a vibrant arts community. Old Orchard Beach is Maine’s classic seaside resort with a seven-mile beach and amusement pier. Freeport is home to L.L. Bean’s flagship store and over 200 outlet shops.
Midcoast Maine Cities
Camden is where the mountains meet the sea — a stunning harbor town backed by Camden Hills State Park with Maine’s famous windjammer fleet moored at the town dock. Rockland · Saco has emerged as a cultural destination anchored by the Farnsworth Art Museum and a thriving restaurant scene. Belfast is one of Maine’s most authentically charming coastal cities with a beautifully preserved Victorian downtown and exceptional local food culture. Boothbay Harbor is a classic Maine sailing village with whale watching, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and a picturesque footbridge. Brunswick is home to Bowdoin College, the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, and is the southern gateway to the midcoast.
Downeast Maine & Acadia
Bar Harbor is Maine’s most visited destination — the gateway to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island with whale watching, sea kayaking, world-class dining, and the dramatic summit of Cadillac Mountain. Ellsworth is the commercial hub of Downeast Maine and the last major stop before Acadia — worth a visit for its historic downtown and as a base for exploring the region. Eastport is the easternmost city in the United States, sitting on Moose Island with stunning views of Cobscook Bay and a growing arts community. Machias is the county seat of Washington County in the heart of the Bold Coast.
Northern & Western Maine Cities
Bangor is Maine’s third-largest city and the gateway to northern and eastern Maine — one hour from Acadia, two hours from Baxter State Park, and home to Bangor International Airport. Bath · Augusta is Maine’s capital city on the Kennebec River with the Maine State Museum, Maine State House, and easy access to the Belgrade Lakes. Bethel anchors the western mountains with Sunday River ski resort, excellent hiking, and stunning fall foliage. Rangeley is a premier four-season destination in the lake and mountain country of western Maine — fly fishing, snowmobiling, and spectacular scenery. Greenville & Moosehead Lake offer wilderness adventure, moose watching, and some of the finest lake fishing in the eastern US. Millinocket is the gateway to Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin — the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Presque Isle is the hub of Aroostook County — Maine’s vast northern frontier of potato farms, forests, and wide open spaces.
Full List of Maine City Guides
Bath · Augusta · Bangor · Bar Harbor · Belfast · Bethel · Boothbay Harbor · Brunswick · Calais · Camden · Castine · Deer Isle · Ellsworth · Freeport · Greenville · Jackman · Kennebunk & Kennebunkport · Lewiston ·Machias · Millinocket · Moosehead Lake · Mount Desert Island · Ogunquit · Old Orchard Beach · Portland · Presque Isle · Rangeley · Rockland · Saco · Scarborough · Stonington · Waterville · Wells · York