17 Best Places to Visit in Maine in Summer (By a Local!)
Maine is known as “Vacationland”, and trust me when I say it lives up to its name. It has miles of stunning coastline, vibrant green forests, gorgeous mountain views, and everything in between. It truly has something for everyone, especially in the summer.
I may be biased, having grown up in New England, but Maine is truly one of the best places to visit in the summer. It is a perfect year-round destination, but summer in Maine is special. Honestly, if you have not visited Maine, what are you waiting for?!
If you are looking for the perfect summer destination, look no further. Want to swim in the ocean or lie by the beach? Maine has a spot for you. Want to hike your days away on trails with beautiful views? Maine has you covered. Want to relax at a cabin by a river and swim all day? Yup, Maine has that, too.
This guide has everything you need to know about the best places to visit in Maine in summer and the best things to do while you are there!
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Tips for Visiting Maine in Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit Maine, for good reason! Maine offers fun summer activities you can enjoy in its gorgeous summer weather. Picture this: stunning sunsets over the mountains, pink sunrises over the ocean, delicious lobster rolls, and perfect swimming spots. It does not get much better than Maine in summer!
Summer Travel Tips
Because summer is the most popular time to visit Maine, it is incredibly busy, especially by the coast. Costs are high, attractions are crowded, and beaches are full, but trust me, it is worth it! Here are some of the most important things to know when visiting Maine in summer:
Book hotels in advance. I am a planner, so I always book all my travel in advance, but I know a few of you love a good last-minute deal. Although you could find last-minute accommodations, most places will be full, especially in popular areas. For example, hotels in Bar Harbor book up early. I tried booking a last-minute stay there one summer and ended up paying far too much because the budget-friendly accommodations were full. Do not make that mistake and try to book in advance!
Arrive at beaches, trailheads, and other attractions early. If you plan to spend a day on the beach or hike a few trails, I recommend arriving in the morning. The most popular areas will have full parking lots by midday, and it is never fun having to park far away and walk.
Book tickets in advance. One of the best things to do in Maine in summer by the coast is to take a boat ride. You can enjoy a sunset cruise, a lighthouse tour, or a wildlife boat tour, and they are all so much fun. Because they are among the best things to do, these fill up quickly, so I recommend booking in advance! I will provide some of my favorite boat tours as we drive into the best places to visit.
Explore other parts of Maine outside of the coast! I know the first thing that came to mind when thinking about spending summer in Maine is its beautiful coastline, but Maine offers so much more! The northern sections of the state are stunning, with mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and scenic views. The coast will be the most crowded place in the summer, so if you want to enjoy some outdoor activities, I highly recommend planning a trip away from the coast.
Maine Summer Weather
You probably have heard that New England summers are unmatched, and if you have not, well, you know you have, haha! Yes, I am biased, but I promise, summers here are incredible.
Maine has stunning summer weather! For some reason, people think Maine does not get hot, but let me tell you, it does. You should expect hot and humid weather all summer long, with the hottest days in July and August.
Now, you may be wondering, what about rain? And that is a great question. If I am being honest, it varies every year, and it is hard to predict. Generally, June is rainier than the other months, and August and September are the driest months.
Best Summer Months to Visit Maine
So, when should you visit Maine: June, July, August, or September? Honestly, each of those months is great, and you really cannot go wrong. What you choose will depend on what you want to do! If your goal is a beach vacation, July and August are perfect. If you want to hike in cooler temperatures or enjoy Maine with fewer crowds, September is a great time to visit.
June is a great month to visit before the high tourist season. I know most of June is technically spring, but I still count it as a summer month. The weather is still warm enough to lie on the beach, although the water temperatures (ocean, lakes, and rivers) may be a bit cooler than the rest of the summer. The only downside is that it tends to be the rainier summer month.
July has the longest days and is the peak of summer. It is the perfect time to hike, swim, lie on a beach, rent a boat, and everything in between. July is usually the hottest month, making it the perfect time to visit if you want to swim in the ocean.
August is another fantastic summer month, perfect for any activity you want to do. The beginning of August will be busy since it is peak summer, but can you really complain when the weather is perfect? The ocean temperatures tend to be warmest, too, which is great for swimming!
September tends to be much quieter than the other summer months after Labor Day weekend, making it the perfect time to visit if you do not want to deal with summer crowds. September is honestly my favorite time to visit because the weather is still warm, the nights are cool, and crowds and prices are low. Late September gets a bit cooler, but if you want to hike, it is a great time to visit!
The Best Places to Visit in Maine in Summer
Maine has endless places to visit in summer, and I am going to tell you my favorites! I have explored everything Maine has to offer, and now I can help you plan the best trip. I am going to tell you the best places to visit in summer and the best things to do in each!
Ogunquit
Maine Region: Maine’s Beaches
Things to do: beaches, swimming, biking
Where to Stay:
If you want the perfect beach vacation in Maine, look no further! Ogunquit Beach is over 3 miles long and known as one of the best beaches in Maine, making it the perfect summer destination if you want to swim in the ocean, lie on a sandy beach, or walk through a quaint coastal town.
I grew up going to Ogunquit Beach, and it was always my favorite few days of the summer! The beach is stunning and incredibly clean. I was a picky kid when it came to swimming spots, but the beach is so clean with clear waters.
My other favorite thing to do in Ogunquit is walking along Marginal Way. The 1.25-mile-long cliff walk offers incredible views of the ocean. I highly recommend walking along it during sunrise because watching the sunrise over the ocean is magical.
York
Maine Region: Maine’s Beaches
Things to do: beaches, swimming, hiking, biking, lighthouse
Where to Stay:
Looking for another perfect beach vacation spot in Maine? York is a cute coastal town with one of the best beaches in Maine. It is pretty similar to Ogunquit, so you cannot go wrong with either.
If you want to lie on the beach or swim in the ocean, Long Sands Beach is the perfect place. The 1.5-mile-long beach offers a gorgeous sandy beach, and it was another one of my favorite beaches growing up!
Nubble Light House is one of the most picturesque lighthouses in Maine, and it sits on a small island close to York. It is a fantastic sunrise spot, or if you visit during a full moon, a great place to watch the moon rise!
If you want to hike, Mount Agamenticus offers a few trails to its summit, which has beautiful views. My favorite hike is a 1.6-mile loop to the summit, and you may even find some wild blueberries along the trail in the summer!
Kennebunkport
Maine Region: Maine’s Beaches
Things to do: beaches, swimming, hiking, biking
Where to Stay:
Kennebunkport is considered one of the cutest coastal towns in Maine year-round! I love visiting it in every season, but summer in Kennebunkport is special. It has a cute downtown and sandy beaches.
Goose Rocks Beach and Mother’s Beach are two of my favorite beaches in Kennebunkport. Goose Rocks Beach is 3 miles long, offering a beautiful sandy beach and ocean views. It is arguably my favorite spot to relax! Mother’s Beach is smaller, but well-protected, and it has a nearby playground for kids. Both are perfect spots to swim!
If you want to bike, you have endless opportunities. I love biking along Ocean Avenue or the Eastern Trail. Ocean Avenue offers stunning ocean views and is perfect if you do not want to venture too far. The Eastern Trail is 65 miles long, connecting Kittery and South Portland. Of course, you do not have to bike the entire thing, but the path is well-maintained and perfect for enjoying a quiet bike ride.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is another beautiful nearby area that has hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities. The trails are easy and well-maintained, bringing you through a gorgeous marsh area.
Old Orchard Beach
Maine Region: Maine’s Beaches
Things to do: beaches, swimming, amusement parks, biking
Where to Stay:
Old Orchard Beach is probably one of the most well-known beaches in Maine because it is 7 miles long, making it the longest in the state. If you want to visit a big beach with delicious pier fries and fun rides, Old Orchard is the perfect spot.
Old Orchard Beach is incredibly family-friendly, offering many fun activities for the entire family. One of the most popular is Palace Playland, a small amusement park along the beach with rides for the entire family. As a kid, I loved swimming all day on the beach, then having fun on the rides at night.
If you want to visit a larger amusement park, Funtown Splashtown USA is the spot. It is just outside of Old Orchard Beach and has water slides and thrilling rides.
From late June to late August, Old Orchard Beach also has fireworks every Thursday night. It is a fun way to end a beach day before heading back for the night. I remember loving these fireworks as a kid!
Portland
Maine Region: Greater Portland & Casco Bay
Things to do: shopping, boat tours, lighthouses
Where to Stay:
Of course, one of the best places to visit in Maine in summer is Portland. Portland is a beautiful coastal city with delicious food, beautiful lighthouses, and fun boat tours. It may not be the main spot for a beach vacation, but you can easily drive a short distance to nearby sandy beaches.
Old Port is one of my favorite areas in Portland because it has cute shops, delicious food, and ocean views. I recommend grabbing a coffee and walking down the streets to visit local stores. And if you are a donut lover, I highly recommend The Holy Donut. It is one of my favorite donut places because it offers gluten-free donuts!
If you love lighthouses, you are in luck. Portland has a few lighthouses nearby you can visit, including Portland Head Light, Bug Light, and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. Portland Head Light is the most iconic lighthouse near Portland and is a must-see when you visit. It also has a park nearby with food trucks.
You can also explore the lighthouses on a boat tour! It offers a unique perspective of the lighthouses and, of course, gorgeous ocean views. Although I love a lighthouse boat tour, my favorite is a sunset cruise. Trust me, you will quickly fall in love with watching the sunset from the ocean.
If you are looking for a fun day trip idea, I recommend visiting Peaks Island! It is a short ferry ride from Portland and has biking trails, hiking trails, and other fun activities. Many people visit Peaks Island in the summer, so I recommend booking the earliest ferry time.
Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park
Maine Region: Downeast & Acadia
Things to do: hiking, biking, scenic drives, beaches
Where to Stay:
You did not think we could talk about visiting Maine in the summer and not mention Acadia National Park, did you?? Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the US and one of the top places to visit in summer. It has beaches, mountains, ocean views, lakes, boat tours, and hikes, offering something for everyone.
The best thing about Acadia National Park is that you do not have to hike to experience the views. You can drive around Park Loop Road and stop at its many viewpoints. You can even hike the Ocean Path along the beginning of the loop to visit some of the iconic areas, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Point.
Acadia is also home to some of the most beautiful trails along the coast, including the Beehive Trail, Precipice Trail, Jordan Pond Loop, and the Bubbles. My favorite hike is to the Bubbles because the views are unmatched, overlooking Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains!
And of course, watching the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain is one of the best things to do in summer. Cadillac Mountain is among the first places in the US to see the sunrise in the summer, which is really cool! I recommend getting your timed reservation for Cadillac Mountain ahead of time because they sell out fast!
Acadia is incredibly popular, and summer is peak season, so I recommend booking accommodations in advance and starting your days early. Parking lots fill up quickly, so if you want to avoid dealing with congestion, you can ride the free park shuttle, too!
Camden
Maine Region: Midcoast
Things to do: hiking, biking, boat tours, islands
Where to Stay:
Camden is a stunning coastal town in Midcoast Maine on Penobscot Bay, offering sailboat cruises, hiking trails in Camden Hills State Park, and relaxation by the ocean. It is easily one of my favorite towns to visit in summer!
Exploring Camden Hills State Park should be on every summer bucket list because it has stunning hikes, including Maiden Cliff and Bald Rock. And if you do not want to hike, do not worry! You can drive the auto road to Mount Battie to see the breathtaking views of the ocean and lush green landscape.
You can also hike in Ragged Mountain Preserve or Beech Hill Preserve. Both have fun hikes with beautiful views!
Camden also has many sailboat cruises! I highly recommend going for sunset because there is nothing like watching the sunset from the ocean.
Rockland
Maine Region: Midcoast
Things to do: lighthouses, hiking, biking, boat tours, islands
Where to Stay:
Rockland is another coastal town in Midcoast Maine on Penobscot Bay, just south of Camden. It has a similar vibe to Camden, with its beautiful downtown and ocean views.
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is one of the best things to do in Rockland, especially for those who love lighthouses. The beautiful lighthouse can be seen from the coast, but I recommend hiking along the breakwater to get an up-close and personal view of it.
If you want to see another lighthouse, you should visit Owls Head State Park! The beautiful state park is home to Owls Head Lighthouse, which sits on top of a cliff, offering views of Rockland Harbor. The hike to the lighthouse follows an easy 0.5-mile trail, which is perfect for the entire family. Owls Head Lighthouse is one of my favorite lighthouses in Maine!
Rockland is also the perfect starting point to visit a few islands off the coast of Maine. You can take day trips or spend a night on them. Vinalhaven is the larger island nearby, offering swimming at Quarry Ponds, hiking in Huber Preserve or the Basin Preserve, lighthouses, and delicious food. New Haven is Vinalhaven’s neighbor, and although it is a smaller island, it does not lack things to do.
Boothbay Harbor
Maine Region: Midcast
Things to do: boat tours, hiking, biking
Where to Stay:
Boothbay Harbor is the perfect place to visit in Maine in summer if you want to go on boat tours. The picturesque coastal town has many shops and restaurants, but the real star of the town is the amazing tours.
You can get a boat tour for pretty much anything you want! You can see islands, lighthouses, or wildlife, including puffins, seals, and whales. Going on a boat tour was one of my favorite things we did in Boothbay, so I know you will love it!
You can also visit New England’s largest botanical gardens. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has beautiful walking paths through flowers and a fun hike to visit giant trolls! In the summer, it is our favorite place to visit when everything is in bloom. The smells are amazing!
Blue Hill
Maine Region: Downeast & Acadia
Things to do: hiking, biking, scenic drives, beaches
Where to Stay:
If you want a quiet summer vacation in Maine, Blue Hill is the perfect place. Blue Hill is sort of a hidden gem along the coast of Maine, even though it is not too far from Acadia National Park.
It has a cute downtown with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. I recommend spending at least an afternoon walking around and exploring its shops. Trust me, you will quickly fall in love!
Blue Hill also has fun hiking trails with beautiful views! My favorite is Blue Hill Trail, a 2-mile hike with stunning views. Another fun hike is Peter’s Brook Trail in Penny’s Preserve, bringing you to quarries and a waterfall.
If you are looking for a fun day trip, I highly recommend driving to Deer Isle. Deer Isle is a hidden gem in Maine, where you can soak up the sun on Sand Beach, hike along Tennis Preserve Loop, kayak, and explore cute shops!
Lubec
Maine Region: Downeast & Acadia
Things to do: lighthouse, hiking, biking
Where to Stay:
Lubec is the easternmost town in Maine, next to the Canadian border. It is quite a long drive to get there, but it is a fantastic place to visit in summer!
West Quoddy Head Light is the easternmost point of the contiguous US and one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Maine, in my opinion. The grounds are stunning, and I highly recommend visiting during sunrise!
If you want to hike, I highly recommend visiting Quoddy Head State Park. The 532-acre park has over four miles of trails through bogs and forests, and the ocean views are breathtaking!
Another one of my favorite areas to hike is Boot Head Preserve. This area has many trails with breathtaking ocean views, but its 2.4-mile hike is my favorite! The views of the rocky coast are unmatched, and I know you will love hiking this trail.
Sebago Lake
Maine Region: Maine Lakes & Mountains
Things to do: lakes, boating, swimming, hiking, biking
Where to Stay:
If you are looking for a lake summer vacation, look no further! Sebago Lake is one of my favorite lakes in Maine, and it is one of the most popular in the state.
Of course, one of the best things to do is explore the lake by boat. You can rent a boat to enjoy a full day exploring, swimming, and taking in the views.
If you do not want to boat but still want to swim, I recommend heading to Sebago Lake State Park. It has a nice beach and a few hiking trails.
Another fun thing to do for the entire family is visit Seacoast Adventures! It has mini golf, go-karts, and a small waterpark, making it the perfect place to visit with kids.
Bethel
Maine Region: Maine Lakes and Mountains
Things to do: mountains, hiking, biking, scenic drives, rivers, scenic gondola rides
Where to Stay:
Although Bethel is a well-known winter destination, it offers many fun things to do in summer. And it has something for everyone, including beautiful hikes, waterfalls, scenic drives, covered bridges, and scenic gondola rides. You will not be disappointed!
One of my favorite things to do is to visit Grafton Notch State Park. It has a stunning 21-mile scenic byway with overlooks, hikes, and waterfalls. The drive is beautiful, but I highly recommend exploring the nearby trails.
If you are a waterfall lover, you can visit Screw Auger Falls and Step Falls. Screw Auger Falls is my favorite of the two, but Step Falls offers better views of the surrounding mountains. You cannot go wrong visiting either!
If you want a challenging hike, you can hike to Old Speck Mountain, one of the tallest mountains in Maine. The 7.4-mile trail offers stunning views, overlooking the White Mountains, the Mahoosuc Mountain Range, and the surrounding area.
And if you do not want to hike, you can head back to Bethel and enjoy a scenic gondola ride at Sunday River. It is also dog-friendly, which I love!
Rangeley
Maine Region: Maine Lakes and Mountains
Things to do: lakes, hiking, biking, scenic drives, waterfalls, mountains, ATVing
Where to Stay:
Rangeley is a stunning area in the northwest corner of Maine, surrounded by beautiful forests, mountains, and six lakes. Although it is known as one of the best winter destinations with its incredible snowmobiling trails, it is also one of the best places to visit in Maine in summer. Whether you want to drive a scenic byway, hike to waterfalls, or explore the lakes, you will love visiting Rangeley.
One of my favorite things to do is drive the stunning Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. The 52-mile scenic drive has beautiful viewpoints, hikes, and waterfalls. The Height of Land will quickly become one of your favorite viewpoints along the drive.
If you want to enjoy beautiful waterfalls, I recommend visiting Angel Falls, Coos Canyon, Smalls Falls, or the Cascades. All of these waterfalls are stunning, but Angel Falls is my favorite. It is the fourth-tallest waterfall in Maine, standing at 90 feet tall, and requires a 1-mile hike to its base.
If you want to hike, I recommend hiking Bald Mountain! The 2.3-mile hike leads to a fire tower, offering incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Jackman
Maine Region: Kennebec Valley
Things to do: hiking, biking, scenic drives, waterfalls, mountains, ATVing
Where to Stay:
Now, I know you may be wondering what my favorite remote town is to visit in summer, and my answer may surprise you! I visited Jackman for the first time in the fall and quickly fell in love so much that I visited the following summer to explore more.
Jackman is a town in northern Maine, sitting a few miles from the Canadian border, and is one of the most beautiful areas in the state. Although Jackman is a small town, it does not lack fun summer activities! You can explore beautiful waterfalls, hike to the tops of mountains, go ATVing, or boat on its beautiful lakes.
Some of my favorite trails are Coburn Mountain and No. 5 Mountain. Coburn Mountain is the tallest mountain near Jackman, standing over 3,700 feet tall, with a fun 3.5-mile hike along old ski trails to the top. The summit has a viewing platform, offering spectacular 360-degree views. No. 5 Mountain is a slightly longer trail at 5 miles, but the views make the effort worth it!
If you are a waterfall lover, you are in for a treat! Jackman has some of my favorite waterfalls in Maine, so I know you will love visiting them. Moxie Falls is just south of Jackman and takes the cake as my favorite waterfall in the state! Jackman also has two lesser-known waterfalls that require some extra planning to get to, but are just as beautiful: Cold Stream Falls and Slidedown Falls.
Jackman also has a 78-mile scenic byway that will leave you in awe with its views! The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful drives in Maine, traveling from the Canadian Border to Solon, Maine. The drive to Jackman is long, but if you take the scenic route along this byway, you will not be disappointed!
Moosehead Lake
Maine Region: Maine Highlands
Things to do: lakes, mountains, hiking, biking, swimming
Where to Stay:
Maine has over 6,000 lakes, but one stands out over the rest for me. Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine and my favorite lake in the state. Although it is quite a drive to get to this northeastern region in Maine, it is worth it!
Moosehead Lake is stunning with views of Mount Kineo. If you rent a cabin along the water, you will not be disappointed with the views, trust me!
Although Moosehead Lake is remote, it does not lack things to do in the summer. I recommend exploring the 59-mile Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway, which brings you to some of the most beautiful places in the area.
If you want to hike, I recommend Mount Kineo or Number Four Mountain. Both offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding area.
You can, of course, rent a boat to explore Moosehead Lake or enjoy a scenic boat ride with Katahdin Cruises. And swimming? Yeah, you can do that too here. The water is clean and feels refreshing, especially in the summer heat.
Millinocket
Maine Region: Maine Highlands
Things to do: mountains, hiking, biking, scenic drives, rivers, waterfalls
Where to Stay:
And last but certainly not least, we have one of the best places to visit for hiking if you do not mind a long drive. Although it is a long drive to get to Millinocket, it is worth it for the beautiful views and fun hiking trails.
Millinocket is home to Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in Maine. Hiking is one of the best things to do in the area, and let me tell you, the views are stunning! This area has some of the best hiking trails in the state, so you will not be disappointed.
If you are a waterfall lover, you are in luck! You can visit a handful of waterfalls, including Katahdin Falls, Grindstone Falls, and Shin Falls. All of them are beautiful, but Katahdin Falls is my favorite!
But you do not need to hike a strenuous trail to enjoy the beautiful views. One of my favorite things to do is drive the 89-mile Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway because the views are breathtaking! Trust me, you will fall in love with this area quickly.
As you can see, Maine has many beautiful places to visit in summer, no matter what you want to do! If you are looking to lie on a sandy beach, hike the tallest mountain in the state, or float in a river, Maine has a fun summer activity for everyone! This guide has the best places to visit in Maine in summer, making it the perfect place to start planning your trip.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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