Maine Vacation Ideas
With 6,000 lakes, 32,000 miles of rivers, 5,000 miles of coast and 17 million acres of forestland, there’s plenty of Maine to experience.
There are many family campgrounds along the shores lakes, cozy cottages on bluffs overlooking the ocean and an intriguing culture full of modern and historic activities.
Aroostook County
Maine's largest and northernmost county has an abundance of natural, cultural and recreational resources. You can find yourself kayaking, canoeing and fish in one of the area's 2000 lakes, rivers and streams. Bike along endless fields, hike down wooded trails or cross-country ski and snowmobile through a winter landscape.
Downeast & Acadia
Downeast & Acadia has an abundance of nooks and crannies. The area is full of Natural wonders, lighthouses, shopping, and a medley of lodging and dining choices like lobster fresh off the boat and prepared to your liking can be found as needed.
From the glacial erratics of Acadia National Park to the dramatic tides of Cobscook and Passamaquoddy Bays. The coast offers whale watching, puffin watching and sea kayaking just to get you started.
Exceptional kayaking, canoeing, fishing and hunting opportunities are plentiful. Hike, bike, climb, relax by the water's edge or explore this region full of possibilities.
Greater Portland
A four-season destination in southern Maine, Portland's bustling waterfront is alive with activity and people such as fisherman and ferries; sightseeing cruises and pleasure boats; restaurants and shops.
The scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and a wealth of historic and cultural attractions will fill all of your vacation days.
Classic New England villages and wide sandy beaches surround Portland, Maine's metropolitan area that sits right on scenic Casco Bay. Historic forts and lighthouses are great ways to spend the day.
Upper Kennebec and Moose River Valleys
The Upper Kennebec and Moose River Valleys offer incomparable opportunities for hiking, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and fall foliage viewing.
Casual and experienced outdoorsman can't get enough of the wooded hills and mountains, flawless lakes and rivers, as well as its cultural and historic attractions the area has to offer.
Western Maine
If you have never experienced the change of seasons then Western Maine is on of the greatest paces for you to visit.
Dramatic, radiating colors highlight unspoiled lakes and mountains. Vivid wild flowers of spring and a brilliant palette of fall colors make this a region of great scenic beauty.
During Summer enjoy all types of water sports on the region's lakes and rivers, cycle, hike, camp, golf and much more. In the winter ski and snowmobile in the mountains or cozy up to a fire in a cabin.
Loons and Moose still roam free and if you are watching for them and other spectacular wildlife you will find them.
Mid-Coast
Seaside resorts, glacier-carved peninsulas, and striking panoramas reside all along the Mid-Coast. Campgrounds, cottages and hotels are great ways to spend time here.
Go biking or kayaking, sail on a famous windjammer, visit a museum, and take in a play or concert, ferry to spectacular islands, or go sightseeing for seals, whales, puffins and dolphins.
In the winter, go skiing, skating, or tobogganing.
Southern Maine Coast
Maine is full of breathtaking coastal scenery and the Southern Maine Coast is no exception. Broad beaches of pure white sand rolling up and down Mains Coast is excuse enough to visit.
Beautiful sandy beaches, inlets and harbors offer endless opportunities from swimming and sailing to sea kayaking and fishing.
Explore classic lighthouses, secluded harbors and rocky shorelines where you can skip rocks along the waters edge. Even in the winter this coastline continues to give back to its visitors with frosty views and quaint villages to explore.
Maine Highlands
The Maine Highlands is a region of unmatched sites and a fantastic place for any photography fan. Here you will find more parkland than anywhere else in the state, including 200,000-acre Baxter State Park.
Moosehead Lake, the largest in the Northeast and mile-high Mt. Katahdin, the tallest peak in Maine make for a fine place to see wild moose and deer. The Maine Highlands is also home to some of the best hunting and fishing in the east.
Outstanding whitewater rafting on the Penobscot and Kennebec Rivers is a great summer activity.
One of the best parts of Maine is the night time sky. It is a great opportunity to teach yourself and the children about the planets and the night sky. One of my favorite things to do is look for constellations and for just a few dollars you can pick up a star finder. It's not hard to do and it is a lifetime of knowledge and fun for everyone.
Really you can enjoy all types of outdoor recreation, from canoeing/kayaking and camping to snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing.
Maine is truly and outdoorsman's paradise and anyone who calls themselve a camper should take some time and spend it in Maine!