The Ultimate Maine Bucketlist: 58 Things to do in Maine
Maine conjures images of lighthouses, rugged coastline, and lobster aplenty at the very tippy-top of America. And while we’re MAINE-LY here for the views and endless outdoor opportunities, there are a few other things you must have on your east coast bucket list beyond just eating your weight in lobster rolls because that’s a given. Organized by region, here’s everything for adventure-loving individuals and families to do in Maine. The only question is, how much time off do you have?
Things to do in Bar Harbor Maine
As the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is an island town along Frenchman Bay, which swells with visitors during the peak summer season. Acadia may appear small, but it encompasses 50,000 acres along the Atlantic Coastline of Maine and is one of the top 10 most visited national parks, so there’s no shortage of places to explore.
1. Give Clamming/Shelling a Try
You’ve heard of farm to table; why not sand to plate? Get a license, grab a rake and a bucket and start looking for holes. That’s where you’ll know to dig. It’s a little more complicated than that, but that’s the gist. Here’s a more in-depth explanation that still sounds pretty accessible to anyone.
2. Visit the Bar Harbor “Bar”
Not the cocktail kind, but the sandbar for which the town is named. Accessible to kayakers and hikers at low tide, it’s your gateway to Bar Island, a lesser-explored part of Acadia National Park.
3. Walk the Shore Path
The best way to see the waterfront or catch a sunrise, the Shore Path has been a staple of the Bar Harbor community for more than a century. Meander along it to see Bar Harbor’s oldest inns, picturesque summer cottages, The Porcupine Islands, Balance Rock, Egg Rock Light, and the Schoodic Peninsula. You can start the trail from downtown Agamont Park, which is one of the best places to people watch.
4. Take a Guided Trolley Tour of Acadia
There is a park drive loop that hits the major tourist attractions of Thunder Hole and Jordan Pond, but it gets very busy and congested. Oli’s Trolley takes all the stress of seeing the park off if you prefer to focus on the scenery over traffic.
5. Go For a Carriage Ride Through a National Park
One of the most unique ways to explore, wind your way through the 45 miles of paved carriage trails on a horse and buggy at Wildwood Stables. While it may seem like an ideal winter activity, carriage rides are only available May through October.
6. Catch a Cadillac Mountain Sunrise
One of the most sought-after photography spots in the park, hike or drive up Cadillac Summit Road to the highest peak in the park. Note: Advanced reservations are required May through October.
7. Kayak to Seal Cove
An up close and personal aqua safari, get close to these cute creatures sunning themselves on the rocks.
8. Go for a Puffin Cruise
Petit Manan Island is home to one of the country’s largest populations of seabirds and water-dwelling mammals, more notably the Atlantic puffin, which nest there.
9. Play in the (Tide)pools
Accessible for 1.5 hours before and 1.5 hours after low tide, an entirely new habitat comes to life. See marine creatures, colorful algae, and other unique wildlife at Ship Harbor, Bar Island, Schoodic Peninsula, and Mount Desert Island.
10. Taste Lobster Ice Cream
Your nose will lead you to Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium, which has walls of fudge, chocolates, and nostalgic candy. They also have over 60 ice cream flavors, including their signature lobster (not my favorite, to be honest, but worth saying you’ve tried it).
11. See a Lumberjack Show
Just up the road in Trenton, Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show is the variety show/man candy you didn’t know you needed in your life. From ax throwing to pole climbing, watch features of endurance and try your hand at logrolling.
Things to do in Portland Maine
Maine’s largest city and gateway airport is home to less than 70,000 residents, still giving it that coveted small town, hyper-local feel. It’s artsy, eclectic, hipster, and charming with a gorgeous waterfront, and one visit may just have you wanting to move there.
12. Meander the Old Port Area
The old historic area is also the hippest place in town, with cobblestone streets and a waterfront that oozes authenticity. Pop in the local boutiques, eateries to find your favorite bite and souvenir. Don’t miss the Made in Maine shop, Old Port Candy Co., and the Farmer’s Annex.
13. Cruise on a Classic Wooden Ship
The best way to see the Harbor is from the water, and the most unique boat option is Portland Schooner Co. These classic early 1900s windjammers are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with iconic sights like the old jail and the private islands on the itinerary
14. Tour on a Vintage Fire Truck
A unique history tour aboard a bright red, vintage, open-air fire engine, you’ll be taken around to marvel at the fantastic architecture across Casco Bay.
15. Make Yourself a Food Crawl
Portland is a huge foodie town and while seafood is a huge draw and the next raw bar or cup of chowder is just a stone’s throw away, a number of other standout restaurants are well-known musts too. Holy Donut is as divine (pun intended) as touted, brave the hour-long wait for fries at Duck Fat, the caramelized honey soft serve at the Honey Paw, or simply hit up the food trucks every Friday in summer at Eastern Promenade.
16. Lighthouse Hop
While there are lighthouses all up and down the coast, the Portland region is one of the most concentrated with iconic beacons to photograph, including Portland Head Light, the first one commissioned by George Washington in 1791 that’s still working today
17. Sip + Soak Your Cares Away at Soakology
Foot spa and teahouse may just be the perfect pairing for a day of rest and relaxation. With a robust menu of massage options and steepings, find a re-brewed sense of zen on your Maine vacation.
18. Mansion Hop at Cape Elizabeth
If you like ogling how the 1% lives, Cape Elizabeth’s storied homes are the perfect inspiration for an east coast romance novel.
19. Go for a Party Cruise
Maine BayCycle is the state’s first human powered-party boat. Grab your squad and get to pedaling (8-15 people are required to make it move), but then you can take turns doing the work because it’s also BYO.
Things to do in Bangor Maine
Maine’s second-largest airport is generally a place many tend to pass through en route to Acadia, but few attractions are worth visiting.
20. Visit Stephen King’s House
For horror fanatics, the novelist used his own home and town as the setting for many of his stories. The old Victorian is just as creepy as you’d imagine with wrought-iron bats & spiders on the gate. While the home is unfortunately not open to the public, SK Tours of Maine, LLC offers narrated tours of many of King’s iconic spots around Bangor.
21. Go on a Moose Safari
1.5 hours north near Shirley Mills; Northeast Whitewater is known for its moose tours. Elusive and idyllic, these woodland creatures can be seen on foot or by canoe. Moosehead Lake is home to a number of other outdoor adventures, from ice caving to whitewater rafting for a summer to remember.
22. Go for a Ghastly Ghost Tour
Mt Hope Cemetery is the second oldest garden cemetery in the country, making it a hauntingly beautiful place to visit. The Bangor Historical Society offers guided tours that tell the storied tales of the area’s legends.
23. Meander a Museum
The Cole Land Transportation Museum is a must for vehicle nerds, while UMaine Museum of Art has over 3,000 works on display and is completely free. Maine Discovery Museum is Maine’s largest children’s museum, with three floors of exhibits designed to be interactive and touched.
Things to do in Ogunquit Maine
Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea” in Native American and is one of the most beautiful beachfront towns on the Southern Maine coast if not the country.
24. Walk Marginal Way
A three-mile shorefront trail connecting Ogunquit Village to Perkins Cove, it’s as picturesque and photogenic as anywhere in Maine.
25. Take a Boat to Perkins Cove
An idyllic fishing village, you’ll find artisan crafts, seaside seafood bistros, hues, and views.
26. Make it an Art-scape
Ogunquit originated as a shipbuilding colony in 1641, and later flourished for its artistic pursuits. There are galleries and shops all over town touting the local makers, including a three-acre sculpture park with 17 different gardens.
27. Get Dramatic
Catch a production at Ogunquit Playhouse, one of the last remaining off-Broadway summer theaters in existence. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
28. Take a Day Trip to the Antique Capital of the World
With over 25 shops along Route 1, Wells is a great place to snag a souvenir or hunt for hidden treasure. You never know what you may find, from a rare book to an exquisite piece of china.
Things to do Camden Maine
Another gorgeous beach town in Midcoastal Maine, Camden and Rockport offer some different pursuits in the way of winter activities and outdoor attractions.
29. Hike it Out at Camden Hills State Park
Overlooking Penobscot Bay just off Route 1, Camden Hills has a number of outdoor pursuits from hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing in summer to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in winter. The most popular trails go to Mount Battie, a stone mountain tower, and summer house to Teddy Roosevelt.
30. Ski with an Ocean View
Camden Snow Bowl is a community-owned ski resort, and the only one able to boast snowy winter fun overlooking the ocean.
31. Stop to Smell the Roses
Merryspring Nature Center is a free and beautiful 66-acre garden and nature sanctuary with tons of family-friendly activities and guided nature walks.
32. Explore High Street Historic District
A well-preserved 1920s era neighborhood; High Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its charming architecture that’s a step back in time.
Things to do in Kennebunkport Maine
One of Maine’s top tourist destinations, Kennebunkport started as a tiny shipbuilding and fishing community but has since become a maze of seaside visitors that swell the coastal community during the summer season, including the former summer home of President Bush senior. While it can no longer be called quaint, it is a lively place with an electric atmosphere.
33. Learn to Catch Lobster
Lobster boat cruises can be found all up and down the coast, where you can get hands-on reeling in your own traps and bringing home your own dinner.
34. Explore Dock Square
The area’s quintessential New England vibe; take a leisurely stroll down Ocean Avenue and watch the ships come in.
35. High Tail it to the Seashore Trolley Museum
The first and largest mass transit museum in the world, the trolley museum has a massively well-maintained and lovingly restored collection of vintage vehicles, which appropriately, you can tour in a trolley car. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
36. Get Some Exercise
Hook up with Coastal Maine Kayak + Bike to explore the area by bike, kayak, scooter, or SUP. They have tandem rides and sidecars, just in case you’re looking to make it a photo op, too. And trust us, you’ll want to burn off some calories because the area food is just that good.
37. Photograph a Former President’s Home
The Walker Point Estate, or Bush summer compound isn’t open to the public, but you can stop by and snap a photo of “41’s” boyhood vacation spot.
38. Drive Down Summer Street
A trip back in time, Summer Street is home to 17 historic sea captain’s homes spanning over 200 years of architecture from Georgian to Greek Revival. Listed on the National Historic Register, the crown jewel is the tiered “wedding cake house.”
39. Go Whale Watching
Majestic marine mammals and the largest living creatures, summer whale watching is a popular east coast pastime from April-September, where they come to feed and frolic just 20 miles offshore. You also can see seals, dolphins, and a variety of other marine animals.
Hotels in Kennebunkport, Maine
Things to do in York Maine
Near the state’s southernmost tip, York is a well-known summer resort town and an easy road trip from Boston or New Hampshire.
40. See Wild Animals
York’s Wild Kingdom is New England’s only Animal Park and Amusement Park located right on the beach. With a large number of exhibits to see, spend the day marveling at monkeys, lions, and lemurs. Don’t miss the butterfly garden, the Midway Games, mini-golf, and funnel cake galore.
41. Hike Mount Agamenticus
An area of rich coastal forest, Mount A’s stunning 360 views prove that utopias of both mountains and water do exist in America.
42. Cheers on a Beer Tour
Maine, in general, boasts a big craft beer scene, and with three breweries in town, Granite State Growler Tours on “Greta the Growler Getta” is a bus that can take you from sip to stop without worrying about drinking and driving.
43. Visit the Stonewall Kitchen Company Store
A sampler’s haven, this tastebud tempting den of sweet preserves and savory sauces is a foodie’s dream. There’s also a cooking school on-site if you’d like to take a globally inspired, chef-led class.
44. Get a Living History Lesson
The Museums of Old York is a recreated colonist village. You can explore the nine historic buildings, including The Old Gaol, the nation’s oldest royal prison, along with a schoolhouse and tavern and see history come to life. The property extends to the John Hancock Wharf, the oldest commercial structure in the state.
45. Learn How Saltwater Taffy is Made
The Goldenrod vintage candy store is more than just an old soda jerk, it’s an institution. Take a self-guided tour of the factory which has been churning out copper kettle taffy since the late 1800s.
46. Defy Gravity at a High Ropes Course
A little ways away in Kittery, Take Flight Arial Adventure has over 65 aerial elements and ziplines. It is an elevated adventure course for adrenaline junkies.
Things to do in Boothbay Harbor
Set in its namesake harbor, Boothbay is a popular watersports destination and jumping-off point for Maine’s midcoastal islands.
47. Learn to Shuck Oysters
A visit to Glidden Point Oyster Farm is a must for shellfish lovers. With shuck your own farm tours, it’s another bucket list foodie experience.
48. Sail the High Seas
Called the “Boating Capital of New England,” the best way to get a lay of the land is by hitting the sea. With over 25 daily water excursions, you can try everything from sport fishing and speed boating to romantic sunset sails.
49. Attend a Clambake on Cabbage Island
A signature east coast dining experience, indulge in lobster, chowder, clams, corn, potatoes, and blueberry cake at a setting reachable only by boat.
50. Test Your Paddle Power
In a state known for the richness of its coastline, the Boothbay Region stands out as one of the best destinations for sea kayaking, with water ranging from the open seas to calm, protected rivers. The Harbor is home to three historic lighthouses and many public islands you can explore by renting a vessel and going at it yourself or on a guided tour.
51. See the Trolls
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of the state’s biggest attractions and the largest botanical garden in New England. But beyond 300-acres of beautiful flowers, the Guardians of the Seeds, giant trolls are another whimsical draw.
Hotels in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Things to do in Freeport Maine
New England’s favorite shopping destination, Freeport is a tiny town just outside of Portland known for their outlets and outdoor empire.
52. Visit the LL Bean Flagship Store
Any outdoor lover is familiar with the LL Bean Brand, and aesthetic and a photo with the giant boot is a must on any trip to Maine. The compound includes multiple stores that are all open 24/7 365 just in case the midnight urge for retail therapy hits.
53. See Maine’s Desert
A true natural wonder, miles of soft sand await – and we’re not talking about the beach. Play in the dunes, find the buried Spring House (excavated in WWII), dig for fossils and gemstone village.
Things to do in Augusta Maine
Maine’s capital, the historic downtown, is home to the central business district, the statehouse, and Capital Park.
54. Visit the Oldest Surviving Fort in America
Built in the 1750s; Old Fort Western is a must for history buffs. It’s had many lives and was everything from a pilgrim offering to a storefront and staging area during the American Revolution.
Things to do in Rockland Maine
Rockland wasn’t always a tourist destination, the town got its humble start in limestone and granite, and its Harbor has always been full of working fishermen, but as of lately, it’s one of those coveted more relaxed seaside getaways.
55. Attend Maine Lobsterfest
When in Rome, right? Held annually in August, this seafood lover’s feast has everything from cooking competitions to live entertainment and carnivals.
56. Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum
Maine’s as synonymous with lighthouses as it is lobster, so why not learn a little of the maritime history of these iconic beacons and how they work with the coast guard to protect the sailors.
57. Help Preserve Puffins
Learn all about the beloved shorebirds at the Project Puffin Visitor Center. You can view the birds in real-time through a high-tech video system and hear about the center’s conservation efforts of these important nesting habitats.
58. Sleep in a Lighthouse
if you’ve ever dreamed of a truly non-traditional lifestyle that really gets you off the grid, try out being a light housekeeper at Little River Lighthouse. The fully restored keeper’s cabin overlooks the Bay of Fundy at the northeasternmost lighthouse in the US, giving you the unique opportunity to be the first to see the dawn of each new day. Sounds pretty charming, no?
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