Guides
Guides in Maine
Maine travel guides help with a specific decision: which coastal walk to choose, how to spend a day in town or where to focus a meal or overnight stay. Start with the question you need answered, then connect the guide with the destination page so the route and location stay clear.
Related planning guides: How Many Days Do You Need in Maine?; What Should You Pack for Maine?; Maine Coast Guide: Beaches, Harbors and Acadia; Maine in Winter: Ski Country, Cities and the Coast; Portland to Acadia, Maine: Coast or Inland Route?; Maine Fall Foliage: Coastal Itinerary and Regional Timing; Maine in Summer: June, July and August Trip Choices; Maine Tide Pools and Rocky Shores: Choose the Outing.
Destinations
Must-see destinations
Downeast & Acadia
Bar Harbor
Gateway to Acadia National Park - Cadillac Mountain, puffin cruises, and a harbor town that fills with cruise ships from May to October.
Southern Maine Coast
Kennebunkport
Dock Square boutiques, Goose Rocks Beach, and the Bush family's Walker's Point - the quintessential coastal Maine summer town.
Greater Portland
Portland
Maine's largest city - a working waterfront, Old Port cobblestones, and a food scene that punches well above its weight.
Midcoast Islands
Bath
Shipbuilding heart of Maine since 1743 - Bath Iron Works still launches destroyers past the Maine Maritime Museum on the Kennebec.
Midcoast Islands
Boothbay Harbor
A Midcoast harbor town built around boat trips, with the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens just up the road.
Midcoast Islands
Camden
Where the mountains meet the sea - windjammer harbor, Mount Battie summit views, and an independent village with real soul.
Greater Portland
Freeport
Flagship home of L.L. Bean, open 24/7 - outlets, a tidal river, and surprisingly good eating between the shopping.
Southern Maine Coast
Kennebunk
Postcard-perfect village of sea captains' mansions, Lower Village shops, and easy walks to Mother's Beach and Gooch's Beach.
Hotels
Great basecamps
$$$
Hotel
Lincolnville
Spouter Inn Bed & Breakfast
Historic beachfront B&B in Lincolnville with gourmet breakfasts, attentive hosts Mark and Tracy, and direct views of Penobscot Bay. Couples rate it 9.9/10.
$$$
Hotel
Camden
Abigail's Inn
Exceptional bed & breakfast in historic Camden with gourmet breakfasts, thoughtful hosts, and walkable access to downtown. Couples and travelers rave about the experience.
$$$
Hotel
Camden
Camden Maine Stay Inn
Historic B&B on High Street with acclaimed breakfast, manicured gardens, and walking distance to downtown Camden. Perfect for couples and families.
$$$
Hotel
Bass Harbor
Lighthouse Cabins Maine
Pet-friendly cabins 30 minutes from Acadia National Park with free breakfast, kitchenettes, and a knowledgeable owner who knows Mount Desert Island inside out.
$$$
Hotel
Freeport
Casa Alchimia
European-designed B&B in Freeport with exceptional breakfast, art-filled rooms, and gracious hosts. Walking distance to shops and restaurants.
$$$
Hotel
Caribou
Old Iron Inn Bed and Breakfast
Intimate B&B in Caribou with exceptional homemade breakfast, antique iron collection, and warm hosts Kevin & Kate. Perfect for couples and families.
$$$
Hotel
Pittsfield
Cozy Home in Pittsfield
One-bedroom vacation home in Pittsfield, Maine with full kitchen, free parking, and WiFi. Walking distance to hospital and downtown. 9.9/10 rating.
$$$
Hotel
Old Town
The Sovereign Suite
Spacious two-bedroom apartment near Bangor with home theater, full kitchen, and fireplace. Perfect for families and groups seeking a quiet retreat.
Restaurants
Maine's best restaurants
$$$
Restaurant
Ellsworth
Brick House Soups
Homemade soups and creative melts in a cozy Ellsworth spot. The lobster bisque is legendary.
$$$
Wholesaler
Rockland
Maine Lobster Club brand / Alaskan Captain brand
Maine Lobster Club serves butter-drowned lobster rolls and shrimp mac and cheese worth the drive.
$$$
Thai restaurant
Portland
Little Pig
Thai street food in a tiny Portland shop: grilled sausages, banh mi, and bold curries.
$$$
Mexican restaurant
Bucksport
Salsa Shack Maine
Fish tacos and hefty burritos at Ellsworth's beloved Mexican food truck on Main Street.
$$$
American restaurant
Camden
Winona's
Small-plates American spot in Camden where Hannah and Devin cook what they want, and it works.
$$$
Pizza restaurant
Boothbay
Vera Idyllic Pizza
Roadside pizza trailer in Boothbay with a 5-star track record and crust that lives up to the hype.
$$$
Restaurant
Camden
The Munching Meeple
Board games, fresh food, and mocha cheesecake in a mill-turned-café in Camden.
$$$
Restaurant
Ogunquit
Black Boar Bistro
French-leaning bistro in Ogunquit with bacon-wrapped salmon, duck confit, and Black Boar stew.
