Inspiration
Vacationland is the perfect place to spend the whole summer. Whether you make one place your base, or travel across the state, here’s our ultimate guide to summer in Maine.
All DestinationsDestinations
Must-see destinations
Midcoast Islands
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.
Portland & Casco Bay
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
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, lobster-boat cruises, and a walkable harbor that lights up with half a million twinkle lights in winter.
Midcoast Islands
Camden
Where the mountains meet the sea - windjammer harbor, Mount Battie summit views, and an independent village with real soul.
Portland & Casco Bay
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.
explore
Explore
by region
Maine delivers you to the vast wild expanse of Aroostook, up to the tallest peak in the Maine Highlands, and along the rocky shores of DownEast & Acadia.
It takes you tumbling over Maine’s highest waterfall in the Kennebec Valley, sailing through the iconic islands off MidCoast, and snowshoeing through the wilderness of the Lakes and Mountains.
Restaurants
Maine's best restaurants
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American
Portland
Wharf Street Yacht Club
Dive bar energy meets craft cocktails on Portland's waterfront. Happy hour bites, strong drinks, vegan options. Open Wed–Sun on Wharf Street.
$$$
Contemporary American
Portland
Fore Street
Wood-fired contemporary American in Portland's Old Port. Daily-changing menu of local seafood, farm vegetables, and meats. James Beard-recognized since 1996.
$$$
Sicilian
Brunswick
Pomelia
Authentic Sicilian cooking in downtown Brunswick. Fresh pasta, focaccia pizza, and street food. Highly rated, affordable, and easy to book.
$$$
Bistro
Portland
Isa Bistro
Award-nominated chef Isaul Perez serves inventive seasonal bistro fare - eggplant lasagna, lobster tostada, sole - in a cozy Portland room. Reservations essential.
$$$
Indian
South Portland
Taj Indian Cuisine
Award-winning Indian restaurant in South Portland with handcrafted cocktails, a celebrated lunch buffet, and outdoor igloos. James Beard semifinalist.
$$$
Farm-to-table
Portland
Bread & Friends
Michelin-level farm-to-table dining in a casual bakery setting. Grilled oysters, duck, harissa carrots & house-baked bread. Dinner Thu–Sun, brunch daily.
$$$
American
Scarborough
Dunstan Tap and Table
Elevated pub food, craft beers, and wood-fired pizza in Scarborough. A lively neighborhood spot perfect for families, groups, and date nights near Portland.
$$$
Sushi & Seafood
Portland
Mr. Tuna
Fresh Gulf of Maine tuna and inventive sushi in Portland. Chef Jordan Rubin's casual sushi bar earns Food & Wine #6 ranking and James Beard recognition.