Whether you want to shuck, taste, learn from the experts or just grab and go, there’s no better way to appreciate the fresh reward of Maine oysters. Land trusts work with landowners to open private lands to the public to conserve land, protect wildlife, provide outdoor recreation opportunities. Find creative treasures while browsing the many art galleries around the state featuring works by skilled artists and crafters. Maine's northernmost county is draped in sprawling forests and dotted with mountain peaks. Considering it's bigger than Rhode Island and Connecticut combined, you'll run out of energy before you run out of hiking, mountain biking, ATV and cross-country ski trails. Discover the daily customs and cultural heritage of the Acadians, descendants of the French who settled in Acadia in the 17th and 18th centuries. Abundant outdoor activities beckon along this 28 mile railbed converted to a gravel byway. The area, once overflown by Air Force bombers, now offers a wild and quiet place for wildlife watchers and birders. Downwind from shipping ports like New York and Boston. And to the east. That's how you get DownEast. Defined by booming ocean, craggy coastline, and inland beauty, the region's natural wonder continues far beyond Acadia National Park, so we'd recommend you do the same. Nestled in the DownEast and Acadia region, Cobscook Shores is a series of preserves on the eco-rich shores of Cobscook Bay near the historic town of Lubec. For an uncrowded hike through undisturbed forest and shore-hugging trails, check out the Edgar M. Tennis Preserve on Deer Isle. A candy-striped light house, four interconnected hiking trails along cliffs and bluffs and open ocean shores are all offered at Quoddy Head State Park. Art? Absolutely. Shows? Sure enough. Food? Really good food? Probably more than you can handle in one trip. So, plan two. Or three. Or however many it takes to get to know this culturally diverse corner of Maine. Every exhibit is designed to be explored by kids through dramatic role play, hands-on experiences, navigating immersive environments and taking safe risks. In the heart of Portland’s downtown arts district, The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) is worthy of a visit and a great reason for a visit to Portland. Known for being a favorite shopping destination in New England because of its brand-name outlets and local boutiques, Freeport is that and so much more. The Kennebec Valley is a gift of the 170-mile Kennebec River that rolls, and sometimes rocks, from Moosehead Lake in the north to the Atlantic Ocean. Test your mettle on some rapids, cast a line, explore the Appalachian Trail, or just sit back and enjoy the waterfalls.
The Kennebec river provides loads of thrills while still being approachable for folks with little or no experience in whitewater rafting. Considered one of the best academic museums in the country, with a focus on American and contemporary art, you can spend an entire day enjoying the museum’s many permanent collections. With 224 acres and six miles of trails, several botanical collections and local art, Viles Arboretum is a year-round destination for exploration, reflection, education and just plain fun. Beginning just an hour from Portland and reaching to the Canadian border, Maine's Lakes & Mountains region is home to ten of the state's highest peaks, our largest ski resorts and plenty of opportunities to paddle, cast and cannonball. Among the picture-perfect western Maine mountains and pristine waterways is the Rangeley Lakes Region, aptly named for the many lakes sparkling among the natural terrain. Arts and culture are thriving in Lewiston and Auburn (L/A to locals), which are the heart of Maine’s rich Franco-American heritage. Pineland Farms in New Gloucester is a working farm and business campus that offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities and educational family fun. Scale a mountain, turn your head and see islands punctuating the sparkling sea. Maine's MidCoast & Islands region specializes in breathtaking vistas, which is probably why some of America's greatest painters called this place home. Historically one of Maine’s largest cities and a major supplier of America’s 19th-century sailing vessels, this charming town skirting the Kennebec River is known as the “City of Ships.” Owls Head Transportation Museum houses more than 150 antique automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles, engines and more Whether you are a history enthusiast or looking for a unique day trip on the coast, Maine’s historic MidCoast forts are worth exploring. Maine might be known for its dramatic and rugged coastline, but just one hour north of Boston and a stone's throw from Portland you'll find wide sandy beaches. There's nothing like a sun-soaked beach day. And there's no place quite like a Maine beach. The neighboring communities of Biddeford and Saco are divided by the Saco River but are perfect for a day of exploration. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art houses a mix of past and present collections featuring paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints and photographs dating back to the late 1800s. Ogunquit offers expansive sandy beaches, dramatic rocky cliffs and a charming harborside town — in addition to world-class dining and resort experiences. The highest peak. And the largest lake. Just two of the natural wonders you'll encounter in the Maine Highlands. And if you make your way to Baxter State Park, you'll probably be able to add a moose to that list. Discover Zillman Art Museum, known for its modern and contemporary art, having just reopened its doors in downtown Bangor. Home to many of Maine’s unique attractions, from spots that inspired author Stephen King’s books to a thriving arts, dining and shopping scene. Visit the site of a plane crash that took the lives of seven people in January, 1963.
The Maine Oyster Trail
Land Trusts
Great Little Art Galleries
Acadian Village in Van Buren
Travel the Aroostook Valley Trail
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
Cobscook Shores
Deer Isle Tennis Preserve
Revisit Quoddy Head
Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine
Portland Museum of Art
36 Hours in Freeport
Rafting the Kennebec River
Colby Museum of Art
Viles Arboretum
36 Hours in Rangeley
36 Hours in Lewiston/Auburn
Pineland Farms
36 Hours in Bath
Owls Head Transportation Museum
Maine's MidCoast Forts
36 Hours in Biddeford & Saco
Ogunquit Museum of American Art
36 Hours in Ogunquit
Zillman Art Museum
36 Hours in Bangor
Discover a B52 Crash Site
- Visitmaine Logo
- Things to Do
- Where to Stay
- Places to Go
- Plan Your Visit