Maine is a dreamland in the summer. The shimmering blue water striking the crystal white sand, the trails that cut through the heart of the cliffs, and the views of the coastline from the top. It’s a hub of adventure and outdoor activities.

 

But vacation time is limited, and you have to plan your Maine vacation in advance. In this article, we will go through some of the best places that you could travel to in Maine this Summer.

 

Make your stay in Maine special by booking at the Meadowmere Resort, a hospitable oasis of comfort and elegance, offering access to local beaches, dining, and unique shops. With exceptional customer service and premium amenities, the Meadowmere Resort is an idyllic base for your adventures. 

 

Experience the essence of Maine while enjoying a luxurious retreat – make your summer vacation unforgettable at the Meadowmere Resort.

Let’s Discover the Best Places to Visit for an Epic Summer Vacation

Maine is fully-packed with undiscovered natural beauty. From the rugged Atlantic coastlines, calming and rich historical coastal towns, tranquil lakes fit for a late night swim, and lush green forests… one just gets carried away thinking about the possibilities.

 

So, to help you out, we’ve prepared a checklist of places you can visit this summertime with your family or friends. Get ready to create unforgettable memories and experience the best Maine has to offer.

Camp at Camden Hills State Park

Camden Hill State Park is a breathtakingly beautiful park located in the coastal town of Camden. The park spans over 5700 acres, every bit of it is covered with lush green grass, and is accessible to tourists. The park offers breathtaking views of mountains, coastlines, and forests. Making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities and camping.

 

Because the park is free from any light pollution, the purple night sky is filled with stars. There are over 107 campsites available in the park, so a lot to choose from. The sites are well-equipped with restrooms and showers. If you are planning a camping trip in Camden Hills State Park, be sure to book your camping site in advance.

 

No worries, if they are all booked, there are plenty of other options you can choose from.

Here are other amazing Camping Sites along Southern Maine Coast

 

1. Sebago Lake State Park, located in Casco, Maine. There are over 250 camping sites that you can choose from and the park features hiking trails, boat rentals, sandy beaches, and fishing spots.

 

2. The Wells Beach Resort, located in Wells, Maine. The park features a clean water swimming pool, a game room, a playground, and easy access to surrounding beaches.
3. Bayley’s Camping Resort, located in Scarborough, Maine. This huge resort offers over 700 campsites, and there are plenty of fun activities that you can do, including  mini-golf.

Ogunquit Beach: A Beautiful Summer Getaway

The sandy beach of Ogunquit is a great place for beachside walks, building sand castles, or just sunbathing under the deep blue skies that fuse into the crystal blue waters. It is a 3.5-mile stretch of clear sand, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

There are plenty of opportunities for a boat tour, including whale-watching tours and lobster boat tours. The beach also connects to the Marginal Way which is a 1.25-mile-long coastal walk, best suited for a scenic hike.

 

If you are a huge fan of the ocean, and just relaxing in the soothing sun on the beach, there are plenty of things on Ogunquit Beach that you don’t want to miss out on.

Other Sandy Beaches to Visit in Maine

1. The Popham Beach State Park, located in Phippsburg, Maine. This park offers a 2-mile-long sandy beach, where you can swim and sunbathe and even fishing is allowed.

 

2. Reid State Park, located in Georgetown, Maine. The beach is perfect for hiking, and picnicking, and there is even a lagoon for kayaking and paddleboarding.

 

3. Goose Rocks Beach, located in Kennebunkport, Maine. It is a 3-mile-long beach with clear water and gentle waves, perfect for a swim.

Explore the Quaint Town of Kennebunkport

You don’t want to miss out on this quaint town. The town is popular for its historic architecture, picturesque coastal views, and busy harbor. If you want to fully experience what it’s like to live along the coast in Maine, this town should be on your travel list.

 

The town exudes the charm of a traditional New England coastal village. When you take a stroll through this town, you’ll be awed to see the beautifully preserved historic buildings, the cozy cafes, and the boutiques. You can also visit the  Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, which is located just outside of town. 

Enjoy Fresh A Lobster Roll in Portland

Whether you are a fan of seafood, or even if you are an occasional sampler, you simply cannot miss out on the fresh lobster rolls in Portland. The lobsters are succulent and fresh, and the meat is so tender that it dissolves in your mouth like cotton candy.

 

Portland also hosts an annual Lobster Roll Festival, just to give you an idea about how crazy people are for these tender and crisp rolls. This iconic festival includes live music, beer, and of course, the show stopper, the never-ending supply of lobster rolls.

Relax at Old Orchard Beach Amusement Park

The park is located just a short drive from Portland. This iconic park has been home to thrill-seekers, adventurers, and families alike for over 100 years. The park is packed with a wide range of rides and attractions. There are family-friendly rides such as bumper cars and Ferris wheels, and then there are roller coaster rides such as Excalibur and the Dragon for adrenaline junkies.

 

But perhaps the best part of this park is Old Orchard Beach. This 7-mile-long beach is a hub for family picnics and sunbathing. There are also boat rides and kayaking. But most people come here to simply enjoy the 7 mile-long coastline and the crystal clear water.

Take a Scenic Drive Along the Maine Coast

If you are planning for an adventure along the coast, how can you miss out on the opportunity for a scenic drive along the Maine Coast? This coastal drive spans more than 300 miles and takes you through charming fishing villages, historic towns, and along rocky shorelines with stunning ocean views.

 

You start from Kittery and pass through a number of Maine’s best coastal towns such as the famous Portland Headlight in Cape Elizabeth and the Acadia National Park until you finally reach Lubec. You get to experience the panoramic beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, as it thrashes on the white sandy beaches of Maine.

Visit Cape Elizabeth and Nearby Portland HeadLight

While you are driving across the coastline, you do want to take a longer stop to appreciate the beauty of the Portland Headlight. Located at Cape Elizabeth, the Portland Headlight has stood tall for centuries. Dating back to 1791, the Headlight is now an ideal spot for photographers and sightseers. With the stunning architecture, the panoramic views, and the Cape Elizabeth, you might wanna pack extra batteries and memory cards for your camera.

 

But Cape Elizabeth has much more to offer than just the Portland Head Light. The town is home to several beautiful beaches, including Crescent Beach State Park and Two Lights State Park, both of which offer miles of pristine shoreline and breathtaking ocean views.

See the Wildlife at Moosehead Lake

For people living in busy cities, watching the wildlife in their natural habitat could be a refreshing experience. The lake spans over 40 miles and you get a chance to witness the state’s most beautiful wildlife. The main feature of the park is of course the Maine Moose. But there are other wildlife animals such as black bears, bald eagles, loons, ospreys, and beavers here as well.

 

The lake is surrounded on all sides by mountains, dense forests, and lush green hills. If you are going there for the first time, you can decide to take a guided tour. Or, you can rent a kayak/canoe to explore the lake and the surroundings on your own.

Tour the Maine State Capitol in Augusta

If you are looking to immerse yourself in Maine’s rich political history, or just a unique and informative experience, then be sure to check Augusta. Augusta offers stunning historic architecture in a great way, such as the Maine State Capitol. Located in the heart of Augusta, the Capitol is a stunning building constructed in the 19th century.

 

During a guided tour, you get to see the Senate and House Chambers. the governor’s office and the state library. You get to learn about the role of Maine in the Civil War and see the beautiful artwork that adorns the inside of the building. Don’t forget to check out the stained-glass dome that covers the building’s rotunda.

Admire the Art at the Portland Museum of Art

There is no other state where you’ll get to experience art in its true setting than the Portland Museum of Art. Each art piece from the 18th century to the present day is presented in its own unique backdrop. This gives art lovers a chance to appreciate what the artist had in mind when creating the art.

 

People visit the Portland Museum to check out over 18,000 works of art, which includes the work of the most renowned artists in history, including Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Edward Hopper, as well as contemporary artists like Alex Katz and Louise Nevelson.

Tips to Have the Perfect Maine Summer Vacation

Finishing off the list, here are some tips for you to make the best out of your Maine Vacations:

 

1. Book accommodations early, it can get crowded.

 

2. Don’t just stick to the coastline, there is a lot to explore as well.

 

3. Do try the seafood, even if you are not a huge fan. It might just change your mind.

 

4. Indulge in outdoor activities, you don’t wanna just sit back. Try to experience as much as possible of what Maine has to offer.

 

5. Visit the historic sites, Maine has a lot of them. They feature prehistoric buildings, stunning architecture preserved for centuries, and a glimpse into the civil war.

 

6. Attend festivals and events. They are a great way to experience Maine’s culture.

 

7. Do pack for the weather. It can get warm in the day and chilly at night.