Top Things to do in Maine
Top Hotels in Maine
- 1. Gorges Grant Hotel
- 2. The Admiral's Inn
- 3. The Country Inn at the Mall
- 4. Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
- 5. Best Western Acadia Park Inn
- 6. Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine
- 7. Meadowmere Resort
- 8. Union Bluff Hotel
- 9. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor
- 10. Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront
10 Scenic Drives in Maine That You Shouldn't Miss
Maine has several unique regions, each with its own distinctive culture and activities. With miles of coastline, thousands of lakes, endless rivers and deep forests, visitors can find their perfect vacation spot, whether it's on a sandy beach, at a family campground or walking along Main Street in a bustling city or town. Maine is also known for abundant outdoor recreation opportunities in all four seasons, from swimming and boating in the warmer months to excellent skiing in the winter.
Restaurants in Maine
1. Height of Land
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 281 reviews
This 512 acre- parcel has been conserved by RLHT to forever ensure that this spectacular vista remains unspoiled. Located along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway and bordering the Maine Bureau of Public Lands, the Appalachian Trail, Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Bemis Stream, the “Height of Land” parcel is identified on virtually every map, tour guide, brochure and website that focuses on the Rangeley Lakes region. This spot provides one of the most stunning overlooks in New England. With magnificent views of Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lakes and the White Mountains, this forested lake landscape provides the perfect setting for artists, tourists and all who appreciate mountain air and spectacular scenery. RLHT purchased the 512-acre property in 2008 from a large timber company and is currently engaged in a campaign to complete the funding of the acquisition.
Reviewed By suehZ5112FZ - New Gloucester, United States
Wonderful views of the Rangeley Lake region. Fall is definitely time to visit and take panoramic pictures.
2. Schoodic National Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
A National Scenic Byway that starts in Hancock Maine and proceeds along US route 1 through Sullivan where scenic look outs are located. You than turn onto Route 186 in Gouldsboro and proceed into Winter Harbor where the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park is located. The byway ends in Prospect Harbor where the last Sardine factory in the US was located.
Reviewed By mainelywrappers - Wells, United States
Beautiful drive to take, many places to stop for photos, picnics, etc. You can drive, walk, hike or bike it.
3. Walker's Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 791 reviews
The oceanfront home of former President George Bush.
Reviewed By Q7081RYrichardl - Chagrin Falls, United States
Summer home of two Bush Presidents - lots of history and a place for great picture taking; it can be busy so wait patiently for a safe parking place.
4. St. Anthony's Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
St. Anthony's Monastery is situated on a 66 acre estate with lovely rolling lawns, riverside walking paths and English Gardens.
Reviewed By NJHeart2Heart
This location has lovely walking trails throughout, and takes a gentle slope down to the water where you can see the tidal flow and the boats.
5. Coastal Highway U.S. 1
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By melodyk791 - Grand Junction, United States
The drive up the Maine Coastline was awesome with breathtaking views! Don’t be in a hurry! There is so much to enjoy! We drove from Bar Harbor to Portland. We enjoyed small towns full of shops and amazing seafood all along the way. All the lobster rolls we could eat and lighthouses everywhere! We would find our way off the beaten path and find ourselves back out by the water or exploring the sidewalks of another old harbor town. So many treasures and so many great places to stop and see. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy Acadia National Park. Our visit was timed for the Fall foliage. The coastal highway did not disappoint. It’s was the trip of a lifetime!
6. Ocean Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 660 reviews
This scenic drive in Kennebunkport passes by former President George Bush's summer home.
Reviewed By Anonymous671 - Newburyport, United States
Beautiful homes on one side of the road and the mighty Atlantic Ocean on the other side with the Bush compound and charming St Ann’s church thrown in for good measure.
7. Old Canada Road Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By jimcL7683JU - Ocoee, United States
We knew we were anfew weeks early for peak folliage, but we went up for a drive on Old Canada Road anyway. Two hours from Portland, and then we spent another hour or two cruising the scenery. There are alot of places to pull off and take in the view, and there are a few picnic places as well. Beautiful views, and don't forget to take a side trip over to Moxie Falls... We can't wait to come back during peak folliage season.
8. Park Loop Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,560 reviews
A major national park in Maine where the attractions and sights are well known along the 20-mile Park Loop Road.
Reviewed By retireeVancouver - Vancouver, Canada
The shoreline section of the 27 mile long park loop between Bar Harbor and Jordan Pond is a one way road. Along this part of the route visitors can see views of offshore islands, distant forested mountain ranges, a bit of sand on the curved Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the rocky shoreline at Otter Cliffs. There is an opportunity to park the car at Thunder Hole in order to walk down to the massive bare rock forms where water has gouged a narrow opening between the granite rocks. There is a protected walkway on the edge of this opening for a closer look at the water rushing into this passageway. Best time to hear the roar and see the spray is 2 hours before high tide - the information board informs visitors. Parking is limited at this spot and will be barricaded when full. At Otter Cliffs, the road to Jordan Pond turns inland and travels through evergreen forests and a valley. The pond is more like a lake and flat as a mirror. It boasts such clear water that the restaurant and nearby communities use it for their water supply. Thus a sign reminds visitors about not swimming, wading, or boating in the water. There is a 3 mile path/trail around the lake with the forests coming right down to the lake. We preferred to walk just a short section of it around the Jordon Pond House Restaurant. There are many parking spaces at this stop and visitors don't have to be concerned about how long they park. Rockefellar built Jordan Pond House around 1913 so there is a wide area around the house that has been cleared and landscaped. Between Jordan Pond and Bar Harbor the road is open for 2 way traffic. This drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain was the longest with no stops until we reached its summit. Shortly after leaving Jordon Pond, our guide pointed to Bubble Rock precariously balanced on a mountain top, but it never rolls down the hill, even though people have tried to move it. It is a remainder of the glacier which once covered this area. After Bubble Rock came views of Eagle Lake which were similar to those of Jordan Pond - calm waters surrounded by forest. As we drove up Cadillac Mountain, the views changed. We could see Bar Harbor off in the distance, French Bay, and the many small treed islands that dot French Bay. The two white cruise ships anchored in the Bay were easy to spot. The summit has a sufficient parking to accommodate buses and cars without any trouble. Presently, there are no services at the top of the mountain. The top of the mountain is a rocky outcrop so trees are not hindering the marvellous view of the offshore islands, the coastline, and the blue waters of the ocean. There was a narrow trail to walk to several viewing points. Visitors were scattered all over the rocky outcrop. The ride back into town was on a 2 way road - 1 lane each way. We were glad we weren't driving so we could take in these views and not have to watch the road. The road conditions on this 27 mile circular route were excellent - all paved - and kept in good repair. However, there were no protective fences along the edge of the road, only 1 layer high granite blocks. Buses, trollies, and cars didn't have any trouble with the varying grades, especially the road which led to the top of Cadillac Mountain. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to drive this circular route with short stops along the way. Although the route is well signed, visitors should stop in at the Visitor's Center to get a map of the island and its 27 mile driving loop. We couldn't see any evidence of the fire that had once destroyed many of the summer homes built by wealthy families. Bus passengers might want to sit on the left hand side of the bus when leaving Bar Harbor in order to get the best views from bus windows of the waterfront scenery between Bar Harbor and Otter Cliffs.
9. Old Canada Scenic Byway
10. Million Dollar View
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
