Acadia National Park
Maine's crown jewel: 49,000 acres of mountains, forests, and ocean shoreline on Mount Desert Island, with sunrise from Cadillac Mountain the ultimate experience
On this page
About Maine
Maine stretches from the sandy beaches and resort towns of its southern coast — places like Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, and Old Orchard Beach — northward through the mid-coast's working fishing harbors, islands, and lighthouse-dotted peninsulas, all the way to the wild Down East region anchored by Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor. The interior is dominated by the North Maine Woods, a vast undeveloped forest home to Moosehead Lake, Baxter State Park, and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail atop Mount Katahdin. Maine's food culture is legendary: it produces roughly 80% of the nation's lobster catch, grows the majority of US wild blueberries, and has cultivated a nationally recognized restaurant scene centered on Portland, consistently ranked among America's top food cities.
- Capital
- Augusta
- Largest city
- Portland
- Population
- 1.4 million
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Time zone
- America/New_York (EST/EDT, UTC−5/UTC−4)
Explore Maine by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Maine
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Portland Head Light
Maine's oldest lighthouse (1791), set dramatically on rocky Cape Elizabeth with sweeping views of Casco Bay
Portland Old Port
Cobblestoned waterfront district bursting with nationally acclaimed restaurants, craft breweries, boutique shops, and a working harbor
Bar Harbor
Charming coastal town on Mount Desert Island, the primary gateway to Acadia National Park with whale watching, sea kayaking, and seafood restaurants
Cadillac Mountain
At 1,530 feet, the highest point on the US Atlantic coast, where visitors can witness the first sunrise in the continental US from October through early March
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Maine Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Maine, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Maine
- Days 1-2Maine city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Maine
- Days 1-3Maine comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Maine, departure
Where to stay in Maine
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $80
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $200
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $500
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Bar Harbor Inn
Check rates on Booking.comInn by the Sea
Check rates on Booking.comThe Press Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comSamoset Resort
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Maine
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Eventide Oyster Co.
Fore Street
The Clam Shack
Hugo's
Red's Eats
Duckfat
Getting around Maine
Maine is best explored by rental car — public transit outside Portland is minimal, and the scenic coastal route (US-1) and inland highways connect all major destinations. Portland International Jetport (PWM) is the primary airport; Bangor International Airport (BGR) serves the Down East region.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 | $120 | $300 |
| Food (per day) | $25 | $50 | $120 |
| Transportation | $15 | $25 | $50 |
| Activities | $10 | $30 | $80 |
| Daily total | $80 | $200 | $500 |
Best time to visit Maine
Summer (July–August) offers warm ocean swimming, all businesses open, and full ferry schedules. Fall (late September–October) brings spectacular foliage with fewer crowds. Shoulder seasons (May–June, September) offer mild weather and better availability at a lower cost.
Essential travel tips
- Rent a car — Maine's dispersed attractions make a vehicle essentially mandatory outside Portland
- Reserve lodging and lobster dinner reservations 2–3 months ahead for July and August
- Buy a Acadia National Park annual pass ($80) if visiting for more than a few days — it pays for itself fast
- The Island Explorer bus in Acadia is free and eliminates parking stress on busy summer days
- Maine's best lobster rolls are often at modest roadside shacks, not fancy restaurants — a lobster roll at Red's Eats (Wiscasset) or The Clam Shack (Kennebunk) costs $28–$35 and is worth every cent
- Wild blueberry season peaks in August; pick up fresh blueberries at farm stands for $3–$5 per pint
Safety information
Scan roads for moose especially at dawn and dusk — moose collisions are deadly; slow down in rural areas
Check National Weather Service forecasts before coastal hikes or sea kayaking trips at weather.gov
At ocean beaches, swim only where lifeguards are on duty and heed rip current warnings
Carry a paper map or download offline maps — cell coverage is poor in the North Maine Woods and remote areas
In Acadia, stay on marked trails — the rocky granite is slippery when wet
Emergency number: 911. Maine State Police: +1 (207) 624-7000
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Maine?
The best time to visit Maine is July–August, late September–October.
Do I need a visa to visit Maine?
Maine is part of the United States. International visitors need a valid US visa or qualify under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Citizens of VWP countries can apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov for a $21 fee. Canadians do not need a visa but must carry a valid passport or NEXUS card. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Maine?
The currency in Maine is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Maine?
The main language(s) spoken in Maine: English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Maine?
The top attractions in Maine include Acadia National Park, Portland Head Light, Portland Old Port, Bar Harbor, and Cadillac Mountain. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.