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Things to do / Travel Guide
Maine Getaways
Locals love their quality of life here. The coast, with rocky headlands, sea cliffs, wild islands, and historic coastal villages, is phenomenal. Drive through Maine and at almost any turnoff you'll encounter a quaint village filled with friendly people, a laid-back attitude, some quality craft shopping, and some of the best shellfish on the east coast, if not in the entire country.
Portland, Maine Tourist Attractions
The southern portion of the Maine coast starts down at the border at Kittery and goes 60 miles north to Portland, Maine's largest city. If you are driving to Portland from the south, you definitely should stop in Kittery, especially if you're interested in naval history. York Village, York Harbor, and York Beach (located just north of Kittery in York) are all major attractions for Kittery tourist attractions and worth your time. The area is also a superb stop for shopping enthusiasts, especially those keeping an eye out for good deals.
Enjoy your drive up to Portland and stop along the way at key New England historic sites and fantastic beaches. Once you get to Portland, you'll probably want to get your initial taste of the city by heading downtown and exploring the shops, restaurants and bars. If the weather is nice, choose an outdoor café and do some prime people watching—you'll likely meet friendly Maine locals or fellow visitors throughout your day. Head over to the historic Old Port by the Portland Harbor for great views of the Fore River and the Casco Bay, and then catch a show at a theater in the Arts District.
Portland is really something of an ideal city. It's large enough to contain world-class museums, orchestras, and theaters, but small enough that you don't feel like it will swallow you up alive. There are huge parks, the lovely Casco Bay, boating opportunities, a ton of history, and a nearby beach.
Just north of Portland sits the small town of Freeport, famous for its charm and beauty, but most of all, for its L.L. Bean Flagship Store. Stock up on quality jackets, rugged pants, and some super plush slippers while you're here!
Bangor, Maine Vacation Spots
Bangor is located near the Penobscot River, making it a wonderful vacation spot for Maine natives and for people all over the country looking for a vacation spot that's loaded with fun activities and a bustling city life. (Bangor is the third largest city in Maine.)
The Penobscot River provides a burst of life to this region of Maine, particularly to Bangor. The river is 350 miles long (the longest river in Maine) and years ago served as the true life force to the Penobscot Native American tribe who lived on Indian Island in the Penobscot Bay.
Acadia and Bar Harbor Getaways
Acadia National Park is the most popular destination in Maine, and the small town that's located nearby, Bar Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island, is where you'll find your perfect B&B for your Acadia getaway. Acadia National Park consists of more than 25 mountains (including the popular Cadillac Mountain), gorgeous scenic drives (with some of the best fall foliage in the country), more than 120 miles of hiking trails, and beaches—both along the cold ocean (Sand Beach) and along various park lakes (like the warm Echo Lake). It is a park that offers serenity, activity, and breathtaking beauty.
When you need a break from the wonders of the great outdoors, you can get your commercial thrills at nearby Trenton, Maine's Seacoast Fun Park. There's also golfing at Kebo Valley and a museum that showcases Native American history, the Abbe Museum.
If you head north from this area, you'll get a glimpse into what Maine was like 50 years ago.
Maine Road Trip Getaway Planner
Take a week or two to cover the entire coast or select a base for day trips. Stick to the back roads and villages for the best experience. Spending time on a boat and eating fresh lobster are experiences you just can't pass up. (The Maine Lobster Festival is located in Rockland, Maine in early August—so if lobster is important to you, plan accordingly!). Most visitors start off in Boston. With a good map of the Maine Coast, a Boston to Portland road trip should be quite an enjoyable experience.
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Portland, Bangor, Acadia, Bar Harbor, Maine Coast
Tourist-Attractions-Highlights
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