Top choices for a weekend in Pine Tree State!
When Maine comes to mind: you may be thinking about sun-kissed sand and the gentle lap of waves on the shore.
Maybe a nice seafood medley, fresh from the water. And while that is surely enough to make a weekend getaway great, there is so much more to Maine than just the stereotypes.
Maine is diverse and offers a wide selection of options to make your own holiday great. Check out this list of the top 10 weekend getaways in Maine to find your perfect paradise.
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If your dream vacation includes miles of greenery and some of the most awe-inspiring bodies of water, then Bar Harbor has your name on it.
It truly is one of the best weekend getaways in Maine that offers some of the most incredible views in all of Maine. There's beaches, mountains, and national parks to be found from the corner to the outskirts of this town.
Namely, Sand Beach is one of the hottest spots found in Bar Harbor. It is miles of golden brown sand broken up only by the gently lapping waves on the shore. Cliffs and other natural formations hug the coastline to create a truly incredible visual with your relaxing beach day.
For a more interactive weekend, check out some of the remarkable footpaths found in Bar Harbor.
No ‘what to do in Bar Harbor’ list is complete without mentioning three of the greats: The Acadia National Park (with further mentions below), the Cadillac Mountain trails, and Jordan Pond.
All of these overlook lush green scenery, springs, lakes, and stretches of coastline, and so much more. Lace-up your boots and make Maine memorable!
Address: Bar Harbor, ME
So good, it’s mentioned twice! While Bar Harbor is the ideal place to spend the night in the city, Acadia National Park is a weekend getaway all in itself.
It is known for some of the most beautiful sights to see in all of the continental United States. Steeping hills, lush forests, babbling brooks - Acadia has it all!
And it’s all available through footpaths, bike trails, and so much more! Acadia has so much that you’re going to want a weekend and then some to really experience it all.
Address: Acadia National Park, ME
Art, scenery, food, wine, sunshine, sand, and so much more! Camden has it all. The city itself is an artful masterpiece of so many different inspirations.
Seafood and steak, beach and fine dining, everything and anything are done with the utmost perfection here! And it is all nestled right in the heart of the 19th-century foundation.
With a gorgeous, lush green backdrop of prime Maine mountains, everything is even set in that fine layer of otherworldly.
Speaking of the mountains, while in Camden: roam! The Camden Hills State Park is an attraction that only needs a rising sun. There are numerous trails to explore, and the views here are nothing short of legendary.
If the wide-open forests aren’t really your forte, but you’re still in the market for views: check out the 1830s lighthouse. Standing tall above the city, this giant has protected sailors and citizens alike for generations. Camden is a treasure for the ages and makes for a unique weekend getaway in Maine.
Address: Camden, ME
Found just north of York, you may want to make it more than a weekend! Both literally and figuratively, it means “Beautiful Place by the Sea”. This is the kind of place you’ll want to stay if you enjoy the small town fishing villages Maine is known for. It's quiet and often easy to find a quaint place to simply enjoy the day.
That's not to say Ogunquit isn't lively. It has a bustling nightlife scene, and entertainment is never-ending. Particularly, tourism typically dictates at least a stop at the Ogunquit Playhouse. This is where you’ll find some of the most exciting local happenings in the city, as it is one of the top things to do in Ogunquit.
Address: Ogunquit, ME
One of the top Maine weekend getaways for year-round fun! Considering Maine is a northeastern state known for its coast, you may not be thinking, 'oh, Maine in winter sounds fun!' But Kennebunk is here to debunk that myth.
In Kennebunk, not only you can find something to celebrate throughout the year, but the popular holidays are done in some pretty spectacular ways.
Namely, check out the annual Christmas Prelude celebration for a very merry Christmas! Other than that, some of the best food in the state is served up fresh here every day of every month. Bring a hearty appetite for both seafood and adventure if Kennebunk is the destination for you.
Address: Kennebunk, ME
Famous for a good reason! Rockport is high on the list of best destinations in Maine for several reasons. It's known as the limestone capital of the U.S. and features a thriving art scene that draws the masses.
Otherwise, its typical name to fame is the Andre the Seal monument situated in the town. Andre the Seal was a harbor seal that was adopted as a pup by Harry Goodridge. Locals know the story well, and as it is one of the most common sites for the classic “oh, you can't leave without seeing this”, it’s definitely worth the stop.
Rockport is often referred to as the most beautiful coastal town in Maine. And that's a title hard-earned. Maine is known for its dazzling coast town and charming beachside, so to be considered in the top contenders means Rockport has to be worth its weight in golden views.
Visitors will often refer to the numerous look-out points found around the shoreline as the top reason for a rating so high. Downtown is lively, quaint, and charming, and the locals just as welcoming! Rockport is easily one of the best weekend getaways in Maine.
Address: Rockport, ME
Also Read: Most Beautiful Lighthouses in Maine
Cutler is the essential weekend getaway for those looking for something away from all the 'action'. There are no tourist traps; nothing pandered to tourism, and nothing cheesy for the sake of visitors.
Cutler is purely authentic. From the shops to the coastline, this is not the kind of place to go for just a postcard. This is, however, the perfect location for a vacation dedicated entirely to destressing.
Aside from the beach, there are several locations around the city that don’t have that overcrowded, frantic feel to them. Check out some of the cafes, bookstores, and restaurants that Cutler is the proud home of.
One of the best things to do in Cutler is truly getting out of the city. Even if it isn't a particularly stressful environment, you're going to want to get out of town and into the embracing arms of nature.
The Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land is the premier spot for camping on the shore. The Cutler Bold Coast Trail is a beloved site for locals and tourists alike to venture into the great unknown. Cutler is the ideal weekend getaway to really getaway.
Address: Cutler, ME
Just like its twin city in the west, Portland is Maine’s number one spot for the arts! It is the proud home to the Portland Museum of the Arts and features some prominent international and local artists alike in its exhibits.
There are also annual celebrations of the arts within the city, and plenty of expression, inspiration, and muse to be found within a city this nice!
Both historically and in the present day, Portland's name to fame (and literal name) is as a port hub.
It sees massive numbers of boats and ships that dock and depart from Portland daily. And while that can mean a lot of things, perhaps one of the most important comes in the form of a seafood medley.
That's right; Portland is one of the best locations in Maine for seafood! Come with a hearty appetite for this weekend getaway that's just made for the scrapbook.
Address: Portland, ME
Give the whole family a weekend away! York is a great, calming place to bring the family that emphasizes the importance of R&R.
Marginal Way is the perfect place to stroll and sit on some of the benches that dot the path. These are all some of the best spots to look over the water as the sun rises over the waves.
Not a morning person? No worries, the Nubble Lighthouse is magnificent at all hours! The same breathtaking coastline views without the alarm clock.
While that all may sound like your cup of tea, the kids might be looking for something a bit more exhilarating. York delivers! York’s Wild Kingdom will take families through all corners of the world without having to leave the city limits.
And Perkins Cove Road has just a little something for everyone. Dive into pottery, shop till you drop, or feast on some of the best lobster known to man. Everything’s better in York!
Address: York, ME
Spend your weekend in the capital of Maine! Augusta is one of the best Maine getaways no history buff is going to want to miss.
Dating all the way back to the 16th century, Augusta is the proud home to numerous historical sites and museums. The Blaine House, the Lithgow Public Library, and the Maine State Museum are just a few of the immersive and interactive activities available to visitors of all ages.
There are also several luxury resorts and hotels to experience in Augusta! Be sure to look into some guided tours or plan out a route that gets you walking from one attraction to the next. Much of the beauty of this location is in the city itself. Whatever you’re looking for from this vacation, Augusta is ready to deliver!
Address: Augusta, ME
Maine is an incredible, lively state with a diverse selection of destinations to choose from. Whether you're an adventure seeker looking to make Acadia your next checkmark or a history fanatic itching to uncover some of the secrets of Augusta, Maine, makes it memorable!