Last Updated on June 24, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
When you think of Maine, lobsters, L.L. Bean, and lighthouses might come to mind, but The Pine Tree State is so much more than that. Despite its northern position, it’s a four-season state and offers adventures no matter the time of year you visit.
Bundle up in the wintertime and take advantage of winter sports, but enjoy the ski resorts that stay open into the spring season. Or consider an autumn visit for the prime leaf-peeping season. These are the best things to do in Maine because no matter how often you visit, there’s always another adventure for your next trip.
Portland is Maine’s largest city but maintains a small-town vibe with an eclectic local scene. Within Portland, you can walk almost anywhere. Beyond Portland, when you’re ready to explore more of the state, you’ll want a car. Drive from the sandy beaches of coastal New England to the National Parks and even more North if you wish to see the best of Maine’s outdoor playground that enthusiasts love. Peak tourism season typically runs from July 4th to Labor Day, but it picks up again for fall.
1. See The Famous Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park sits where the North Woods meets with the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of America’s most beloved National Parks. The park encompasses several barrier islands and parts of the coast. It’s one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise daily. Drive Acadia’s scenic Park Loop Road, a curvy 27-mile route that takes visitors to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Keep your eye out for moose because Maine is home to more moose than any other continental state if you want to be in the water, kayak on Jordan Pond, and swim at Sand Beach if you’re visiting during the summer months.
2. See The Highest Point At Baxter State Park
Mount Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine, at 5,269 feet. It’s one of the region’s most photographed landmarks and is located inside Baxter State Park. The mountain is considered sacred for several tribal nations. Picnicking, paddling, and hiking are the park’s most popular activities. The park offers backcountry camping, and cabins are available for rent. Mount Katahdin is one of Maine’s postcard-perfect locations.
3. Go Shopping At L.L. Bean
Photo Credit: L.L. Bean
Famous for their boots and “Bean Bags,” you’ve got to carve out a shopping day at the L.L. Bean Flagship Store when you’re in Maine. Located in Freeport, this is more than your typical store. They pay homage to the state’s love for the outdoors with signature events, like the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs. They’re expert-led outdoor experiences that encourage shoppers to see the best of Maine. Even if you go just for shopping, you’ll love the giant Bean boot and the in-store coffee shop.
4. Ski At Sugarloaf
If you want the ultimate winter playground, check out Sugarloaf Ski Resort. It’s home to Sugarloaf Mountain, which, at 4,237 feet, is the second-highest peak in Maine. Downhill skiing is most popular at the resort, but guests can also experience the uniqueness of Skibiking. Sno-Go Skibikes are full suspension rigs that combine (you guessed it) skiing and biking. Sugarloaf rentals include a quick lesson; you’ll be ready to ride.
5. Connect With Nature in Maine’s North Woods
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the sparsely populated area of Maine’s North Woods. It’s a forested landscape region that includes 12 million acres. There are very few roads and limited services. You will find some of the state’s best hiking trails, snowmobile trails, rivers for fishing, and thousands of miles of smaller streams. Keep your eye out for moose, loons, and Canadian lynx.
6. Ski at Sunday River
If you’re visiting later in the ski season, head to Sunday River, which welcomes early spring skiers and is one of the only ski resorts to offer twilight nighttime skiing. If you want to enjoy a few days at Sunday River, the resort offers two slopeside hotels and a budget-friendly inn. Book a family ski package and take advantage of Sunday River slopes, onsite lodging, and dining options.
7. Machias Wild Blueberry Festival
One of the most popular things to do in Maine is attend the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival. Maine is famous for its blueberries, and summer is the peak season for sweet berries. Each August, the festival attracts thousands of visitors for crafts, food, entertainment, contests, and all things blueberry. It’s about an hour and a half from Bar Harbor, and the festival is free. Don’t leave without a slice of blueberry pie.
8. Visit Maine During Leaf-Peeping Season
September into October is generally the peak leaf-peeping season. Check the weekly foliage report to plan the perfect visit. Just because many travelers love to visit Maine during the Autumn season doesn’t mean the state is overcrowded. Find peaceful spots to enjoy the leaves at Acadia National Park and the North Woods.
9. Enjoy Fine Art At The Portland Museum of Art
The Portland Museum of Art is Maine’s largest and oldest public art institution. Founded in 1882, the museum includes American and Contemporary Art, with traveling exhibitions coming in monthly. Every March, the museum showcases Art in Bloom, featuring floral work by designers, artists, farmers, and florists across southern Maine. It’s an incredible spring experience. Plan your visit on a Friday when admission is free from 4-8 p.m.
10. Explore the Laid-Back City of Bangor
Bangor has much to offer, from whale-watching to lighthouses, hiking, kayaking, eagles, and lobster rolls. The city is also known for spots that inspired author Stephen King’s spooky-sensational books. Visitors love to see Stephen King’s eccentric mansion behind a wrought-iron gate decorated with spiders and bats. Bangor is also the hometown of lumberjack icon Paul Bunyan. Take a selfie with the giant Paul Bunyan statue. The city is also home to microbreweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and boutique shopping.
11. Explore Moosehead Lake
Less than two hours from Bangor, Moosehead Lake offers pristine beauty and a gorgeous escape. Go boating on the lake, fish, hike, hunt, or go on a family moose safari. This region is perfect for those who want a lake vacation. Stay at the Birches Resort or one of the local inns. It’s another four-season Maine destination, with swimming during the summer, snowshoeing in the winter, and every other lake activity you can think of.
12. Enjoy The Maine Lobster Festival
Maine is so much more than lobster, but let’s be honest, we all want lobster when we visit. The Maine Lobster Festival is five days of fun and feasting in Rockland, Maine. The annual seafood festival takes place during the first weekend of August. The festival offers a plethora of ways to enjoy lobster, including a parade, crafts, and a road race. The festival is free, but tasting events cost extra.
13. Visit A Maine Lighthouse
There are 65 historic lighthouses located along Maine’s rocky shore, but none are more iconic than The Portland Head. Although you cannot climb the lighthouse, there is a museum with extensive displays that only costs a few dollars. There are also 90 acres of recreational area around The Portland Head, so you can walk the rocky beaches, fly a kite, or picnic.
14. Spend A Day In Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is a quintessential New England coastal community known for its wealth. It’s a popular vacation destination for Presidents and dignitaries. If you’re a treasure seeker, head to Dock Square, which is known for its shopping. You’ll find chic boutiques, bookstores, and antique shops. Dine at one of the restaurants looking over the water, or get out on the water with a sailing excursion. Explore Kennebunkport by riding the town trolley or bring your beach cruiser.
15. Mountain Bike In Carrabassett Valley
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert rider, mountain biking in Carrabassett Valley is unbeatable. The area has developed a network of professionally built cross-country trails. They start at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain and span more than 80 miles throughout the valley. There are no trail fees and many outfitters from which to rent mountain bikes. Visitors can head out independently or join a weekly group ride that meets for a couple of hours in the evening and welcomes all levels.
16. Play At The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine
Photo Credit: Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine
The entire family will enjoy the museum’s engaging and imaginative offerings at The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. It’s a 30,000-square-foot science center and theatre that promotes STEM through interactive, hands-on exhibits designed for kids. Every exhibit is intended for kids to explore through dramatic role-play, hands-on experiences, navigating immersive environments, and taking safe risks.
17. Go Golfing In The Pine Tree State
Surprisingly, Maine is home to 130 golf courses. It’s an unexpected golfer’s paradise; each course offers stunning views.Golf Digest voted the Belgrade Lakes Golf Club one of America’s 100 best public golf courses. Sunday River and Sugarloaf are known for being fantastic ski resorts, but they also have golf courses for the summer season. The Maine State Golf Association also has an extensive list of courses, so you can find the perfect course for the season you’re visiting.