Maine Coastal Vacations

Why are Maine coastal vacations so popular? Being a great lover of the sand and sea myself, I may be the wrong person to provide a non-biased answer to that question.

However, I can share with you information that may be helpful if you are planning a vacation on Maine's coast, or just looking for reasons to do so.

For starters, the locals - or Mainers - are extremely welcoming. And, although in itself this may be good reason to visit Maine...

...it is the stunning geographical diversity of the coast that attracts the tens of thousands of visitors annually. Within short drives - or cruises, if you are lucky enough to be vacationing by boat - the scenery changes dramatically, often alternating between...

• spectacular, rocky oceanfront cliffs
• historic coastal towns
• sandy beaches, within secluded alcoves
• working harbors and peaceful marinas
• quaint seaside villages
• expansive, wide open beaches

And, the best part...

Because the character of the coast changes so dramatically, from one town to the next, most Maine coastal vacations can easily embrace much of the best that Maine has to offer.

You may also be interested in:
Activities and Events in Maine, Maine Tourist Attractions, Maine Vacation House Rental...

... or from Amazon, Frommer's Maine Coast (Frommer's Complete)

Planning Maine Coastal Vacations

Time permitting...

The ideal Maine coastal vacations begin at one end of the state, end at the other, and have hundreds of stops in between.

But, in reality...

Nearly 3,500 miles of shoreline is a lot to cover! And, that probably is not going to happen in just one trip. It will probably be more realistic AND relaxing to focus your attention on just one or two regions per visit, or a few towns within a region, saving other areas for your next Maine vacation.

Within the continental United States, Maine's nearly 5,300 miles of waterfront is surpassed only by that of Louisiana, with 7,721 miles, and Florida with 8,426 miles. Maine has more waterfront land than California!

Southern Maine Coast

...Kittery, Ocqunquit, Old Orchard Beach, The Yorks, The Kennebunks - Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Wells

This area extends from the Piscataqua River, on the New Hampshire and Maine border, to Portland. Along with picturesque and historical coastal towns that dot the landscape are the majority of Maine's wide open, white sandy beaches.

But...

Before you begin exploring the shoreline, you may be tempted, as most people are, to do a bit of shopping at the Kittery, Maine Outlet stores, located on a mile long stretch of U.S. Route 1. Not to be missed, while there, the Kittery Trading Post, with its fabulous selection of clothing and outdoor gear.

Greater Portland Maine and Casco Bay

...Cape Elizabeth, Freeport, Portland

Situated along the shores of Casco Bay is Portland - Maine's largest metropolitan area.

Experience historic downtown Portland's Old Port waterfront district, with its specialty boutique shops, unique galleries, coffee houses, restaurants and pubs, or...

...take part in nearby cultural activities at the areas many playhouses, theaters and museums, including the popular Portland Children's Museum. Enjoy the area by land or by sea...

Sightseeing cruises depart regularly from the Portland waterfront ferrying passengers out through Casco Bay, amongst its many islands. Some of which are easily accessible by car...

Drive through the heavily wooded Great Island, to Orr's Island, and across the Bailey Island Cribstone Bridge and you will find yourself dead-ended with an absolutely stunning view of Casco Bay, tree topped islands, and in the distance, the Halfway Rock Light.

Also, a short drive from Portland are the upscale Freeport, Maine outlets along with Freeport's centerpiece - the flagship LL Bean Store - and down the street the LL Bean Outlet.

Midcoast Maine

...Brunswick, Bath, Wiscasset, Boothbay Harbor, Owl's Head, Port Clyde, Rockland, Rockport, Camden, Belfast

Explore endlessly, dozens of scenic, glacier carved peninsulas jutting out into Casco Bay, with their stunning scenery, secluded motels, B&B's, and inns, and rustic eateries, almost all of which feature Maine lobster - of course!

Unwind on a Maine whale watching cruise where along the way you may also spot seals, dolphins and the Atlantic Puffins at play.

Or, treat yourself to an afternoon, or sunset sail, onboard one of the Maine windjammer cruises, enjoying the smell of Casco Bay's salt air from the rail of an authentic tall-masted schooner.

And...

From Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor, or Port Clyde, catch a ferry heading to Monhegan Island - a picturesque, secluded respite for artists and tourists alike, located around 10 miles offshore.

Downeast Maine, Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park

...Bar Harbor, Calais, Eastport

It is the rocky shoreline, scenic harbors, and the stunning mountain-to-sea-views, from atop Cadillac Mountain - across Frenchman's Bay, Blue Hill Bay, and a sparkling Atlantic Ocean - that make Downeast, Maine such a popular destination.

Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, and Isle au Haut offer an abundance of outdoor activities - a true nature lover's delight. You will be able to spend your days hiking, sea kayaking, fishing, or cruising the hidden coastal inlets along the shores of the Acadia National Park, aboard one of the many sightseeing, or charter boats.

And, when your adventures have tired you, spend the rest of your day pampering yourself until sundown, at one of the magnificent oceanfront Bar Harbor resorts and spas.

Don't be fooled...

Although the primary road that services the Maine coast is called Coastal Route 1, in most place is does NOT have a coastal view. The most stunning and dramatic views are most often found on the hundreds of side roads that feed directly to the coast.

Because of this, and the fact that Coastal Route 1 can be slow-going at times, you may want to consider using I-95 for portions of your Maine coastal vacations (although the toll booths on I-95 can back-up, as well). The key is to use your Maine map AND time, wisely.

Or, another option - the Maine Eastern Railroad, connecting Brunswick, Bath, Wiscasset and Rockland.

Maine Coast Lodging

Regardless of where your Maine coastal vacations take you, there are going to be some wonderful Maine vacation rentals to choose from.

Select from quaint B&Bs, rustic mom and pop motels, magnificent waterfront resorts, gorgeous country inns, or a selection of chain hotels, along with many great Maine vacation homes, for rent-by-owner. And for the adventurous - secluded campgrounds.

Oh yes, and for those arriving in Maine by boat, there are numerous anchorages in welcoming harbors.