If you’ve ever dreamed of rocky coastlines, lighthouses, lobster rolls, and the freshest air you can breathe—then Maine is calling your name. I might be biased (okay, I definitely am), but there’s no place quite like my home state. Whether you’re here for a long weekend or planning your ultimate summer getaway, Maine is packed with places that will stay with you long after you’ve gone. I’ve rounded up my top must-visits, plus created a printable checklist to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Why Maine?
It’s the kind of place where you can explore a lighthouse in the morning, eat blueberry pie by noon, and be surrounded by pine-scented stillness by sunset. Whether you love art, nature, food, or quirky roadside stops, there’s something waiting here for you.
🌟 Dana’s Must-Visit Maine Checklist:
Coastal Gems:
☐ Portland Head Light – Maine’s most photographed lighthouse
☐ Old Orchard Beach – Retro vibes, a wooden pier, and saltwater taffy
☐ Boothbay Harbor – Great for whale watching and seaside strolling
☐ Acadia National Park – Hike Cadillac Mountain or relax at Sand Beach
☐ Bar Harbor – Touristy but charming, and great lobster shacks
Cultural Highlights:
☐ Farnsworth Art Museum – In Rockland, with works by Andrew Wyeth
☐ Maine Maritime Museum – In Bath, full of shipbuilding history
☐ Wiscasset’s Antique Shops – The prettiest little village in Maine
☐ Franco Center Performing Arts & Events Center in Lewiston (where my mother works, in my local community)
Small Town Favorites:
☐ Camden – A postcard-perfect harbor town
☐ Kennebunkport – Great boutiques and the Bush family compound views
☐ Blue Hill – Understated, artsy, and oh-so-New England
For the Foodies:
☐ Red’s Eats in Wiscasset – Possibly the best lobster roll in the world
☐ Two Fat Cats Bakery in Portland – Don’t leave without pie
☐ Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro – Classic Maine comfort food
Bonus Fun:
☐ The Desert of Maine – Yup, we have a desert.
☐ L.L. Bean Flagship Store – Open 24/7 in Freeport
☐ Moxie Falls – A stunning waterfall hike in The Forks
☐ Drive Route 1 – For quirky roadside stops and epic coastal views
Tips from Dana:
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Dress in layers—even in summer, the breeze off the ocean can be chilly.
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Keep bug spray handy if you’re heading into the woods.
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You’ll need cash for some of the smaller food stands and antique shops.
1. Travel Journal
I always carry a little travel journal to jot down what we did, what we ate, and the names of the shops I want to revisit. If you love capturing memories on paper, this travel journal from Walmart is lightweight, pretty, and easy to tuck into your bag.
- feela 8 Pack Soft Cover Journals include 8 vintage colors A5 college ruled soft cover travel journals. 250 GSM colored paper cover outside and 80 GSM smooth writing lined pages inside.
- These travel journals have 92 blank lined pages (46 sheets). https://walmrt.us/46lZuoJ
(This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase.)
2. Weekender Bag or Backpack
Pack light but smart! A roomy backpack makes all the difference on a road trip up the coast. I’m currently loving this one from Walmart—it’s sturdy, stylish, and has pockets for everything.
Gonex 20L Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack. https://walmrt.us/44CWwLk
(As an affiliate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting the blog!)
📌 Pin this post to your travel board so you don’t forget anything!
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