Welcome to Vacationland. Lighthouses. Lobster rolls. Sandy beaches. Majestic mountains. There’s something for everyone in Maine, whether you prefer the beach or the mountains. Along the coast, go deep sea fishing and whale watching in Boothbay Harbor. Head inland to the Acadia National Park for more than 158 miles of hiking trails amongst the highest rock headland on the Atlantic coastline. Visit Portland for the art, historical site-seeing, and culinary scene. For the most exclusive coastal escape, rent a vacation rental on Davis Island.

Not sure where to start? Check out the best destinations in the state for fishing, hiking, and site-seeing—there’s something for everyone in Maine.

1. Go deep sea fishing and whale watching in Boothbay Harbor. Perfect for both experienced fishermen and those new to the sport, Boothbay Harbor offers ample opportunity to make a catch during your stay. The most common catches for deep sea fishing in Boothbay Harbor include striper, striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, and even flounder. Meanwhile, Cap’n Fish’s Whale Watch has been taking visitors out for whale watching for more than 80 years, with the same guarantee—if you don’t see any whales on your excursion, you can take another cruise for free.
2. Participate in the Cold River Cocktail Competition at the Boothbay Harbor Fest. Every Labor Day weekend, Boothbay Harbor comes alive with a 3-day festival of food tastings, live music, and races. Enroll in the fest’s 5K or half-marathon or watch the Fishin’ for Fashion Show.
3. Enjoy the mountain views in Acadia National Park. Referred to as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park is home to the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads. With 3.5 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the country. Be sure to visit charming Bay Harbor, the gateway to the national park, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, taverns, and bed and breakfasts.
4. Explore the vast offerings of nautical Portland. As the state’s biggest city, Portland offers a wide variety of art, history, and exceptional dining. Stroll through the Old Port neighborhood, which features cobblestone streets and 19th century warehouses. See why Portland was named “America’s Foodiest Small Town” on one of the city’s foodie tours or explore its many breweries. Don’t forget to visit the Portland Museum of Art and tour the Victoria Mansion, a museum that honors Queen Victoria.
5. Have a luxurious, private vacation on Davis Island. It’s easy to believe you have the whole island to yourself when you visit Davis Island, a beach in Lincoln County. Visit the nearby town of Wiscasset, where visitors can shop for antiques, visit the farmers market for fresh organic food, dine on the waterfront, and even go worm digging.