Ian Bronson
Tourist favorites get all the press, but what about the places that stay under the radar? Maine is full of charming coastal towns where life moves a little slower, and the scenery is just as breathtaking. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, these spots deserve a visit.
Camden
Located between the Camden Hills and Penobscot Bay, this coastal gem combines the rugged beauty of Maine’s scenery with the sophistication of a charming harbor town. Known as the “Jewel of the Coast,” Camden is one of the most scenic harbors in New England, where tall ships and sailboats drift against a backdrop of rolling hills.
Castine
Walking through Castine feels like stepping into a living history book. Among the oldest towns in New England, Castine was settled in 1613, before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. Visitors can explore historic sites like Fort George, a British-built fortification from the Revolutionary War, or the Wilson Museum, which showcases the region’s colonial past.
Blue Hill
Not every Maine town revolves around lobster traps and lighthouses. Blue Hill marches to the beat of a creative one. This coastal enclave has long been a magnet for artists and musicians drawn to its quiet beauty and inspiring sceneries. The town is home to Kneisel Hall and art galleries featuring local talent.
Stonington
This hardworking fishing village on Deer Isle lands more lobster than any other port in Maine. The working waterfront, lined with lobster boats and weathered shacks, offers an authentic glimpse into the daily rhythms of Maine’s fishermen. Beyond the docks, the town has some of the best kayaking and sailing in the state.
Lubec
At the very edge of the United States, Lubec is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the rugged beauty of Maine’s coastline. It’s the easternmost town in the country, meaning visitors here are the first to see the sunrise each morning. Lubec’s main draw is Quoddy Head State Park. The park’s coastal trails wind past dramatic sea cliffs.
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor might just be the most postcard-perfect town in Maine. The harbor itself is a stunning mix of fishing boats and tour vessels, all framed by historic buildings and colorful waterfront shops. It is famous for its boat excursions, which offer everything from whale watching to puffin tours.
Eastport
As the easternmost city in the United States, this small fishing town sits on the Bay of Fundy, well-known for the highest tides in the world. Its powerful waters support abundant marine life, making Eastport a prime destination for whale watching. Over time, the town has also reinvented itself as a center for arts and culture.
Rangeley
Not all of Maine’s beauty is on the coast. Rangeley proves that the state’s lakes and mountains can be just as breathtaking. Located in western Maine, this small town is the heart of the Rangeley Lakes Region. The area offers some of the best fishing in the state, with crystal-clear waters teeming with trout and salmon.
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport carries an air of old New England charm, yet it never feels outdated. Once a major shipbuilding center, the town now thrives as a beloved summer retreat. Its Dock Square is packed with boutique shops and waterfront dining, and the beaches here offer some of the softest sand in the state.
Greenville
Sitting on the edge of Moosehead Lake, Greenville is the gateway to Maine’s untamed wilderness. It’s a place where you’re more likely to see a moose than another car on the road. Greenville is also home to the annual International Seaplane Fly-In, a thrilling event where pilots gather to showcase their skills on the water.
