No planning trip to Maine is complete without its scenic coastline, lined with charming towns, scenic views, and lifetime experiences. From classic lighthouses to harbors teeming with boats, Maine’s coastal towns evoke parts of New England that are quite hard to resist. For those looking to extend their journey, a short drive to the best restaurants in Southern Vermont can be the perfect way to cap off a New England adventure. Here are the top coastal towns in Maine you must visit!
1. Ogunquit: The Beautiful Place by the Sea
Ogunquit, a name derived from the Abenaki language meaning “beautiful place by the sea,” is a picturesque coastal town with sandy beaches and a lively arts scene. The Marginal Way is a favorite, scenic walk along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The village contains charming boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and summer theater at the Ogunquit Playhouse. It is truly a great place to unwind, get a sniff of salt from the sea air, and just take in the local culture.
Tip: Don’t forget to stop for a taste of Barnicle Billy’s for the local seafood treats in lobster rolls and clam chowder.
2. Kennebunkport: A Historic Seaside Escape
Among Maine’s best-known coastal towns, Kennebunkport was listed and popularly known for historic homes, charming inns, and stunning views. This classic New England town has an ideal combination between history and modern-day luxury. Dock Square is alive with unique shops and art galleries, along with fine eateries. For the beach lover, Gooch’s Beach offers great sands with wonderful views of the Atlantic.
Tip: Include in your Maine trip plan a stay in one of the bed-and-breakfasts in Kennebunkport to have an intimate, real experience.
3. Camden: The Jewel of the Coast
Snuggled comfortably between mountains and sea, Camden has acquired the reputation of the “Jewel of the Coast.” Lovers of sailors prefer Camden because of its picture-postcard view over Penobscot Bay. The Camden Hills State Park is great for hiking and picnicking; from the top of its peak, one gets a view of the harbor and islands. Take a leisurely walk along the harbor, pop in for a visit to the boutiques, and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking the water.
Insider’s Tip: A sailing tour will give you a different perspective of this picturesque coastline-so beautiful, especially during sunset.
4. Bar Harbor: Gateway to Acadia National Park
No trip to the coast of Maine would be complete without a stop in the lively town of Bar Harbor, which leads the way into Acadia National Park. If you love nature and enjoy outdoor adventures, Bar Harbor is the place to be for whale watching, kayaking, and hiking. These quaint towns will fill your heart with local cafes, unique shops, and breweries. After a long day of hiking through Acadia’s beautiful trails, make your way into town, where fresh seafood and a cold glass of craft beer await you.
Tip: Begin your day early and drive up Cadillac Mountain for a panoramic sunrise-one of the first places in the U.S. to view the morning light.
5. Rockland: The Lobster Capital
Rockland is one beautiful coastal town complete with an art vibe and, of course, lobster. It’s home to the annual Maine Lobster Festival, which seafood lovers throughout the country come to attend. The harbor of this town is speckled with lobster boats, and the seafood shacks sit along the water’s edge, where one can be served fresh lobster. For the lover of art, visiting the Farnsworth Art Museum would be a real treat and an opportunity to view works from some of the most famous American artists, such as the Wyeth family.
Tip: Take a ferry to the nearby islands and experience the different, quiet, and scenic landscapes away from the mainland.
A Gastronomic Digression: Top Southern Vermont Restaurants
Why not combine exploration in the pretty coastal towns of Maine with a pleasure drive across New England, and find some great places to eat in Southern Vermont? From gourmet meals to hearty country fare served up in cozy surroundings, farm-to-table experiences abound in Southern Vermont. This region takes pride in its use of fresh, local ingredients, and you’re bound to come across plenty of places where you can enjoy everything from artisanal cheeses to maple-glazed treats.
Don’t-Miss Spots-Southern Vermont:
The Silver Fork-Manchester: Global flavors and fresh farm ingredients await in this fine dining experience.
Simon Pearce Restaurant-Quechee: For stunning riverside dining and beautiful glassware, this restaurant will surely give excellent qualities of food amidst an awe-inspiring perspective.
SoLo Farm & Table-Londonderry: With its seasonal menu, the focus falls on the highlighting of the best in Vermont local produce when dining farm-to-table at this spot.
Final Thoughts
Any tour to Maine should include visiting its coastal towns-the real New England atmosphere can be felt here. From the quiet shores of Ogunquit down to the busy host that is Bar Harbor, each has its own unique blend of charm, history, and natural beauty. If you are the kind of person who enjoys a road trip, then including some of the best Southern Vermont restaurants as part of your journey is one of the finest ways to complete a trip in New England-with a meal.
So pack your bags and get ready for exploration of the beautiful coastline, foodie delights, and small-town charm that Maine has in store. From the various beautiful towns to visit to a detour through the Southern Vermont culinary scene, this could be one of those trips you will never forget.
