The Best Coastal Towns in Maine for That Classic New England Feel

During my first trip to Maine several years ago, my husband and I noticed the tourist slogan “The Way Life Should Be” painted across roadside signs. In previous years, the state has also been known by the nickname “Vacationland.”

To me, both descriptions feel entirely accurate. Who wouldn’t want to vacation in a place where life is, quite literally, the way it should be? Maine offers a distinctive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the Northeast or New England. The pace is slower, the communities are smaller, and the traditions feel more deeply rooted.

Yes, you can absolutely enjoy a luxurious getaway and all the classic tourist trappings here, but you’ll also find yourself connecting with something a little more meaningful than what you’d experience at just any beach resort or hotel.

It’s walking along rocky shores in the cool evening air, watching a lighthouse glow in the distance. It’s digging into a lobster roll so overstuffed the butter runs down your arm. It’s hiking a pine-covered mountain to take in sweeping views of the Atlantic’s deep blues.

Okay, okay—so, yes, I love Maine.

So if you’re looking to feel even a fraction of the affection I have for this state—and its coastal towns in particular—where should you go? Here are some of the best coastal towns in Maine.

Admittedly, I list York first because it’s the town my family has more or less adopted as our annual go-to. York does not enjoy the same popularity as some of the other towns on this list, but it definitely is by no means sleepy in mid-summer.

Located in far-southern Maine, right across the border from New Hampshire’s little spit of coastline, York offers a long, wide sandy beachfront and small-town vibes with very little fuss. Sure, you can find some tourist shops and restaurants, but they’re not overwhelming. You’re not going to come across any long boardwalk strips filled with arcades and amusement rides, as you would in, say, New Jersey. Instead, the main beachfront boasts just a few restaurants, houses, a hotel here or there—nothing overly flashy. This gives things more of a low-key, locals-only atmosphere.

In short, you can enjoy the tourist amenities as you need or want them, but you can also just feel like you’re at your own home beach, if that’s what you want.

In contrast, Bar Harbor is a much busier, much more built up and much more tourist-centric town. Still, a visit is worth every penny (because you are probably going to pay more for a trip here than you would to a lesser-known locale).

Bar Harbor is well-known for its proximity to Acadia National Park, but even if you’re not an outdoor adventurer (though rest assured there are plenty of ways to explore the park without breaking a sweat—for example, by taking the scenic driving loop and stopping at standout sights like Thunder Hole), you’ll still find plenty to do in town.

The main hub of Bar Harbor is bustling and busy, with tons of shops, restaurants, historic sites, and tours (both on land and water), so you’ll have ample options for filling your itinerary. You’ll have plenty of accommodation choices, too, from luxury resorts to home rentals. All the while, you’re only steps away from the water, and can easily enjoy views of the boats docking right off-shore.

Not terribly far away from Bar Harbor, Ogunquit can similarly get busy, but you’re probably going to be able to save a bit on your travel costs here.

The town is filled with local restaurants, shops, and art galleries, and features a 3.5-mile beach. Travelers who enjoy exploring a destination’s cultural side will want to visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, as well as the Ogunquit Playhouse, where you can catch musicals during the summer months.

Even if you just stop into Ogunquit while exploring other nearby towns, I’d recommend taking the time to walk along the Marginal Way. It’s a simple, short cliffside walk that gives you views of the water and a small lighthouse. 

I like to link these two towns together. They’re so close to one another that if you stay in one, you can easily go back and forth between the two without any trouble at all.

Kennebunkport has long been a traditional Maine vacation destination, with myriad beaches, colonial history, and the famed Goat Island Lighthouse.

Meanwhile, Kennebunk is stocked to the brim with its own history, walking tours, and opportunities for whale watching and excellent dining.

As far as Maine vacation destinations go, Lubec is definitely less well known to the traveling public than the five destinations mentioned above—possibly because it’s a bit more difficult to reach. To be fair, much of Maine is somewhat remote, but the coastal destinations are generally more accessible.

Lubec is situated on the Bay of Fundy, right next to Canada. It’s the most eastern coastal town in the United States and its beaches boast some of the highest tides in the world. Yeah, that’s right—in the word, with tides rising and falling by nearly 30 feet every six hours. As such, when you’re in the area, you can see some crazy water movement. For example, there’s the Old Sow whirlpool, a huge tidal whirlpool that’s considered one of the biggest in the Western Hemisphere, a direct result of the dramatic tide movement.

As for the town itself, Lubec is small, authentic, and charming. There’s no traffic and few crowds. The town center offers views of the water (and Canada!), and the quaint architecture is home to historic sites, shops, and eateries.

Very similarly, Phippsburg, Maine, is very low-key and quiet, and the focus is on the surrounding nature. However, I’d recommend pairing a trip to Phippsburg with a trip to nearby Bath. Whichever one you decide to stay in, you’ll be fine, as the two are really only about a 15-minute drive apart.

While Phippsburg delivers on the history and nature, Bath delivers on the main street, classic charm. Bath actually is a Designated Main Street Community, thanks to its preserved downtown. 

So, make sure to get your shopping and dining in while in Bath, and don’t forget a stop by the Maine Maritime Museum. Then, go on to Phippsburg and enjoy a visit to Popham Beach State Park, as well as Fort Popham, and Fort Baldwin. The former was constructed during the Civil War, while the latter was constructed before World War I.

Camden sits about halfway between Phippsburg and Bar Harbor, within Maine’s MidCoast region. The small town is home to a fantastic historic district, with homes dating back to the 1800s, as well as the Camden Opera House.

For great views, be sure to go on a hike within Camden Hills State Park (if you don’t feel like hiking, you can also drive to the top of Mount Battie in order to take your picture-perfect photos). You can also take a scenic cruise out into the water in order to get a better glimpse of the Curtis Island Lighthouse.

Camden is also known for its excellent restaurant choices. 

Another crowd-favorite destination, much like Ogunquit or Kennebunk, Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor may be charming and quaint, but this is certainly no tiny, yawn-inducing destination. You’ll find tons to do here when you’re not enjoying the seaside.

Favorite itinerary highlights include the 300-acre Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the Maine State Aquarium. Make sure to visit the local shops (art galleries are plentiful). Walk the Boothbay Footbridge and plan on going wildlife watching, whether you go it alone or take a tour. Whales, seals, and puffins all call the surrounding waters home.

On the flip side, Stonington, Maine, is arguably less popular, but there’s oh-so-much to love here. With just over a thousand permanent residents, the town sits on Deer Isle, just south of Bar Harbor. It’s a hub for artists, but also a fishing town, and is known for its lobster. You’ll easily be able to walk around the main town, but once you venture outside the Instagram-worthy hub, you’ll be able to find beaches, hiking trails, and similar to explore.

You’ll quickly see why artists have flocked to Deer Isle and Stonington, with the latter’s working waterfront and the island’s overall rugged, dramatic nature.

All the while, it’s easy enough to get to this island. There’s no ferry required. Just take the bridge from the mainland.