Maine delivers dramatic coastal scenery studded with New England towns, fresh lobster, mountain hiking, shimmering lakes, and the vibrant city of Portland. In spring, alpine wildflower meadows bloom; in autumn, forests and shorelines blaze in reds and golds. Daytime offers bald eagles and moose; nighttime reveals dazzling starscapes. Easy to reach via direct flights to Boston, just an hour from Maine's border, this wild state promises an epic fly-drive adventure.
Into the Wild
Every turn reveals a different view: mountain scenery, wildflower meadows, blazing sunrises over the sea, heritage lighthouses, pine-clad islands, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and dense forest. Maine is forged by nature. Acadia National Park's peninsulas and islands offer stunning hiking and cycling trails along historic carriage roads. Summit Cadillac Mountain to witness the first sunrise in the continental USA. Explore the Park Loop Road on Mount Desert Island and the less-explored Schoodic Peninsula. In the Kennebec Valley or Maine Highlands, take a moose safari, go whale-watching in summer, spot puffins, or venture to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument to see black bears, Canada lynx, and hundreds of bird species.
Small Towns, Big Buzz
Portland has a friendly small-town feel. Maine is exceptionally welcoming, whether at a wilderness cabin, working farm, or historic inn. Portland's scenic harbour offers culture, fabulous food, and waterfront charm. Bath is rich in ship-building history, with gorgeous mansions and leafy neighbourhoods. Bethel is a quintessential New England mountain village with exceptional scenery. Bar Harbor is the pine-backed coastal gateway to Acadia National Park.
Catch of the Day
Follow the Maine Oyster Trail to slurp raw seafood directly from the shell, hopping between islands and some of the state's 150 oyster farms. Eighty percent of America's lobster is sourced in Maine waters, explaining the ubiquity of pillowy lobster rolls. Grab one at a lobster shack or enjoy a fine dining version. Head out with a local fisherman to help with the catch, then warm up with clam chowder. Maine also boasts a booming farm-to-table restaurant scene and farmers' markets. Stop at craft ale breweries, sip local cider, and visit distilleries tucked into the rolling hills.
The Ultimate Drive
Maine has the oldest network of scenic byways in the US—short, manageable stretches that form the heart of a road trip. Here are favourites:
Acadia All-American Road
This 40-mile route is the gold standard of American road trips. Start on the mainland, wend through Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, and end in Acadia National Park. Hire a kayak or take a boat trip to spot seals and porpoises, or explore granite mountains and fir-lined lakes. Don't miss fresh-caught seafood when fishing boats return.
Old Canada Road
This 78-mile route toward the Canadian border is best for wildlife. Start at Robbins Hill Scenic Lookout and head north, looking for moose, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles soaring above the Kennebec River. Hike well-marked forest trails to Moxie Falls, the highest waterfall in Maine. Travel to Quebec or turn in Jackman for a stunning drive to Moosehead Lake.
Schoodic National Scenic Byway
Arguably the best drive for sweeping coastal views. At 29 miles, this route takes you through pretty harbours and authentic fishing towns backed by dramatic cliffs, passing white clapboard homes and heritage lighthouses. Stop for a lobster roll from a seafood shack and eat it perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking pine-covered islands.
Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
Just 35 miles long, this stretch through western mountains and lakes holds the most picturesque view in the state. Park and hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, or drive to the Height of Land for a sweeping panorama of lakes, mountains, and forests. In autumn, leaves blaze in red and gold. Sip freshly pressed cider. In winter, snow-covered mountains offer skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating. Saddleback is Maine's third-largest ski and snowboard area; Rangeley's lakes are perfect for ice fishing. Check out Oquossoc for over 100 miles of world-class snowmobile trails.
Wild, welcoming, and easy to reach, Maine is the ideal fly-drive adventure, oozing New England charm and serving up sensational seafood alongside dreamy scenic views. Find out more at visitmaine.com.
