We are ending our road trip through New England with a visit to the beautiful state of Maine! With its scenic national parks, gorgeous coastline, and abundance of art museums and lighthouses, this state deserves to be on any travel enthusiast's list. Join us as we give you destination ideas and activity recommendations for the final leg of TripSpark's New England road trip!
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is New England's only remaining full-scale amusement park on a beach, and with its Palace Playland, historic pier, seven miles of sandy beach, and abundance of tacky (in the best way) shops, Old Orchard Beach is a must-see for anyone visiting Maine and is guaranteed to give you that sense of nostalgia that only a good old-fashioned beach resort can give you.
Portland
A trip to Maine wouldn't be complete without spending a few days taking in all there is to see in Portland. Be sure to visit the Old Port district and feel like you have been transported back into colonial times with its narrow streets, brick storefronts, and the hustle and bustle of a still-active port. From there, you can embark on a cruise of Casco Bay and visit the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse and museum, where you can watch the ships coming and going and see views of the city and Old Port. I would be remiss not to recommend Victoria Mansion, an Italian style villa built in the mid-19th century that offers visitors an unmatched glimpse into Victorian art and culture.
Maine Maritime Museum
Just a 40-minute drive away from Portland, Bath is home to the Maine Maritime Museum, a campus devoted to preserving Maine's shipbuilding, lobstering, and seafaring heritage. This Maine must-see was built on the site of an old shipyard from the 1800's, and includes a floating collection of boats and exhibits (this collection, unfortunately, does not float) that is sure to interest and delight even the most seasick-prone of visitors.
Acadia National Park
Whether hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, or simply taking in gorgeous views is your poison of choice, Acadia National Park is a veritable playground for the outdoor enthusiast. With over 100 miles of hiking trails, this national park has no shortage of Instagram-worthy views. Popular attractions include Cadillac Mountain, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, the Schoodic Peninsula, Thunder Hole, or a scenic drive along Park Loop Road.
To the Lighthouse!
Maine boasts 65 photo-worthy lighthouses along its coast that have inspired both visitors and artists alike. Take a tour of Maine's coast and visit some of its most iconic and memorable lighthouses, including Portland Head Lighthouse, West Quoddy Head (if you always picture red and white stripes when you think of lighthouses, you can thank West Quoddy Head for that), Pemaquid Point Light, and Nubble Lighthouse, just to name a few.
On the *Art Museum* Trail
If lighthouses aren't really your thing, another way to tour Maine is to follow the Maine Art Museum Trail, a collection of 9 art museums that will take you all along Maine's coast and allow you to see firsthand how Maine has inspired some of the world's most celebrated artists, including Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, and the Wyeths.
Abbe Museum
Bates College Museum of Art
Bowdoin College Museum of Art
Colby College Museum of Art
Farnsworth Art Museum
Monhegan Museum of Art and History
Ogunquit Museum of American Art
Portland Museum of Art
Zillman Museum of Art
This short list of course only scratches the surface of all there is to see and do in Maine, but for those who are just looking to dip their toe into all that Maine has to offer, this is a great place to start, and I can't think of a better way to conclude a road trip through New England!
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