3 Overhyped Maine Places That Look Better Online Than in Real Life

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram, TikTok, or other social media and found a post on an attraction that looks so incredible that you're compelled to visit? If you visited, did it live up to the social media hype? Not all places match what you see online. Sometimes, you realize how crowded a place is in person compared to its somewhat peaceful and crowd-free appearance on social media. Today, we will dive into three popular spots that may be the most overrated places in Maine. While they are still worth visiting at least once, we're about to set your Maine travel expectations for the following popular destinations.

1. Old Orchard Beach (OOB) Pier & Boardwalk

With photos like the one above, Old Orchard Beach Pier & Boardwalk can look like a peaceful place to spend a summer day. While that may be true in the off-season, it certainly is not in the height of tourist season when families flock to this classic and historic resort town for some fun in the sun. Along the boardwalk and pier are amusement park rides, arcades, restaurants, shops, and the crowds who are here for it all. If you'd rather visit when there aren't hordes of tourists, it's best to come sometime between October and April, however, expect certain businesses to be closed for the season.

2. Desert of Maine

A desert in the middle of Maine? This curious attraction has been a draw for tens of thousands of people each year, people who are curious to see this unexpected phenomenon in person. But is it worth it? Of course. But to set your expectations when visiting the Desert of Maine—while it looks massive in photos online with the use of good lighting and certain angles, it looks a lot smaller in person. That being said, the mini golf, train ride, snack bar, and campground featuring tents and domes more than make up for it. This attraction is open seasonnaly, so visit the Desert of Maine website for dates, hours, and to book accommodations.

3. Bar Harbor

In just about every photo I've seen of Bar Harbor online, it comes off as a quaint, charming, uncrowded coastal destination in Maine. And while it is lovely, it's possibly one of the most overhyped destinations in Maine, and I was taken aback by the number of tourists when I visited. June through August are the peak tourist months here, so if you plan on visiting during that time, you have been warned. For a less-crowded experience, you can just plan your visit during the off-season.

Are there any other destinations around Maine that you feel have been overhyped through social media? If so, please send us a note through our nomination page.

Do you prefer popular destinations in Maine or the state's hidden gems? Many prefer a mix of both, and you can plan your own trip to Maine's most popular or hidden gem attractions with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.