Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Maine

In New England, when the sun comes out, there is a collective sigh of relief, and immediately, people start looking for things to do in Maine in summer. This is when we can finally emerge from our homes we have been trapped in, and finally feel the sun on our skin again. It is a glorious time of the year, and after a long, hard winter, it makes you appreciate the warm months much more.

Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Maine

Summertime is all about family vacations, lazy, warm days by the ocean, and hanging out with friends late into the night. Maine summer activities start to ramp up as stores open for the season, and it's time to soak up as much sunlight as possible. So here are some great options for spending a weekend or even a whole week at these fantastic destinations.

1. Acadia National Park

Location: Acadia National Park, ME

Popularity: Incredibly busy, it is one of our country's most visited national parks.

Need To Know: It is an extremely busy park so make sure you get up early for some of your must-see spots. National park fees are charged, or bring your America the Beautiful pass for entry.

Maine has its own national park! I hope the novelty hasn’t waned yet because this is possibly the most amazing place for a vacation in the state. Acadia National Park is known for its stunning rocky coastline, massive pine tree forests, and mountaintop vistas with views of the Atlantic. I have been to this park more times than I can count (I’m a writer, not a math wizard after all), and I could go back again and again. The coastline is really what draws me in the most. You can spend hours exploring the rocks and finding your spot of solitude in the park. There are a few must-see places in Acaida that I would recommend visiting.

First, I would suggest getting up early to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for the sunrise. You do have to get a permit, but the effort is well worth it once you see the sun crest over the oceanic horizon; it is simply breathtaking. Second is Jordan Pond, a beautiful body of water, which makes for a great hike, plus you simply have to order the famous popovers at the Jordan House. Next, I would watch the tide chart and catch Thunder Hole just right to see the mighty boom of this natural wonder. Other great hikes are the infamous Precipice Trail and the Beehive Trail. If you simply want a place to relax, head to Sand Beach to lie on the sand. When your day is done, head back into Bar Harbor for some delicious seafood, especially the lobsters.

2. Boothbay Harbor

Location: Boothbay, Maine

Popularity: Busy, especially on the weekends.

Need To Know: This is one of those quintessential harbor towns in Maine.

When I was a kid, my family made an annual trip to Boothbay Harbor to kick off the summer. So this place is nostalgic, to say the least, but this charming coastal town doesn’t ride on good memories alone. Boothbay Harbor has some phenomenally unique options for visitors from all walks of life. If you have the time, book a cruise out of the harbor, from simple sightseeing tours to long whale-watching excursions. If you're hungry, then the Boothbay Lobster Wharf is one of my favorite places to eat, with Maine’s classic crustacean fresh from the boat to your plate.

In town, Orne’s Candy Store is a Boothbay original and has been around since 1885! This old-timey sweet shop retains all of the historic charm over so many years, and I have a lot of fond memories of eating fruity candy while sitting on the sidewalk. Another one of my favorite places resides just outside of the downtown area and is an enchanting place pulled right from a fairy tale. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens holds a massive collection of beautiful flowers and plants and is home to massive forest giants! It is one magical place you have to see for yourself to believe.

3. Camden

Location: Camden, Maine

Popularity: Busy on the weekends.

Need To Know: There are plenty of nearby mountains and great seafront activities.

I have always liked Camden, but when my wife and I stayed outside this harbor town for our anniversary, I learned to love Camden. We spent a long time sitting in the park and looking at the boats coming and going. This therapeutic atmosphere just melts all the worries of life and sets you in the right frame of mind to relax in this iconic little town.

The nearby mountains frame this little spot and give guests a wide range of options to enjoy their stay. Head up Mount Battie for one of the best harbor views from this glorious mountaintop height, or simply stroll along the historic streets for local shopping. Near the end of the day, voyage out on an epic windjammer sunset cruise. Witness the sparkling array of colors in the sky and sea on a beautiful journey. End the day by booking a night in the luxurious castle on the coast known as The Norumbega to complete a remarkable trip to Camden.

Best Beaches, Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Maine This Summer

When you are looking for family things to do in Maine in summer, then some time by the water is just what you need. The coast offers some of the most incredible beaches, while inland hosts a variety of beautiful lakes to enjoy. Find your next favorite body of water to cool off during the warmer months and gather your family for a fun day.

4. Old Orchard Beach

Location: Ocean Park, Maine

Popularity: Busy on the weekends.

Need To Know: Old Orchard can be very busy, so head to town for a pleasant, family-friendly experience with fewer people.

Most everyone in Maine has heard of Old Orchard Beach, which has become a go-to spot for people seeking a day in the sun. The beach is great and offers quite a bit with Palace Playland and the Pier right there, but did you know there is another little town right next to it that shares the same beach? Ocean Park is more geared towards families looking for a week-long vacation and thus is far less crowded than those who gather around the pylons of the Pier. It has also been a long-time family tradition for us to spend some of our summer days playing at the beach.

The quiet little town is quaint and friendly, embodying everything you would expect from a beach town. Rent a cottage and spend a week soaking up the sun and playing in the waves. Nothing beats a day lounging around on the beach, especially if you have been looking for free things to do in Maine in the summer.

5. Cobbossee Lake

Location: Cobbossee Lake

Popularity: Not very busy.

Need To Know: The official name is Cobbosseecontee Lake, but all the locals just call it Cobbossee.

Cobbossee Lake is one of those perfectly calm bodies of water that reflect the natural surroundings' beauty perfectly. We have spent a weekend on the water, kayaked out to the middle, and have explored the many places along the water’s edge. This is one of those peaceful places where you can sit in the middle of the water in a canoe and simply soak in the pretty scenery. The lake is close to many towns and is used for recreation by many people because we know a good thing when we find it.

6. Moosehead Lake

Location: Moosehead Lake

Popularity: Not very busy.

Need To Know: This is the largest lake in Maine.

Maine has many outdoor enthusiasts, which is especially true when it comes to fishing. There is hardly a house in the state that doesn’t have a pole and tacklebox ready in the mudroom or stored away for when it comes time to get out on the lake again. What better place to do that than the largest lake in Maine, Moosehead Lake? With unparalleled beauty, this remote spot is great for a peaceful paddle, camping on the water's edge, or casting a line just like your daddy taught ya’.

Parks To Visit In Maine This Summer

As mentioned, when the weather starts to warm, it is time for Mainers to emerge from their homes and embrace the sunlight. If you are looking to make the most of your summer but want to stick to your budget, then there is a great option with these cheap things to do in Maine in summer. Visiting the state parks will cost a small fee but offers a variety of experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Here is also a quick local hack: many of the state’s libraries will rent out annual passes for the parks, so if you carefully plan, you can save the money and still enjoy a great day in a state park.

7. Damariscotta Lake State Park

Location: Jefferson, Maine

Popularity: Busy on the weekends.

Need To Know: One of the best swimming lakes in Maine.

Damariscotta Lake is another one of my childhood favorite places. In the summer, we would take a trip to this lake and spend a day playing in the sand and splashing in the water. The stunningly pretty lake offers a great beach for families to gather and enjoy. You can easily spend all day here with picnic tables and grills if you want a cookout or a picnic on the grassy knolls. At its core, Damariscotta Lake is a great place to swim and relax with family and friends.

8. Baxter State Park

Location: Millinocket, Maine

Popularity: Not too busy.

Need To Know: Home to the mighty Mount Katahdin.

Mount Katahdin is not only the biggest mountain in the state, but for many, it is a rite of passage. Conquering this mountain is no small feat, no matter which of the many different trails you choose to ascend. When I finished my hike up and placed my hands on the rock pile that effectively made the mountain exactly a mile up from sea level, I was both exhausted and proud. There is only one way to the top, and that is to climb the grueling 5,270 feet of elevation gain to get there. So everyone on the peak shares the same sense of accomplishment, unless you are an Appalachian hiker, in which case, you are in a whole other league of your own.

Baxter State Park is one of those untouched and preserved pieces of land that feel ancient while traveling. Another highlight for me was camping at Chimney Pond and witnessing the sheer towering might of the looming mountain before me. This is one mountain you don’t want to miss in Maine.

9. Grafton Notch State Park

Location: Newry, Maine

Popularity: Not very busy.

Need To Know: A park filled with waterfalls and scenic hikes.

Grafton Notch State Park is another one of those rugged terrains that is not for the faint of heart. The most famous of the hikes in the park is Old Speck, an epic overlook with unparalleled beauty. However, the Eyebrow Loop Trail is another great option while you are there. If you would like to keep your state park trip more tame and not be as sore the next day, then Screw Auger Falls is one of the few waterfalls in the park you can see. I like to think of Grafton Notch State Park as a hiker's paradise, so if you love to lace up those boots and get climbing, then this is the place for you.

Best Free Summer Activities

Cheap things are great, but free fun things to do in Maine in Summer are even better. These next activities won’t cost you except for the tank of gas to get there. There is a time and a place to blow a large sum of money on an epic vacation; then there are those days when you want to save your pennies but enjoy the summer anyway.

10. Hiking

Location: All over Maine

Popularity: Hidden gems to very busy.

Need To Know: There are many great places to get out into the woods and explore.

One of my all-time favorite things is exploring the woods and hitting the trails. I could be traveling through a boardwalk bog, to a mountaintop, or to a waterfall; it doesn’t matter. If I'm outside, I come alive and can't get enough. I have traveled all over hiking and exploring, and found some pretty sweet spots in Maine.

Plenty are in your backyard, but some of my favorites have been surprising hidden gems within the state. Places like Cascade Falls in Saco, the China School’s Forest, or Vaughan Woods in Hallowell stand out as great places to explore. Two of my all-time favorite places I have traveled to were the short hike to the Fort Baldwin abandoned military structures in Popham and Reed Brook Falls (Also known as Jerico’s Steps) in Kingsfield. Finding your hidden gems is fun, so spend the Maine summer months outside exploring.

11. The Viles Arboretum

Location: Augusta, Maine

Popularity: Hidden gem.

Need To Know: Rolling hills, forested sections, a boardwalk trail, fairy gardens, and more. What more could you ask for?

Dropping the same old date night ideas, we opted for something a little different one night. There are plenty of romantic things to do in Maine in Summer, but one of my favorites was walking at The Viles Arboretum. This large property has a massive variety and is a place I come back to time and time again.

The rolling hills of tall grass, the deep, thick wooded forests, the boardwalk trails over the ponds, and the fairy garden all mesh together to give the visitor one of the best outdoor experiences in Augusta. The whole place was just so peaceful, I found myself returning multiple times and bringing along other people to enjoy the fresh outdoor space. I couldn't recommend this place enough, and I have many great memories of this arboretum.

12. Scenic Drives

Location: All over Maine

Popularity: Back roads are hardly ever busy.

Need To Know: Take the scenic route since there are many.

Many days, we decided to take a scenic route or just pick a direction and drive. You can find many great things by taking the less-traveled road. There are certainly a few great drives like the scenic Route 1, but many back roads will lead you to sprawling countrysides to the north, mountainous peaks in the west, and rocky coastlines in the east.

Some days were spent wandering the shoreline for a place to climb a few rocks; other days, we found ourselves at the foot of the lake looking at mountains in the distance, which is the beauty of Maine. The whole state is filled with backroads, and you never know where you might end up. It might also be a good idea to bring along a road map since we all know the age-old saying in Maine, “You can’t get there from here”.

Best Summer Events And Festivals In Maine

Summer is great for wandering in the woods, staking your spot on the beach, or working on your tan. Other times, it's great to get out with your neighbors and join in on a Maine festival or event that draws a good crowd.

13. Old Hallowell Day

Location: Hallowell, Maine

Popularity: Busy.

Need To Know: Celebrate a historic town and its artistic community.

Old Hallowell Day takes place on the third Saturday of July every year and is there to celebrate the anniversary of this tiny city. The town is known for artistic expression and has a large following of people passionate about calling it home. So you can join the community again yearly to celebrate this historic town becoming one year older. There are many events throughout the day with vendors on the street, a large parade, sports tournaments, and fun games. The night finishes with a dramatic fireworks display that is usually one of the area's best shows all year. This isn’t the only town that does this, but many of Maine's communities similarly celebrate a town's anniversary, and it can be a lot of fun for everyone who attends. Visit the Old Hallowell Day website for this year's date and activities.

14. L.L. Bean's Summer Concert Series

Location: Freeport, Maine

Popularity: Busy.

Need To Know: Look for big-name artists coming. The concert in the park series is free to attend.

L.L. Bean's flagship store is proudly located in downtown Freeport, and no other store has effectively changed the culture of a state like this one has. They do a lot to give back to the community, and one of those things is to host a free summer concert series. Keep an eye out for the announcements, but past years have brought in some top-notch artists, and the shows have been fantastic.

15. The Windsor Fair

Location: Windsor, Maine

Popularity: Busy.

Need To Know: A Classic end-of-the-summer fair that brings in hundreds of people.

The Windsor Fair has always been like a last summer celebration before school starts again. So for me, it was always bittersweet, but the harsh reality of facing another year of schooling faded away as I rode some rides, ate loads of calories of fair foods, and had fun with my friends. This is a week-long event, so you will have plenty of time to get out and enjoy the festivities. One of my favorite things during the event was to go to the back where they kept all the animals and see various farm animals that were always very happy to have visitors. To me, this is one of the best summer events in Maine.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Maine in summer, so why not make the most of this time of year? Make sure to help your fellow Mainer out and let us know some of your favorite summertime activities and memories in the Pine Tree State. If you plan on doing a little bit of hiking, I would like to guide you to AllTrails. This has been an invaluable tool for me as I have traveled around, and I am sure you will find it helpful too. Enjoy your summer!

If you plan on taking a classic road trip this season, make sure you have made a great packing list so you don’t forget anything.