5 Places in Maine I Wouldn’t Take My Worst Enemy

Here in Maine, we are quite familiar with overhyped and overrated tourist hotspots. Millions of people come to our state each year to explore and admire, and we certainly can’t blame them. There is so much to love here. But for those in the know, many of these tourist traps are places to avoid—they can be crowded, expensive, and mediocre compared to nearby hidden gems. While the following are five places that I believe you should visit at least once, they are also spots that you don’t need to go out of your way to explore. In fact, these are places it’s okay to drive on by.

1. Desert of Maine, Freeport

Desert of Maine has been listed as one of the most boring tourist traps in the state, and you’ll likely find it on lists of places to avoid in Maine. However, I must give it credit as this destination sure excels at marketing, as it can be quite busy. The Desert of Maine is a unique destination with more than 20 acres of sand surrounded by forest. It is privately owned and has some fun features like a playground, mini golf, and campground. There are also self-guided walking tours and train rides for adults and kids to enjoy. I recommend you plan a visit and form your own opinion. You never know...this may become your new favorite place to visit in Maine.

2. Red’s Eats, Wiscasset

Locals will tell you that one of the worst tourist traps in Maine, particularly in Wiscasset, is Red’s Eats. This lobster shack has received nationwide attention for its lobster rolls, and individuals will stand in line for hours to have a taste—and at a much higher price tag than nearby restaurants. However, if you are a tourist and ask around, many locals will say they like the crowds that Red’s Eats receives. It keeps their favorite places to eat quiet and less crowded.

3. Paul Bunyan Statue, Bangor

The Paul Bunyan statue in Bangor is an attraction that you visit once, and you've seen it all. This statue is 31 feet tall and made from fiberglass. It was built in 1959 and given to the city of Bangor as a gift for its 125th anniversary. This massive statue overlooks Main Street, and it’s not uncommon to see people snapping selfies at its base. It’s a fun attraction, but I’d rather spend my time at Bangor’s City Forest, home to a network of trails that allow you to easily leave the city, experience quiet, and immerse yourself in nature.

4. Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is certainly beautiful and has a lot to offer. However, it has become extremely commercialized and crowded, especially the Old Orchard Beach Pier. This area is filled with restaurants, bars, hotels, and gift shops. On the shore, there’s also the Palace Playland, a small amusement park with family-friendly rides, weekly firework displays, and even a music venue. There’s certainly a lot to love here, but be prepared to enjoy it with many others as well.

5. Bar Harbor…during the summer months

Bar Harbor is one of the most charming towns in Maine. It is the perfect base camp for visiting Acadia National Park, but you certainly won’t find me here during the summer months. During this town’s peak season, you’ll find crowded streets, increased accommodation prices, sold-out tours, and more. I’m not suggesting you avoid Bar Harbor completely—maybe just plan your visit another time of the year. Your experience will be much quieter, cheaper, and relaxing.

Maine is nicknamed “Vacationland,” and for good reason. We are truly grateful for the tourism our great state receives. But the tourist traps are not places you’ll find us—they aren’t even places we are likely to take our worst enemy. We prefer the hidden gems, small communities, and outdoor spaces that make it easy to fall in love with the Pine Tree State.

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