The 3 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Maine

If you love vibrant flowers, artsy small towns, and vivid fall foliage, this one's for you. These are the most colorful places in Maine, sure to mesmerize you and make you fall in love with this beautiful state all over again.

1. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is among the crown jewels of the Eastern U.S. Famous for its dramatic, rocky coastline, the 47,000-acre park features dense forest and towering peaks, including Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. While the lush greenery and blue Atlantic waters make for vibrant scenery year-round, if you've never visited Acadia in the fall, consider this your sign to plan a trip. The autumn foliage is brilliant, with red, orange, and golden hues turning the landscape into a painting. Early to mid-October is prime leaf-peeping season, and the Precipice Trail and the Jordan Pond Path offer some of the best views. You can also take one of the best scenic drives in Maine to the top of Cadillac Mountain to see the colors from above. Don't forget to bundle up, as temperatures hover around the 40s-50s this time of year. A seven-day permit for Acadia National Park costs $35 per private vehicle.

2. Belfast

Belfast, Maine, is a historic shipbuilding town known for its Victorian architecture, maritime heritage, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Colorful brick buildings line Maine Street, imparting a quirky, eccentric vibe that blends seamlessly with the town's progressive energy. Stroll around downtown and check out the quaint, mom-and-pop shops, then head to the United Farmers Market of Maine. The state's largest year-round farmers market features over 60 vendors offering everything from fresh seafood to vibrant, local produce.

3. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay

The largest botanical garden in New England, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, is one of Maine's premier attractions. Comprising nearly 300 acres, this picturesque destination features 15 themed gardens, ranging from a butterfly house to a whimsical fairy village. From May to October, the gardens come alive with blooms in nearly every color of the rainbow, making for a vibrant, postcard-worthy scene. Roses, rhododendrons, and even fresh herbs that are used by chefs in the on-site cafe; you name it, and it's probably growing here. Admission fees range from $9 to $29, depending on age and whether you purchase tickets online or in person. Children under three and members get in free.

When to Visit the Most Colorful Places in Maine

The best time to visit the most colorful places in Maine depends on which place we're talking about. If you want to see the fall foliage at Acadia National Park, colors usually peak between late September and mid-October, but every year is slightly different. Check fall foliage reports for the area before visiting to get the most out of your trip. Belfast is colorful year-round, but the annual Arts in the Park festival in late June adds even more vibrancy, with works from over 100 artists on display. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are only open May-October.

The Most Colorful Places to Visit in Maine

Other colorful places to visit in Maine include Bar Harbor, the Rangeley Lakes region, Baxter State Park, and the red-and-white stripes of the West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec. The vibrant scenery of the Rangeley Lakes region and Baxter State Park is fall-specific.

Have you visited the most colorful places in Maine? What other spots would you add to the list?

If you're feeling inspired to discover more opportunities to experience Maine in color, perhaps on a road trip, try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.