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3 Spectacular Seaside Towns In Maine

Gothamist Getaways

Published Jun 19, 2014

Modified Jun 19, 2014

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Published Jun 19, 2014

Modified Jun 19, 2014

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It's our second edition of Gothamist's travel content, Gothamist Getaways. Four times a year, we'll have a week of posts featuring looks at travel, food, products and tips—near and far—for making your trips more enjoyable. So sit back, dream of your next journey and let us know if you have any hints for us—email [email protected].

Local beaches are nice and all, but even a Roberta's outpost in Rockaway can't beat seaside Maine's New England charm. A trip up there requires a car, but once you're there, rocky beaches, romantic lodging and lobster rolls await, and all that's well worth an 8 to 10 hour drive, provided you have a Joni Mitchell CD on hand.

(Allan Wood Photography/Shutterstock)

BAR HARBOR: Bar Harbor is the quintessential Maine tourist town, rocking an Americana Main Street complete with cutesy tchotchke shops, sea-themed bed and breakfasts and Moose Tracks ice cream. But touristy kitsch aside, the town sits right on Frenchman Bay, offering ample seaside activities like kayaking, sailing and marine life sightseeing. Best of all, Bar Harbor's home to a significant portion of Acadia National Park, a massive landscape complete with lakes, woodlands, portions of nearby islands and mountains, including Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point in the area.

There are plenty of places to stay in Bar Harbor. The Bar Harbor Inn, located near the water just a block from Main Street, is a full-throttle, pricy resort, complete with an in-house spa and luxurious, romantic suites. For something a little more economical, Acadia Inn is located a little farther from Main Street, but boasts comfortable rooms for reasonable prices.

OGUNQUIT: Ogunquit is another classic New England seaside jewel—even its name means "beautiful place by the sea." The town boasts a pristine 3.5 mile sandy beach perfect for sunbathing (when there's sun) or strolling with a bag of saltwater taffy in hand. The town itself is a cultural hub and vibrant artist colony, home to the Ogunquit Playhouse and the historical Captain Winn House. Ogunquit also has a significant LGBT population, and there are a lot of establishments and nightlife events that cater to gay travelers.

Perkins Cove in Ogunkit (istockphoto © Mshake)

One of the most popular places to stay in Ogunquit is the Beachmeare Inn, an oceanfront property with elegant rooms spread out among a number of buildings. Anchorage By The Sea is a fancy resort complete with watercolor and yoga classes, and there are a number of cheaper places to stay near the center of town as well.

CAMDEN: Camden is one of Maine's loveliest towns, and serves as a haven for summer residents and tourists alike. The town's been dubbed the "Jewel of the Coast," and with its charming harbor and quaint, old world American elegance, it's an appropriate nickname. Kayak, sail, take a lighthouse tour and stroll down Main Street in search of lobster.

Megunticook Lake in Camden (istockphoto © visionsofmaine)

Camden is a popular spot for summer-long residents, so there are vacation homes available for longer seasonal stays. There are also a few hotels and inns—the Grand Harbor Inn is Camden's most celebrated boutique hotels, but you can also opt for the Lord Camden Inn or Towne Motel if you're looking for something less extravagant.

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