When considering the best small towns to visit in Maine, there’s a lot to keep in mind! Of course, proximity is important if you’re not looking to travel very far. But, to us, the most important factor is how unique and interesting they might be. And that doesn’t have to mean large, bustling, and popular. In many ways, some of the coolest small towns in Maine are actually quiet and unassuming, a lot like the rest of the state. Here are some of our favorites.
- Monhegan, Lincoln County
nicksieger / Flickr This small town is actually an island and it might take some effort to explore given that you must take a boat, but that just adds to its cool. This is the best place to visit if you love local art as this place is a haven for those who love to create. Visit in the summer to enjoy open gallery days and fun walks. Monhegan Island, Monhegan, ME 04852, USA
- Kennebunkport, York County
mariano-mantel / Flickr While certainly known among locals and those from away as a huge destination for tourists, The Kennebunks are also home to a number of local shops and restaurants. With a flair all their own, these spots are what make small towns so great. Kennebunkport, ME 04046, USA
- Norway, Oxford County
Norway Brewing Company / Google This little town wasn’t on our radar a few years ago, but over time it’s become one of our go-to stops when heading west. With a hoppin’ Main Street complete with a brewery, vegan restaurant, BBQ spot, and coffee shop, you definitely won’t leave hungry. And there’s a whole lot of culture here too. Visit in the summer when you can stroll the shops or head there in the winter for access to the great outdoors. Norway Brewing Company, 237 Main St, Norway, ME 04268, USA
- Belfast, Waldo County
dougtone / Flickr Considered one of the coolest towns in Maine, we love the vibe of Belfast. Full of local shops, galleries, and restaurants, Belfast is a must-visit. Belfast, ME 04915, USA
- Searsport, Waldo County
davehensley / Flickr Not every cool small town in Maine needs to come with a bustling downtown. We love Searsport for its access to nature and its year-round beauty. These views are pretty cool to us! Searsport, ME, USA
- Kittery, York County
dougtone / Flickr Often considered only as a place to shop, we think people should remember that there is so much than just outlets to enjoy here. Local coffee shops and stores line the tiny downtown street and we love the rural feel it has while still being just a few miles from Portsmouth. Kittery, ME, USA
- Port Clyde, Knox County
davehensley / Flickr You might recognize this cute town as the spot where Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run. The Marshall Point Lighthouse here certainly is a beauty, but Port Clyde is also home to a number of artists and writers. Marshall Point Lighthouse, Marshall Point Rd, Port Clyde, ME 04855, USA
What are some of your favorite small towns to visit in Maine? Let us know your picks in the comments and give us some thoughts on what to do there!
nicksieger / Flickr
This small town is actually an island and it might take some effort to explore given that you must take a boat, but that just adds to its cool. This is the best place to visit if you love local art as this place is a haven for those who love to create. Visit in the summer to enjoy open gallery days and fun walks.
Monhegan Island, Monhegan, ME 04852, USA
mariano-mantel / Flickr
While certainly known among locals and those from away as a huge destination for tourists, The Kennebunks are also home to a number of local shops and restaurants. With a flair all their own, these spots are what make small towns so great.
Kennebunkport, ME 04046, USA
Norway Brewing Company / Google
This little town wasn’t on our radar a few years ago, but over time it’s become one of our go-to stops when heading west. With a hoppin’ Main Street complete with a brewery, vegan restaurant, BBQ spot, and coffee shop, you definitely won’t leave hungry. And there’s a whole lot of culture here too. Visit in the summer when you can stroll the shops or head there in the winter for access to the great outdoors.
Norway Brewing Company, 237 Main St, Norway, ME 04268, USA
dougtone / Flickr
Considered one of the coolest towns in Maine, we love the vibe of Belfast. Full of local shops, galleries, and restaurants, Belfast is a must-visit.
Belfast, ME 04915, USA
davehensley / Flickr
Not every cool small town in Maine needs to come with a bustling downtown. We love Searsport for its access to nature and its year-round beauty. These views are pretty cool to us!
Searsport, ME, USA
Often considered only as a place to shop, we think people should remember that there is so much than just outlets to enjoy here. Local coffee shops and stores line the tiny downtown street and we love the rural feel it has while still being just a few miles from Portsmouth.
Kittery, ME, USA
You might recognize this cute town as the spot where Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run. The Marshall Point Lighthouse here certainly is a beauty, but Port Clyde is also home to a number of artists and writers.
Marshall Point Lighthouse, Marshall Point Rd, Port Clyde, ME 04855, USA
If cool-factor isn’t high on your list for choosing a place to visit, what about the outdoors? Some of the best trails in the state are in these 7 Maine towns!
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