Where to Stay in Maine in 2024 • 7 INCREDIBLE Areas

Maine is a piece of heaven (I mean, have you seen Acadia National Park?)! It’s always a good idea for a holiday destination for anyone who wants to escape the busy city life. Who doesn’t love visiting a place that’s all about nature and relaxing?

Now let’s see all the amazing places I’ve chosen for where to stay in Maine! My top choice would be Portland, the state’s largest city, where you can enjoy a wide range of activities, both indoors and outdoors. Besides Portland, I talk about 6 other Maine towns where you can have an unforgettable time. 

I’m proud to say that I’ve also made a top-notch list of all the awesome hotels in Maine with amazing services and facilities that include hot tubs, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a heated outdoor pool, or even both. The hotels are featured in different price categories, so there are options for travelers of all budgets. 

Keep in mind that although it’s a big state, all the good hotels sell out in a second, especially during the high season (June-August), so I highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance!

Let’s go!

If you are in a hurry

If you want to book now, then quickly go over this list of the best hotels in Portland, Maine:

Here’s a map of all the areas that I will be talking about in this post: 

1. Portland – where to stay in Maine for the first time

I know what you’re thinking! But no, we’re not talking about Portland, Oregon (we have a different post about that Portland), and although many people get confused by these 2 towns, they couldn’t be more different! Firstly, Portland, Maine, is such an underrated place. I mean, have you seen its natural beauty and stunning views? And let’s not forget those beautiful ports!

Situated on a peninsula extending into Casco Bay, this city has a fabulous fine dining scene, historic buildings, and many places where you can enjoy the scenic rocky coast! Overall, Portland is the best place to stay in Maine if you’re traveling for the first time!

FUN FACT: Did you know that 90% of the country’s lobster supply comes from Maine?

Certainly, history buffs will love a tour of the Victoria Mansion (map). It’s such a fine piece of architecture! But you’ll also find other things like the Portland Museum of Art and the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. And if you’re in the mood for some road-tripping, Boston is just 2 hours away!

Other accommodation options in Portland

Inn by the Sea – if you want to stay on the water, one of the best options in the entire state is Inn by the Sea, a quaint spot in Cape Elizabeth. It’s just a 20-minute drive away from Portland and provides unbeatable sea views and even access to a private beach.  

Things to do in Portland

• Take a guided walking tour to learn about the city’s history
• Hop on a ferry and spend a day on Peaks Island
• Venture out to the Portland Head Light (map)
• Chill on the East End sandy beach (map)

2. Bar Harbor – best place to stay for Acadia National Park

Located 175 miles (280 km) North of Portland, this coastal town is a wonderful place to visit in Maine. Bar Harbor boasts immense natural beauty and has a very serene atmosphere, but it also serves as the gateway for the Acadia National Park!

Bar Harbor is the perfect base for your trip to Acadia National Park, which is situated just 1 mile (2 km) away from town. Its beauty has brought people from everywhere to visit it and see Cadillac Mountain, the highest coastal point on the U.S. Atlantic coast!

There are tons of hiking trails that you can explore in Acadia National Park, and it’s open all year round, so you can enjoy the stunning views and even some skiing in the winter! So whether you’re coming to Bar Harbor with family, for a romantic getaway, or specifically to visit the Acadia National Park, you’ll have the best time ever!

And if you were wondering where to stay in Maine for Christmas, Bar Harbor would be the perfect choice. The town has a lovely Christmas market, and there are plenty of events you can attend during the whole month of December. 

Pssst! We actually have a whole post dedicated to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park – click here to see more options!

Other accommodation options in Bar Harbor

Things to do in Bar Harbor

• Enjoy the ocean views in Agamont Park (map)
• Unwind in the Village Green Park (map)
• Go out to the Thunder Hole (map) scenic spot to enjoy the sea views
• Learn more about the town’s history at the Abbe Museum

3. Augusta – the best place for a quiet holiday

Augusta, the capital city of Maine, is situated 55 miles (90 km) North of Portland and lies on the banks of the Kennebec River. Augusta is not what you would expect from a state capital – it’s quiet and has a laid-back vibe to it, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it!

The best way to explore Augusta is to spend at least a day walking around the city and admiring the architecture. You should also walk at least a portion of the Kennebec River Rail Trail (trail map) to see some impressive buildings as well as stunning nature. Don’t worry; you don’t have to walk the 13-mile (20 km) trail – there are access points throughout the city!

Some of the things you should visit while in Augusta are Old Fort Western, an 18th-century wooden fort, and the Maine State Museum, which shows various exhibits where you can learn more about Maine and its history. 

NOTE: As far as capital cities go, Augusta is one of the smallest ones, so hotel choices are more limited than in other, bigger cities. Unfortunately, there are no luxury hotels in Augusta, so if you want to splurge on your trip to Maine, book a stay in Portland or Bar Harbor. However, I found some great options for the other price categories – check them out!

Other accommodation options in Bar Harbor

Things to do in Augusta

• Stroll the Augusta Riverwalk
• Try the lobster rolls at The Red Barn
• Spend a day exploring the Viles Arboretum (map)
• Pay a visit to Capitol Park (map) to see the Maine State House
• Check out the Augusta Farmers Market (map) if you’re visiting in summer

4. York – the best place to stay in Maine for nature lovers

Located 45 miles (70 km) South of Portland, this charming coastal town has some of the most stunning scenery in Maine! Just imagine a white lighthouse placed on a hilly piece of land surrounded by nothing but the ocean! It looks just like a postcard!

York is known as Maine’s hidden gem, and once you discover its magic, you’ll understand why! If you love spending your time exploring all the natural spots and beaches and prefer a laid-back atmosphere, then this is the perfect place for you!

The Nubble Lighthouse (map) is for sure the biggest attraction here, and the scenery is just breathtaking! It looks straight out of a movie, so I would definitely go there at sunset.

Wiggly Bridge is one of the most unique places to visit in Maine; this is a small suspension bridge that wiggles when you walk across it! It’s not at all dangerous, so you shouldn’t miss out on this amazing experience. 

Although there are a handful of museums and art galleries, I’m sure you’ll want to spend most of your time by the beach, and I’ve got the perfect one for you: Long Sands Beach (map), a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet. 

But we’ve also got Short Sands Beach (map), which is smaller than the first one, and it also has some shops around if you’re looking for something else to do.

Other accommodation options in York

Things to do in York

• Have fun with the kids at York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo
• Visit the York Historic District
• Hike one of the trails in Mount Agamenticus

5. Kennebunkport – where to stay in Maine for history lovers

Located 30 miles (50 km) South of Portland, Kennebunkport is a historical town that’s perfect for your coastal Maine holiday! Dating back to the 1600s, this charming historical town, which sits along the ocean and Kennebunk River, is famous for its shipbuilding.

The riverbanks saw many sea captains setting off on their adventures, but many also came back and built beautiful mansions that now serve as inns and have that lovely vintage charm!

Almost 100 years ago, Kennebunkport became a popular resort town and a place to visit all year round. It has managed to keep this reputation up to this day, with people coming from all over the country to discover its fascinating history and awesome beaches.

The town’s historic area is perfect for anyone who wants to admire the old architecture. Around there, you’ll also find some nice restaurants and coffee shops where you can stop for a small break between your visits.

But that’s not all! Kennebunkport’s beaches are perfect for any type of visitor! Some of them, like Mother’s Beach (map), even have a playground for the little ones, but there are also a few of them where you can enjoy some quiet time while admiring the stunning scenery, such as Colony Beach (map).

Other accommodation options in Kennebunkport

The Nonantum Resort – for those of you who want to stay in an oceanfront hotel I have another special option just for you! The waterfront accommodation has all the elements needed for a perfect holiday – an awesome swimming pool, a lovely terrace, and small patios perfect for catching those beautiful sunsets!

Things to do in Kennebunkport

• Visit the First Families Kennebunkport Museum
• Explore the area around St. Ann’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church (map)
• See the crashing waves at Blowing Cave Park (map)
• Visit Cape Porpoise – a picturesque coastal village

6. Bangor – where to stay in Maine for families

Located 130 miles (210 km) North of Portland, this tranquil town is filled with attractions for all age groups, and it’s also super accessible as it has its international airport. Therefore, Bangor can be a great place to stay in Maine for people traveling with their families!

The Bangor Municipal Golf Course is one of the big attractions in town, and I’m sure anyone who’s a fan of this game will be happy to spend a few days playing at the 27-hole championship golf course!

FUN FACT: Famous author Stephen King called Bangor home for many years. He used to live in an old Victorian mansion that now houses The Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation. You can visit and see the place where some of the spookiest stories ever came to exist!While many parents will be happy to visit the golf course, kids will be looking for something more entertaining. The Maine Discovery Museum is the largest museum for children in the state, and it has tons of cool exhibits!

Other accommodation options in Bangor

Things to do in Bangor

• Check out the cool paintings at ​​Zillman Art Museum
• Spend the day exploring the Bangor City Forest (map)
• Snap a picture of the Paul Bunyan Statue (map)
• See if there are any concerts at Bangor Waterfront

7. Camden – best place to stay in Maine for outdoor enthusiasts

Located 80 miles (130 km) North of Portland, this town is a piece of heaven for anyone who loves the ocean and spending time outdoors! Camden boasts incredible natural landscapes, which give a very magical feel to it. 

So get your hiking shoes on and some comfortable hiking clothes, and let’s get to business! Because you won’t have just the town and all its natural spots to see, there’s also the Camden State Park (map), which is situated a few minutes North of Camden.

The park is famous for its amazing views of Camden Harbor and is a great place for anyone who loves hiking and exploring the woods as much as I do! I got to tell you. There’s nothing more refreshing than being outside and breathing that mountain air!

And that’s not it! There are tons of boat tours by Camden Port that you can get on, so if you’re a fan of sailing, I highly recommend jumping on board and enjoying that ocean breeze.

Other accommodation options in Camden

Things to do in Camden

• Explore the High Street Historic District
• Spend a whole day under the sun at Barrett’s Cove Public Beach (map)
• Stroll the Camden Hills State Park
• Admire the beautiful Megunticook Falls (map)

FAQs about where to stay in Maine

🌊 What is the best area to stay in Maine?

🌳 Where should I stay in Maine for a week?

Portland would be the perfect choice for where to stay in Maine for a week, as the town is quite big, you’ll find plenty of things to do, plus you’re close to the other small towns if you want to go on road trips.

🦞 Where should I stay in Maine for Lobster Festival?

The Lobster Festival takes place in Rockland, Maine, so if you want to attend the celebrations, I recommend staying at the 250 Main Hotel in town. 

📅 What’s the best time of year to go to Maine?

If you want to enjoy the best weather, then visit Maine in the summer – June, July, and August. But if you’re not a fan of crowds, visit either in May or plan a trip in the fall, specifically in October, to see the beautiful foliage.

⌛ How many days should I stay in Maine?

If you want to see all the highlights of this beautiful state, I suggest you plan at least a week for a vacation in Maine. This should be enough time to visit several towns and the Acadia National Park. 

Conclusion

What a charming place! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Maine and which hotel to book.

I know there are so many options in the post, but here are my top 2 favorite ones, both located in Portland:

One thing to take into consideration is that the hotels will probably sell out super fast. Although we’re talking about a whole state, Maine is a super popular holiday spot, and many people come here every year, so I highly recommend booking your hotel in advance!

Don’t forget to leave me a comment if you have any questions or thoughts that you want to share about Maine!

Safe travels,

Victoria

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