9 Best Small Towns and Communities for Tourism in Maine (2024)

Maine has no shortage of exciting places to explore. From the very first years of European settlement, the small towns and villages in Maine have been in abundance. Some are known for their historic charm, some for being an art haven, and some for-housing enchanting natural beauty. The small-town charm in Maine is often overlooked, but every now and then, these places have encouraged tourism, be it local, national, or international. Specifically, Mainers have always been very proud talkers when it comes to small-town tourism in their state.

The mellow and humble personality of Maine truly shines in its villages, tiny communities, and itty-bitty towns. The charming, cozy, and extremely hospitable vibes here now only invite people but keep them captivated for a long. Even when the town has not had much to indulge in, visitors often stay back for months of peace and relaxation. Small Towns and Villages in Maine make up for excellent weekend getaways and exciting day trips.

9 Best Small Towns and Communities For Tourism in Maine

Here we have some options featuring Maine’s Best and Must-Visit Small Towns. Have a look:

1. Camden

Also known as the Jewel of Maine’s Coast, Camden is a popular small town in Maine that tourists are drawn towards. This postcard-worthy settlement is on Penobscot Bay in Knox Count and is quite popular amongst northeastern city dwellers. Camden is just a little over two hours’ drive away from Boston, and tourism here remains lively the entire year round. From experiencing the beautiful coastal life to soaking into history, art, and nature, Camden has literally a lot to do. Thanks to its geographical placement, Camden transforms into a more beautiful land during the Fall season thanks to the colorful fall foliage that covers the entire city around.

Places To Visit and Stay In Camden, Maine

• Mount Battie & Camden Hills State Park
• Merryspring Nature Center
• Camden Snow Bowl
• Schooner Olad Windjammer Cruise
• Camden Windjammer Festival
• Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre
• Megunticook Lake
• Camden Riverhouse Hotel and Inns
• Camden Windward House

2. Bar Harbor

A large town on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is Maine’s most exciting and amazing place to visit. The town is popular for its lively coastline, historic charm, mouthwatering dining options, arts scene, excellent shopping opportunities, and yet a peaceful setting. Bar Harbor is also very closely associated with Acadia National Park and works as a base for exploring the same. In addition, downtown Bar Harbor has a great selection of shopping entities, dining venues, beer bars, wineries, and other such outlets. Whether you are a couple or planning for a family-friendly holiday, Bar Harbor is a town made for it all.

Places To Visit and Stay In Bar Harbor, Maine

• Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, and Cadillac Mountain.
• Shore Path
• Frenchman Bay
• College of the Atlantic Gardens
• Hulls Cove Visitor Center
• Bald Porcupine Island
• Edgewater Motel & Cottages
• Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center

3. Rockland

Rockland, also known as the Lobster Capital of the World, is one of the coolest places to visit in Maine. This classic coastal town is two hours drive away from Boston and a half-hour drive away from Portland. Rockland is popular for its lively and fun vibes, vibrant art scene, cruise scenes, and excellent seaside shopping and dining. The Historic downtown Rockland alone is so full of opportunities that one cannot ever find himself free of activities. Rockland is also full of museums and galleries that keep people engaged throughout the day. Even if it is about walking across the ocean boardwalk, everything in Rockland seems fun, engaging, and celebrative.

Places To Visit and Stay In Rockland, Maine

• Farnsworth Art Museum
• Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
• Maine Lighthouse Museum
• Tour Olson House
• Maine Lobster Festival
• Sail Power and Steam Museum
• Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA)
• Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
• Rockland Harbor Hotel
• Berry Manor Inn

4. Van Buren

Van Buren is a beautiful little town surrounded by rolling hills of the St. John Valley. Being one of the northerly towns in Maine, Van Buren hugs the United States border with New Brunswick. What draws people here the most is an exclusive look at Acadian culture and easy access to the beautiful St. John River Valley. The town still holds some exciting remains of a blacksmith shop, wood and gristmills, a log chapel, and a schoolhouse that exhibits old Acadian architecture. Van Buren is also an exciting place for those who are looking to explore the peaceful side of nature.

Places To Visit and Stay In Van Buren, Maine

• Bangor and Aroostook Trail
• Greater Van Buren Summer Fest
• Acadian Village
• Maine Emblem Moose Statue
• Van Buren Ice Rink
• Michaud, Fortunat O., House
• Hilltop Motel & Restaurant
• Aroostook Hospitality Inn

5. Kingfield

Kingfield is a small village in the name of a town in Franklin County. It basically serves as a base for Sugarloaf, a major ski resort in Maine. Kingfield is basically a river valley surrounded by the Longfellow Mountain Range and has a lot of scenic qualities to it. Less population, outstanding panoramic mountains, valleys, rivers, and literally natures best have been blessed to Kingfield. Tourists keep drawn here for both its natural and cultural attractions. The town is nowhere more than a half hour north of Farmington and, therefore, also makes up for a great weekend getaway destination. Other than its uniqueness as a mountain town, Kingfield is also popular for housing an array of museums.

Places To Visit and Stay In Kingfield, Maine

• Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort and Carrabassett Valley
• Ski Museum of Maine
• The Stanley Museum
• Narrow Gauge Pathway trail along Carrabassett River
• Freeman Ridge Biking Park
• The Inn on Winter’ Hill
• Mountain Village Farm B&B
• Sugarloaf USA (For Stay)

6. Farmington

Farmington is undoubtedly the best town in Maine that every enthusiast must explore. Home to the University of Maine, Farmington was once an agricultural center, and traces of the same are still to be seen. Today, this vibrant college town runs at times’ pace and yet has a laid-back appeal to it. A visit to Farmington means a holiday with the best natural views and an entryway to active outdoor lifestyles. The town is also rich in historical and cultural ambiance and flaunts it in not one but a number of ways. Farmington is popular for a romantic holiday or an adventurous weekend getaway in Maine.

Places To Visit and Stay In Farmington, Maine

• Nordica Homestead Museum
• Titcomb Mountain, a popular Ski Hill
• UMF Art Gallery
• Farmington Underground and Farmington Fair
• The University of Maine
• Wilson Lake
• Downtown Farmington
• Mount Blue Motel
• Colonial Valley Motel

7. Damariscotta

Damariscotta is another small and popular town in Maine famous for its annual Pumpkinfest & Regatta. Also known as the Oyster capital of New England, Damariscotta is Maine’s hidden gem. The town sits along the Damariscotta River and is an ideal place for wanderers and travel enthusiasts. It has a bit of everything from art, culture, heritage, unique shopping, dining, and festivities. Though Damariscotta is lively throughout the year, summers and springs are more profoundly celebrated. Mainers often choose Damariscotta for a relaxing weekend getaway far away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Places To Visit and Stay In Damariscotta, Maine

• Frances Perkins Center
• Damariscotta Oyster Celebration and Damariscotta Mills Alewife Festival
• Lincoln County Community Theater
• Red Cloak Tours
• Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site
• Chapman-Hall House
• Salt Bay Farm and Nature Center
• Maine Bed and Boat
• Damariscotta River Retreat

8. Castine

Maine’s most popular small town, Castine, is located in Hancock County and is quite a fun place to be at. This eastern Maine town is small, though full of cultural influence where history meets the present-day charm. The town has a few stops where history buffs can find a range of artifacts preserved beautifully. Not to forget, Castine also host some astounding architecture that not only is observe worthy but also acts as a great source of knowledge. A visit to Castine also offers individuals an excellent chance to indulge in recreational activities like tennis, golf, parasailing, and kayaking.

Places To Visit and Stay In Castine, Maine

• Fort George State Park
• Castine Historical Society
• Dyce Head Lighthouse
• Windmill Hill Gardens and Market
• Castine Golf Club
• Danny Murphy’s Pub
• Backshore Beach
• The Castine Inn
• The Manor Inn
• Pentagoet Inn

9. Blue Hill

Another beautiful town in Hancock County, Blue Hill, is the last in our list that qualifies for being a Popular Small town in Maine. This ethereal destination is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and has so much nature to soak in. The town in itself sits ideally between majestic Blue Hill Mountain and Blue Hill Bay, and that’s what brings out its beauty. Not only nature but also boasts a fair share of art, culture, history, and warm allure. The cozy town is an all-season affair, and no matter what the climate is, you will enjoy being here.

Places To Visit and Stay In Blue Hill, Maine

• Blue Hill Mountain Hiking
• Handworks Gallery
• Blue Hill Fair
• Toddy Pond
• Jonathan Fisher House
• Penny’s Preserve/Peter’s Brook
• Holt House
• Blue Hill Reversing Falls for Kayaking
• Farmhouse Inn