Considering that the state has a coastline of three thousand miles, finding access to the sea in Maine can be a frustrating business. The oceanfront is monopolized by an endless succession of private homes and vacation residences - most famously that of former president Bush at Kennebunkport. In fact, only two percent of the shore is publicly owned - and not all of that is beach. Rather than long walks on coastal footpaths, travelers can expect attractive if rather commercial harbor villages, linked mostly by roads set well back from the water and packed with diners, motels and factory outlets.

The liveliest destinations are Portland and Bar Harbor (at the edge of Acadia National Park ); there's a wide choice of smaller seaside towns, such as Belfast and Wiscasset , if you're looking for a more peaceful base. Beaches are more common (and the sea warmer) further south, for example at Ogunquit .

The best way to see the coast itself must be by boat : ferries and excursions operate from even the smallest harbors, with major routes including the ferries to Canada from Portland and Bar Harbor, and the shorter trips to Monhegan and Vinalhaven islands from Boothbay Harbor and Rockland respectively.

Maine coast

• Maine coast

Explore Maine coast

• Downeast Maine: The coast to Canada
• Mount Desert Island
• North along the coast from Portland
• Portland
• South of Portland

Maine cities


All U.S. city guides