Maine
Northeast US

Maine

Destination Overview

The state of Maine is a destination made for romantic getaways, with a backdrop of mountains, ocean, lighthouses, lakes, quaint towns, picturesque fishing villages and bustling cities. You could begin your Maine honeymoon exploring the coastline, discovering hidden coves, small fishing villages, and mysterious islands off the shore. Visit the famous national parks and hike the forest trails to famous landmarks like Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park and Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park.

Besides natural beauty, Maine has picturesque cities and towns like Portland, Bar Harbor, and Kennebunkport. In these classic New England destinations, you’ll find a lively arts and culture scene, music, bookstores, flea markets, bars, restaurants and nightlife. Maine is also justly famous for its scenic drives, which will take you through varied landscapes of spectacular mountains, forests, and quaint towns. Historic Route 1 takes the coastal route and offers stunning views of the ocean and fir-covered granite cliffs, passing Portland, Rockland, Kennebunkport and other picturesque towns.

You can explore Maine by land and by sea. For a romantic outing, try a cruise on a windjammer, the three-masted sailing boats typical of Maine. If you love watching birds and wildlife, whale watching and puffin watching trips in the summer will delight you. Lighthouse cruises let you experience these iconic structures as they would look to approaching ships.

In the fall, Maine is a popular destination for leaf peepers, and for skiers and snowmobilers in the winter. At any time of the year, you’ll find a range of accommodations and lodgings to suit your tastes and your budget. B&Bs and historic inns are part of the Maine honeymoon experience, as are luxurious seaside and mountain resorts and hotels where you will be pampered beyond belief. And if you prefer to get closer to nature, you can find campgrounds and RV parks.

Maine is also a foodie destination with many options for fine dining. You have to try fresh-caught lobster, whether served at a candlelight dinner for two in in an elegant garden setting or in lobster rolls from a seaside clam shack. Better yet, try both. Another local speciality is strawberry shortcake made with fresh-picked berries. You can even pick your own strawberries if you feel like fitting in a small rustic interlude with a farm visit.

About Maine

At a Glance

  • There’s a reason why Maine license plates say ‘Vacationland’. There’s so much to see and do: maritime activities, Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park and other wildernesses, skiing, shopping, taking in the laid-back charm of towns like Kennebunkport, Ogunquit and Bar Harbor and the bustle of lively seaports like Portland, discovering small fishing villages and quiet coves, visiting coastal mansions and gardens, antiquing – the list is endless.
  • The combination of rocky cliffs and sandy beaches creates dramatic seascapes that have a uniquely Maine look. Stop off at Ogunquit beach or find a quiet cove for yourselves at Acadia National Park.
  • Acadia National Park is the only National Park in Maine. It is the second-most visited National Park after Yellowstone. Baxter State Park covers over 200,000 acres and its peaks include Mount Katahdin, which towers to a height of 5,267 feet.
  • Portland, Maine is a vibrant town with a hippy feel, full of bars, coffee shops, busy wharves, Victorian mansions, and music. Here, you’ll understand another tagline about Maine: the way life should be.
  • By popular choice, the must-dos for foodies are a visit to Red’s Eats in Wiscasset for the best lobster rolls, and Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland for oysters and seafood.
  • Farm visits are an essential part of the Maine experience. In berry season, you can pick strawberries and blueberries, and in the fall you can pick apples to take home with you.
  • Maine is also a shoppers paradise, with outlet malls, boutique stores, flea markets and the original L.L. Bean store.

Honeymoon Hints

  • Lodgings like cozy B&Bs and historic inns and mansions will set the tone for your Maine honeymoon with all kinds of romantic touches like period furniture and four poster beds. You’ll find luxury resorts with spas and fine dining, cabins with stunning views of ocean or mountain, and campgrounds.
  • Take a cruise on a windjammer, for an exhilarating day of fresh sea air and adventure. You can help out with the ropes and sails too.
  • Check our the wine bars and local breweries for a taste of local drinks and company.
  • Take a romantic stroll through the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Peninsula or the historic Italianate Victoria Mansion for a vision of nineteenth-century luxury.
  • The Marginal Bay cliff walk in Ogunquit has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and grand mansions on the other.
  • What could be more romantic than holding hands on a beach with a sweeping view of the ocean and an iconic New England lighthouse in the distance? Maine has more than sixty lighthouses, including the highly photogenic Nubble Light in York and the West Quoddy Headlight, which dates back to 1808 and marks the easternmost point of the US.

Travel Tips

  • GETTING THERE: Maine is well connected to the rest of the country via road, air and rail links. Rental cars are available on arrival.
  • GETTING AROUND: A car is the best way to get around, but there can be a lot of traffic and delays during the peak summer season, and parking can be difficult to find. In many popular tourist destinations like Bar Harbor and Portland, you can use local transportation to get around and see the sights.
  • WHEN TO GO: Maine is a four seasons destination, with plenty to see and do throughout the year. Late June, July and August are the peak summer season. Many summer attractions and lodgings close for the winter, so it’s best to check ahead when planning your trip. September and October are the best time of the year for fall colors, and skiing season begins from mid-November. Be prepared for snow and ice conditions on the roads in the winter.
  • WEATHER: Weather in Maine is comfortable, with summer temperatures in the 80s and winter daytime temperatures in the 20s. Weather in the wilderness, especially in the north, can be unpredictable and temperatures may fluctuate. Fall temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, perfect for outdoor activity. Annual snow totals average around 60 to 70 inches in southern Maine while northern Maine can reach up to 100 inches of snow in the winter.
  • TIDES: Maine tides are very dramatic, with a difference of 11 feet between low and high tides. When planning any water activity, such as a day at the beach, kayaking, etc., check the tide charts so you aren’t taken by surprise when the water rises.

Destinations to Explore

Additional honeymoon destinations in Maine you may want to consider: