Maine is well known around the world as one of the best states to visit in the US. If you’ve been sitting on the fence about whether to visit Maine, we hope this blog can help you make a decision.
That said, we are not a neutral source here at Summer Feet Bicycle Tours as Maine is our home state and its stunning landscapes and excellent cycling roads inspired us to create our own cycling tour company.
If anything in this blog convinces you to embark on one of our Maine Bike Tours, please get in touch with any questions you might have. For everyone else, we hope this guide helps you figure out whether Maine should go to the top of your bucket list!
Pros of Visiting Maine
Maine’s Natural Beauty
Maine is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including its rugged coastline, picturesque lighthouses, charming fishing villages, and pristine lakes and forests. We can list these different features but this only scratches the surface; there is no substitute for moving through Maine’s landscapes yourself, either by car, foot, or bicycle.
It’s impossible to list all of the best natural beauty spots that you ought to visit in Maine because it’s an entire state brimming with natural beauty. However, one spot that we’d like to recommend to newbies is Acadia National Park. Located on Mount Desert Island, this is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
If you want the best way to explore the park, consider our Cycling Tour in Acadia National Park. If you’re looking for more inspirational trips that maximize Maine’s natural beauty, browse our Maine Weekend Bike Tours.
Maine’s Legendary Seafood
Maine is famous for its fresh seafood — particularly its lobster. Visitors can indulge in mouthwatering lobster rolls, clam chowder, and other delectable seafood dishes, often sourced directly from local fishermen.
For foodies, Maine is one of the top destinations in the US, and anyone who has sampled one ( or many) of our dishes already knows that it absolutely deserves the hype. We find that our cycling tours help build an appetite, but if you’re more of a walker you might like to read our guide to the top 6 walking trails in Maine.
Maine’s Outdoor Adventure Activities
This is a little different from the first point about Maine’s natural beauty; it’s not just beautiful — it’s exciting, offering up countless opportunities for adventure. Maine offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, boating, fishing, whale watching, and skiing in the winter months.
With numerous state parks, lakes, and mountains, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore the great outdoors, chasing a dose or two of adrenaline!
We also acknowledge that if you prefer to relax, this point may count as a con against visiting Maine, but you don’t have to embark on adventurous activities. Instead, you could explore the more quaint, picturesque side of Maine…
Maine’s Quaint Coastal Towns
Maine’s coastal towns exude charm and character. Places like Portland, Camden, Bar Harbor, and Kennebunkport offer a mix of historic architecture, boutique shopping, art galleries, and excellent dining options.
While some states may have excellent cities for you to explore; the real soul of Maine is in our little seaside towns. Our distinctive architecture and charming boulevards will make you wonder what’s stopping you from just moving to Maine.
Maine’s Rich History and Culture
Maine has a rich maritime history and is known for its seafaring traditions. The state is home to several museums, historical sites, and landmarks that provide insights into its past, including the Maine Maritime Museum and the historic Portland Head Light.
If you’re looking for a state rich with stories, history, and tradition, then Maine is the ideal location. Come explore many centuries of local history!
Maine’s Fall Foliage
Fall in Maine is a visual spectacle as the mostly deciduous forests that decorate the land all transform into a burst of oranges, yellows, reds, and browns. Many consider Fall in Maine to be the number one time to visit, and we completely understand why.
Picture the variegated leaves blanketing the landscape in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. Maine’s forests transform into a breathtaking display, attracting visitors from all over.
Cons of Visiting Maine
Honestly, there aren’t many cons to visiting Maine, but we didn’t want to just avoid this section and say ‘Nothing!’. Everyone is different, so the cons are perhaps subjective things that some readers may not enjoy.
Maine’s Seasonal Weather
Fall in Maine is widely considered the best thing about the state, but it might also be its weakness as Maine is very seasonal, with cold winters and relatively short summers.
The weather can be unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for chilly temperatures — especially during the off-peak seasons. You can also expect some rain throughout the year. This isn’t Texas.
The Lack of Big Cities in Maine
Maine’s strength may also be its weakness for some readers as its abundance of small towns means that it doesn’t need the same clusters of cities that the majority of other US states have. If you like getting your teeth into a city when on vacation, you’ll struggle to find somewhere big enough.
Again, this is exactly what some people like about Maine, but it may grate on people who are especially fond of big cities!
There will be countless subjective pros and cons for people considering whether to visit Maine, but we hope we’ve given you enough information to decide on your next vacation. And if we have inspired you to explore Maine on one of our tours, please get in touch if you have any questions.
Want to read more about hiking in Maine? Read Four Awesome Hikes in Kennebunkport, Maine next.
