Maine's Top 16 Must‑See Spots for First‑Time Visitors

A survey of more than 1,000 Mainers asked which places a newcomer should see first. The responses were compiled into a list of the 16 most‑recommended sites across the state.

Acadia National Park emerged as the clear favorite, drawing a record 4,079,318 visitors in 2025, making it the seventh‑most‑visited national park in the United States. Other notable picks include Portland’s historic Old Port district and the rustic village of Rangeley, among a mix of coastal towns, scenic hikes and hidden gems.

The list highlights the diversity of Maine’s attractions, from rugged coastline and mountain trails to charming inland communities, offering a concise guide for anyone visiting the state for the first time.