Add dates

Things to do in Maine

Our most recommended things to do in Maine

Portland: Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay

1. Portland: Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay

Set sail on a two-hour cruise from Portland along the rugged coast of Casco Bay. Pack a meal and your favorite wine or beer, and sit back and relax as you slip through the peaceful waters of Maine. Enjoy views of lighthouses, seals, and other coastal wildlife aboard a famous schooner tall ship. Join the crew to hoist the sails or take a turn at the ship's wheel if you feel inspired. Whether you're nine years old or 99, sailing aboard a Maine schooner is a unique adventure. Learn more about the wooden windjammers which are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places and were built in Maine.

Penobscot Bay: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip

2. Penobscot Bay: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip

Experience one of the top things to do in Camden sailing along Maine's magnificent rocky coastline. Climb aboard the elegant Appledore II, a historic schooner. Feel like an adventurer from the 19th-century while enjoying state-of-the-art accommodations onboard a modern windjammer. Stroll along the wide decks as you take in the sights without needing to duck beneath the rigging. With a capacity of only 49 passengers, there is abundant seating to make yourself comfortable for this intimate sailing trip. Enjoy the chance to sail your own wooden ship as the crew welcomes your participation. Offer to help raise the sails and take a turn at the wheel of this hard-working, seaworthy schooner. Ask your crew about the history of the boat which has sailed around the world, docking at many harbors along the way. Twice a year, she still sails the Eastern seaboard between her 2 home ports of Camden, Maine and Key West, Florida.  Start the tour by departing from Bayview Landing and heading out of Camden Harbor. Discover why Camden is often called the jewel of the Maine coast as you sail past the impressive lighthouse, Curtis Island Light, dating from 1836, and into Penobscot Bay. Considered to be one of the top cruising bays in the world, Penobscot Bay will amaze you with its uninhabited islands, wildlife, and views of Camden Hills and other coastal mountains dropping off into the sea. During the tour, look along the shore for Mount Battie, historic inns, and elegant summer mansions of the rich and famous with their million dollar yachts. Watch lobstermen hauling in their traps. On a typical day, you may see porpoises playing in the water, ospreys, eagles hunting for fish, and even the occasional whale. Watch for seals sunning themselves on rocks and cute guillernots (cousins of the puffin), with their bright red feet, wobbling as they walk along the rocky shoreline. Quench your thirst with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, all available for purchase during your sailing cruise. As Camden Harbor comes back into view, relax and feel the wind sweep through your hair as your memorable sailing ship cruise draws to a close.

Camden: Sunset Sailing Cruise Aboard Appledore II

3. Camden: Sunset Sailing Cruise Aboard Appledore II

Board the Appledore II in Bayview Landing in Camden, and enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise. Admire the beautiful harbor, framed by mountains, and appreciate the views from the wide decks. Help to raise the sails, take a turn at the wheel, and experience captaining a traditional wooden ship. Cruise past Curtis Island Light and into Penobscot Bay. Sail along the rugged coastline, take in the majestic mountains, and look out for local wildlife such as seals, porpoises, and eagles. Cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks are available for purchase as you enjoy the sunset over Mount Battie.

Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals

4. Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals

Go on a delightful harbor cruise, passing summer colonies, lighthouses, small islands, and out to see the seals on the ledges. Fun for the whole family. Pass by 2 lighthouses, islands, coastline, inner and outer harbor, and seals at the seal rocks. Experience a Boothbay classic that has been enjoyed for over 50 years and find out why it's so popular. Get an idea of how those delicious lobsters you enjoy at your favorite restaurant are caught, how the traps are hauled, and a little background of Maine’s famous lobster industry. Enjoy the seals basking on the rocks. Pass by two major lighthouses, Burnt Island Light, and Ram Island Lighthouse. This Boothbay Harbor lobster tour is educational and fun for the whole family. Don't forget to bring your camera. Step aboard a vessel that has the largest and most comfortable main salon in the region with padded seats and tables. Relax with food and a drink from the galley, which features a 360-degree view of the outside. Enjoy the sun and fresh Maine air on the upper deck. Hear the narration no matter where you choose to be, with speakers throughout the vessel.

Boothbay Harbor: 3-Hour Foodie Walking Tour

5. Boothbay Harbor: 3-Hour Foodie Walking Tour

Taste your way through Boothbay Harbor, Maine during this 3-hour culinary walking tour. You’ll learn about the history of Boothbay, its harbor, and lobstering and fishing industries. You will also discover the harbor's award-winning aquaculture and sustainability practices.  Begin your tour with a Prosecco toast as you set off on a mile-long adventure. As you walk along the harbor, you will make stops at a selection of restaurants, bakeries, and gourmet shops, tasting the local seasonal flavors. Enjoy items such as local cheeses, lobster specialties and local oysters.  This is a great way to start your visit to Boothbay, as you will also receive recommendations from your guide for all sorts of activities to enjoy during your time here.

Portland Maine: Tour in Vintage Fire Engine

6. Portland Maine: Tour in Vintage Fire Engine

Enjoy seeing Portland in an unforgettable way. Hop on board a vintage fire truck with onboard multimedia system, including a large, flat-screen LED TV. Experience Portland in a unique and fun way with this local-led tour aboard a classic fire engine. Explore the city’s peninsula as you drive along the cobble-stoned streets. Enjoy great views of lighthouses, civil war forts, and the historic architecture that make up the wonderful Maine city. Enjoy a 50-minute tour narrated by local guides who love sharing their knowledge of Portland Maine. Get to know the vibrant neighborhoods of this city by the sea from high up on your truck.

Boothbay: Lighthouses & Islands Harbor Cruise

7. Boothbay: Lighthouses & Islands Harbor Cruise

Set sail on a cruise from Boothbay Harbor and discover Burnt and Ram Island Lighthouses on a close-to-shore trip. Discover playful seals, snug coves, busy harbors, old fishin’ villages, bustling boatyards, and summer colonies along the way. Step aboard the largest vessel in the region with the most comfortable main salon, fitted with padded seats and tables. Relax with food and a drink from the galley, which features a 360-degree view of the outside. Embrace the sun and fresh Maine air on the open upper deck, with speakers throughout the vessel allow you to hear the narration no matter where you choose to be. You'll be able to get more time to visit the whales at the feeding grounds as you travel on one of the fastest vessels in the region. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture it all for the folks back home on this summer cruise.

Portland: Sunset Harbor Cruise in Casco Bay with Drinks

8. Portland: Sunset Harbor Cruise in Casco Bay with Drinks

Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise around the islands of Portland's Casco Bay. Pass historic lighthouses, early-19th century forts, and quaint fishing piers as you explore the area at sunset. Guests over 21 can enjoy 2 craft beers or hard seltzers per person. As you cruise, keep an eye out for seabirds and the occasional seal that call Maine's coast home. When the timing's right, the boat will turn its bow towards Portland so you can enjoy the sunset and the city's skyline from the water.

Bar Harbor, Maine: Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings

9. Bar Harbor, Maine: Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings

Immerse yourself in Bar Harbor's culinary scene during this 3-hour guided walking tour. Savor an array of local flavors at various stops along the tour, while learning about the local history from your local guide. As you sample the fare at the various stops, the establishment owners will reveal the history behind their industry and what goes into making their specialties. This tour is a fairly short walk around the Village Green and the beautiful harbor, with plenty of food stops for lunch.

Portland, Maine: 2-Hour Guided History Tour

10. Portland, Maine: 2-Hour Guided History Tour

Meet your local guide, a history lover who will bring the stories and facts from Portland’s past alive throughout the tour. Starting on Commercial Street, walk through the cobble stone streets of the historic Old Port, downtown, and waterfront areas.  Some of the locations that may be featured as part of the tour include the lobster statue, the home of Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, the Eastern cemetery, the Abyssinian Church, and more. Your tour will finish on a sweet note with a local treat.

Frequently asked questions about Maine

What top attractions are a must-see in Maine?

Other Sightseeing Options in Maine

Want to discover all there is to do in Maine? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Maine

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 551 reviews

Ross gave us an outstanding tour of Portland, combining his deep historical knowledge with a keen eye for good restaurants/bars, and is a genuinely interesting person. I cannot recommend a tour with him highly enough.

AJ was absolutely amazing! Since it was just our group she customized the experience and was such an amazing resource for the rest of our weekend too. Very knowledgeable and friendly. The food was amazing too!

The tour was well worth it. Our guide, Ross, was very informative and interesting. We saw lots of things we would never have found on our own.

Marcia was a great host. It was only two of us but they held the tour anyway and made it an even more special day for us.

Very knowledgeable and personable guide; enjoyed very much!