5 Tourist Spots in Maine That Are Worth the Hype

It was a long time between my last visit to Maine and my most recent trip, and returning to the Pine Tree State really reignited my love for the northernmost state in New England. I always spend a significant amount of time in Acadia National Park, exploring its many beautiful trails and waterfronts, but there’s so much more to Maine—and it’s often packed with tourists! This beautiful state is brimming with amusement parks, restaurants, unique shopping experiences, and quirky tourist destinations, and it’s easy to assume that some of them are little more than tourist traps. But one of the best things about Maine is how every corner of the state is packed with its own unique culture and flair. Each of these must-see attractions in Maine surprised me in some big ways, and I highly recommend including them on any vacation to the northeast!

1. Funtown Splashtown USA (Saco)

Regional amusement parks can always be a hit-or-miss affair, and Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco, just a stone’s throw from Portland, wasn’t initially high on my to-do list. However, I decided to pay it a visit when I heard about their newest dark ride, Whispering Pines Haunted Hotel. The special effects here are top-notch, and the park has a unique charm to it that not all amusement parks can match. The signature Excalibur wooden roller coaster, which launches you from a castle, is a must as well.

2. Desert of Maine (Freeport)

I love kitschy tourist attractions, but this one in Freeport seemed silly to me at first. A desert in the middle of Maine? Formed from natural drifting sand in the early 20th century, the now-barren farmland has been transformed into the Desert of Maine, which has been jazzed up with a variety of creative decorations. This is an inexpensive, unique attraction that’s more than worth visiting just for some creative photo ops.

3. Highroller Lobster Co. (Portland)

The lobster roll is one of those signature items that you’ve got to try while in Maine, but a general rule of mine is that I don’t visit the most popular option for most food items. I try to find hidden gems. But one visit to the Highroller Lobster Co. and I could see exactly why the hype was right. The lobster rolls here are particularly hefty and delicious—and make sure you don’t miss the over-the-top Bloody Marys if you want a one-of-a-kind chaser.

4. Old Orchard Beach

I come from New Jersey, and the Jersey Shore is without compare, of course! So I didn’t know if I’d be won over by a Maine beach town, but I had to eat my words. Old Orchard Beach is the kind of quaint shore town that time forgot, with a sprawling beach filled with recreation opportunities and a pair of small amusement parks perfect for families. And the boardwalk snacks are, of course, delicious.

5. L.L. Bean Flagship Store (Freeport)

This one dates back to my childhood, but I was definitely less than enthused when my mother insisted on making a stop-off at the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport! After all, it was just a department store, right? Inside, though, it’s anything but—the famous outdoors apparel store has plenty of goods for purchase, but the theming indoors and outdoors is well worth the visit. The aquariums, taxidermy displays, and paintings make it feel as much a museum as a store.

Have you gotten to explore any of these must-see attractions in Maine? If you want to judge them for yourself, tell a friend about this article and book your own getaway to the Pine Tree State! If this is your first time to Maine and you’d like a little help planning your vacation, head on over to Only in Your State’s AI-powered travel planner and let it give you a customized itinerary with only a few simple questions!