From ornate mansions to ocean views, this charming city - the largest in Maine - will enchant you. Saunter down the brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets of the revitalized Old Port District, where you can browse through bookstores, explore craft shops and eat to your heart's content. Visit the Portland Head Light, which dates back to 1791, and is the oldest lighthouse still in continuous use in the U.S. The great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is the city's native son, and you can visit his childhood home, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House. With kids in hand, enjoy the highly interactive Children's Museum of Maine. And then go next door to the calmer Portland Museum of Art, a small, but eclectic museum with Impressionist works, Maine landscapes by Homer and Wyeth and other collections. Land or sea is an option here, so if you're tired of the street life, take one of the popular scenic cruises or whale watches, or hop on a ferry to the islands in Casco Bay. At the end of the day, and without kids in hand, unwind and rest your tired feet at one of the city's brewpubs.

The motto of the resort town of Ogunquit, Maine, is "beautiful place by the sea," and with three and a half miles of sheltered white sand beaches, the residents are definitely not lying. Take a walk along the Marginal Way, a path that winds along rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean, or explore the town center on the local public transit - an old fashioned trolley. With art galleries, fresh seafood, and the summer stock Ogunquit Playhouse, the town of Ogunquit is a favorite vacation destination.

Mansions and majestic hotels serve as reminders of Bar Harbor’s past (in the 19th century, it was a favorite vacation spot of society’s upper crust). Today, visitors kayak, explore Acadia National Park, go bird- or whale-watching, and enjoy salty sea air and sandy beaches.

It took George H.W. Bush to make Kennebunkport known to most of the country, but New Englanders have enjoyed this quiet coastal Maine town for years. In hot weather, beaches are a major draw, but Kennebunkport's many small boutiques, art galleries and restaurants make a visit fun at any time of year. Inveterate shoppers may want to combine a visit to Kennebunkport with a trip to nearby Kittery, where dozens of outlets and factory stores offer plenty of bargains.

The city of Bangor is perhaps most well known as the setting for many of Stephen King's stories, a reputation that has led to the nickname Transylmainia. There is more to Bangor than just tales of horror, however. There is a thriving arts scene, with museums, galleries, theaters, a symphony orchestra and a popular sidewalk art festival every summer. The area around Bangor includes the coastal Acadia National Park and the wooded Baxter State Park, providing plenty of outdoor adventure.

Calling themselves "the soul of the coast," the residents of Boothbay Harbor are proud of their seaside town, with its bright summer colors and beautiful snowy winters. A popular sailing and kayaking destination, Boothbay offers more than just boats. There's delicious seafood, seasonal festivals, and plenty of nature trails to explore. Kids will love visiting Fritz, the 23 pound lobster at the Maine State Aquarium, while adults enjoy jazz concerts or comedy shows at the historic Opera House.

Camden, Maine is proud to call itself the "Jewel of the Coast." A beautiful seaport town with a harbor full of sail boats, Camden has been used as the setting for so many movies, from Carousel to Peyton Place, that it is what many people think of when they think of New England. With a series of annual festivals running all year round, including the US Toboggan Championships, the Summer HarborArts Juried Arts & Craft Show and Windjammer Weekend, there is always something to do in Camden.

Marginal Way is a scenic 1.5-mile cliff walk that hugs the Atlantic Ocean, starting at Shore Road in Ogunquit and ending at Perkins Cove. As you stroll along this easy paved walk, you'll get stunning views of the ocean, and pass by rocky cliffs, tide pools, shallow beaches and also the Lobster Point Lighthouse. There are also plenty of stops along the way where you can rest and watch the sunset. It gets busy during summer, so visit during fall or spring to beat the crowds and heat. You can also book a stay at one of the B&Bs along the coast, and explore the rest of coastal Maine on a guided tour. – Tripadvisor

Cadillac Mountain is a must-see within Acadia National Park in Maine. At 1,527 feet, it's the highest peak on the East Coast. Reach the summit on a hike through the lush pine forest, or take a leisurely drive up and park at the overlook. Once you're there, be wowed by the incredible views of Mount Desert Island and the Porcupine Islands. If you're visiting in the winter, you can catch the first sunrise in the continental U.S. from the mountain top. You'll need a pass to visit Cadillac Mountain, usually included on a tour of Acadia National Park. – Tripadvisor

Although Maine’s oldest lighthouse is closed to the public, there’s plenty to do within the grounds of Fort Williams Park. Stop by the adjacent museum to learn about the lighthouse’s history and enjoy the lawns—perfect for a picnic as you watch boats entering and leaving the harbor. You can also hike one of the trails along the rocky shore or explore several ruins within the former Fort Williams, which include two batteries, a powerhouse, and a bunker. More adventurous travelers can snorkel or scuba dive at the stunning Ship Cove. – Tripadvisor

The Gardens is 323 acres, 19 of which are ornamental and themed gardens featuring native plants of Maine and others suited to northern coastal conditions. Trails and points of interest extend over 150 acres of mature forest, wetlands, and a mile of tidal shoreline. Advance tickets are required for admission; visit MaineGardens.org. The campus includes innovative landscape designs, impressive stonework, unique sculpture, and scenic views inviting visitors of all ages and abilities to explore nature’s connections at their leisure. Hailed as one of Maine's top attractions, a visit to the Gardens is a memorable experience, no matter the season.

Home to Acadia National Park, this island off the coast of Maine with its beaches, sweeping cliffs and mountains offers visitors numerous recreational activities, from hiking, biking and following nature trails to swimming, sailing and kayaking.

This 41-foot lighthouse sits on the summit of Cape Neddick Nubble, a small offshore rocky islet overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. While the lighthouse and grounds aren't open to the public, you can view and snap a photo of it from Sohier Park on the mainland—there's even a small gift shop for souvenirs. Visit at sunrise or sunset for exceptionally stunning views. The holiday season is also a magical time to visit when the lighthouse is decorated with twinkling lights. Parking is free but limited, so get there early to secure a spot. Otherwise, you can also drop by on a tour of coastal Maine. – Tripadvisor

Mount Battie and its hundred-year-old tower is the highest point of Camden Hills State Park. You can reach the summit by following a 1.2-mile winding trail through the forest, where you'll be treated to commanding views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay, especially from the top of the tower. Try to spot Mount Battie and the tower along a cruise tour of Maine's coast. While you're there, Camden Hills State Park is also great for hikes along its 25-mile trail system, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as snow sports in the colder months. You can even camp overnight. – Tripadvisor

This charming fishing village is one of the most picturesque spots in southern Maine. It’s renowned for its fresh seafood, such as lobsters, oysters, clams, and crabs, which you can catch on a private or group fishing tour. After a sumptuous seafood meal, tackle the Marginal Way, a cliff walk famous for its excellent harbor views and scenic lookouts. This coastal enclave is busiest in the summer when vacationers descend on its turquoise beaches. It’s also a haven for art lovers—check out the galleries and local boutiques selling quirky knick-knacks and handicrafts. – Tripadvisor