About
Maine is a state in the far north-east of the United States, part of the region known as New England. It is best known for its rocky Atlantic coastline and for its lobster industry, which shapes much of daily life along the shore. Augusta is the state capital, and the state is also known by the nicknames the Pine Tree State and Vacationland.
What a visit offers
Most people come for the coast. The shoreline is rocky rather than sandy, so a visit tends to be about walking the headlands, watching the water and eating seafood at harbour-side tables. Lobster is the local speciality, and the working waterfronts give a direct sense of where it comes from.
- Coastal walks and views of the Atlantic
- Harbour towns and working fishing docks
- Seafood, especially lobster, served in local restaurants
- Augusta, the state capital, as a base for exploring the interior
Planning your trip
Maine is a state rather than a single town, so it suits a trip built around a route. Choose a stretch of coast or a region, pick one or two places to stay, and leave room for slower days. The landscape is large and quiet in many areas, so a car is often the easiest way to move between towns. Check local listings before you travel, since opening times and seasonal services vary across the state.
