Add dates

Things to do in Maine

Our most recommended things to do in Maine

Penobscot Bay: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip

1. 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.

Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

2. Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

Sit back and relax on this 2-hour cruise along the serene Casco Bay in Portland, Maine. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Portland and see the four iconic lighthouses, sights of Portland Harbor and the picturesque waterway Diamond Pass. During the cruise, you'll explore the bustling inner harbor and main shipping channel to get close up views of civil war era forts and the lighthouses that guide mariners into Portland Harbor. Along with the historical waterfront, you'll also get the chance to see the Portland Head Light, Bug Light and the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.

Portland: Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay

3. 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.

Portland Maine: Tour in Vintage Fire Engine

4. 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.

Camden: Sunset Sailing Cruise Aboard Appledore II

5. 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

6. 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.

Portland: Sunset Harbor Cruise in Casco Bay with Drinks

7. 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

8. 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 Lighthouses Sightseeing Cruise with Drinks

9. Portland: Maine Lighthouses Sightseeing Cruise with Drinks

Uncover the beauty of the Portland Harbor and Casco Bay aboard the Elizabeth Grace on this sightseeing cruise from Portland. Sail past iconic lighthouses, historic forts, and rocky islands while sipping on 2 complimentary alcoholic drinks. Hop aboard a comfortable and spacious ship at the Custom House Wharf. Take in views of the city's charming skyline as you embark on your cruise. Unwind with a delectable craft beverage in hand as you sail. Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise by lighthouses, 200-year-old forts, and rocky and stunning islands. Cruise with confidence knowing that the ship is regularly maintained to the highest safety standards. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like loons, black ducks, and buffleheads as you sail. Return to your starting point at the Custom House Wharf at the end of your cruise.

Boothbay Harbor: 3-Hour Foodie Walking Tour

10. 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.

Top activities

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 567 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.

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!

It was really fun and interesting to see the city!