Best Small Maine Towns
This list is well debated amongst locals and visitors alike. It really boils down to what you’re looking for in a “small town” in general. Personally, I have a different opinion on what small town means. To me, it is actually a small town with one traffic light, no stores, or perhaps just a main street. This is not the ideal place to visit if you are up for exploring or just visiting for a small amount of time. This list is geared more towards small towns with things to do, which in my opinion would make them slightly more than “small towns”. Each one has a draw to it, whether it is natural beauty or some form of entertainment.
Before we get started here are our favorites for shopping, outdoor recreation and best views. Some towns have all three, and some only have one.
Shopping: Major-Freeport Local-Kennebunkport
Outdoor Recreation: Greenville
Views: Monhegan Island
All Three: Kennebunkport, Greenville, Camden/Rockland
Boothbay Harbor
Another coastal beauty, Boothbay Harbor is a gem that puts off coastal charm. There is no lack of things to do here if you want to plan a weekend or a week in the area. The main attractions to Boothbay are the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Burnt Island Lighthouse, Boothbay Harbor Shops, Maine State Aquarium and Boothbay Railway. If I had to pick only one of those places to stop at it would be the botanical gardens. From harbor cruises, restaurants to entertainment you’ll be kept busy.
Rockland and Camden
Rockland and Camden are both known for their love of the arts. You’ll notice right away in town that most of the shops give the flowing creative vibe. I bunched the towns together in the same category because they are neighbors, and are often visited on the same day or weekend. You don’t have to be an outdoor enthusiast to enjoy your time here, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy an afternoon of wandering. Some of the key highlights of the towns are the Farnsworth Art Museum, Maine Lighthouse Museum, Rockland Breakwater, Camden Hills State Park, and local shops. If you are an outdoor enthusiast there are plenty of hiking trails in Camden. Take a hike to the top of Mt. Battie to get amazing views of the harbor.
Freeport
This pick could be questionable for the “small towns” list. Freeport is a growing shopping district, but it still emanates small town charm. Freeport is mostly known for housing L.L.Bean, but is lined with other small local businesses that thrive with tourism. If you are a foodie or a brewery aficionado you will love Freeport. You could easily make Freeport your central hub for your trip to Maine, and not end up leaving the town limits.
Rangeley
If you love the outdoors, this town is for you. There are local shops and businesses to stop in during your visit, but they wouldn’t be the highlight of your trip. Rangeley is known for its amazing summer recreation on Rangeley Lake, hiking trails and relaxation. In the winter months the snowmobiles are active on the trails as well as cross country skiers and snowshoers. If relaxation and outdoor recreation are what you’re looking for then Rangeley is the right spot for you.
Ellsworth
I find it interesting when Ellsworth finds its way onto others’ lists of “where to visit in Maine” because honestly Ellsworth is pretty average. It is the surrounding area that you actually want to visit. We lived in Ellsworth for a little while and we spent most of our free time in Lamoine and Bar Harbor. Ellsworth is the major town outside of Acadia National Park. You heard me right. Bar Harbor is the closest town, but it is strictly a tourism town. Ellsworth is the first major town you will find the locals in. If you’re taking a trip to Downeast Maine it is a great spot to base your trip out of. There are hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and plenty of amenities to support your trip Downeast.
Greenville
It is not a secret that Greenville is a popular summer destination, but I still find myself wanting to keep this knowledge to myself. I f*&#ing love Greenville. This is the destination you want to set your heading to if you enjoy the great outdoors with a hint of amenities. The main street has a coffee shop, outdoor gear store and atv rental location, restaurants, and town docks on the lake. Moosehead lake is generally what draws in the crowd, but don’t forget the major network of hiking trails, atv trails, moose watching and relaxing that will go along with it. If you check out our website we have an entire post dedicated to Greenville.
Kennebunkport
This town is what I would call a major small town. So close to Maine’s southern border it is really easy to access from out of state. When you visit you’ll be awed by the coastal views and downtown charm overlooking the water while shopping. A few stores are actually built on a pier over the tide. If you like fine dining you’ll find several options to love, and if you like breweries and local food you won’t be left wanting. Spend your day in Kennebunkport taking in the shops and restaurants.
Castine/Belfast
I tend to view Castine and Belfast as the smaller, unique version of Rockland and Camden. There are smaller crowds, more local shopping and restaurants. If you’d like a slower pace to your trip to Maine these towns have the actual small town feel to them. Castine is home to Maine Maritime Academy, and has a small hub of a town surrounding it. Belfast is slightly larger with local shops and restaurants. Their location on Route 1 allows easy access to other coastal towns for adventuring.
Monson
I put Monson on this list as a bonus, and it does fit the bill as an actual small town. Monson is on the way to Greenville, and west of Sebec and Dover-Foxcroft. This makes it a great spot to stop at if you’re headed to Moosehead Lake or Peaks Kenney State Park. You may even want to make it your central spot for visiting either area as day trips. My favorite spot is the Monson General Store, or having dinner on the lake at The Lakeshore House.
Monhegan Island
Located 10 miles off the coast of Pemaquid, Monhegan Island is only about a square mile in size. You’ll need to take the ferry or your own boat to get there. The main draw to the island is the natural beauty, hiking trails and small town charm. While you’re there check out the Monhegan Island Lighthouse then grab a drink from Monhegan Brewing Company. There are inns on the island if you’d like to spend the night as well.
This list of the best small Maine towns is a bit unconventional, but well worth it. It’s my personal opinion that some travel blogs and websites play up how much there is to do in each town. I would hate it if I was planning a vacation, got there and realized there wasn’t as much as I thought, or I was in the wrong spot for the activity I wanted the most. Hopefully this list will help you figure out if you’re looking for small town charm, shopping, outdoor activities or general relaxation. Happy adventuring!