Holiday homes & rentals in Maine

Maine is known for its unique natural attractions, including waterfalls, gorgeous mountains, and pretty coastline. The state is an ideal destination for recreational activities such as camping, hiking, and skiing. Those who enjoy a more relaxed holiday will love sightseeing along the coast, famous for its scenic lighthouses.

When it comes to holiday accommodation in Maine, there are numerous types to choose from – condos, cottages, apartments, lodges, and townhouses. No matter the variety, renting your own holiday accommodation will allow you access to spectacular lakeside locations, private beaches, and home-away-from-home convenience.

How to get to your Maine accommodation

Maine is serviced by the Portland International Jetport (PWM), where vacationers tend to fly in from New York City (La Guardia), Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, or other major travel hubs. There is also a bus service from Boston through Maine's main cities, and a train service to Maine's largest city, Portland. A car is vital for exploring the state from your Maine holiday accommodation, as its attractions are often scattered along the cliffs, mountains, islands and national parks.

What to eat on your holiday in Maine

A lobster dinner is one of the classic options in Maine, and includes a whole boiled lobster accompanied by a narrow fork, a cracking tool, and melted butter. Corn on the cob is a classic accompaniment while steamed clams just make it even more luxurious. Head to the Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier to enjoy this dish on picnic tables that overlook Chauncey Creek.

A blueberry pie is a classic local dessert, as wild blueberries are the state's official fruit. Taste the best pie in Maine at the Pie in the Sky Bakery at Cape Neddick. This family-owned bakery does not use any trans-fats or preservatives in their baked goods, and offers you naturally mouthwatering, handcrafted pies. Maine's summer blueberries are succulent — if you have the chance to go blueberry picking, go for it.

What weather to expect on your Maine holiday

Fall is a great time to visit during what is known as 'Indian Summer,' when the leaves start changing colour. This is also the time of the harvest festival, and high lobster season. Nature lovers can also enjoy a moose safari in the wild from the comfort of your own tent!

Although winter gets chilly, vacationers will be out in full force sledding, skiing and snowshoeing on the slopes. Put your snowman building skills to the test at the Bethel Winterfest, or seek refuge from the cold in Maine's numerous museums and shopping malls. The end-of-year festivities are magical to say the least, but make sure to book your Maine holiday accommodation well in advance during this period. The same applies to summer and spring, when visitors enjoy the beaches and mountains. Maine gives reasons to visit all year round.

What to do and see in Maine

First things first, the lighthouses! Maine's coast is home to a massive number of 60 lighthouses, all waiting to be explored. Meanwhile, the Maine Art Museum Trail will take you across eight museums featuring more than 73,000 pieces of art. Budding artists will love the creative colonies and visual arts schools that welcome newcomers and collaborators. The performing arts scene is vibrant too, with plenty of theatre, musicals and concerts to choose from.

The Maine Centre for Crafts is testament to the region's creative and resourceful craft legacies that have been passed on from generation to generation. The state’s maritime heritage is well established at the Maine Maritime Museum. During high season, book your Maine holiday letting in advance so you can be close to the action.

Museums in Maine

Old Fort Western Museum is a wooden fort, the oldest of its kind in New England. Originally built in 1754, it is located on the Kennebec river in Augusta and has been restored to its former glory. Visit the fort for its various exhibits about the history of the region during the 18th century.

Located in Brunswick, Bowdoin College Museum of Art is home to an art collection spanning from antiquities to contemporary art. This museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and most of its art collection was donated by James Bowdoin III in the 19th century.

Natural attractions in Maine

Visit Acadia National Park to see the rugged beauty of Maine's coastline, forests, and numerous lakes and streams. Covering approximately 60mi2, this park offers travellers more than 100mi. of hiking trails. Some particularly scenic spots include Schoodic Point, Loop Road, and Sieur de Monts Spring.

First opened in 2007, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is located in Boothbay and covers 270 acres. It is divided into different sections, including the Perennial & Rose Garden, the Giles Rhododendron Garden, Vayo Meditation Garden, and Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden. New elements are added to this botanical garden every year.

Culture and tranquillity in Maine: America's most north-easterly state

Portland Museum of Art

Aptly situated in the town's art district, this museum houses a wide range of artwork dating from the 18th century to the present day.

Ogunquit Beach

Infamous for its vast stretches of beautiful sandy dunes, Ogunquit Beach is one of the state's most popular destinations with five km of white sand and fantastic views over the Atlantic.

Cadillac Mountain

Located on Mount Desert Island, this peak forms part of the stunning Acadia National Park. Take one of the numerous hiking trails which are particularly impressive at sunrise.

Portland Head Light

In historic Cape Elizabeth, you will find the oldest lighthouse in the state. You can stroll through the adjoining park or even enjoy a scenic picnic.

Mount Desert Island

Popular with celebrities, Mount Desert is the largest island off the coast of Maine. Choose to take a picturesque walk or explore the quaint town of Bar Harbor.

Frequently Asked Questions