Drive the Park Loop Road at Acadia National Park (Maine): The region's premier ocean drive, start along a ridge with views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands, then dip down along the rocky shores to watch the surf crash against the dark rocks. Plan to do this 20-mile loop at least twice to get the most out of it.
Merchant's Row by sea kayak (Maine): The islands between Stonington and Isle au Haut, rimmed with pink granite and capped with the stark spires of spruce trees, are among the most spectacular anywhere. A wonderful way to explore them is by sea kayak, getting to islands that are inaccessible by motorboat. Outfitters offer overnight camping trips on the islands.
Hike Monhegan Island (Maine): The village of Monhegan is clustered around the harbor of this island far off the Maine coast. The rest of this 700-acre island is comprised of picturesque wildlands, with miles of trails crossing open meadows and tracing rocky bluffs.
Cruising Maine on a windjammer: See Maine as many saw it for centuries -- from the ocean, looking inland. Sailing ships depart from various harbors along the coast, particularly Rockland and Camden. Spend between a night and a week exploring the dramatic shoreline.
Sit in a rocking chair (Maine): Views are never better than when you're caught unaware -- such as looking up from an engrossing book on the front porch of an oceanside inn. Some of the better ones: Beachmere Inn (Ogunquit), Black Point Inn (Scarborough), Grey Havens (Georgetown Island), East Wind Inn (Tenant's Harbor), Samoset Resort (Rockport), Inn on the Harbor (Stonington), Tides Inn (Bar Harbor), and the Claremont (Southwest Harbor).
