The Best Small Towns and Villages in Maine

*York Village (Southern Maine): Maine’s oldest settlement has plenty of history and fine architecture; it’s also got a set of beaches and a coastal trail nearby. Plus people just seem friendly here.

*Camden (Upper Midcoast): This seaside town (pictured at the top of the page) has everything—a beautiful harbor; great Federal, Queen Anne, and Greek Revival architecture; and even its own tiny mountain range, affording great hikes with sweeping ocean views. With lots of elegant bed-and-breakfasts, it’s a perfect base for explorations farther afield. 

*Castine (Upper Midcoast): Soaring elm trees, a peaceful harborside setting (see above), grand historic homes, and a selection of good inns make this a great spot to soak up some of Maine’s coastal ambience off the beaten path.

*Stonington (Upper Midcoast): Maine's heritage as a fishing town is never more on display than it is in Stonington, the biggest town on little Deer Isle. You get a fair number of transplants here, too, who came for the views and stayed to paint pictures, paddle kayaks, do yoga, or set out for the little-glimpsed Isle au Haut.

*Northeast Harbor (Mount Desert Island): A single, sleepy main street anchors one of MDI’s best little villages. Northeast has a waterside setting, sure, but also a mix of seafaring locals and art-loving summer folks, giving it an aura of a place that’s still living life from a century ago. 

*Eastport (Downeast): Now this is truth in advertising: You can't get any farther east in the U.S. than Eastport. You'd think this place would be a lonely outpost, but it's actually a thriving little hub (see above) of artistic culture, historic architecture, brawny fishing exploits, and briny eats.