Charleston MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Charleston, Maine.
1. Charleston Town Center
HEART OF SMALL-TOWN MAINE
Charleston Town Center serves as the community hub for this small town of less than 1600 people. Visitors can check in for local news, updates, and information relating to the town's functions. The center provides a glimpse into authentic small-town Maine life away from the more touristy coastal areas.
2. Portland Head Light
HISTORIC COASTAL BEACON
Portland Head Light stands as an iconic lighthouse perched on a rocky seaside cliff in Fort Williams Park. This historic lighthouse has guarded the entrance to Casco Bay since 1791, making it one of Maine's oldest beacons. The surrounding area offers spectacular ocean views and opportunities for coastal photography.
3. Eastern Promenade
SCENIC HARBOR PATH
The Eastern Promenade runs approximately 3 kilometers along Portland's harbor, offering beautiful waterfront views. This paved path provides an ideal setting for biking, running, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the Atlantic. Visitors can take in the scenic harbor vistas and observe the bustling maritime activity that defines Portland's character.
4. Dock Square
HISTORIC SHOPPING HUB
Dock Square in Kennebunkport features historic warehouses that have been transformed into a charming shopping and dining district. Visitors can explore a variety of art galleries, boutiques, and local cafes housed in these historic buildings. The square serves as the perfect starting point for a day of exploration in this coastal Maine town.
5. Casco Bay Boat Tours
ATLANTIC SAILING ADVENTURES
Casco Bay Boat Tours offer visitors the chance to experience Maine's coastline from the water with various sailing excursions on the Atlantic. Charter and tour companies provide options ranging from wildlife viewing to historical narration of Portland's maritime past. These boat tours showcase the rugged beauty of Maine's island-dotted coastline and often include views of lighthouses and marine wildlife.
6. Old Port District
HISTORIC WATERFRONT AREA
The Old Port District is Portland's historic waterfront neighborhood characterized by cobblestone streets and restored brick buildings. This vibrant area houses some of Portland's most acclaimed restaurants, unique boutiques, and art galleries. Visitors can experience Maine's largest city's eclectic dining scene while enjoying the historic maritime atmosphere.
7. Acadia National Park
MAJESTIC COASTAL WILDERNESS
Acadia National Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of Maine's breathtaking coastal landscape with mountains, woodlands, lakes, and shoreline. Visitors can explore more than 120 miles of hiking trails offering views of granite peaks, rugged coastline, and diverse ecosystems. The park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard, offering spectacular sunrise views.
8. L.L.Bean Flagship Store
ICONIC MAINE RETAILER
The L.L.Bean Flagship Store in Freeport operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year as a testament to the company's Maine roots and outdoor heritage. This massive retail destination features a trout pond, outdoor discovery programs, and extensive displays of the brand's famous outdoor gear. Visitors from around the world make pilgrimages to this iconic Maine retailer that has been outfitting outdoor enthusiasts since 1912.
9. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
CLASSIC MAINE SEASCAPE
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse stands on a dramatic rocky promontory that has been featured on the Maine state quarter. The 1827 lighthouse includes a keeper's house that now serves as the Fishermen's Museum, displaying artifacts of local maritime history. Visitors can explore the striking geological formations of the surrounding shoreline, with layered rock striations creating one of Maine's most photographed coastal scenes.
10. Kennebunkport Historic Mansions
ELEGANT COASTAL ARCHITECTURE
Kennebunkport's Historic Mansions showcase the opulent summer homes of America's wealthy families from the Gilded Age. These architectural treasures line Beach Avenue and other prominent streets, displaying various styles from Federal to Queen Anne. Visitors can admire these grand residences from the outside or take guided tours of select properties that have been opened to the public.
11. Maine Maritime Museum
SHIPBUILDING HERITAGE CENTER
The Maine Maritime Museum celebrates the state's rich shipbuilding history on a 20-acre campus along the Kennebec River. The museum features the country's only surviving shipyard where large wooden vessels were built, including a full-size representation of Wyoming, the largest wooden sailing vessel ever built in North America. Visitors can explore indoor exhibits, historic buildings, and take seasonal river cruises to experience Maine's maritime heritage firsthand.
12. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
NATURAL WATERFRONT SPLENDOR
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens encompasses nearly 300 acres of tidal shoreland with meticulously designed gardens and natural landscapes. The gardens feature themed sections including a sensory garden, rhododendron garden, and a children's garden complete with a treehouse. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails that wind through woodland areas and along the waterfront, offering a perfect blend of cultivated beauty and natural Maine wilderness.
13. Eventide Oyster Co.
PREMIER SEAFOOD DESTINATION
Eventide Oyster Co. has earned national acclaim for its innovative approach to traditional New England seafood, particularly its famous brown butter lobster roll. The restaurant showcases Maine's exceptional seafood with an extensive raw bar featuring locally harvested oysters displayed on a bed of ice in a hollowed-out granite block. Diners can experience the pinnacle of Portland's renowned culinary scene while enjoying the casual atmosphere of this James Beard award-winning establishment.
14. Victoria Mansion
OPULENT VICTORIAN MASTERPIECE
Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, stands as one of America's most important historic homes and the finest example of Italian Villa-style architecture in the country. Built between 1858 and 1860, this National Historic Landmark retains over 90% of its original interiors, including lavish wall paintings, intricate woodwork, and period furnishings. Visitors can tour this extraordinary time capsule of Victorian opulence and learn about the technological innovations that made it one of America's most advanced homes of its era.
15. Farnsworth Art Museum
CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN ART
The Farnsworth Art Museum houses an impressive collection focusing on Maine's role in American art, with works spanning from the 18th century to the present. The museum's campus includes the Wyeth Center, dedicated to three generations of the acclaimed Wyeth family of artists who found inspiration in Maine's landscapes and people. Visitors can explore the museum's 20,000 works that showcase how Maine's dramatic natural beauty has influenced American art for generations.