Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

Panoramic aerial view of Acadia National Park in foliage season, Maine.
Panoramic aerial view of Acadia National Park in foliage season, Maine.

The Best of Maine

#33 best destination in the world

Map view

Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park

The Atlantic Ocean Seen From Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Maine, USA

Best time to visit: Sept-early Oct

  • Cadillac Mountain is located within Acadia National Park, and is known as the first place in the continental U.S. to see the sunrise, although that is only true for a portion of the year
  • The mountain is notable for being the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States, standing at 1,530 feet (466 meters)
  • There are various hiking trails and a paved road that lead to the summit of Cadillac Mountain
  • Going to the summit to see the first sunrise in the continental U.S. is a common activity; however, Cadillac only experiences the first sunrise from October 7 through March 6

Sand Beach, Acadia National Park

The Sand Beach, at Acadia National Park, Maine.

Best time to visit: Sept-early Oct

  • Sand Beach is a prominent destination located within Acadia National Park, situated on the east side of Mount Desert Island
  • It is the largest sandy beach in Acadia National Park, and is nestled between granite mountains and rocky shores
  • Sand Beach is accessible via Park Loop Road, and it is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking
  • The beach is described as a "migrating beach," meaning its appearance can change due to natural forces like tides and storms

Jordan Pond Path, Acadia National Park

View of the clear water, stones and fall foliage of Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: Sept-early Oct

  • The Jordan Pond Path is a scenic trail located in Acadia National Park
  • The path also provides views of glacially carved mountains and follows the shoreline of Jordan Pond, which is a natural glacial lake

Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park

Panoramic aerial view of Acadia National Park in foliage season, Maine.

Best time to visit: Sept-early Oct

  • Park Loop Road is a scenic road through part of Acadia National Park
  • The road spans approximately 27 miles (43 km) and provides access to various natural attractions within the park
  • Built between 1921 and 1958, it was designed to enhance visitor access to the park's stunning landscapes, such as, mountains, forests, lakes, and coastlines
  • Part of the year a local shuttle called the Island Explorer is an option for those who want to avoid driving a car, but still wish to see the scenic road

Schoodic Peninsula, Acadia National Park

Schoodic Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean in Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine in the United States

Best time to visit: Sept-early Oct

  • The Schoodic Peninsula is a peninsula in Down East Maine, four miles (6 km) east of Bar Harbor, and is the only part of Acadia National Park on the mainland
  • The peninsula has a rocky granite shoreline containing many volcanic dikes, which show erosional scars from storms
  • Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the coastline

Ocean Path Trail, Acadia National Park

View from the Ocean Path Trail - Acadia National Park

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: Sept-early Oct

  • The Ocean Path Trail is a scenic hiking route located in Acadia National Park
  • The trail begins at Sand Beach and ends at Otter Point
  • The walk offers views of the rocky Maine coastline, with numerous stopping points along the way for taking photos and relaxing

Mount Battie, Camden

Observation tower in Camden Hills state park, Maine
  • Mount Battie is a prominent peak located in Camden, within the Camden Hills State Park
  • It is known for its panoramic views of Penobscot Bay, Camden Harbor, and the surrounding islands
  • At the top, there is a historic stone tower that has been a significant landmark since its construction in 1897
  • Mount Battie holds historical significance as well; it was regarded as a sacred site by Native Americans and served as a strategic lookout point during the American Revolution

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth

Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
  • Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth
  • Completed in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine, and one of only four lighthouses still standing from the presidency of George Washington
  • The lighthouse was built to help guide ships safely into rocky Portland Harbor
  • The light station is automated, and the tower, beacon, and foghorn are maintained by the United States Coast Guard, while the former lighthouse keeper's house is a maritime museum within Fort Williams Park

Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley

Sugarloaf Mountain Carrabassett Valley, ME
  • Sugarloaf Resort is a prominent year-round destination located in Carrabassett Valley
  • It is renowned for its extensive skiing and snowboarding opportunities, boasting over 1,360 skiable acres, making it the largest ski area east of the Rocky Mountains
  • Sugarloaf offers a variety of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing
  • The Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel offers lodging designed to evoke the charm of classic New England farmhouses

Mount Desert Island

Historic landmark Bass Harbor Head Light in Mount Desert Island, Maine, United States
  • Mount Desert Island is the largest island off the coast of Maine and the second largest on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard
  • A significant portion of Mount Desert Island is protected as part of Acadia National Park
  • The island is renowned for its 17 mountains and four lakes
  • Recreational opportunities include hiking, biking, and exploring the coastline
  • The island has a rich history, having been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years before European exploration

Ogunquit Beach

Photo of Ogunquit Beach
  • Ogunquit Beach is a popular beach located in Ogunquit that features soft, white sand along picturesque dunes edged with beach roses
  • The beach offers various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying gentle surf
  • Visitors can enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River, especially at low tide when walking from the ocean side to the river side is possible
  • Ogunquit Beach offers various amenities, including seating areas with Adirondack chairs

Allagash Brewing Company, Portland

Photo of Allagash Brewing Company
  • Allagash Brewing Company is a brewery in Portland that specializes in Belgian style beers
  • Allagash is recognized for its innovative approaches to brewing, often creating unique and award-winning beers
  • Founded in 1995, it started as a small operation and has grown into a significant player in the craft beer industry

Old Port of Portland

Portland, ME - Oct. 24, 2014: Corner of Fore & Market Sts. of Historical Old Port, a district of Portland, Maine, known for its cobblestone streets, 19th century brick buildings and fishing piers.

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • The Old Port is a district of Portland, known for its cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings and fishing piers
  • The district contains boutiques, restaurants and bars
  • The waterfront is lined with piers where visitors can see lobstermen bringing in their daily catch

Casco Bay Lines, Portland

June 21,2023- Casco Bay Lines Ferry to Peaks Island in Portland, Maine USA

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Casco Bay Lines is a publicly operated ferry service based in Portland, providing year-round transportation to the islands of Casco Bay
  • The company transports over one million passengers and 35,000 vehicles annually, in addition to delivering U.S. mail
  • Casco Bay Lines also offers scenic cruises and boat tours