For an enjoyable vacation, explore some of the nation’s most striking seashores by following U.S. 1 along the coast of Maine, heading “down east” around scenic bays and through welcoming towns.
www.nps.gov/acad/home.htm
One of the jewels of the coast is Acadia National Park, where you can hike 120 miles of trails, bicycle, drive if you must, or ride the park’s shuttle bus. “Trip Planner” has information you need on camping and exploring. And check out “Acadia FAQs” for answers to questions on activities and more.
www.isleauhaut.net
The park includes a large part of Isle au Haut, which sits seven miles off shore. It’s scenic but doesn’t have a lot of amenities for visitors.
www.acadiainfo.com
www.downeastguide.com
Learn more about the area from Acadia Information Center, including Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor. The site has tips on places to camp, a recreation directory including guided tours and whale watching, and local attractions.
www.visitmaine.com
Get an introduction to the rest of the coast by visiting the state’s Maine Office of Tourism and clicking on “Where to Visit” at the top of the page for a menu of regional info for “Downeast &Acadia,” “Greater Portland &Casco Bay,” “Mid-Coast” and “Southern Maine Coast.” Save this one for a rainy day, because they have volumes of links for everything from family fun to sightseeing to local attractions such as Quoddy Head State Park (Acadia) and covered bridges (Mid-Coast).
www.southernmainecoast.org
If you don’t have time to see the whole coast, and you don’t want to surf through the whole state Web site, focus on the Southern Maine Coast with its beaches, lighthouses and towns, such as the Kennebunks and Ogunquit for fans of antique shops and galleries.
www.visitportland.com
For the next region’s attractions, Everything Maine offers a concentrated slice of Maine in and around Portland, the state’s largest city. Shop, catch a cruise or a fishing boat, or visit landmarks such as Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, established in 1791.
www.midcoastmaine.com
Between Portland and Acadia, you could spend your visit exploring Midcoast Maine, an area of small towns and farms sprinkled along the bays. Click on “Tourism” on the bar at the top of the page to learn what the region has to see and do.
www.maineinns.com
www.campmaine.com
www.mainecamping.addr.com
The Maine Office of Tourism has directories of accommodations, or you can consult the Maine Innkeepers Association for everything from inns to campgrounds. The Maine Camping Guide and Maine Camping Online can give you references for more camping and RV resources.
Roger Petterson, Associated Press
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