The Most Instagrammable Spots in Maine
Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island about 45 minutes east of Bangor, offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Maine. The park’s Cadillac Mountain summit trail, a moderately challenging 3.5-mile loop, rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands. Cadillac Mountain is famed for being one of the first places to see the sunrise in the United States during fall and winter months, making early morning visits especially magical. Photographers are drawn to the rugged pink granite cliffs juxtaposed with dense spruce forests and crashing waves below, creating a vivid contrast that changes with the light and season.
Heading down the coast to Portland, the Old Port District boasts cobblestone streets lined with historic brick buildings, vibrant shops, and bustling waterfront piers. Just a few minutes from downtown, the Eastern Promenade offers sweeping views of Casco Bay’s islands and sailboats. This picturesque park has a scenic walking trail along the water, perfect for capturing sunset shots with the city skyline in the distance. The blend of urban charm and maritime heritage sets it apart as a photogenic spot where you can also glimpse lobster boats returning with the day’s catch.
Further inland, the town of Camden, about an hour north of Portland, combines classic New England charm with elevated vistas from Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park. The summit trail, just over a mile long, is an accessible climb leading to an observation tower that frames a postcard-perfect view of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. The contrast of colorful boats bobbing in the harbor with the lush green parkland and distant mountains makes for stunning photographs, especially during the fall when foliage ignites the landscape with reds and golds.
On the northern coast near Lubec, just over two hours east of Bangor, the Quoddy Head State Park offers dramatic cliffside trails above the Bay of Fundy. The park’s defining feature is the West Quoddy Head Light, a serene red-and-white striped lighthouse that stands as the easternmost point of the continental United States. Walking the trails around the lighthouse during early morning or late afternoon light provides striking images of crashing waves against rocky shorelines, and the lighthouse itself is an iconic symbol that reflects Maine’s deep maritime history.
In the western part of the state, near Rangeley and about two and a half hours northwest of Portland, the Rangeley Lakes Region invites nature lovers to explore dense forests and pristine waters. The Bald Mountain Trail, a 2.5-mile loop, offers a rewarding summit view overlooking Rangeley Lake and the surrounding mountains. The quiet, less touristy atmosphere distinguishes this spot from coastal favorites, and the nearby lakes add reflective surfaces that enhance sunrise and sunset photos, particularly vibrant in late summer and early fall.
On the Penobscot River in Bangor, the Maine Discovery Museum grounds and nearby Waterfront Park provide a blend of urban revitalization and river views. The new pedestrian bridge that crosses the river creates graphic compositions with the city skyline and river traffic. Visiting during spring or summer weekends when the park buzzes with local events adds life and authenticity to photos, capturing a slice of Maine community spirit alongside natural beauty.
In the southern coastal town of Kennebunkport, about 35 minutes south of Portland, the scenic walk along the Marginal Way cliffside path offers a unique vantage point where quaint homes and rocky shores meet the ocean. This easy 1.5-mile path is well known for its photogenic bench stops and crashing waves below, drawing visitors seeking classic Maine seaside imagery. Early spring brings blooming flowers along the path, while golden hours showcase the warm textures of stone and sea.
Lastly, on Mount Desert Island but distinct from Acadia’s crowded trails, the town of Bar Harbor features the Shore Path, a gentle waterfront walk hugging the rocky coastline. The path’s proximity to luxury hotels, quaint shops, and natural beauty makes it a favorite for casual strolls and capturing the interplay of tide pools, granite boulders, and sailboats. Visiting at dusk reveals a calm, pastel sky reflected in the still waters, embodying the serene charm that defines Maine’s coastal towns.
Each of these locations offers a tangible slice of Maine’s rich landscape and culture, where natural splendor meets historic character. From rugged cliffs to peaceful lakes, visitors can frame their memories in scenes that are as varied as the state itself, making every snapshot a story worth sharing.