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7 Charming Coastal Towns in Maine for Where You Can Spend Summer by the Water


Where Locals Go to Unwind

Want to spend summer by the water but don’t want to fight the crowd for a spot in the sand and sun?

Maine’s lake towns offer the perfect summer getaway, with crystal-clear waters and way fewer tourists than the coast. Here are seven of the best coastal towns in Maine for your next summer vacation.

Greenville

Perched on massive Moosehead Lake, Greenville is your gateway to Maine’s wilderness.

The town’s seaplane buzzes with activity as people from nearby towns promptly land to spot a moose bathing in the waters. This year, try a virtual reality moose tracking experience at the Moosehead Lake Visitor Center.

Local guides can take you white water rafting on the Kennebec River or hiking up Mount Kineo, which rises dramatically from the lake. Don’t miss the traditional bean-hole bean suppers at the local Grange Hall

Belgrade Lakes Village

This tiny village sits between Great Pond and Long Pond, making it a paradise for water lovers. Once here, rent a pontoon boat to explore seven connected lakes or grab a lobster roll at Day’s Store – yes, even this far inland.

The village’s summer concert series brings live music to the waterfront every Thursday, creating the perfect lake-life vibe. Fun fact: Belgrade Lakes was the inspiration for Ernest Thompson’s play “On Golden Pond”.

Naples

Located in Cumberland County, this charming town was incorporated way back in 1834 and is now popular (mostly to the locals) for the Waterfront Art Walk. Call it an artist’s hub but you can take scenic cruises around the lake.

The town’s restored 1953 drive-in theater still shows movies, and the Causeway becomes party central with waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. Kids love catching yellow perch off the town dock, while parents enjoy sunset wine tastings.

Damariscotta

Though technically on a river, this town has a definite lake vibe along Damariscotta River where it’s famous for its oyster farms – you can take tasting tours right on the water.

The historic downtown features brick buildings filled with art galleries and Maine-made crafts. The town hosts the annual Pirate Rendezvous festival, where kids can hunt for treasure along the shore.

Passing by in the Fall, check out Damariscotta Pumpkinfest. It’s loads of fun. Try a go-to eatery, Schooner Landing, which serves fresh seafood and amazing water views.

Rangeley

Surrounded by six major lakes, Rangeley is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

Besides camping and boating, it’s a popular winter snowmobiling destination. The town’s main street features original architecture from the early 1900s, with local shops selling everything from hand-tied fishing flies to homemade fudge.

This includes a mansion, a bank building, and a hotel. Summer brings weekly lakeside yoga sessions and the famous Annual Rangeley Loon Conservation Festival. The Rangeley Lakes Trail Center offers 35 hiking trails with stunning water views.

Bridgton

One of the oldest towns in Maine, this place was incorporated back in 1794. Notable figures like John F. Anderson, a renowned watercolorist, have called Bridgton home. The Bridgton Books has been keeping summer readers happy since 1993.

Local favorite Salmon Point Campground lets you sleep right by the water, and the town’s farmers market sells fresh blueberries by the pound. Don’t miss swimming at Woods Pond Beach, where the water’s always warmer than the ocean.

China

China dates back to 1818. It gets its unique name after China Lake. The local favorite China Dine-ah serves massive pancake breakfasts to fuel your lake adventures.

Rent kayaks from the China Lake Landing to explore quiet coves where loons nest, or fish for northern pike in some of Maine’s best fishing spots.

The 85-acre Thurston Park offers hiking trails and secret swimming holes, while the annual China Days festival brings dragon boat races to the lake.

The post 7 Charming Coastal Towns in Maine for Where You Can Spend Summer by the Water appeared first on When In Your State.



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