13 best maine travel guides

Maine travel guides offer comprehensive information about the state of Maine, catering to tourists and travelers who are looking to explore its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. These guides typically cover a range of topics, including attractions, activities, accommodations, dining options, and practical travel tips. Here are some key aspects that Maine travel guides often focus on:

  1. Attractions and Landmarks: Maine is known for its stunning natural beauty and iconic landmarks. Travel guides provide details about popular destinations such as Acadia National Park, Portland Head Light, Bar Harbor, and the rugged coastline.

  2. Outdoor Activities: Given Maine's abundant outdoor opportunities, travel guides often highlight activities like hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and lobster boat tours. They may also provide information on the best seasons for specific activities.

  3. Historical and Cultural Insights: Maine has a rich history, and travel guides delve into the state's cultural heritage.This may include information about historic sites, museums, and events that showcase Maine's past.

  4. Dining and Culinary Experiences: Maine is famous for its seafood, particularly lobster. Travel guides offer recommendations for local eateries, seafood shacks, and fine dining establishments, allowing visitors to savor the state's culinary delights.

  5. Accommodations: Whether you're looking for a cozy bed and breakfast, a seaside resort, or a camping site, travel guides provide insights into different accommodation options. They often include reviews, ratings, and pricing information.

  6. Transportation: Guides may offer practical advice on getting around in Maine, including information on rental cars, public transportation, and travel distances between key destinations.

  7. Seasonal Considerations: Maine experiences distinct seasons, each offering unique attractions. Travel guides help visitors plan their trips by providing information on what to expect during different times of the year.

  8. Maps and Itineraries: Many guides include maps and suggested itineraries to help travelers navigate the state efficiently and make the most of their time.

  9. Local Events and Festivals: Maine hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. Travel guides often highlight these cultural celebrations, allowing visitors to plan their trips around unique experiences.

  10. Practical Tips: To enhance the overall travel experience, guides may offer practical tips on topics such as weather, local customs, and safety precautions.

Maine travel guides come in various formats, including printed books and online resources. They serve as valuable companions for individuals looking to explore and make the most of their visit to the picturesque state of Maine.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best maine travel guides on the market
  

Lonely Planet Maine & Acadia National Park (Regional Guide)

Lonely Planet

Based on 88 reviews Check latest price

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Welcome to Maine & Acadia National Park

Lonely Planet’s Maine & Acadia National Park is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Watch the sun rise from the highest peak of Acadia, crack the shell of a freshly steamed lobster, and stroll Portland’s cobblestone-lined Old Port – all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Maine and begin your journey now!

Moon Maine (Travel Guide)

Moon Travel

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

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Get Inspired

Moon’s local authors share the best things to do, see, and eat for a variety of travelers, so you’ll find your bliss whether you’re a beach bum, a history buff, a foodie, or still figuring it out

Plan Your Adventure

Travel your way with customizable itineraries and strategic lists that highlight all of your must-sees, as well as hidden gems you’ll love

Travel with Confidence

Moon provides everything you need, including helpful background, insider tips, and detailed maps, to experience your perfect trip

Frommer's Maine Coast (Complete Guide)

Frommermedia

Based on 123 reviews Check latest price

Rockhounding New England: A Guide to 100 of the Region's Best Rockhounding Sites (Rockhounding Series)

Falcon Guides

Based on 52 reviews Check latest price

Fodor's Maine, Vermont, & New Hampshire: With the Best Fall Foliage Drives & Scenic Road Trips (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Travel

Based on 136 reviews Check latest price

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HELPFUL PLANNING ADVICE

Find what you need faster with color-coded category icons and easier-to-read two-column text.

GORGEOUS COLOR PHOTOS

Beautiful photos packed throughout will fuel your wanderlust.

ITINERARIES AND MAPS

Itineraries, maps, travel tips, and neighborhood guides will acquaint you with Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, and help you maximize your time.

IN-DEPTH FEATURES AND EXPLANATIONS

Learn about history, culture, and more with in-depth spotlight features

Moon Coastal Maine: With Acadia National Park (Travel Guide)

Moon Travel

Based on 46 reviews Check latest price

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Get Inspired

Moon’s local authors share the best things to do, see, and eat for a variety of travelers, so you’ll find your bliss whether you’re a beach bum, a history buff, a foodie, or still figuring it out

Plan Your Adventure

Travel your way with customizable itineraries and strategic lists that highlight all of your must-sees, as well as hidden gems you’ll love

Travel with Confidence

Moon provides everything you need, including helpful background, insider tips, and detailed maps, to experience your perfect trip

Acadia: The Complete Guide: Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island (Color Travel Guide)

Destination Press

Based on 184 reviews Check latest price

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INCREDIBLE HIKING

From easy coastal trails to steep climbs up the tallest mountains on the eastern seaboard, Acadia boasts some of the best hiking in New England.

SAILING & BOAT TRIPS

There’s no better way to enjoy the majestic scenery. The onshore views are incredible—but the offshore views are beyond belief.

SEA KAYAKING

The coast of Maine is one of America’s premier sea kayaking destinations. And Acadia is one of

the top sea kayaking destinations in Maine.

FABULOUS BIKING

Over 45 miles of gravel Carriage Roads—built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.—crisscross the park, passing lakes, waterfalls, and fairytale stone bridges.

WHALE WATCHING

The waters offshore Acadia are filled with humpbacks, finbacks, and other amazing species. Whale watching trips depart daily from Bar Harbor.

HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSES

Over a dozen historic lighthouses dot the bold, rocky coast. Discover the best lighthouses to visit—including beautiful hidden gems.

Explorer's Guide Maine (Explorer's Complete)

Countryman Press

Based on 43 reviews Check latest price

Maine Mountain Guide: AMC's Comprehensive Guide to the Hiking Trails of Maine, Featuring Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park

Appalachian Mountain Club

Based on 110 reviews Check latest price

Frommer's New England (Complete Guides)

Frommermedia

Based on 79 reviews Check latest price

DK Eyewitness New England (Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness Travel

Based on 47 reviews Check latest price

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Welcome to New England

Explore New England’s dune-backed bays, breathtaking hikes, golden forest drives, world-class museums, delicious seafood and so much more with the help of your DK Eyewitness guide. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a grand tour, we’ll help you navigate the very best the region has to offer.

In-depth area-by-area guides

Our in-depth area guides make traveling across New England easy, whether you want to traverse historic Boston, visit the Ivy League powerhouses of Harvard and Yale, get spooky in Salem, surf in Rhode Island, eat lobster in Maine, ski in New Hampshire or hike in Vermont⁠—we’ve got you covered.

Be inspired

With so much to see, we’ve created expert-led special features that show how to travel in New England your way. Across in-depth double-page features, we look at how to experience the best outdoor adventures, enjoy world-class art galleries, relive history, taste the best food and get lost within the region’s 4,000 islands.

Moon Maine (Travel Guide)

Moon Travel

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Moon New England Hiking: Best Hikes plus Beer, Bites, and Campgrounds Nearby (Moon Outdoors)

Moon Travel

Based on 74 reviews Check latest price

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Find Your Hike

With 150 options for beginners and bonafide outdoorsmen, you'll have no problem finding the right hikes for you, including the top routes near local breweries for a post-hike beer.

Hike Like a Pro

Miles Howard and Kelsey Perrett share expert advice gathered over years of hiking around New England, plus local secrets and insider tips that will help you make the most of your hike.

Prepare for Adventure

You'll be ready to hit the trails with all the necessary planning tools, from detailed maps and helpful background information to thorough hike descriptions, difficulty ratings, nearby campsites, and gorgeous full-color photos.

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