What to see and do in Maine
Old Orchard Beach
For a traditional Maine beach trip, head to Old Orchard Beach. The shoreside fairground, Palace Playland, boasts nostalgic rides aplenty, including bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, carousel and rollercoaster.
You can also tuck into soft ice cream and saltwater taffy on the nearby pier, overlooking the north-eastern coast. The beach is just a 24-minute drive in your hire car out of Portland, along routes 295, 95 and 195. There are a number of parking options along the coast here.
Victoria Mansion, Portland
Known for its distinguished Italian architecture, this lavish Victorian home on Danforth Street (ME 04101) still has most of its original furnishings and fittings.
The ornate woodwork, painted ceilings and walls create the perfect place to discover the history of Maine. You can even pick up Victorian-influenced gifts and souvenirs in the Mansion's museum shop, as a reminder of your trip. Short term, on street parking is available near to the building.
Bowdoin College Museum of Art
Art lovers won't want to miss a trip to the Bowdoin College Museum of Art on Brunswick’s Maine Street (ME 04011). The museum houses a huge collection of more than 20,000 pieces, ranging from ancient Greek statues to mid-century furniture.
Located on this Brunswick college’s campus, you can hire a car in Maine and be at the museum in just over half an hour when picking up from Portland. This makes it a great pitstop along your trip through the state. There is some designated visitor parking on the campus.
Nubble Lighthouse
One of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine, Nubble Lighthouse sits on its own islet of the rocky coast of Cape Neddick on York’s Sohier Park Rd (ME 03909).
The tide is typically high around the bay, granting photographers a great chance to catch a picture of the surf splashing up against the rocks and the lighthouse. It’s located an hour south of Portland, via I-295 and I-95. There’s parking for your hire car at Nubble Point, just by the lighthouse.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Easily accessible from both Portland and Augusta, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay (ME 04537) are a great place to take a stroll.
The pathways wind through 270-acres of garden, taking you through exotic plants and gorgeous views of the shore. The woodland fairy village is a favourite spot for families to explore.
Best places to eat in Maine
Eventide Oyster Co.
Just outside the Lincoln Park in Portland centre (ME 04101), this enchanting seafood restaurant combines a raw fish bar, lobster rolls and New England flair. It's a great place to taste the seafood Maine is famous for.
Tao Yuan
If you're in the Brunswick area, there's nowhere better for a taste of Asian-fusion cuisine than Tao Yuan (ME 04011). Tuck into short ribs, coconut-infused massaman broth and more – including their own take on Maine's renowned lobsters.
Primo Restaurant
Primo Restaurant in Rockland (ME 04841) sits right on the coast and makes the most of its access to deliciously-fresh seafood. This place is all about farm to table produce. It serves up tasty Italian food in a bustling and lively atmosphere.
Best places to stay in Maine
Beach Cottage Inn
If you're looking for a taste of Maine's delicious lobsters, Beach Cottage Inn on Lincolnville Bay (ME 04849) is the perfect place to stop. This cosy, cottage-style inn offers comfortable suites with New England decor, perfect for unwinding after a ferry trip or day at the beach.
Seaside Inn
Seaside Inn (ME 04043) on the tranquil Kennebunk Beach is the ideal spot for a relaxing break. The atmosphere is soothing and there are plenty of great restaurants and beaches nearby.
Berry Manor Inn
This upscale B&B in a Victorian building in Rockland (ME 04841) is ideal if you want to combine your love of art with a little island hopping adventure. It’s right by the Farnsworth Art Museum and ferry port to Vinalhaven.
Best islands to visit from Maine
Peaks Island
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Portland, Peaks Island is a popular spot for locals, looking for a short island getaway. You’ll find incredible views of both the ocean and the city of Portland. While you’re there, make sure you visit the shopping district, Island Avenue, and take a stroll along Sandy Beach. There’s a parking garage for your hire car just off the ferry.
Bailey Island
If you’re not a fan of the ferry, you can drive your Hertz hire car across to Bailey Island. It’s only 50 minutes out of the centre of Portland and has wide-open green spaces to enjoy. Pass some time at Harpswell Honey art gallery before tucking into some of the freshest lobster in Maine at a nearby restaurant. There is a handful of parking spots on the island.
Great Diamond Island
Great Diamond Island is a picture-perfect spot with plenty of great trails for hikers of all abilities. There are no petrol or diesel vehicles on the island. Park up beforehand in one of the parking garages near the ferry terminal.