Maine is known for its rough coastline, cute fishing towns, and beautiful natural scenery. One of the best things about the state is that it has a lot of islands. Visitors can explore unique communities, untouched wilderness, and beautiful coastal landscapes. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the best islands in Maine for tourists.
People who visit Maine islands can see unique coastal communities, untouched wilderness, and beautiful natural scenery. The islands of Maine have something for everyone, whether you want to hike, bike, go boating, or just take in the sights and sounds of the ocean. So, the next time you go to Maine, plan to spend some time on one of its many islands.
1. Deer Isle
Deer Isle is in Penobscot Bay, near the Blue Hill Peninsula. It is one of the Maine islands and a haven for artists, photographers, explorers, and people who love the outdoors. From the mainland, you can drive to the island by crossing a tall bridge that was built in 1939. Just past the beach, you’ll find the visitors center, where friendly locals can give you maps, information about hiking trails, and information about upcoming events. In addition to enjoying the natural beauty of the island, there are many galleries and studios to visit. Artists and crafters have been drawn to Deer Isle for a long time. The Deer Island Granite Museum and the Stonington Opera House are two more places to visit.
2. Island of Mount Desert
Mount Desert Island is one of Maine’s most popular Maine islands. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and charming coastal towns. Acadia National Park is on the island. It covers more than 49,000 acres and has more than 120 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and stunning views of the coast. Visitors can walk along the park’s rough coastline, ride on historic carriage roads, and see amazing views of Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard.
Mount Desert Island is home to many beautiful towns and villages, like Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor, as well as beautiful natural sights. Visitors can learn about the island’s rich cultural history, eat fresh seafood, and buy handicrafts and other items made by locals.
3. Vinalhaven Island
Off the coast of central Maine is Vinalhaven Island, which is known for its rough shoreline, wild forests, and thriving fishing industry. Several beautiful villages, like Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Islesboro, are on the island. These villages give visitors the chance to learn about unique coastal communities and see beautiful views of the ocean.
Vinalhaven Island is also a popular place in Maine islands for people who like to be outside because they can hike, bike, boat, and fish there. Visitors can explore the island’s many trails and nature preserves, such as the Vinalhaven Land Trust, which is over 1,200 acres and has miles of beautiful hiking trails and stunning views of the coast.
Read More – Virginia Islands: Islands are like the punctuation marks in the geography of the oceans.
4. Island of Chebeague
Chebeague Island is beautiful and has been a popular summer vacation spot for many years. It also has a small number of lucky people who live there all year. Chebeague is in Casco Bay, and the only way to get there is by water with Casco Bay Lines. The best way to see this lovely small island, which is only 3 miles by 5 miles, is by bike. This way, you can find all the hidden beaches, coves, and inlets and get some exercise at the same time. Some of the must-do things are crossing the sandbar from “The Hook” to Little Chebeague (check the tide schedule), having a picnic and beach-combing at Deer Point, spending a day at Hamilton Beach, and watching the sunset from Sunset Beach. People love going from island to island in Casco Bay.
5. The island of Great Diamond
Great Diamond Island is a private island off the coast of Maine islands. It is in Casco Bay, which is part of the city of Portland. Casco Bay Lines’ private boats or ferries are the only ways to get to the island. Visitors who want a quiet place to relax and enjoy a beach vacation can rent a cottage on the car-free island. However, there isn’t much in the way of tourist infrastructure, so you’ll have to come up with your own things to do. You can walk, hike, fish, and watch animals, or you can spend time on the water in a motorized boat, sea kayak, or sailing boat. If you get bored, you can always take the ferry back to Portland and spend 30 minutes shopping.
6. Island of Hermits
If you’ve ever wanted to be Robinson Crusoe on a deserted island, Hermit Island Campground might be perfect for you. Hermit Island is on a peninsula that sticks out into Casco Bay at the southern tip of Phippsburg. It gives visitors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to camp right next to the sea, which is a great experience. Hermit Island’s activities focus on the natural beauty of the area and include boating (you can rent boats on the island), fishing, swimming, beachcombing, hiking, and more. Maine islands have many hiking trails to explore. One of them goes along the coast and lets you find beaches and coves that are far away and quiet. Your campsite has a fire pit and a small store where you can buy food and other supplies.
7. Isle Au Haut
Isle Au Haut is an island off the coast of Stonington, Maine, that is very beautiful. About half of the island is part of Acadia National Park, which is a beautiful place to fish, hike, and ride a bike for the day. Cyclists can use the 5 miles of paved roads and the more than 7 miles of rough mountain biking trails. Hikers can use the 27 miles of trails. You can hike around the southeast edge of the island to explore the rocky shoreline and find hidden coves and beaches, or you can take the Long Pond Trail to the interior of the island to find a beautiful freshwater lake. You can book one of the five seasonal campsites if you want to stay the night. People can get to the island by taking the ferry from Stonington.
8. Isle of Mackworth
Mackworth Island is a great place to spend a day in nature. It is linked to the city of Falmouth by a causeway. Outdoor lovers of all ages, including those with four legs, can spend a few hours exploring beautiful beaches and taking in some of the best views of Casco Bay you’re likely to find anywhere along the coast. The whole island is a bird sanctuary, and it is a great place to see a wide range of seabirds and landbirds. Around Mackworth Island, you can take a very nice 1.5-mile walk along the coast and have a picnic on one of the beautiful beaches. Maine islands will take you about an hour.
9. Manana Island
Manana Island is a rarely visited, uninhabited island that is right across the water from Monhegan Island in Lincoln County. History and boating fans may want to visit the island to see the old Manana Island Sound Signal Station. It was built in 1854 when a huge bell was rung by hand to warn sailors of dangerous rocks when it was foggy. From Monhegan Harbor, you can take a boat to Manana Island and walk around to see the old fog station and what’s left of the house where Ray Phillips, the Hermit of Manana, used to live. When you go back to Monhegan Island, you will find some great places to hike and eat lobster rolls, which are the most popular food in the area.
10. Saint Croix Island
The small island of Saint Croix, which has no people living on it, is near the mouth of the Saint Croix River and close to the Canadian border. The island is famous because the French tried to settle there in 1604. You can learn all about the island’s interesting 400-year history by going to the Saint Croix Island International Historic Site in Calais, which is on the mainland and looks right out at the island. Unfortunately, the island isn’t open to the public anymore (to protect its fragile ecosystem), and all traces of the early French occupation have been taken away for a long time. At the Historic Site, you can walk along an interpretive trail and listen to talks given by park rangers.
11. The island of Southport
Picturesque Southport Island is at the end of the Boothbay Peninsula. A swing bridge at Townsend Gut in the Sheepscot River connects it to the rest of the mainland. There are typical colonial Cape Cod houses, small country stores, and winding roads that beg to be explored on foot or by bike. You can go to lighthouses, look for shells on the beach, and canoe or kayak around the beautiful peninsula and the calm waters of the Gut. Bring a picnic and go hiking for the day, or rent one of the cottages for a truly laid-back Maine islands vacation. At Robinson’s Wharf, the lobster and other seafood are more fresh than fresh.
12. Squirrel Island
The shape of Squirrel Island is what gave it its name. It is a secret hideaway off Boothbay Peninsula. You can take a private boat or the Balmy Days Scenic Harbor Tour from Boothbay Harbor to get to the island. There are no restaurants or stores on the island, so it’s a good idea to bring drinks and snacks with you. You can walk around the island’s edge to find beautiful beaches and coves, or you can go into the island’s interior to see the wooded southeastern part. From almost anywhere on Squirrel Island, you can see the Boothbay Peninsula in all its beauty. Maine islands is also many nice places to rest and have a picnic.
