7 Best Islands To Visit In Underrated Maine

Abstract

• Maine’s islands provide numerous and breathtaking landscapes, from mountain peaks to sandy seashores.
• Acadia Nationwide Park on Mount Desert Island gives limitless outside recreation alternatives.
• Chebeague Island, Vinalhaven, and Peaks Island all provide distinctive historic and pure experiences.

Maine is among the most beloved locations within the U.S., and people who’ve wandered its deep woods, summited its mountains, and paddled its waterways know that its magnificence is difficult to match. One of many issues Vacationland is most acknowledged for is its stunningly stunning and vibrant shoreline, which stretches over 3,000 miles.

The state boasts greater than 4,000 islands, that are extremely numerous. Mount Desert, residence to Bar Harbor, one of the best beach towns for summer travel, and the gateway to Acadia Nationwide Park, is the most well-liked of the islands, however there are others which might be simply as charming. Able to take pleasure in unforgettable seaside experiences in some of the underrated states in America? These Maine islands include an exquisite mixture of breathtaking pure magnificence, wealthy historical past, and serenity.

7

Mount Desert Island

Go to the most important island in New England and residential to Acadia, Maine’s solely nationwide park

Mount Desert is the most important island and among the many most picturesque islands in New England. The island was named in 1604 by Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, who was awed by its bare-rock mountain peaks. He then referred to as it “Ile de Monts Deserts,” translating to, “The Island of Barren Mountains.”

It is widely known for being residence to Bar Harbor, its largest city, and Acadia, one of many U.S. national parks that sees the most summer visitors. The island provides entry to limitless outside leisure alternatives, an unbelievable seaside scene, and scrumptious meals.

You’ll be able to take pleasure in one of the best of this island, together with Bar Harbor and Acadia Nationwide Park in spring, late fall, or winter, when it’s most peaceable.

6

Chebeague Island

This historic island affords loads of experiences, together with scenic drives and {golfing}

Nestled on Casco Bay, Chebeague Island, often known as Nice Chebeague Island, is among the small island destinations in the U.S. with a small-town feel. It has a protracted, fascinating historical past that began over 4,000 years before it was first settled by Europeans in the 1740s.

It is brimming with historic buildings, together with the Chebeague Island Inn, its solely resort, which dates again to 1888. The island is filled with enjoyable adventures, from scenic roads to attractive seashores to {golfing} alternatives on the Nice Chebeague Golf Membership. The island is accessible by boat or ferry companies from Portland or the close by Cousin’s Island.

Solely 10 miles away from the bustling Portland, that is one of the best day journey you’ll be able to take pleasure in from Maine’s largest metropolis.

5

Vinalhaven

This laid-back island affords superb experiences, from breathtaking sunsets to mouthwatering seafood

Vinalhaven, nestled in Penobscot Bay, is among the many most well-known island locations in Maine, however has a laid-back vibe, making it an incredible spot to chill out. The most important of the Fox Islands, it’s residence to the most important lobster fishing fleet in Maine.

There are many issues to admire on the island, together with rocky shores, breathtaking sunsets, attractive preserves, and scrumptious seafood. Vacationers may hike its scenic trails, kayak across the close by islets, and luxuriate in watching totally different chook species.

4

Monhegan Island

From a vibrant artwork scene to a wealthy historical past to outside recreation, this island has quite a bit to supply

Located about 10 miles off Maine’s coast, Monhegan Island was established as an island plantation in 1839, however its historical past started method earlier. It was first visited by European explorers in 1603. At present, it’s one of many most unique places to visit in Maine, and whether or not exploring as a day journey or sticking round for the weekend, there are limitless choices for enjoyable adventures to expertise.

The island’s vibrant arts scene is one among its main attracts, and the Monhegan Museum of Artwork & Historical past is a must-visit. It’s a haven for outside lovers with mountain climbing trails that assure scenic views.

3

Squirrel Island

Discover Maine’s oldest summer season colony, filled with spectacular cottages

Established as a summer season neighborhood in 1871, Squirrel Island is a portion of Southport, and among the many finest islands you shouldn’t miss in Maine. It is the oldest summer season colony within the state, and 100 cottages show spectacular structure.

Vacationers can even take pleasure in strolling alongside the pedestrian-only lanes, paved sidewalks, and a wonderful picket boardwalk. Its allure lies within the serene ambiance and the chance to attach with nature in a quiet setting.

2

Peaks Island

This island comes with a wealthy historical past, breathtaking surroundings, and a laid-back ambiance

Peaks Island, the most important island (by inhabitants) in Casco Bay, is a portion of Portland, nestled solely about 3 miles away from the downtown space. It’s residence to round 900 year-round residents, whose quantity doubles each summer season. So many issues make Peaks Island one of many best New England Islands for a summer vacation, together with its wealthy historical past, scenic magnificence, and its enjoyable ambiance. It was first inhabited by the Wabanaki folks, colonized in the 1600s by the Europeans, and in the 19th century, grew to become an extremely well-known summer season leisure spot, which earned it the nickname, the “Coney Island of Maine.”

Unforgettable lodging awaits at the Inn on Peaks Island, which affords spectacular views of Casco Bay and improbable facilities, together with a bar and restaurant serving scrumptious dishes.

1

Isle Au Haut

Expertise Maine’s wild adventures on this distant island in Acadia Nationwide Park

A portion of Acadia Nationwide Park, Isle au Haut is a distant island that uniquely showcases the fantastic thing about Maine’s wild landscapes. Visiting provides you entry to spectacular rocky shorelines, a shocking freshwater lake that stretches for a mile, marshes, wooded uplands, and extra.

It was named “Isle au Haut,” which interprets to “Excessive Island,” by Samuel de Champlain within the 1600s. Its inhabitants of solely 54 permanent residents increases to 250 every summer. There are many issues to do on the island, from stunning mountain climbing trails to biking alternatives.