6 Most Photogenic Towns In Maine
When visitors think of Maine, the largest state in New England, they picture quintessential scenes: lighthouses, rocky coastlines, pretty seaside villages, lobster traps and buoys. These images are iconoic of the state's natural beauty. So grab a vintage Polaroid, trusty DSLR, or even a smartphone, and start capturing the moments that tell the story of Maine in these photogenic towns: Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockport, Ogunquit, and Kennebunkport.
Bar Harbor
There are endless photo opportunities in the small seaside town of Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, but perhaps the most memorable is capturing the sunrise over Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Drive the car up to the highest point on the eastern seaboard in the U.S. on Cadillac Summit Road, a windy 3.5-mile route to the 1,530-foot summit. Stay on the island and travel the 27-mile Park Loop Road to visit other photogenic spots like Jordan Pond, Bubble Rock, and Otter Cliff—just a few of the most spectacular sights on the Atlantic Ocean.
The charming downtown, historic inns, and colorful clapboard storefronts capture the archetypal New England vibe. Enjoy shopping along Main Street at unique shops like the Rock & Art Shop for curated collections of one-of-a-kind stones and minerals, Island Artisans, and the Acadia Shop for all things Acadia-related. Stop at The Stadium to taste Maine lobster rolls and grab coffee at The Coffee Hound.
Boothbay Harbor
The centerpiece of this small coastal town is its eponymous harbor, dotted with fishing boats, yachts, and the omnipresent Maine lobster trap, which makes for great photo opportunities. Art lovers will love exploring the town by following the Boothbay Harbor Sculpture Trail. This year-round public art exhibit comprises 18 sculptures by local artists, all within walking distance of downtown. The iconic Boothbay Harbor Footbridge is one of the most well-known structures in town. The bridge links the two sides of the harbor and is a popular destination for Instagrammers and photographers.
Another popular spot to visit is the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, one of the largest botanical gardens in New England. With over 300 acres to discover, including the Native Butterfly House, the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, and the Vayo Meditation Garden, nature photographers can easily spend a day snapping away here. Finally, the 1821 Burnt Island Light lighthouse, just off the coast of Boothbay Harbor, is a history museum accessible by boat.
Camden
Camden is a photographer’s dream. In the 1880s, it was a popular destination for wealthy vacationers from Boston and New York, who would dock at the 1906 Camden Yacht Club in the Camden Harbor in Penobscot Bay. Today, the Camden Harbor is still a working harbor full of fishing boats, sailboats, and schooners. It is a pretty location for photography buffs to snap photos with the Camden Hills in the background.
The Megunticook Falls are one of the most photographed locations in town. A spillway from the lake of the same name creates them. The river ends by spilling down an embankment behind the shops on Main Street before flowing into Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay, and finally, the Atlantic. The town is full of historic architecture, especially in the High Street Historic District, and the Camden Opera House, built in 1894, is a must-see.
Hiking is a great activity in Camden, and outdoor lovers may find themselves ascending Mount Battie, whose 780-foot summit is a popular hike in the 5,700-acre Camden Hills State Park. It’s a two-hour trip up to the summit, but the panoramic views of the surrounding lakes, hillsides, the harbor, and Penobscot Bay are well worth it.
Rockport
Originally part of Camden, the two towns split in 1891. And Rockport is the quieter neighbor. Its serene harbor, lush landscapes, and historic landmarks, such as the Belted Galloway cows, localled named the “Oreo cows” or “Belties”, at the 136-acre Aldermere Farm Preserve make for wonderful photography.
A stroll to Rockport’s Harbor Marine Park reveals one of the town's must-see landmarks: a statue of Andre the Seal. Andre became a local celebrity during the 1970s and '80s by befriending the community. The park also features anchors, fishing artifacts, and several old kilns, harking back to the 19th century when Rockport was part of a thriving lime industry.
Ogunquit
Ogunquit is notable for its beaches and the "Marginal Way," a cliffside hike favored by locals. This Maine town is ideal for seaside photography, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing into the rocky shoreline.
One of Ogunquit’s highlights is Perkins Cove, a historic working fishing village and small harbor filled with colorful lobster boats, a wooden footbridge, and the popular Barnacle Bill’s Etc. Lobster Shack overlooking the harbor. A tiny but trendy tourist hotspot, Perkins Cove is the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind souvenir at shops like Perkins Cove Candies, Beach Bum Threads Surf Club, and Out of the Blue Jewelry.
Ogunquit’s biggest attraction is its beach, which features 3.5 miles along Maine’s southern coast. Visitors can go beach combing for seashells, fly kites, relax under umbrellas, or take a quick dip in the Atlantic. Remember to bring a camera along to snap family beach scenes, sunrises, and sunsets.
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is famous for its scenic waterfront, colorful cottages, and busy Dock Square, the heart of the town. Dock Square offers plenty of shops like Beach Grass and Dannah gift shop, as well as restaurants in historic buildings, including the 50-year-old landmark, Alisson’s. The small town is also famously associated with the Bush family. Both President George H.W. Bush and his son, George W. Bush, hosted Â鶹AV leaders at their Walker’s Point Estate—a stunning seaside property that is a private residence but can still be photographed from the scenic drive along Ocean Avenue or from nearby Blowing Cave Park.
Visitors with cameras should head to Goose Rocks, Kennebunkport’s largest beach, which is three miles long, for stunning ocean photographs. Nature photographers can capture wildlife pictures of shorebirds like sandpipers, plovers, and seagulls. Offshore harbor seals can sometimes be spotted as well.
Summary
Maine’s coastal towns offer endless photogenic opportunities, from Bar Harbor’s sunrise views over Cadillac Mountain to Boothbay Harbor’s iconic footbridge and botanical gardens. Camden features historic architecture, Megunticook Falls, and scenic vistas from Mount Battie. Rockport charms with serene harbors, historic landmarks, and the beloved Andre the Seal statue. Ogunquit’s Marginal Way cliff walk, pristine beaches, and nearby Nubble Lighthouse make it a photographer's paradise. Kennebunkport offers picturesque waterfronts, Goose Rocks Beach, and views of the Bush family’s Walker’s Point estate. These six most photogenic towns in Maine blend natural beauty, historic charm, and coastal allure, offering endless inspiration for photography enthusiasts.