I am planning a family vacation to Maine, does anyone have any suggestions?

Question

We are a family of 5. Mom and Dad, three kids. Ages at time of vacation 18 months, 8 yrs and 13 yrs old.

We want to stay in a hotel, because of the youngest. We will be going in the summer, not sure what month yet between June and August.

We want to visit the coast. I have no idea what to expect. We don't know what each part of the coast has to offer. I am assuming we will try to stay as close to the south as possible. We are in NJ. We can travel a bit north if there are good vacation areas.

We're looking for wildlife, and nature, but also things that can be fun for kids who might get bored of just nature.

We need good tips for dining and places to stay. Also, does anyone know what the weather is like during the summer in Maine?

Once I get some basic info, I can run with it. I have been to a ton of Maine tourism websites, but I need a starting point.

Thanks so much!

I was also hoping to find out if the areas suggested are very expensive to visit. Hotels, food, etc...

I also don't want it to just be a repeat of the NJ shore. I don't want to deal with tons of people that are also there on vacation. I know this is weird because my family and I are going there on vacation, but tourists are horrible - you know rude, loud and mess the place up. We aren't like that and want to minimize our contact with people like that.

I'm hoping for a place that is great for tourists, but not overrun by them.

Answer 1

Definitely rent a car and drive along the coast of Maine. We did a lot in such a short amount of time. Just being on Route 1 gives you a really scenic picture of the coast and you can pass through a lot of quaint small towns. You can concentrate on the Midcoast and then drive up to Acadia National Park (or vice versa). Visit Camden and enjoy looking out the harbor from the park. We did go hiking (Mount Battie and Monhegan) even with our then 7 month old daughter. We went to see Monhegan island to see what it's like. I'm sure the websites will tell you more. Of course, don't miss the lobster festival.

http://www.mainesmidcoast.com/
http://maineguide.com/region/midcoast/
http://www.therealmaine.com/
and so many others

Answer 2

Maine is nice for a vacation. I like Kittery, and your husband,and the kids will probably like The Kittery Trading Post. Weather is generally good, days will be in the seventies and eighties, nights can get to be a little cool. Kittery has a lot of shops, and you can either drive or walk from one to another. Ogunquit has a nice walk along the rocky shore ledges, and the ocean is pretty. Portland has some good restaurants, which are not too expensive. If you belong to AAA, check with them for trips and reservations.

Answer 3

Wells coastline is one place in case you want to bypass as much as Acadia, Bar Harbor could be relaxing Acadia is an incredible national park, that's by using the sea you ought to end in Portland or Freeport on the way up

Answer 4

Please schedule yourself away from the Black Fly season. It can ruin your whole vacation, inquire with someone from Maine. Be sure to visit Bar Harbor, travel to the top of Mount Cadillac and be the first person in the USA to see the sun rise for that day.