Maine

United States

Maine offers a stunning coastline with picturesque lighthouses, charming fishing villages, and abundant outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy fresh lobster, explore Acadia National Park, and experience the quintessential New England charm.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$75/day
Mid-range$250/day
Luxury$500/day

Known For

Acadia National ParkPortlandKennebunkportBar HarborCoastal MaineNew England

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington
CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian
Phone Code+1
Electricity120V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
  • )
  • Restaurant waitstaff: 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Bar staff: $1
  • 2 per drink or 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Taxi drivers: 15
  • 20% of the fare
  • Hotel housekeepers: $2
  • 5 per day

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted
  • Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
  • No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
  • Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
  • Punctuality for appointments is expected
  • Personal space is generally respected
  • Shaking hands is a common greeting
  • Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
  • It is common to make small talk with strangers
  • "Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 21
  • Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
  • Federal law prohibits marijuana use
  • Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
  • Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
  • Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)
YesYes (YES)
HelloHello (huh-LOH)
PleasePlease (PLEEZ)
Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)
Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Maine's climate is primarily humid continental with some coastal influence.

Climate Zone: Continental Cool

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Maine Lobster must_try

Feast on Maine's local delicacy, harvested from the chilly coastal waters. Enjoy it steamed, boiled, or in classic preparations like a lobster roll or

Wild Blueberry Pie dessert

The official state dessert, made with small, feisty wild Maine blueberries. Bakers across the state produce scrumptious versions, often served with a

Whoopie Pie snack

Named the official state treat, this consists of two small, round chocolate cakes with creamy frosting in between. Variations, including mint and ging

Clam Chowder regional_speciality

A classic New England dish and a favorite comfort food on chilly days. Maine's version is known for its simplicity and freshness, rich with coastal fl

Craft Beer alcohol

Maine has a thriving craft brewery scene, offering a wide variety of locally brewed beers. Sipping on a local brew is a popular activity throughout th

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Acadia National Park Vehicle Reservation (Cadillac Mountain/Park Loop Road) permit_or_pass
Book up to 90 days in advance (tickets are released in windows)

Timed vehicle reservations are required for certain high-demand areas like Cadillac Mountain and portions of the Park Loop Road during the busy season (late May through mid-October). These sell out quickly, especially for sunrise or sunset times.

Peak Season Coastal/Island Accommodation (Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, Portland) Accommodation
Book 6–12 months in advance for July-October

Maine's most desirable coastal destinations have limited lodging inventory that often books out a year in advance, particularly for the high summer and fall foliage months. Prices increase significantly closer to the date.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Demand Dining Reservations (Portland and coastal hotspots) Dining
Book 1–2 months in advance

Top restaurants in Portland (known for its food scene) and desirable coastal towns (like Bar Harbor) have limited seating, and reservations open and fill weeks ahead, especially on weekends.

Ferry to Monhegan Island or Peaks Island (Car Ferry) Transport
Book 1–3 months in advance

Passenger ferries to Monhegan Island can be popular, and car reservations (when applicable, such as certain Peaks Island trips) are extremely limited and often sell out far in advance during the peak season.

Fun Facts

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