Every summer, Maine earns its nickname of “Vacationland,” drawing roughly 8 million visitors who come to explore its 3,500 miles of coastline (longer than California if you measure all the bays and inlets), feast on the nation’s best lobster (fresh off the boat or served on a buttery roll), to hike its mountains and endless pine forests, to shop, sightsee, breathe fresh air and to look up at the dark night sky and see, as if for the first time, the vastness of the universe.
It’s no wonder the Maine Office of Tourism boasts 97% of visitors would recommend Maine to their friends as a top vacation destination.
Maine is truly enormous, the size of all other New England states combined. One northern county, Aroostook, is larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. So if you want to visit the entire state, you’ll need some time.
That said, many of Maine’s most treasured views, like those in York, Ogunquit and Kittery, are just over an hour’s drive from Boston.
This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking — and perhaps, underappreciated — views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure in your area.
[ Most Treasured Views in America: National | West | South | Middle America | Northeast ]
Here are three of Maine’s Most Treasured Views: The Nubble Lighthouse, Marginal Way and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard that are a perfect day trip from Boston. An energetic visitor could view all three sites and more in a day.
Whether you come for a day or longer this summer, we’re sure you’ll come away agreeing with the state’s motto: “Maine, the way life should be!”
Nubble Lighthouse, York, Maine
The Nubble Lighthouse, in York, Maine, is one of the most photographed sites in the nation and each day artists set up their easels and paints to capture its scenic beauty.
Situated on rocky Nubble Island, just 600 feet from the shore, the lighthouse was first illuminated in 1879, according to a history by York Parks and Recreation, which owns and operates the landmark. It was manned by lighthouse keepers until 1987, when the light was fully automated.
The Nubble Lighthouse, officially called the Cape Neddick Light Station, is visually stunning. While visitors are not allowed on Nubble Island, Sohier Park offers close-up views of the red-roofed, whitewashed Victorian keeper’s house and the cast iron lighthouse tower.
While the lighthouse itself is just 41 feet high, it sits at the highest point on the small rocky island, giving it an elevation of 88 feet, allowing sailors to see its light from 13 nautical miles.
Meredith Reynells, a plein air painter, says when the weather’s nice she’ll set up her easel in Sohier Park two or three times a week. She said she’s drawn to the balance of the lighthouse and its support buildings, the rocky shore and the movement of the water.
“It’s not just ocean,” she said. “It has more going on.”
Sohier Park has 60 parking spots, restrooms and there are expanses of sea-smoothed flat stone, small grassy areas and benches for picnics. It also has a gift shop, where you can learn more about the lighthouse and all purchases go to support the upkeep of Nubble Light and Sohier Park.
Admission to Sohier Park is free, as are the limited parking spots. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
After you are done visiting the lighthouse there is plenty more to do in York. Swim and splash in the waves at Long Sands Beach and enjoy the family-friendly amenities and Ellis Park Playground at Short Sands Beach. Restaurants featuring lobsters prepared how you like, fresh seafood and other summer favorites abound and don’t forget to stop in for salt water taffy you can watch being made at The Goldenrod. Stop in at York’s Wild Kingdom to see the new tiger and other zoo animals and amusement park rides.
Marginal Way, Ogunquit, Maine
Some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean can be found along Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. This 1.25-mile cliff walk runs from the bustling fishing village of Perkins Cove to the broad, sandy Ogunquit Beach.
Along the paved trail, which is wheelchair and stroller accessible, you’ll have unimpeded views of the coastline, crashing waves, spiraling seabirds, wizened red cedar trees, beach plums and honeysuckle. You’ll hear the clacking of stones rolling as waves break on the shore and the views stretch unimpeded to the horizon, broken only here and there by a bell buoy, a flock of seabirds or a passing boat or ship.
Ron Quinn, a plein air painter from Amesbury, Massachusetts, said he comes to Marginal Way several times a week.
“How can you beat this spot?” Quinn asks. “The rocky coast of Maine is one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever found, and I’ve been pretty much all over the world painting.”
“What I love about this whole area is the active water,” Quinn said. “Trying to capture that on canvas. You’re trying to catch a moment in time.”
On the shore side of the trail, you’ll encounter the cottages, larger oceanfront homes and the grand oceanfront hotels with expanses of lawn and Adirondack chairs facing out to the sea.
Along the trail is the smell of salt water, flavored with seaweed, honeysuckle and wild roses.
If you finish your walk at Ogunquit Beach, you can continue along the broad white sands for miles, or just stop to take a swim. You can find casual dining and clam shacks at the beach and a short walk up Beach Street will bring you downtown. Drop in to The Front Porch, where you can sit at the oversized grand piano and join in the sing-along. Visit the many art galleries and antique shops. If you plan ahead, you can catch a Broadway-quality show at The Ogunquit Playhouse.
If you finish your walk in Perkins Cove, there’s more great shops and restaurants ranging from clam shacks to James Beard honored fine dining. President George H.W. Bush, whose family compound at Walker’s Point is located a few miles north in Kennebunkport, was a regular customer of Barnacle Billy’s. Be sure to check out the old Footbridge that you can raise and lower to let sailboats pass through the channel.
There is reasonably priced public parking and less reasonably priced private parking in both Perkins Cove and at Ogunquit Beach. You can also find street parking in downtown Ogunquit and access Marginal Way from the many side streets that feed into it.
Submarines at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
The Navy’s submarine force is known as the silent service. These nuclear-powered behemoths are rarely seen as they patrol global waters.
To see a $3 billion nuclear submarine slicing through local waters inspires awe. The Moran tugboats guiding them in the fast-moving currents of the Piscataqua River are themselves photo-worthy.
Security is tight around the timing of submarine arrivals and departures, but it is possible on occasion for the public to see submarine maneuvers, sometimes with sailors visible manning the rail. The shipyard itself is a sight to behold.
Only two shipyards in the country overhaul US nuclear submarines, Puget Sound in Washington State and Portsmouth, Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, established in 1800 on Seavey Island, is the nation’s oldest continuously operated shipyard.
In the early 1970s, the shipyard transitioned from building submarines to providing overhaul, refueling and modernization work of the nation’s submarine fleet.Today the shipyard has the ability to overhaul three submarines at a time. It is undergoing a $2 billion modernization that will allow it to work simultaneously on five submarines.
Because the shipyard is an active military base, access is restricted, but visits can be arranged in advance by emailing: port_ptnh_ask_pao@navy.mil.
The imposing, castle-like building with the green roof on Seavey Island, is the long shuttered Naval Prison, built in 1898 to house Spanish-American War prisoners, it was closed in 1974.
“My favorite view of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is our industrial waterfront,” said Capt. Michael Oberdorf, the shipyard commander. “Walking our deck plates among the talented workers, Sailors, and civilians, you can feel the pride and patriotism. There is a unique beauty in thousands of empowered individuals rolling up their sleeves in a unified effort to deliver excellence for our country.”
All the best views of the shipyard are themselves beautiful locations. Here are several:
Prescott Park, Portsmouth, NH: This beautiful public park is directly across the Piscataqua River from the shipyard and offers an unimpeded view. On most nights in the summer there is an outdoor concert or show that does not require advance reservations and is available for an $8 donation. Definitely take the time to stroll through the award-winning gardens.
Great Island Common, New Castle, NH: This 32-acre seaside park and beach also offers close-up views of the Whaleback Lighthouse at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor
U.S. Coast Guard Station, New Castle, NH: Offers views of the shipyard, Whaleback Lighthouse and the recently restored Wood Island Life Saving Station.
Fort Foster, Kittery, Maine: During World War II heavy guns on Fort Foster stood sentinel over Portsmouth Harbor. From this spot you can see not only the shipyard but also Whaleback Lighthouse, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and Fort Constitution. The fort is now a park with a beach. There is paid parking onsite.
One last recommendation: If seeing submarines from a distance doesn’t quench your curiosity, visit Albacore Park in Portsmouth, NH, just a stone’s throw from the shipyard on the Route 1 Bypass. Here you can go inside and touch and feel an actual submarine that was decommissioned in 1972.
