Three Maine Towns Named Among America’s Best by USA Today

Maine’s coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of land in the entire country.

It boasts miles of rocky shoreline, sandy beaches, and both national and state parks. It's also home to some of the most picturesque towns and villages that Maine has to offer.

These towns have it all—from working waterfronts to award-winning fine dining. Their culture and charm are unrivaled.

So, when a new article from USA Today drops listing the Northeast’s best towns, it should surprise absolutely no one that Maine is heavily represented.

USA Today Includes Three Maine Towns on 'Best of the Northeast' List

Congratulations are in order for three of the state's finest coastal towns: Bar Harbor, Wiscasset, and Castine. All three were included on USA Today's list of the Best Towns in the Northeast. And considering the list only features 10 towns, it's pretty impressive that Maine claims 30% of the spots. That’s quite the representation.

Let’s take a closer look at why these three towns earned a place on this prestigious list.

Coming in as the 9th best town in the Northeast is Bar Harbor. This picturesque coastal town is located in the southern part of Downeast Maine. Known for being the gateway to Acadia National Park, it’s a popular destination that draws visitors from near and far. Bar Harbor offers world-class dining, shopping, and outdoor attractions.

Here is a little from USA Today on why Bar Harbor made the list:

With Acadia National Park as its backyard, there’s always an outdoor option...There’s plenty to do on the water, too, including kayaking, stand-up paddling, sailing, and more. It's a wonderful town to explore, and it's a great spot to enjoy dining on some fresh lobster.

Bar Harbor is no stranger to national recognition. It’s unquestionably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state—of course, having Acadia in your backyard certainly helps.

READ MORE: 10 Iconic Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park in Maine

Next up is the lovely Midcoast Maine town of Wiscasset, which ranked as the 6th best town in the Northeast, according to USA Today.

Wiscasset is a beautiful hamlet that sits right along the Sheepscot River. It may be best known for the iconic Red’s Eats, but don’t overlook its charming village, picturesque scenery, and fascinating historic homes.

Here’s more from USA Today on why Wiscasset earned a spot among the Northeast’s best towns.

Dubbed the "prettiest village in Maine," Wiscasset is perched above the Sheepscot River and filled with stunning foliage. While summer crowds line up at seasonally-open Red's Eats for one of Maine's most iconic lobster rolls, winter brings white lights, evergreen garlands, and festive markets to Main Street.

You just knew Red’s had to get a mention.

And finally, we come to Maine’s last town represented on the list—and it just happens to be USA Today’s number one pick for the Northeast. Congratulations to Castine, the very best of what the region has to offer.

Castine, Maine, is Named the Best Town in the Northeast by USA Today

Castine is truly one of Maine’s best-kept secrets. Home to Maine Maritime Academy, the town glistens with natural beauty, rich maritime history, and stunning landscapes. While many other coastal towns get more of the spotlight, Castine is an absolute gem for those who make the trip.

Here is why USA Today chose Castine as the Northeast's best town.

Castine is rich with history and maritime charm dating back to the 1600s. Visitors love to stroll through its elm tree-lined streets to admire the well-preserved 18th-century architecture, visit the Wilson Museum, or explore Fort George, a remnant of the town's Revolutionary War past.

If that doesn’t scream “Northeast,” I’m not sure what does. Castine’s charm is simply immeasurable—what a wonderful choice by USA Today.

Congratulations to all three of these classic villages. Each one is a tremendous representation of what small-town Maine is all about. And it's just another example of how uniquely special coastal Maine truly is. It's simply unrivaled.