Two Coastal Maine Towns Named Among Nation’s Best by USA Today

Each and every year, tourists pour over the border of Maine to enjoy sunshine, fresh air and everything that Vacationland has to offer them. While there are plenty of outdoor enthusiasts that head for Maine's more challenging terrain, the majority of visitors to the state want to experience life in one of the small coastal towns that make Maine so cozy.

But which ones? There are plenty to choose from. Each of them offer their own unique versions of the quintessential Maine experience.

USA Today has released their Top 10s List on the best coastal towns in America for 2025 and two of Maine's charmers are prominently featured.

USA Today Names Castine, Maine, As One of the Best Coastal Towns in the Nation

It's all about the history and the stunning views. Those are the two key points that USA Today focuses in on when discussing their love for Castine, Maine. USA Today loves that Castine has held onto their centuries-old homes that line streets with a sense of yesteryear.

But Castine also makes the list for more obvious reasons. It's prime location on Penobscot Bay lends itself to great outdoor activities and while other coastal towns may have sprawling resorts and crowded sidewalks, Castine still operates at a much slower pace.

USA Today Names Bar Harbor, Maine, Among Best Coastal Towns in the U.S.

If you're discussing the best coastal towns in America, then Bar Harbor is likely to enter the chat. Bar Harbor remains one of Maine's most desired coastal destinations for many reasons.

USA Today claims those reasons include a thriving and vibrant arts community, a selection of delicious seafood restaurants and all the quintessential scenery you can take in during a visit. It doesn't hurt that one of America's most popular national parks happens to call it home as well.