Surrounded by the crisp ocean air and the deep green woods, it is easy to understand why Maine is called “Vacationland.” From the early “rusticators” of the 1900s to modern tourists, people come to bask in Maine’s natural beauty each summer. Whether we are on vacation, taking a staycation, or embarking on a day trip, Maine summers are filled with enough outdoor adventures, arts, and festivals to explore all season long.  

Maine State Parks offer a slice of summer fun for everyone. Maine’s 48 State Parks can be found along our coastline, blue lake shores and mountain trails. There is bound to be a Maine State Park nearby. Even better, State Parks are free for Maine residents over 65. For those under 65, you might check with your local public library about free day passes. What could be better than packing a picnic lunch and spending the day with friends and family at the beach or lake? After all, fresh air and spending time with others is good for us, right? The Maine State Park website is an easy way to locate and get all the details about a park near you.  

We can’t forget to mention all of the town festivals during the summer. There are so many to choose from including lobster festivals, blueberry festivals, windjammer festivals and even more. Traveling to some of these festivals is a fun way to see Maine and taste some yummy food!   

Looking for something less outdoorsy? Maine has a myriad of museums and historic buildings in every part of the state. The Maine Maritime Museum and the Maine State Aquarium are family friendly and open for the summer. Something new this summer is the Portland Museum of Art’s Third Thursday events in July and August which are free to the public. A google search can locate nearby museums and their information. Exploring Maine’s museums creates understanding of our history and culture and can fill a rainy day for family members of all ages.  

There is no shortage of beautiful places to visit and interesting things to do during the summer in Maine. No matter what type of vacation or staycation you are planning, remember to visit the websites for State Parks and museums to make sure you have all the current information about fees and reservations. It is summer in Maine - the time is fleeting - it is time to enjoy our fabulous state! 

As always, check out AARP Maine for information about upcoming events and get-togethers. I hope to see you there! 

aarp.org/me ·me@aarp.org· @aarpmaine · 866-554-5380 

Joyce Bucciantini is a retired middle school educator. She currently coordinates Delta Kappa Gamma’s Read to Me program, is a tutor with Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin, and is an active AARP Maine volunteer. She enjoys her gardens, being outdoors and traveling.